Researchers report innovative techniques to treat challenging cancers and manage the side-effects of therapy XI’AN, China, Aug. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Although cancer treatment has advanced significantly over the last decade, some fairly common cancers remain extremely difficult to treat….
Month: August 2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla., Aug. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The American company Crazy Unicorns presents NEURON, a powerful personal assistant that opens up new horizons in the field of work, learning and creativity, combining 24 neural networks. It encompasses functions such as content…
Originally published by The White House on www.whitehouse.gov
To keep all Americans secure and boost the next generation of innovation in the U.S., we must drastically scale up the cyber workforce across the country.
The Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) developed the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (NCWES) to address this national security and economic imperative. The NCWES meets President Biden’s call in the 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS) for ONCD to develop a strategy to expand the national cyber workforce, increase its diversity, and expand access to cyber education and training. Implementation of the NCWES will expand opportunities nationwide for good-paying, middle-class jobs in cyber.
ONCD developed the NCWES in collaboration with 34 departments, agencies, and EOP components, and based on extensive input from hundreds of key external stakeholders.
Stakeholder Commitments
For the NCWES’ vision to be realized, no one actor in this space can alone achieve the change needed at scale, including government. This means all of us – government, academia, philanthropy, private sector hiring entities, non-governmental organizations, non-profits, international partners and more – must each see ourselves and our goals in this strategy, and take coordinated action accordingly.
The following organizations have made substantial announcements, commitments, or pledges to increase the number of Americans in good-paying, middle-class cyber jobs:
IBM
IBM is committed to help skill 150,000 people in cybersecurity by the end of 2024. To help achieve this goal, and to contribute to a more diverse U.S. cyber workforce, IBM is partnering with 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to co-establish Cybersecurity Leadership Centers. Through these partnerships and programs, such as IBM SkillsBuild, IBM has provided more than 119,500 learners with cybersecurity training and will continue to build on its progress after reaching its goal.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., August 9, 2023 /3BL/ – In collaboration with MIT Solve, Truist Foundation announced the deadline for its second Inspire Awards Challenge has been extended to Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.
The Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge, in collaboration with Solve— an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) dedicated to promoting innovative solutions to global problems, seeks nonprofit organizations with creative, tech-enabled solutions that address challenges faced by small business owners. From now until Aug. 11, 2023, qualifying nonprofits can submit applications through MIT Solve that answer the question, “What innovative, technology-based solution is your nonprofit implementing to create pathways to resiliency and sustainability for small businesses?”
Truist Foundation and MIT Solve will conduct a six-month wraparound support program for a cohort of seven nonprofit finalists to help transform their groundbreaking ideas into tangible solutions. The program includes a comprehensive needs assessment, learning and development modules to help refine business plans, measurement training, access to a network of resource partners and coaches, and more leading up to the live event.
Following the completion of the support program, the finalists will be invited to a live pitch event and ceremony where they will showcase their solutions. The first-place nonprofit will receive a $250,000 grant to actualize their project, while $150,000 grant goes to second place, and $25,000 grant to each of the runner-up teams. Plus, finalists are invited to a two-day Truist Leadership Institute Retreat and the annual flagship Solve at MIT event, held in May each year.
To learn more or apply, click here.
# # #
About Truist Foundation
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation’s grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.
Media Contact:
Kristen Fraser, Truist
kristen.fraser@truist.com
Originally published by Time Leader
Fairway Subaru in Hazleton recently presented a check of $15,995 to Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia as part of the 2023 Subaru Share the Love Event.
Since 2012, Fairway Subaru has chosen the local Make-A-Wish chapter as its Hometown Charity, gifting a total of more than $125,000 to date, helping to grant more than 25 wishes for children from the greater Hazleton area. This year’s donation will help grant life-changing wishes for three local children diagnosed with critical illnesses.
STAMFORD, Conn., August 9, 2023 /3BL/— United Way and Junior Achievement recently recognized Webster Bank with three awards for its longtime partnership and philanthropic support in Westchester-Putnam Counties, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Webster takes pride in its long-standing partnership with United Way and strongly believes in its mission to ensure people have access to a broad safety net of human services. Webster has raised more than $20 million over two decades through employee pledging, fundraising and corporate donations. Webster colleagues serve in leadership positions and on a variety of committees, sharing skill and expertise to United Way chapters across the franchise. United Way is Webster Bank’s primary charity and Webster supports United Ways throughout its footprint through its yearly workplace campaign as well as volunteer service.
