Month: August 2023

Originally published on TriplePundit

As a multinational producer of agricultural machinery and construction equipment with dozens of manufacturing and research facilities worldwide, CNH Industrial recognizes that the opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint is substantial. With that in mind, the company has mounted a highly ambitious effort to decrease the carbon emissions associated with its manufacturing processes and products.

It’s an effort that is making significant progress, according to the company’s 2022 sustainability report, which shows that CNH Industrial has reduced emissions KPI by 31 percent since 2018 and now derives 60 percent of the electricity it uses from renewable energy sources.

“Our goal is to lower our carbon footprint by 2030, to reduce CO2 emissions per production hour of our plants worldwide by 50 percent compared to 2018, and to achieve 90 percent of total electricity consumption from renewable sources,” Maria Francesca Drago, CNH Industrial’s energy manager, told TriplePundit.

Part of this effort centers on installing solar panels at the company’s manufacturing sites around the world. Solar installations came online at five sites in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, India and Mexico between 2020 and 2021. Nine plants will have solar installations operational by 2024, with plans to power all plants with 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 and install photovoltaic systems on the majority of plants by 2040.

The company’s strategy utilizes existing infrastructure (roofs) to help generate renewable energy, coupled with innovative installations like solar smart flowers. And its journey offers a lesson for other businesses looking to navigate the nuances of onsite solar in order to reduce their footprints.

Onsite solar isn’t easy, but it offers real benefits for employee engagement 

Coordinating this effort across a wide variety of jurisdictions brings a particular set of challenges, Drago said.

The first thing multinational companies like CNH Industrial must do is analyze the national and local laws relevant to each of their sites in order to ensure compliance. For example, India puts a cap on the maximum area covered by solar energy systems, and some states in the U.S. require solar ground installations to be enclosed. Companies also need to know if government grants or subsidies for solar installations are available.

But the biggest challenge — and the greatest opportunity — is involving global employees in these changes, Drago said.

“CNH Industrial has been looking at renewable energy for many years now. We set ambitious targets because we strongly believe we have to adopt a responsible approach based on the contribution of each employee,” she explained. “The real result comes if all of us trust in our capabilities to make the change.”

Onsite solar projects contribute to increase participation and awareness in the low-carbon transition among local employees, raising their sense of belonging to the company, Drago said. Employees at a CNH Industrial plant in India, for example, started asking for information about how to get solar panels for their homes.

The company also tries to demonstrate the impact of onsite solar by helping employees benefit directly. For example, employees at the company’s plant in Zedelgem, Belgium, can recharge their electric bikes from power generated by onsite solar smart flowers. Inspired by sunflowers, these free-standing arrays offer an alternative at plants where rooftop solar is less feasible. Although smaller, their ability to track and capture the sun’s rays via petal-shaped panels results in 40 percent more energy output for their size.

The role of onsite solar in the low-carbon transition 

Bringing more clean power online while using less land is among the core benefits of onsite solar at corporate plants, said Alex Perera, deputy director of the World Resources Institute’s energy program and its corporate partnership lead for energy.

“You’re putting solar on an existing warehouse or existing roof,” Perera explained. “You’re not putting it on land, which can be difficult to site because of competing uses for that land,” such as agriculture and housing.

Further, placing power generation where it’s needed reduces what’s known in the energy sector as load pockets — or areas where local demand for energy exceeds the capacity of energy transmission infrastructure during peak times.

“New York City is a classic example of a load pocket. There’s just not enough transmission into New York City to meet all the demand,” Perera said. “Putting solar in those areas can relieve congestion.”

Beyond onsite solar: Small shifts to reduce corporate carbon footprints

Concurrent with its move toward onsite solar, CNH Industrial has a multi-year plan to scale the use of intelligent LED lighting technology to 21 plants worldwide. This smart management system includes motion sensors, dimmers and timers, which will generate up to 30 percent more energy savings than the LED technology already in place at most CNH Industrial plants, according to the company.

CNH Industrial’s decarbonization strategy also includes a shift toward a more environmentally-friendly product portfolio, including a tractor that runs on bio-methane that can be extracted from organic waste produced on farms in a closed-loop system.

