Month: February 2023

Taco Bell Blog

At Taco Bell, we empower our teams to be fearless, embrace different and drive change. We believe that each one of us has a story to tell.

This year’s nationwide Black History Month’s focus is Black Resistance – meaning how the Black community has resisted historic and ongoing oppression, which you can learn more about on blackhistorymonth.gov.

To honor and celebrate this year’s focus and the Black community, we will continue to amplify their voices. We will share their stories every week in the month of February in hopes that they not only educate but inspire you to drive positive impact within your community.

But first, some Black History background… Black History Month started off as a one-week celebration founded by Carter G Woodson in February 1926. 50 years later the week was transformed into a month-long celebration of Black American history. February is the month we dedicate to celebrate and share stories about our Black team members and communities who triumphed despite ongoing challenges.

Throughout the year, we will continue sharing the incredible stories of our Taco Bell teams; the sharing and celebration doesn’t stop here.

Jasmine B., District Excellence Leader

Taco Bell has been a staple in Jasmine’s life since childhood, and as she got older, it just made sense to work in-restaurant. While she was attending college, her interest in the Brand and its potential for career growth grew. Once she graduated, an opportunity opened for an Area Coach role, and she raised her hand. Since then, Jasmine has worked her way up to her new role as District Excellence Leader.

Jasmine always talks about how it’s important to “walk the talk,” and her new role has helped her stay true to this motto. She has always believed in equity, inclusion and belonging, and being in a leadership role like this, she knows that you must take intentional action to bring it to life. Keeping this in mind, she strives to have continued support for her team, create a space where they feel safe, inspire them to reach higher, follow their dreams, and feel comfortable in using their voice to drive change – whether that be in-restaurant or in their community.

“I want my legacy to be one that inspires all to continuously invest in people.”

She does this inside and outside of Taco Bell. She invests in her family and friends, including her husband, Ryan, and their six-year-old daughter, Ava. She invests in her community by volunteering locally or at her church. She invests in herself… she loves going to the gym and is a major foodie – she’s always in the kitchen trying new recipes or going to small-plate restaurants.

If you see a little bit of yourself in Jasmine and want to pursue a similar path, she advises that you keep true to yourself, treat everyone with kindness, and remember the importance of connecting with others. “… and to always have integrity a.k.a. ‘walk the talk,’ intentionally care and connect with your team, and align your passion with purpose.”

Jasmine, you’re a kind leader and you make us feel proud to be part of the Taco Bell family.

Jaime Gates remembers the moment he knew he wanted to become a pilot. It was a summer trip in 1997, 12-year-old Jaime and his Boy Scouts of America troop got to tour New York’s LaGuardia Airport. The up-close perspective of the aircraft made an ever-lasting impression on him.

“As soon as I went up to the air traffic control tower and watched the planes land and take off — I was hooked,” he said. Today, Jaime works with 12-year-old (and younger) students in his free time to help them realize their dreams of working in the aviation industry.

He strives to inspire young people in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York, to soar to new heights by sharing his passion for aviation because he knows how access is the key to igniting the spark that can shape their futures.

Jaime pursued his passion for flying after he graduated college in Charlotte, North Carolina, continuing his journey into aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. When the recession hit in 2008, Jaime knew he had to put his aspirations of becoming a pilot on hold to meet his financial needs. He decided to pursue a career in computer science for more immediate stability and joined American as a Customer Service Manager in 2011, giving him the opportunity to work in the industry he loves.

“I knew I wanted to be a pilot very early on, but there weren’t many resources for me at the time,” Jaime said. “I had no idea what path to take, and I didn’t have a mentor to guide me on my journey … that along with creating more financial stability is why I had to set my dreams aside.”

Jaime’s mother, Dr. Lena Gates, has been the principal of the Ronald E. McNair Public School 5 in Brooklyn for more than 30 years. She was inspired to start an aviation program at her elementary school as she watched Jaime’s love for aviation grow.