Recognizing Webster’s support, the United Way of Greater Waterbury (Connecticut) presented Webster Bank with the James C. Smith Spirit of Excellence Award, which celebrates companies that complete a well-organized, effective United Way campaign that yields a positive, enduring legacy for years to come. During the United Way’s 36th Annual Celebration & Awards event, the organization applauded Webster Bank employees for their 2022-2023 campaign efforts, noting the workplace campaign board’s diligence, hard work and execution of the workplace campaign and “the company’s unwavering commitment to the communities in which they live and work.”
In New York, the United Way of Westchester and Putnam presented Webster Bank CEO John R. Ciulla and his wife, Erin Fuller, with the Philanthropy and Corporate Citizenship Award at its recent Imagine Gala. For many years, both Ciulla and Fuller have been generous Tocqueville donors to United Way both locally and regionally. In addition to volunteer hours shared by Webster employees, Webster has awarded numerous grants in support of UW-Westchester and Putnam’s work to help the 40 percent of residents in those counties struggling to make ends meet.
With a focus on financial empowerment and entrepreneurship, Junior Achievement (JA) delivers K–12 programs fostering work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills that build the foundation for thousands of children to succeed. Over the years, Webster’s work with its JA partners has doubled, including adding partnerships with new chapters and increasing funding and volunteer involvement. Junior Achievement – Rhode Island honored Webster with its Morris J.W. Gaebe Profile in Excellence Award for Webster’s longstanding support of Junior Achievement’s programming with “vision and innovation, inspiring leadership and community mindedness.”
“United Way’s focus on the basic needs, education and financial stability for all and JA’s focus on youth financial empowerment align with Webster’s longtime commitment to creating opportunity and economic vitality in the communities we serve,” said Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer Marissa Weidner. “We are proud to support United Way and Junior Achievement in the important work they do throughout our footprint and we are appreciative of the recognition.”
About Webster
Webster Bank (“Webster”) is a leading commercial bank in the Northeast that provides a wide range of digital and traditional financial solutions across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and its HSA Bank division, one of the country’s largest providers of employee benefits solutions. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, Webster is a values-driven organization with $75 billion in assets. Its core footprint spans the northeastern U.S. from New York to Massachusetts, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including our latest annual report, please visit our About page. To find our latest press releases, visit the Webster Newsroom.
Contact Information
Media Contact:
Elaine K. Ficarra
eficarra@websterbank.com
203.913.2716
Investor Contact:
Emlen Harmon
harmon@websterbank.com
212.309.7646
Griffith Foods has renewed as a Worldchefs Global Partner. As a family business for more than 100 years, Griffith Foods is known for their industry expertise, comprehensive global insights, collaborative partnerships, and purpose-driven passion. With an aim to shape the future of food, Griffith Foods is a key supporter of Feed the Planet sustainability initiatives to equip chefs with the flavors and tools to set a better course for the future.Custom Culinary, a business entity of Griffith Foods, offers products that are developed with a team of award-winning chefs, delivering culinary expertise to innovative flavor research with purpose. They offer culinary versatility in convenient formats, delivering authentic flavor and creating better food, value, and relationships to the industry.
ALSIP, Ill. July 18, 2023 /3BL/ – Griffith Foods, a world-class family-owned global developer and manufacturer of customized food ingredient solutions, has renewed as a Worldchefs Global Partner. Founded in 1919, Griffith Foods is guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and breading, to marinades and sauces blended to exacting specification that are culturally authentic, taste great and are wholesome.
Throughout their 70-year history, Custom Culinary, part of the Griffith Foods family, has maintained a singular mission: to provide foodservice and food processing professionals with true, real, and authentic flavor solutions. Today, Custom Culinary’s solution-driven approach offers culinary versatility in convenient formats, delivering a portfolio of products made with the finest ingredients to ensure exceptional flavor and dependable performance to save time and improve consistency.
A culinary-centric organization, Custom Culinary products are developed with a team of award-winning chefs, bringing culinary expertise and an appreciation for global and regional influences, local sourcing, and cleaner ingredient statements to the table. Combining food science, technology, and the culinary arts, Custom Culinary draws on emerging trends and culinary insights from across their global network to create customized solutions the industry.