Companies have a major role in scaling solar energy worldwide

Average annual investment in solar solutions needs to double from 2021 through 2030 if the world is to achieve the goals set out in the Paris climate agreement, according to 2022 research from the World Resource Institute.

“We need to raise the awareness of companies to move toward the sustainability goals so that everyone reduces their carbon footprint for the future of the next generations,” Drago said.

Indeed, these efforts will be “mission-critical,” both for businesses and the environment, in the years to come, added Perera of WRI.

“Companies will not be able to exist unless they align their business interests with climate and development objectives,” he said. “It’s becoming so strategic for companies to do this because investor pressure and consumer pressure is really mounting on companies to move in this direction. The companies that are embracing this, taking leadership positions, and trying to get out in front are going to set themselves up for success in the future.”

This article series is sponsored by CNH Industrial and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

Image courtesy of CNH Industrial 

Originally published on TriplePundit

As a multinational producer of agricultural machinery and construction equipment with dozens of manufacturing and research facilities worldwide, CNH Industrial recognizes that the opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint is substantial. With that in mind, the company has mounted a highly ambitious effort to decrease the carbon emissions associated with its manufacturing processes and products.

It’s an effort that is making significant progress, according to the company’s 2022 sustainability report, which shows that CNH Industrial has reduced emissions KPI by 31 percent since 2018 and now derives 60 percent of the electricity it uses from renewable energy sources.

“Our goal is to lower our carbon footprint by 2030, to reduce CO2 emissions per production hour of our plants worldwide by 50 percent compared to 2018, and to achieve 90 percent of total electricity consumption from renewable sources,” Maria Francesca Drago, CNH Industrial’s energy manager, told TriplePundit.

Part of this effort centers on installing solar panels at the company’s manufacturing sites around the world. Solar installations came online at five sites in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, India and Mexico between 2020 and 2021. Nine plants will have solar installations operational by 2024, with plans to power all plants with 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 and install photovoltaic systems on the majority of plants by 2040.

The company’s strategy utilizes existing infrastructure (roofs) to help generate renewable energy, coupled with innovative installations like solar smart flowers. And its journey offers a lesson for other businesses looking to navigate the nuances of onsite solar in order to reduce their footprints.

Onsite solar isn’t easy, but it offers real benefits for employee engagement 

Coordinating this effort across a wide variety of jurisdictions brings a particular set of challenges, Drago said.

The first thing multinational companies like CNH Industrial must do is analyze the national and local laws relevant to each of their sites in order to ensure compliance. For example, India puts a cap on the maximum area covered by solar energy systems, and some states in the U.S. require solar ground installations to be enclosed. Companies also need to know if government grants or subsidies for solar installations are available.

But the biggest challenge — and the greatest opportunity — is involving global employees in these changes, Drago said.

“CNH Industrial has been looking at renewable energy for many years now. We set ambitious targets because we strongly believe we have to adopt a responsible approach based on the contribution of each employee,” she explained. “The real result comes if all of us trust in our capabilities to make the change.”

Onsite solar projects contribute to increase participation and awareness in the low-carbon transition among local employees, raising their sense of belonging to the company, Drago said. Employees at a CNH Industrial plant in India, for example, started asking for information about how to get solar panels for their homes.

The company also tries to demonstrate the impact of onsite solar by helping employees benefit directly. For example, employees at the company’s plant in Zedelgem, Belgium, can recharge their electric bikes from power generated by onsite solar smart flowers. Inspired by sunflowers, these free-standing arrays offer an alternative at plants where rooftop solar is less feasible. Although smaller, their ability to track and capture the sun’s rays via petal-shaped panels results in 40 percent more energy output for their size.

The role of onsite solar in the low-carbon transition 

Bringing more clean power online while using less land is among the core benefits of onsite solar at corporate plants, said Alex Perera, deputy director of the World Resources Institute’s energy program and its corporate partnership lead for energy.

“You’re putting solar on an existing warehouse or existing roof,” Perera explained. “You’re not putting it on land, which can be difficult to site because of competing uses for that land,” such as agriculture and housing.