Jaime recalled sitting down with his mom and thinking through the barriers he faced in embarking on his own pilot career, wondering how they could better support students’ journeys into aviation and what hurdles they could help flatten?

They started with access. If you can see yourself there, you can be there. “We begin to dream as early as elementary school,” Jaime said. “So, if we provide the seed at the early stages of students’ liv es, they may plant their roots and grow a career in aviation.”

At a management meeting in April 2022, Jaime and his fellow team members were called on by American Airlines leadership to be intentional and impactful by reaching out to underrepresented communities to search for its next generation of aviators.

“That’s when the light bulb went off for me. I boldly asked if American would be open to supporting the aviation program at my mother’s school,” Jaime said. “Everyone was on board and wanted to get started immediately — and I was absolutely thrilled.”

In October 2022, the American Airlines Aviation Recruiting team and New York Flight office partnered with the Ronald E. McNair Public School 5 to rebrand the school’s aviation center. American is helping the school expose its students to the power of flight at an early age and encouraging them to dream big.

“When the students look up, they see themselves represented around the classroom. And when they have questions, pilots from the American’s New York Flight office frequently visit to provide mentorship and support them,” Jaime said.

Jaime said the most important reason for connecting American Airlines to the school is to expose the students to a profession they might not see as available. “This career path has the potential to change generational recurrences and the trajectory of many families in my hometown,” he said. “With the achievable pathway laid out by the American Airlines Cadet Academy, students can graduate high school and streamline into the commercial industry.”

After putting his dream on hold 10 years ago, the passion in the eyes of the students at his mom’s school reignited Jaime’s dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot. He applied and was recently accepted into the American Airlines Cadet Academy program. Now he’s back on course to live out his dream of becoming a pilot.

“It’s like all the stars aligned for me, and I’ve been on cloud nine from the moment I first approached American with the idea. To see American come into the classroom and help support my mother’s school and to now live out my own dream, it’s so special to see it all come together.”

His next goal is to focus on becoming a commercial pilot while continuing to give back to communities and expand his reach to surrounding areas that need support and mentorship.

Through the support of American Airlines, the program has reached new heights in its community and is paving the way for generational success.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, Entergy hosted Dillard University faculty, staff and students, and other Historically Black College and University leaders from across Louisiana during The New Orleans’ Pelicans HBCU event at the Smoothie King Center. This event was part of a series of community engagements hosted by the Pelicans to provide resources to empower the Black community.

Attendees included:

Therese Badon, United Negro College Fund, senior vice president of development – Southern Region.Dr. Felecia Nave, president, Alcorn State University.Dr. Rochelle Ford, president, Dillard University.Dr. Thomas Hudson, president, Jackson State University.Dr. Reynold Verret, president, Xavier University.Drew Marsh, Entergy chairman and CEO.Kimberly Fontan, Entergy executive vice president and chief financial officer.Marcus Brown, Entergy executive vice president and general counsel.Kathryn Collins, Entergy senior vice president and chief human resources officer.Taiwan Brown, Entergy vice president, diversity and workforce strategies.Leroy Nix, Entergy vice president, strategic policy and stakeholder engagement.Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy vice president, corporate social responsibility.

Entergy is committed to working with local educational institutions to develop a workforce that can support the continued economic development of the Gulf South region as well as support our own workforce needs. A big part of that commitment involves building and retaining a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

Through our partnerships, we’ve contributed more than $7.4 million to historically black colleges and universities located in our service area. We’ve also established formal mentoring programs, collaborated in research studies, provided intern/co-op opportunities for students, assisted with facility and curriculum improvements, technology, scholarships and career readiness programs.

Originally published on Principal.Com

Growing up in a mostly Black church, Capris Olson recalls gospel songs and programs that filled up February in recognition of Black History Month. “These memories are special to me because they show the lasting impact of celebrating Black History Month with children at a young age,” says Olson, who manages individual life new business teams at Principal®.

