Month: June 2023

Originally published in Henkel’s Sustainability Report 2022

We do everything we can to help people live better lives. Our social responsibility is to promote equity, strengthen diversity and respect human rights. We offer our employees lifelong learning opportunities, and an attractive and healthy working environment. We advocate for social progress and access to education worldwide, and we provide assistance in emergency situations.

Equity

Reduce inequities and leave nobody behind – that is the key to meaningful social progress. This progress has been seriously challenged in the last few years. Global events have increased exclusion, intensified structural discrimination, and hindered social development in the world around us.

We know that equity is at the heart of the solutions that can move us forward in times of crisis. This guides our agenda for the transformational impact of our actions. Equity is the link between different topics and the driving force behind a wide range of our activities.

Building a sense of belonging for people – with all of our differences – in our society and at our workplace, is critical to fostering creativity and innovation. We all have to listen to different voices, and understand different perspectives and ways of thinking. Our shared path is to build a corporate culture based on trust where employees are encouraged to show initiative, think proactively and be open to sharing new ideas.

We embrace the role that companies can have as key players in reducing adverse impacts and promoting positive effects. This chapter presents the ways we are working to achieve both of these elements, and how we are making equity even more of a priority in shaping our decisions.

Education

Education is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to enabling positive change. Education enables people to acquire the knowledge and skills to lift themselves out of poverty, level inequalities, and stay healthy. Education and lifelong learning, as inherent rights and as a means of realizing other rights, are key elements that guide our strategy.

Continuous learning inspires innovation and creativity. Learning and development are critical elements of our daily work, but so is the opportunity to develop through learning outside of our core responsibilities. In contrast to traditional learning methods, we focus on innovative programs that take a holistic, engaged approach to learning, and that place a strong focus on knowledge, skills, and mindset.

This key approach to learning starts with our employees, but goes further, to our customers and the communities we operate in. Our activities are designed to empower people with the skills and competencies needed to develop innovative ideas, sustainable behaviors, and new digital solutions that will allow them to master future challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Wellbeing

Global events like the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the need to rethink wellbeing, including in the workplace. Wellbeing is becoming increasingly viewed from a holistic perspective that sees the physical, mental and social aspects as inextricably linked – and that is how we understand it at Henkel.

Translating what wellbeing means for an increasingly fast-paced and digital work environment comes with the expectation that we rethink our approach and adapt to these circumstances. An inclusive and collaborative approach is essential to sustaining a culture of wellbeing. Understanding how the physical workplace determines wellbeing is becoming pivotal in a time where the places we work have shifted. Creating an optimal work environment that fosters creativity and supports resilience includes revitalizing our workplaces to better meet the needs of our employees.

Mental health measures continue to be an important consideration in the implementation of our wellbeing strategy. Another key area to drive positive change in this area was understanding the benefits of digital tools as a key to promoting employee wellbeing.

As our understanding of employee wellbeing continues to grow, we remain committed to a holistic approach to integrating wellbeing into our corporate culture.

Learn more in Henkel’s Sustainability Report 2022

ST. PAUL, Minn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 27, 2023 /3BL/ – 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist) top 10 finalists. As the nation’s premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

This year’s finalists – fourteen students ranging in age from 11-14 – identified an everyday problem in their community or the world and submitted a one- to two-minute video communicating the science behind their solution. An esteemed and diverse group of judges, including 3M scientists and leaders in education from across the country, evaluated entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness. The competition event will take place from October 9-10, 2023, at the 3M Innovation Center in Minneapolis.

“For 16 years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has exemplified our belief in harnessing the power of people, ideas, and science to reimagine what’s possible. The remarkable young innovators of this competition share our determination to help shape a brighter future.” said John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility. “By asking students to think creatively and apply the power of science to everyday problems, incredible solutions and leaders arise.”

The top 10 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists include students from public and private schools across the U.S. Each finalist will be evaluated on a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation. Each challenge will be scored independently by a panel of judges. The grand prize winner will receive $25,000, a unique destination trip, and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist.

The top 10 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists are as follows in alphabetical order by last name:

Heman Bekele, Annandale, Va., Frost Middle School, Fairfax County Public SchoolsAnisha Dhoot, Portland, Ore., Stoller Middle School, Beaverton School District 48JIshaan Iyer, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Perdew Elementary, Etiwanda School DistrictSean Jiang, Baltimore, Md., Gilman School, PrivateShripriya Kalbhavi, San Jose, Calif., Joaquin Miller Middle School, Cupertino Union School DistrictAnnie Katz, New Rochelle, N.Y., Leffell School, PrivateAnish Kosaraju, Saratoga, Calif., The Harker School, Campbell Union High School DistrictAdhip Maitra, Oviedo, Fla., Jackson Heights Middle School, Seminole County School DistrictShruti Sivaraman, Austin, Texas, Canyon Vista Middle School, Round Rock Independent School DistrictSarah Wang, Andover, Mass., The Pike School, Independent

To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the 2023 finalists, visit YoungScientistLab.com.

“What a delight it is to see these incredible young innovators recognized for their hard work. The 2023 finalists showcase the power of innovation with projects spanning an array of fascinating scientific topics like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. We cannot wait to see your ideas come to life!” said Amy Nakamoto, general manager of social impact at Discovery Education.