Further, placing power generation where it’s needed reduces what’s known in the energy sector as load pockets — or areas where local demand for energy exceeds the capacity of energy transmission infrastructure during peak times.

“New York City is a classic example of a load pocket. There’s just not enough transmission into New York City to meet all the demand,” Perera said. “Putting solar in those areas can relieve congestion.”

Beyond onsite solar: Small shifts to reduce corporate carbon footprints

Concurrent with its move toward onsite solar, CNH Industrial has a multi-year plan to scale the use of intelligent LED lighting technology to 21 plants worldwide. This smart management system includes motion sensors, dimmers and timers, which will generate up to 30 percent more energy savings than the LED technology already in place at most CNH Industrial plants, according to the company.

CNH Industrial’s decarbonization strategy also includes a shift toward a more environmentally-friendly product portfolio, including a tractor that runs on bio-methane that can be extracted from organic waste produced on farms in a closed-loop system.

Companies have a major role in scaling solar energy worldwide

Average annual investment in solar solutions needs to double from 2021 through 2030 if the world is to achieve the goals set out in the Paris climate agreement, according to 2022 research from the World Resource Institute.

“We need to raise the awareness of companies to move toward the sustainability goals so that everyone reduces their carbon footprint for the future of the next generations,” Drago said.

Indeed, these efforts will be “mission-critical,” both for businesses and the environment, in the years to come, added Perera of WRI.

“Companies will not be able to exist unless they align their business interests with climate and development objectives,” he said. “It’s becoming so strategic for companies to do this because investor pressure and consumer pressure is really mounting on companies to move in this direction. The companies that are embracing this, taking leadership positions, and trying to get out in front are going to set themselves up for success in the future.”

This article series is sponsored by CNH Industrial and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

Image courtesy of CNH Industrial 

Learn how Vanguard Renewables converts organic waste into renewable energy providing a valuable asset to people and the planet and supporting decarbonization strategies.

Every day, we set out to change the way the world views waste and how each of us powers our lives. We are committed to reducing on-farm and food-generated greenhouse gas emissions from waste by as much as 95 percent and recycling organic waste into a powerful source of renewable energy and low-carbon fertilizer. We work alongside farms to manage manure, enhance regenerative agriculture practices, improve soil health, protect watersheds, and support herd wellness. Our Farm Powered Strategic Alliance with major food manufacturers and retailers, dairy organizations, and farms provides a path to decarbonization for our partners and a measurable impact in combating climate change.

Vanguard Renewables Farm Powered Anaerobic Digestion facilities are the largest organics recycling destination in the Northeast, and we’re growing nationwide.

Learn more: https://vanguardrenewables.com/

Learn how Vanguard Renewables converts organic waste into renewable energy providing a valuable asset to people and the planet and supporting decarbonization strategies.

Every day, we set out to change the way the world views waste and how each of us powers our lives. We are committed to reducing on-farm and food-generated greenhouse gas emissions from waste by as much as 95 percent and recycling organic waste into a powerful source of renewable energy and low-carbon fertilizer. We work alongside farms to manage manure, enhance regenerative agriculture practices, improve soil health, protect watersheds, and support herd wellness. Our Farm Powered Strategic Alliance with major food manufacturers and retailers, dairy organizations, and farms provides a path to decarbonization for our partners and a measurable impact in combating climate change.

Vanguard Renewables Farm Powered Anaerobic Digestion facilities are the largest organics recycling destination in the Northeast, and we’re growing nationwide.

Learn more: https://vanguardrenewables.com/

NEW YORK, August 28, 2023 /3BL/ – Comcast NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal that includes NBC/Telemundo owned stations, announced that 81 nonprofits will receive a combined total of $2.475 million in unrestricted grants to support nonprofit organizations that are helping to improve their local communities with unique and innovative programming in three grant categories including Next Generation Storytellers, Youth Education & Empowerment, and Community Engagement.