While Black History Month began as mostly a school-focused learning experience, in the last few decades, workplaces like Principal have also provided opportunities for marking the month. Through them, employees can learn, connect, and engage to drive action and change.1

From the classroom to the office

Like Olson, Durant Knox has memories of education intersecting with Black History Month.

“I recall working on school projects that involved researching African Americans that have had a significant impact on the world, and one was scientist and inventor George Washington Carver,” says Knox, who manages a customer care group at Principal. “Reflecting on Carver’s accomplishments, along with those of many other great people, helped me to see that I can achieve anything I set my mind to with the correct support system in place.”

Even with those school efforts, there were and still are shortfalls. “Much of Black history has not been taught in our public schools, and so as individuals must actively seek it out,” says Teresa Hassara, senior vice president with Principal.

Hassara tries to take time throughout the month to expand her understanding of the Black experience in the U.S., “so different than my own,” she says. Last year, she read The Burning, about the Tulsa Race Massacre. This year, she’s participating in Rachel Cargle’s #DiscoverOurGlory 30-day challenge. “I believe to be a better ally, friend, and colleague, we need to invest in learning more about each other, and that deeper knowledge can lead to more empathy, equity, and inclusion.”

Helping change systems for good

Support systems, of course, also haven’t always functioned well—or at all—for Black people.

Take generational wealth: Redlining, segregation, and legislation were just a few obstacles that historically stood in the way of the American dream of home ownership. The effects are apparent today: Home ownership rates for Black Americans and home ownership values in predominately Black neighborhoods are significantly less than those for white Americans and in predominantly white neighborhoods.2

That, in turn, influences U.S. generational wealth gaps. The average Black household in the United States owns only 15 to 20% as much net wealth as white Americans.3 This disparity is exacerbated by the fact that Black communities in the U.S. find it harder than white communities to access financial products, tools, services, and advice, according to the Global Financial Inclusion Index.

There are, however, innovative efforts to build (or rebuild) support systems and affect positive change. For example, groups like 1863 Ventures, a national business development non-profit, received funding in 2022 from Principal® Foundation. The group, in turn, extended support to Black business owners like Kimberly Evans, who received a grant to build her venture, Just Her Rideshare. “I wanted to build a community of women taking care of each other, but I’m also an entrepreneur,” Evans says. “I wanted to build something good but leave a legacy, too.”

Creating those support systems doesn’t start—or stop—with Black History Month, of course. Workplace education and planning can also help.

At Principal, there is a February event, but there is also an employee resource group, created to support African American/Black employees, that meets year-round. Members network, learn at a monthly series, and connect outside work through community education, to name just a few. “It’s been impactful for me to see culture here at Principal being built with care and consideration for all people regardless of their backgrounds,” Knox says.

Turning vision into reality

Committing to opportunity for all can be meaningful and tied to business goals. “It takes business leaders to sustain this work. Inclusion isn’t a human resources initiative,” says Miriam Lewis, chief inclusion officer at Principal. “It’s a business imperative.” To that end, in 2022 the Principal Foundation:

joined other financial services companies to launch the NY Small Business Funders Collective to improve access to capital and technical assistance for people of color in New York City,
 awarded a grant to the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to help entrepreneurs and small business owners improve their personal finances, and
 provided programmatic funding to World Central Kitchen to support nutrition security and small business.

Carter G. Woodson, the founder of what would become Black History Month, envisioned a future when the celebration would no longer be necessary.4 That world isn’t there yet, but Black History Month offers an opportunity to look back and forward—and then act.

And for some, his vision is reality.

“In my eyes, every month is Black History Month. Every day I reflect on the many contributions and positive change that African Americans have made throughout time, including today,” Knox says. “It’s important to maintain a sense of identity to remember where my ancestors came from—West Africa—and how, through their hard work, dedication, and beliefs, I have the opportunity to be where I am today.”

Learn more about the commitment to inclusion at Principal.

1ASALH 
2Brookings 
3Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
4ASALH

Referenced companies are not affiliates of any member company of the Principal Financial Group® unless specifically noted.