Key supporters and collaborators of Worldchefs’ Feed the Planet programs, Griffith Foods and Custom Culinary understand their critical role in addressing food waste and sustainability, working across the food ecosystem to deliver on the company’s sustainability journey and commitments. Leveraging the passion of their dynamic teams, the teams weave culinary inspiration, a focus on nutrition, and a sustainable mindset into each product to support culinary professionals and nourish the world.
“Custom Culinary has been a natural partner for Worldchefs in their commitment to helping culinary professionals perfect the art of flavorful food with purpose,” says Ragnar Fridriksson, Worldchefs Managing Director. “Their support of Feed the Planet programs, culinary competitions, and their understanding of industry and consumer trends all reflect the dedication of their global team to building a better food future. We are delighted to continue our partnership and look forward to what is to come.”
Visit https://griffithfoods.com/ and www.customculinary.global for industry resources and more information on their product portfolio.
A through line across 2023 is the resounding belief in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) investments as a value to society, individuals and business.
Ninety percent of CSR leaders believe it is up to companies to help every employee become more aware of bias and develop more inclusive behaviors that can create more diverse cultures.
95% of CSR leaders believe companies should support employee growth on matters of social and racial justice and equity.
But ask corporate purpose leaders about DEI and there’s one thing they’ll all agree on: Their companies are not leaders at it yet. Despite years of anti-bias training, setting targets and being vocal about commitments, goals and achievements, companies still struggle to make the progress that employees and DEI leaders expect, even though the business and societal benefits are well understood.
It’s clear companies recognize there is more to be done to move the dial, and they’re embracing their integral role in advancing DEI.
Top 3 DEI initiatives that will be invested in over the next 2 years:
1. Unbiased hiring practices
2. Benchmark setting for DEI progress
3. Employee resource groups
As such, nearly six in 10 companies are planning to respond with increased spending on DEI initiatives — despite the recession.
DEI is evolving
The events of 2020 led to a radical shift in the way corporate DEI gets activated. What was primarily a top-down initiative led by chief diversity officers and other diversity-focused executives was suddenly met with a grassroots, bottom-up movement powered by passionate employees.
91% of employees agree ERGs and affinity groups have a greater impact on inclusivity than unconscious bias training. – The State of Workplace DEI
These tenacious people mobilized into employee resource groups (ERGs), coming together based on shared characteristics or lived experiences, and affinity groups — formed around mutual interests or goals. Employees from historically excluded groups brought their lived experiences to work, heightened awareness of bias, built empathy through learning and storytelling, and drove real cultural change and allyship.
As employees increasingly see their companies as communities and environments for social change, employee-led groups are continuing to grow in prominence. In Benevity’s The State of Workplace DEI report, 71% of employees reported they have worked for a company offering ERGs or similar affinity groups at some point in their career. And among those who have worked at companies with these groups, 62% have participated — indicating strong interest.
ERGs are a mainstay of DEI-focused companies
Now that we’ve passed the early groundswell of employee-led action on DEI, we’re entering a new phase where affinity and employee resource groups are a must-have — and possibly a more effective — component of a corporate DEI and culture strategy.
Eighty-eight percent of CSR leaders agree that DEI is being democratized and employees have increased levels of interest in ERGs and other peer-led initiatives. This was further affirmed when employees ranked ERGs as more beneficial than personal commitments to DEI from the CEO and other leaders by a wide margin — indicating employees believe in the power of ERGs and the passion of their peers more than the typical corporate approaches.
ERGs deliver more than just an inclusive workplace
Why are ERGs gaining so much momentum? Because they don’t just create more inclusive workplaces. They come with a host of other benefits that help to address the many complex issues that both companies and employees are wrestling with — from improving well-being, building allyship and creating belonging to providing opportunities for skills building and leadership development.
Top 4 benefits of ERGs according to CSR leaders:
95% say ERGs are important in helping new employees to feel a sense of belonging.
93% say ERGs are highly effective at building empathy and allyship.
90% say ERGs offer opportunities for professional development, skills building and career growth.
90% say ERGs support the well-being of their employees.
ERGs still have room to grow
Some 96% of employees agree ERGs will continue to be a critical DEI investment in 2023, despite economic pressure. And while DEI has become more democratized, and the impact of employee-led groups and initiatives is palpable, one-third of companies highlighted that ERGs are not as trusted as company-led DEI initiatives yet. DEI must be infused into the fabric of a company’s culture and their people’s experiences for them to realize the full benefit. This requires attention and support from all levels of the organization. Affinity and employee resource groups are an “and” not an “or” when it comes to moving the needle on social justice, equity and inclusion within a company. Both top-down and bottom-up action will be required in 2023 and beyond.