The winners include nonprofits that serve individuals in the New York, Southern California, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Boston, Hartford, CT, Washington, D.C., South Florida, San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego DMAs. For a full list of grant winners, please visit NBCUniversal’s Newsroom or click here.

“It’s important that we fund organizations making a significant impact to our local communities and the people that reside within them,” said Jessica Clancy, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal.

This year’s Local Impact Grants are putting the power of giving into the hands of these nonprofits to address the diverse needs of the communities they serve in the areas of youth education and empowerment, the next generation of storytellers, and community engagement.

JESSICA CLANCY

Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal

Since this NBCU grant program was founded six years ago, more than $16 million in grants has been dedicated to 470 nonprofits in 11 communities that are served by NBC and Telemundo owned stations.

Unrestricted grant funding provides an important source of financial flexibility for nonprofits, that in turn, helps to unlock their full potential for creating lasting impact in their communities.

VALARI STAAB

Chairman, NBCUniversal Local

“I’m pleased that our grant program and NBC and Telemundo owned stations can support organizations that are doing incredible work to create opportunities for youth, families and individuals,” said Valari Staab, Chairman, NBCUniversal Local.

Below is a snapshot of 2023 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grant recipients, by market:

New York: Hillside Food Outreach

Hillside Food Outreach delivers high-quality, nutritious food that will help low-income, chronically ill, disabled individuals and those who cannot access a traditional food pantry to achieve a better quality of life. Hillside home delivers healthy groceries, at no cost, to all those in need, regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion and creed.

Southern California: Kids In The Spotlight

Kids In The Spotlight helps youth heal and grow from trauma through the power of storytelling and filmmaking. Through the group’s programs, youth between the ages of 12-24 are trained to write, cast and star in their own short films, telling their stories their way. To date, more than 80 films have been produced and screened at film festivals around the country.

Chicago: Dion’s Dream

Dion’s Chicago Dream identifies and combats food insecurity throughout the Chicagoland area, using nutritional philanthropy as a catalyst to build community and transform lives.

Philadelphia: Rock To The Future

Rock to the Future supports positive youth development and economic empowerment through free, student-driven music programs for Philadelphia youth. Through music, students build skills to unlock their fullest potential to support lifelong well-being. The group serves hundreds of students annually in-school, after school, and during the summer in schools, community locations, and juvenile justice facilities.

Dallas-Fort Worth: GEMS Camp

Founded by an educator to help close the gender and racial gap in STEM studies and careers, GEMS Camp provides Black and Latina girls from North Texas from economically disadvantaged communities with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education focused around five key areas including Academics, Career, Creativity, Leadership, and Service to help them succeed in STEM-related studies and careers.

Boston: Mental Health Collaborative, Inc.

Mental Health Collaborative helps to build resilient communities through mental health education including mental health literacy trainings to schools, organizations, and communities.

Hartford, CT: Children in Placement

Children in Placement Connecticut advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children and secures safe homes, supportive services, and a stable transition into adulthood by assessing and supporting each child’s situation.

Washington, D.C.: Mary House

For more than 40 years, Mary House has provided transitional housing, case-management, and educational services for low-income immigrants and refugees in Washington’s Brookland neighborhood. Currently operating 55 housing units and seeking to add a further 12 units this year, Mary House provides a stable and nurturing environment for more than 280 homeless and war displaced individuals and creates customized support programs aimed at building each family’s independence and self-sufficiency.

South Florida: EatWell Exchange

Founded by three friends who wanted to change the perception of healthy meals by focusing on culture, EatWell Exchange empowers lower socioeconomic communities with the access, knowledge, and confidence they need to eat a nutritious diet within their own food culture to end the generational cycle of negative health outcomes.

San Francisco Bay Area: El Tímpano

Spanish for “eardrum,” El Tímpano surfaces community members’ stories and questions on local and national issues. Stewarded and empowered independent by Independent Arts & Media, El Tímpano helps to foster community and civic participation, and facilitate cultural engagement and free expression.

San Diego: Arms Wide Open

Arms Wide Open, the largest music, theatre and arts program in San Diego for individuals with special needs and disabilities, enriches the lives of children and adults with special needs by fostering caring social environments and creating opportunities for recreation and participation in the arts.