Principal® Global Financial Inclusion Index is a proprietary model output based upon certain assumptions that may change, are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon as a significant basis for an investment decision.

Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (“Principal® Foundation”) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal”) operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so.

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Heard of Raspberry Pi?

Sounds delicious, but it’s actually computer technology that’s used to help young people learn coding skills. Birmingham-area students recently put the technology to work at a STEM camp at Regions Center and created their own music – thanks to a collaboration between Regions Bank and CGI.

The two businesses are quite different, but they have a shared mission: to enhance education and workforce development opportunities in our communities. In December 2022, they worked together to host a STEM camp – with a generous helping of financial education on the side. Associates from Regions and CGI, along with around 100 Jefferson County high school students, gathered for a fun, exciting day of learning and discovery.

“It had a good impact on me,” said Cameron Mitchell, a student a Center Point High School. “My favorite thing about it was making my own beats and sounds.”

The students are participants of GEAR UP Jefferson County, a local program that improves access, opportunities and outcomes for students from historically marginalized populations and underserved communities. One of GEAR UP’s program goals is to provide STEM education opportunities to their students. Providing access to science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, better prepares young people for careers in these areas and promotes inclusive prosperity – another of Regions’ community engagement priorities.

Pairing STEM camp with practical money basics helps to set these students up for success. “The more you can expose these kids to technology early on, it just gives them a broader perspective and the world is just an exciting place for them as they move forward in their careers,” said Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Affairs at Regions Bank.

Watch this short video to hear from the students about their experience and learn more about the inspiration for the event from Kurt Jachimowski, CGI Program Partner, and Sarah Moss, Regions Community Affairs Community Relations Officer.

See the photos above for a visual snapshot of the day’s activities.

STEM Education

For more information about Regions’ efforts to provide STEM education opportunities throughout the bank’s footprint, see the following stories on Doing More Today:

SHINE On: How a STEM nonprofit leader and ICCC alumna is empowering girls to discover their SUPER abilities.

Advancing the Memphis Workforce: Regions Foundation Announces Major Donation to Tech901

Learning Curve: How Tech901 cracked the code in supporting its students during remote learning.

Regions Foundation Invests in St. Louis Workforce Development Initiatives for People with Disabilities: Funding will support two pilot programs.

LONDON and NEW YORK, February 17, 2023 /3BL Media/ – AccountAbility, the trusted global ESG consulting and standards firm with a close to three-decade history in helping leaders build better companies, announced today that for a sixth consecutive year it has been recognised by the Financial Times as a Leading Management Consultant. This prestigious recognition for 2023, based on survey and interview data, highlights companies most recommended by their clients and peers.

“It is an honour to receive this FT recognition for the sixth year in a row. Achieving this through recommendations from our clients and peers is particularly meaningful, and a testament to the focus and dedication of our global team, and the obsessive priority we place on helping our clients build better companies.” Comments AccountAbility CEO Sunil (Sunny) A. Misser.

AccountAbility is an expert sustainability / ESG consulting and standards firm that provides objective counsel to CEOs and Boards on how to improve their business performance. The firm has a centred purpose – to innovate and advance the global Sustainability / ESG agenda by improving the practices, performance, and impact of organisations – and the firm works globally with businesses, investors, governments, and multi-lateral organisations on ESG matters out of its offices in London, New York, Dubai, and Riyadh.

As a global consultancy for nearly three decades, AccountAbility works with prominent multi-national and global organisations across industries, such as Financial Services, Energy & Extractives, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Real Estate, Consumer Packaged Goods, Telecom & Technology, Foundations, and others, in jurisdictions including the UK, U.S., EU, Middle East, and Asia.  

The firm has been the recipient of multiple business and finance awards and was recognised by Capital Finance International (CFI.co) for a second consecutive year as Best ESG Strategy Development Partner, 2022, and by Forbes as One of the World’s Best Management Consulting Firms for 2022.

AccountAbility issues an annual global report on the top 7 Sustainability Trends facing businesses each year, guiding leaders on ESG matters of significant priority for the year ahead. The 2023 report is available for download at www.accountability.org.