America’s Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named Time Magazine’s first Kid of the Year, featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider, and have appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and more. In addition, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network began fall 2022 and welcomed more than 100 former challenge finalists and winners for networking and grant opportunities.

The award-winning 3M Young Scientist Challenge supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program – Young Scientist Lab – which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available through the Young Scientist Lab Channel and in the Social Impact Partnerships channel on Discovery Education’s recently enhanced K-12 learning platform.

For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.

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About 3M 
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what’s possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3M.com/news or on Twitter at @3M or @3MNews.

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts 
Robert Brittain 
3M 
Email: rbrittain@mmm.com

Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

HARMAN Newsroom

Celebrated yearly in June, Global Wellness Day encourages people to recognize the value of living healthier and better lives by making small changes to improve their health and wellness. As people around the world adopt healthy habits – like walking each day, drinking more water, spending time with loved ones, getting enough sleep and more – we, at HARMAN, recognize the importance of regular, comprehensive and transparent healthcare. Here are HARMAN technologies and solutions that help improve healthcare delivery and compel better outcomes for patients.

As a leader in connected and emerging technologies, HARMAN helps people live healthier lives by developing solutions that digitally transform the healthcare ecosystem for improved access and outcomes. Our Digital Transformation Solutions Intelligent Healthcare Platform (IHP)offers a new level of patient care by harnessing the power of deep learning (DL), machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI).

First unveiled at HARMAN EXPLORE 2023, IHP is future-proof and agile, designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of medical diagnoses and treatment. This allows healthcare workers to deliver the best possible care to their patients. It features four key components designed to keep patient data safe and secure across the healthcare ecosystem, ultimately enhancing the overall patient experience:

The Intelligence Machine – featuring ML and DL algorithms and models that power a variety of use cases including: prediction hospital readmission and patient attrition; video patient monitoring; insurance claim analytics; and more.The Data Machine – offering a scalable, reliable and comprehensive engine that processes batch or stream data, securely storing data from numerous sources.The Analytics & Visualization Machine – storing various data types at scale, and helping run exploratory and predictive analytics as well as visualizations to generate actionable insights.The Governance Machine – providing access to HIPAA-eligible services and leading compliance standards.

IHP is part of HARMAN Digital Transformation Solutions people-first approach to innovation, combining software and hardware to deliver solutions that enrich customers and consumers’ lives through technology. IHP empowers providers and other healthcare and life sciences companies to offer more secured care across their ecosystems.

This is just one example of how HARMAN is helping people around the world live well in all aspects of their lives – this Global Wellness Day and beyond! For more information on HARMAN Digital Transformation Solutions’ healthcare technology offerings, check out: https://services.harman.com/industries/healthcare

 

Key4Women supports the financial progress and empowerment of businesswomen through advocacy, connections, and guidance. Since 2005, Key4Women has been opening doors for women business owners and leaders, helping them meet their financial and business goals.

One such business owner is Business Coach and Talent Acquisition Specialist, Gina DiStefano who helps other business owners and organizations to ensure they are maximizing their company’s potential. Her company, DiStefano Group Consulting, specializes in four main areas: business and leadership coaching, culture, hiring, and retention. Gina resides in Western, MA and works nationally, serving clients across the country.

So where does Gina turn when she needs financial assistance with her own business? KeyBank and Key4Women. 

“I bank at the KeyBank Park Street location in West Springfield, MA with [branch manager and Key4Women certified advisor] Vanity Bryant,” says Gina. “Whenever interacting with Vanity, she always makes me feel valued, heard and more solid in my business.”

Gina has been a KeyBank customer and Key4Women member for more than ten years. “When I first learned about Key4Women, I was in disbelief. I had never heard of such an intentional program created to support all women, from all areas in business.”

Gina went on to say that since joining, she has attended numerous Key4Women networking events that have connected her to so many women dedicated to building each other up. “Each event is designed to connect, educate, and empower women. My business has grown as a direct result of the meaningful connections I have made since joining Key4Women.”

Recently, KeyBank and Key4Women sponsored the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s When Women Lead Conference in Plantsville, CT, inviting local Key4Women clients to attend as KeyBank’s guests. Gina was there and spoke with the CBIA about the value that KeyBank has brought to her business.

Listen to what she had to say: https://youtu.be/M1zZA7HufEA

Women business owners and leaders who wish to learn more about how Key4Women can help their businesses can visit www.key.com/women for more information.

 

As part of its longstanding commitment to racial equity, M·A·C Cosmetics honored Juneteenth by announcing that it is extending its partnership with Race Forward through a $100,000 USD donation from M·A·C VIVA GLAM. The donation will support Race Forward’s mission of advancing racial justice in policies, institutions and culture across the United States.

For the third consecutive year, M·A·C also sponsored and provided backstage artistry support for Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth – a free outdoor concert hosted by the Broadway League celebrating Black Broadway performers. Join M·A·C backstage for a behind the scenes look at the event.  

M·A·C’s commitment to racial equity extends beyond Juneteenth. The brand remains committed to creating a more equitable workplace and recently marked the fifth year of our partnership with Howard University’s 21st Century Advantage Program (21 CAP). Through internal groups like The M·A·C Movement, employees are coming together to share their voices and collectively affect change within the organization. M·A·C also continues to prioritize making its products accessible to all skin tones and ensuring diverse representation across our campaigns both in front of and behind the camera.

READ MORE ABOUT M·A·C’S COMMITMENTS TO RACIAL EQUITY