For more information, visit LocalImpactGrants.com. For information in Spanish, visit BecasdeImpactoLocal.com.

Follow on social @NBCUFoundation and #LocalImpactGrants.

NEW YORK, August 28, 2023 /3BL/ – Comcast NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal that includes NBC/Telemundo owned stations, announced that 81 nonprofits will receive a combined total of $2.475 million in unrestricted grants to support nonprofit organizations that are helping to improve their local communities with unique and innovative programming in three grant categories including Next Generation Storytellers, Youth Education & Empowerment, and Community Engagement.

The winners include nonprofits that serve individuals in the New York, Southern California, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Boston, Hartford, CT, Washington, D.C., South Florida, San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego DMAs. For a full list of grant winners, please visit NBCUniversal’s Newsroom or click here.

“It’s important that we fund organizations making a significant impact to our local communities and the people that reside within them,” said Jessica Clancy, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal.

This year’s Local Impact Grants are putting the power of giving into the hands of these nonprofits to address the diverse needs of the communities they serve in the areas of youth education and empowerment, the next generation of storytellers, and community engagement.

JESSICA CLANCY

Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal

Since this NBCU grant program was founded six years ago, more than $16 million in grants has been dedicated to 470 nonprofits in 11 communities that are served by NBC and Telemundo owned stations.

Unrestricted grant funding provides an important source of financial flexibility for nonprofits, that in turn, helps to unlock their full potential for creating lasting impact in their communities.

VALARI STAAB

Chairman, NBCUniversal Local

“I’m pleased that our grant program and NBC and Telemundo owned stations can support organizations that are doing incredible work to create opportunities for youth, families and individuals,” said Valari Staab, Chairman, NBCUniversal Local.

Below is a snapshot of 2023 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grant recipients, by market:

New York: Hillside Food Outreach

Hillside Food Outreach delivers high-quality, nutritious food that will help low-income, chronically ill, disabled individuals and those who cannot access a traditional food pantry to achieve a better quality of life. Hillside home delivers healthy groceries, at no cost, to all those in need, regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion and creed.

Southern California: Kids In The Spotlight

Kids In The Spotlight helps youth heal and grow from trauma through the power of storytelling and filmmaking. Through the group’s programs, youth between the ages of 12-24 are trained to write, cast and star in their own short films, telling their stories their way. To date, more than 80 films have been produced and screened at film festivals around the country.

Chicago: Dion’s Dream

Dion’s Chicago Dream identifies and combats food insecurity throughout the Chicagoland area, using nutritional philanthropy as a catalyst to build community and transform lives.

Philadelphia: Rock To The Future

Rock to the Future supports positive youth development and economic empowerment through free, student-driven music programs for Philadelphia youth. Through music, students build skills to unlock their fullest potential to support lifelong well-being. The group serves hundreds of students annually in-school, after school, and during the summer in schools, community locations, and juvenile justice facilities.

Dallas-Fort Worth: GEMS Camp

Founded by an educator to help close the gender and racial gap in STEM studies and careers, GEMS Camp provides Black and Latina girls from North Texas from economically disadvantaged communities with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education focused around five key areas including Academics, Career, Creativity, Leadership, and Service to help them succeed in STEM-related studies and careers.

Boston: Mental Health Collaborative, Inc.

Mental Health Collaborative helps to build resilient communities through mental health education including mental health literacy trainings to schools, organizations, and communities.

Hartford, CT: Children in Placement

Children in Placement Connecticut advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children and secures safe homes, supportive services, and a stable transition into adulthood by assessing and supporting each child’s situation.

Washington, D.C.: Mary House

For more than 40 years, Mary House has provided transitional housing, case-management, and educational services for low-income immigrants and refugees in Washington’s Brookland neighborhood. Currently operating 55 housing units and seeking to add a further 12 units this year, Mary House provides a stable and nurturing environment for more than 280 homeless and war displaced individuals and creates customized support programs aimed at building each family’s independence and self-sufficiency.