About Financial Times Leading Management Consultants 2023
The sixth annual FT rating of the leading management consultants is compiled by the Financial Times and Statista, a research company, highlighting the consultancies most recommended by their peers and clients. Results are based on surveys of consultants’ views of their peers, and a client survey of roughly 1,000 senior executives who have previously used the services of management consultancies.

About AccountAbility
AccountAbility is a global consulting and standards firm that works with businesses, investors, governments, and multilateral organisations on ESG matters to achieve opportunities, advance responsible business practices, and transform their long-term performance. We focus on delivering practical, effective, and enduring results that enable our clients to succeed. Learn more at www.accountability.org.

Contact:
Mr. Jon Packer
AccountAbility
Head of Marketing & Communications
Phone: +1 416 543 9179
Email: jon.packer@accountability.org
Web: www.accountability.org

Energized by Edison

Residential and commercial buildings generate significant annual greenhouse gas emissions globally, and their carbon footprint is growing. In California, they’re responsible for roughly 14% of emissions; that number increases to 25% when considering electricity use in homes and businesses. 

Building electrification, or the shift to electricity-powered appliances, will not only advance California’s climate goals — it also can lower your bill by reducing the need for natural gas. 

“SCE’s Pathway 2045 analysis shows the average household customer will save about one-third on their total cost of energy by 2045 compared to today, in real terms, even as their electricity use increases,” said Pedro J. Pizarro, Edison International president and CEO. He noted that while electricity costs will likely continue to rise, spending on natural gas and gasoline for cars will decrease dramatically because consumers will be less reliant on fossil fuels.

While California has made tremendous progress decarbonizing the energy supply and has jump-started efforts to electrify vehicles, improvements in the building sector have lagged. 

“We’re starting to see the electrification of transport and decarbonization of the power grid,” said Jules Kortenhorst, a partner at Vision Ridge, a sustainable real assets investor. “Buildings are the next important piece of the puzzle,” he said in a recent Leading the Charge interview with Pizarro. 

Berkeley, California’s 2019 ban on natural gas hookups in new construction kicked off the nascent all-electric movement now emerging in parts of the country. California last year became the first state to prohibit the sale of new gas furnaces and water heaters starting in 2030. 

To ensure California meets its carbon neutrality goals, Southern California Edison estimates that 30% of residential and commercial space and water heaters need to be electric by 2030 and 70% by 2045.

SCE is working to support the state’s push to rapidly cut fossil fuel use in buildings by helping customers upgrade appliances in homes and businesses to highly efficient electrical equipment powered by a grid that’s getting cleaner every year. 

Natural gas-powered space and water heating systems are the highest energy users in residential and commercial buildings, contributing more than two-thirds of total GHG emissions from homes and businesses. 

Unlike furnaces that generate heat through combustion, electric heat pumps transfer it from one place to another, providing heating and cooling (depending on seasonal temperatures) with a single appliance. They’re up to four times more efficient than gas systems, saving on energy use and cost. 

Additional benefits include improved safety, health outcomes and air quality, according to RMI, a nonprofit that aims to improve America’s energy practices.

Benefits of an All-Electric Home 

Lower energy bills: Electric heat pump space and water heating is more efficient, lowering costs; plus, there’s no gas billHealthier and safer living space: Eliminating gas appliances reduces indoor air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which have been linked to major health issues like asthmaMore sustainable: GHG emissions are drastically reduced when systems and appliances are powered by carbon-free electricity 

Path to an All-Electric Home 

Replace carbon-emitting gas furnaces, water heaters and dryers with clean, portable, electric heat pumpsSwap out gas ranges for modern, high-tech induction stoves that use magnets to heat food — not your grandmother’s electric coil cooktopsSave money over time by installing solar panels and battery storage, eliminating leaky windows and doors and insulating walls, floors and attics

To accelerate change, SCE filed a plan with the California Public Utilities Commission last year to provide $667.2 million to install roughly 250,000 heat pumps across its service area over four years. 