Discover the top five emerging societal and industry trends shaping the future of CSR, DEI and ESG in The State of Corporate Purpose 2023.
Last month, leaders across our people, culture and purpose teams gathered in London to discuss one of the most important elements of our business – our people. During the three days together, they discussed important topics related to unlocking inclusive, heart-led, high-performance and transformational growth including learning and development, mentorship, people planning, and equity, inclusion and belonging. But the largest focus of the week was social purpose – feeding people’s potential around the world.
KFC has long been a purpose-driven business. Today more than ever, our ambition is for purpose to be the the center of everything we do – the food we serve, the people we employ and the communities we’re a part of.
Feeding People’s Potential through food
To experience the impact of this work firsthand, the KFC UK&I team welcomed our global People, Culture and Purpose leaders into their kitchens and demonstrated how they work to deliver surplus food from KFC restaurants to people in need while preventing it from going to waste. The team then visited charity partners who help distribute our surplus food and learned more about the people it helps feed.
Feeding People’s Potential through skills and opportunities
The team also got to meet Liam, a KFC team member and graduate of KFC UK&I’s Hatch program. Hatch is a social purpose program designed to offer on-the-job training and life skills to help enable youth to increase their employability. Prior to Hatch, Liam described himself as lacking confidence and struggled to successfully engage in the first couple of workplaces he tried. Participating in Hatch changed Liam’s trajectory. Not only did he gain valuable skills and experience, but his confidence also grew exponentially and he’s ready to take on any challenge.
Celebrating our Communities of Belonging
Earlier this year, we launched two global Communities of Belonging (CoB)– SHINE, designed to empowering women throughout our KFC family, and Kentucky Fried Pride, dedicated to supporting and celebrating the LQBTQIA+ community and its allies. At the CPO conference, we popped bottles of champagne and raised a toast to the impact these communities have had in such a short time, globally and locally.
Celebrating our achievements
The conference wrapped up with an evening of awards recognizing the amazing hard work our People, Culture and Purpose teams have accomplished through heart-led leadership, courageous coaching and a winning mindset.
How do you educate people about difficult-to-talk-about, yet incredibly important, health topics? And which settings are ideal for such conversations? Those were the questions plaguing Cairns Sexual Health Service, a clinic in northern Australia, whose providers sought to reach members of the Indigenous community in their area.
The Indigenous community in Cairns has historically been disproportionally affected by HIV. In recent years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males have been diagnosed at a rate of almost three times that of their non-Indigenous peers. Complicating matters is the stigma around HIV and the community’s historical mistrust of healthcare professionals.
“If we just sit back and wait for the young men to come, they don’t arrive,” says Dr. Darren Russell, Program Director at the Cairns Sexual Health Service. “So we can’t teach them about sexual health and HIV prevention, and we can’t test them.”
Partnering with Fresh Start Academy
The team ultimately found the solution by connecting with Fresh Start Academy, a non-profit dedicated to teaching the barbering trade to young men. Recognizing that a barbershop could provide the type of safe environment needed to educate patrons about sexual health, the Cairns clinic collaborated with the organization to involve young local barbers in the HIV prevention effort.
“It was a lightbulb moment,” says Rob Hodge, founder of the academy. “We realized this could go a long way in normalizing the HIV conversation and demonstrating how straightforward the testing process is.”
Rob reached out to Josh Anderson, the owner of the local Cartel Collective barbershop, to structure the HIV education curriculum. As part of the program, young men get free haircuts and engage in conversations about sexual health. As Darren puts it, “They’re in the chair for a while. They talk to the barber. The barber talks to them.” Healthcare workers, meanwhile, are nearby to answer questions and offer resource referrals.
Gilead provided a grant for the innovative partnership as part of its overall efforts to advance health equity and reduce stigma and disparities in communities of greatest need. The company has a long tradition of funding innovative programs and partnering with organizations that aim to meet people where they are.
“When Dr. Russell contacted me and described the work, we both knew that Gilead was the right organization to support the initiative,” says Damien Fagan, Associate Director, Medical Affairs, HIV, Australia. “The program’s success shows that working together with communities disproportionately impacted by HIV is a crucial step to helping end the epidemic.”