South Florida: EatWell Exchange

Founded by three friends who wanted to change the perception of healthy meals by focusing on culture, EatWell Exchange empowers lower socioeconomic communities with the access, knowledge, and confidence they need to eat a nutritious diet within their own food culture to end the generational cycle of negative health outcomes.

San Francisco Bay Area: El Tímpano

Spanish for “eardrum,” El Tímpano surfaces community members’ stories and questions on local and national issues. Stewarded and empowered independent by Independent Arts & Media, El Tímpano helps to foster community and civic participation, and facilitate cultural engagement and free expression.

San Diego: Arms Wide Open

Arms Wide Open, the largest music, theatre and arts program in San Diego for individuals with special needs and disabilities, enriches the lives of children and adults with special needs by fostering caring social environments and creating opportunities for recreation and participation in the arts.

For more information, visit LocalImpactGrants.com. For information in Spanish, visit BecasdeImpactoLocal.com.

Follow on social @NBCUFoundation and #LocalImpactGrants.

Quest Diagnostics supported the Health Empowerment and Wellness event hosted by Sisters on the Vineyard in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, on August 10.

This session coincided with the annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, a 9-day festival promoting emerging talent showcasing and honoring films produced by and starring African Americans from across the world.

The event featured panelist speakers and engaging one-on-one conversations for women of color. Panelists spoke about the realities of health disparities and provided insights around seeking care, diagnosis, and treatment plans that are unique to Black women. Attendees were empowered with knowledge, resources, and tools to support them in living healthier lives.

The inspiring panel was hosted by Dr. Kordai DeCoteau, board-certified podiatrist, Neighborhood Health, and was joined by:

Dr Tamara Beckford, CEO of Ur Caring Docs;Ricki Fairley, CEO of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance.Kyira A Harris, CEO of Keys to Abundant Life Inc.;Dr Renee Matthews, writer and radio show host; andDr Janet Taylor, Community Psychiatrist and Executive Coach.

Accomplished Black female physicians and health providers led an interactive roundtable discussion about breast cancer, mental well-being, nutrition and more. Physicians from across the country met with attendees during breakout sessions to address their health questions, connect them to providers through referrals and share guidance for how to advocate for their care.

“The connection and support in the room was palpable,” said Desyra Highsmith-Holcomb, Director, Inclusion and Diversity. “The stories and transparent guidance provided by the physician panel was like nothing I’ve ever heard.”

Also representing Quest at the event were:

Trudyann Jack, Senior Manager, Patient Services & Chair, PRIDE EBN;Barbara Nicolas, Supervisor, Patient Services; andMaribel Rodriguez, Manager, Inclusion and Diversity.

Quest Diagnostics supported the Health Empowerment and Wellness event hosted by Sisters on the Vineyard in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, on August 10.

This session coincided with the annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, a 9-day festival promoting emerging talent showcasing and honoring films produced by and starring African Americans from across the world.

The event featured panelist speakers and engaging one-on-one conversations for women of color. Panelists spoke about the realities of health disparities and provided insights around seeking care, diagnosis, and treatment plans that are unique to Black women. Attendees were empowered with knowledge, resources, and tools to support them in living healthier lives.

The inspiring panel was hosted by Dr. Kordai DeCoteau, board-certified podiatrist, Neighborhood Health, and was joined by:

Dr Tamara Beckford, CEO of Ur Caring Docs;Ricki Fairley, CEO of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance.Kyira A Harris, CEO of Keys to Abundant Life Inc.;Dr Renee Matthews, writer and radio show host; andDr Janet Taylor, Community Psychiatrist and Executive Coach.

Accomplished Black female physicians and health providers led an interactive roundtable discussion about breast cancer, mental well-being, nutrition and more. Physicians from across the country met with attendees during breakout sessions to address their health questions, connect them to providers through referrals and share guidance for how to advocate for their care.

“The connection and support in the room was palpable,” said Desyra Highsmith-Holcomb, Director, Inclusion and Diversity. “The stories and transparent guidance provided by the physician panel was like nothing I’ve ever heard.”