If approved, the proposal also would offer customers home electrification readiness assessments and incentives for installing space and water heat pumps and upgrading electric panels and circuits. 

SCE’s plan prioritizes low-income communities, including those “disproportionately affected by indoor and outdoor air pollution, extreme weather and climate change.”

California’s new building code encouraging all-electric designs went into effect on Jan. 1. Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for 3 million “climate-ready and climate-friendly” homes by 2030 and 7 million by 2035; he wants 6 million heat pumps installed by 2030, with underserved communities receiving half the funding to achieve these goals. 

It’s part of a national trend as the Biden administration expands tax credits to help home and business owners shift from gas to electric. California also offers statewide rebates and incentives encouraging residents to “flip the switch” on all-electric buildings to save money, live healthier and lower emissions.

For customer information about the benefits of an electric home, visit sce.com/home-energy-guide. Visit The Switch is On to find a skilled contractor or explore rebates and incentives. For tips about purchasing a heat pump, Consumer Reports offers a buyer’s guide.

Ten years ago this month, Viatris’ Ashlea Currey completed the steps to become a licensed foster parent and adopted a son. The joy of welcoming a first child into her family was quickly soured by the sight of two garbage bags full of everything the little boy owned.

Fast forward to today, Currey recently found herself surrounded by colleagues, packing comfort items for children entering the foster care system. But this time, they filled backpacks for kids to transport their possessions.

The activity with non-profit organization Comfort Cases was just one of many global impact events occurring as Viatris celebrated its two-year anniversary. Whether through philanthropic giving, advocacy and education, partnerships or volunteerism, the company recognizes the importance of supporting the global community.

“We do a lot of great things at Viatris, and I’m especially grateful to be part of giving back for something that is very personal to me,” said Currey, director of U.S. Customer Relations. “At work, we talk about meeting unmet needs. We did the same for kids in a complex foster system.”

More than 500 cases were assembled from U.S. colleagues gathered at Viatris’ Southpointe office in suburban Pittsburgh. Each backpack contains personal care items ranging from hygiene products to blankets, journals and more. Items inside the cases varied based on the age of the recipients.

The use of cases and backpacks is intentional and at the heart of Comfort Cases’ mission to eliminate trash bags from the foster care system.

“We are sending a message that every child is important. Children know when things are different and having ownership of a new case or backpack to house your possessions is important,” adds Currey. “This whole exercise adds value to youth engagement and stabilizes an emotional situation for the better.”

“We can’t thank the people at Viatris enough for hosting a packing party, creating another opportunity to bring dignity and hope into the foster care system,” said Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases. “Viatris is more than a company that produces medicines. They are a company that cares about communities and the world around them, one that embraces its ability to make a meaningful impact.”

According to Comfort Cases – which delivers packs to all 50 U.S. states, DC, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom – roughly 700 children enter foster care every day.

Six years ago, Currey expanded her family with the adoption of a 3-year-old girl.

“While the process of foster parenting and adoption can be very challenging, it is also a very rewarding experience,” said Currey, who also volunteers with foster parenting classes. “It’s a lot like my work. There many are long days and nights. But I know I am going to do everything I can, as much as possible, to help the patient or customer on the other end of the line. I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life.”

Originally published on Tork News Center

PHILADELPHIA, February 17, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Tork, an Essity Brand, has announced a strategic partnership with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) for 2023. APIC is the largest association for infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals, with more than 15,000 infection preventionist (IP) members.

The APIC Strategic Partner Program is a formal partnership between APIC and industry partners united in the common goal of advancing the science and practice of infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities and beyond. The long-term relationships established with industry partners through the APIC Strategic Partner Program play an important role in supporting many of the educational initiatives and services that benefit the APIC’s membership, which includes nurses, physicians, epidemiologists, microbiologists, public health professionals and other individuals dedicated to preventing the spread of infection.