Also representing Quest at the event were:

Trudyann Jack, Senior Manager, Patient Services & Chair, PRIDE EBN;Barbara Nicolas, Supervisor, Patient Services; andMaribel Rodriguez, Manager, Inclusion and Diversity.

Equality for women matters every day, and at Alkermes we’re proud to empower our female colleagues across the organization. In the life sciences industry, striving for gender equality means envisioning a future where the upcoming generations of women scientists, researchers, and innovators have equitable access to learning, growth and advancement opportunities, are listened to and recognized for their unique talents and expertise, and are celebrated for their contributions across the full spectrum of the drug discovery and development process.

The women who came before us, both professionally and those setting examples in our lives outside of school and work, served as role models and mentors who broke barriers. Today’s observance of Women’s Equality Day in the United States gives us an opportunity to reflect on the ways they shaped us – from having the right to an education, to voting based on our own priorities, and to forging independent personal and professional paths that brought us here today. Now, as leaders ourselves, we’re keenly aware of this platform from which we can make a difference. How do we want to shape the future for all the women who come next?

At Alkermes, our five employee-led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) reflect much of our culture. As a key component of our broader Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) efforts, which spans our entire organization and business, our ERGs bring colleagues together around causes and communities we believe in. The three of us are all members of and advocates for Alkermes’ Women Inspired Network (WIN) ERG, which shines light on the impact the women of our team have on our collective efforts towards making a difference in the lives of patients and communities we serve. A core focus for WIN is promoting ways of working – including how we build our corporate policies, practices, and benefits – that create an equitable environment to support all our colleagues, regardless of gender. WIN also organizes regular learning and development opportunities geared towards empowering women at every stage in their careers.

Additionally, through our Alkermes employee mentorship program, we’re each proud to give our time to helping foster our colleagues as they carve out their own paths in the industry. It truly is a two-way exchange, as we’re continually inspired by the new thinking and ideas brought by these future leaders.

Read more about Alkermes’ commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

Co-Authored by:

Heather Faulds, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs Anne Giovanoni, Senior Vice President, Corporate Counsel and SecretaryKanchan Relwani, Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs

Original article appeared on LinkedIn.com. 

Equality for women matters every day, and at Alkermes we’re proud to empower our female colleagues across the organization. In the life sciences industry, striving for gender equality means envisioning a future where the upcoming generations of women scientists, researchers, and innovators have equitable access to learning, growth and advancement opportunities, are listened to and recognized for their unique talents and expertise, and are celebrated for their contributions across the full spectrum of the drug discovery and development process.

The women who came before us, both professionally and those setting examples in our lives outside of school and work, served as role models and mentors who broke barriers. Today’s observance of Women’s Equality Day in the United States gives us an opportunity to reflect on the ways they shaped us – from having the right to an education, to voting based on our own priorities, and to forging independent personal and professional paths that brought us here today. Now, as leaders ourselves, we’re keenly aware of this platform from which we can make a difference. How do we want to shape the future for all the women who come next?

At Alkermes, our five employee-led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) reflect much of our culture. As a key component of our broader Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) efforts, which spans our entire organization and business, our ERGs bring colleagues together around causes and communities we believe in. The three of us are all members of and advocates for Alkermes’ Women Inspired Network (WIN) ERG, which shines light on the impact the women of our team have on our collective efforts towards making a difference in the lives of patients and communities we serve. A core focus for WIN is promoting ways of working – including how we build our corporate policies, practices, and benefits – that create an equitable environment to support all our colleagues, regardless of gender. WIN also organizes regular learning and development opportunities geared towards empowering women at every stage in their careers.

Additionally, through our Alkermes employee mentorship program, we’re each proud to give our time to helping foster our colleagues as they carve out their own paths in the industry. It truly is a two-way exchange, as we’re continually inspired by the new thinking and ideas brought by these future leaders.

Read more about Alkermes’ commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

Co-Authored by:

Heather Faulds, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs Anne Giovanoni, Senior Vice President, Corporate Counsel and SecretaryKanchan Relwani, Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs

Original article appeared on LinkedIn.com.