“We are excited to welcome all of our 2023 APIC Strategic Partners,” said APIC CEO Devin Jopp, EdD. “As we continue to make progress in infection prevention and control for healthcare, long term care, and practice research in 2023, we look forward to partnering with industry to advance the science and education for the IPC community. With the help of our Strategic Partners, we can create a safer world through the prevention of infection.”

“Tork is pleased to support APIC as a Strategic Partner this year,” said Deborah Chung, Healthcare Marketing Manager at Essity Professional Hygiene. “Together with APIC, we strive to improve patient safety by reducing the risk of infection.”  

APIC Strategic Partners fully support the Competency Advancement Assistance (CAA) Program—APIC’s financial assistance program that help IPs further their education by managing the cost associated with obtaining the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC®) credential. The CAA program covers exam fees and study resources for up to 50 IPs annually.

For more information on the APIC Strategic Partners program and our partners, visit apic.org/strategic-partners. 

About Tork®
The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools, and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, napkins, wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that supports customers to think ahead so they’re always ready for business. Tork is a global brand of Essity, and a committed partner to customers in over 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit www.torkusa.com.  

About Essity
Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company. We are dedicated to improving well-being through our products and services. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands, such as JOBST, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, Vinda, and Zewa. Essity has about 46,000 employees. Net sales in 2021 amounted to approximately $13 billion. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. Philadelphia is Essity’s North American headquarters. In addition to Pennsylvania, Essity has U.S. operations in Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Essity breaks barriers to well-being and contributes to a healthy, sustainable, and circular society. More information at www.essity.com.

February 17, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), a global leader in food, facilities management, and uniforms, was named a Top 50 Employer by CAREERS & the disABLED Magazine, for the ninth consecutive year, for providing a positive working environment for people with disabilities.

The readers of CAREERS & the disABLED Magazine selected the top companies in the country for which they would most prefer to work for or believe provide a positive working environment for people with disabilities.

“We are honored to be named a Top 50 employer for people with disabilities and are proud of our continuous efforts to advance awareness and inclusion for people with disabilities at Aramark,” said Fenimore Fisher, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Aramark. “People are at the cornerstone of everything we do. When employees feel good about their work and their company, they bring their best. That’s why treating our people fairly with respect is our top priority and creating a welcoming and inclusive culture for all employees is so important.”

As reported in its 2022 Be Well. Do Well. Progress Report, Aramark continues to make progress on its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. These efforts are guided by thousands of employees, in eleven employee resource groups (ERGs), including Aramark Thrive, which is dedicated to the interest of team members who self-identify as having a disability and for caretakers and advocates of those with disabilities.

Thrive members are active year-round, supporting disability organizations such as Special Olympics, Wounded Warrior Project, Drexel Autism Institute, and many others. Last week, Aramark employees and Thrive members were #FreezinForAReason, as they participated in Special Olympics Polar Plunges around the country, playing a vital role in ensuring that children and adults with intellectual disabilities continue to benefit from no-cost participation in life-changing sports, health, education, and leadership programs. Aramark Thrive also recently partnered with the Drexel Autism Institute during Disability Employment Awareness Month to offer career opportunities to people with disabilities.

About Be Well. Do Well.

Aramark’s commitment to people is a core part of the company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance platform, Be Well. Do Well., focused on positively impacting people and the planet. Aramark’s people priority is to facilitate access to opportunities that will improve the well-being of the company’s employees, consumers, communities, and people in its supply chain. Building on current work, Aramark continues to help people develop careers and livelihoods; access, choose and prepare healthy food; and grow communities, businesses, and local economies. Read Aramark’s 2022 Be Well. Do Well. Progress Report here.

About Aramark

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world with food, facilities, and uniform services. Because our culture is rooted in service, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and the planet. Aramark has been recognized on FORTUNE’s list of “World’s Most Admired Companies,” DiversityInc’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” and “Top Companies for Employee Resource Groups,” Newsweek’s list of “America’s Most Responsible Companies 2023,” the HRC’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality,” and scored 100% on the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.