Month: September 2023

Young people are stepping up efforts to help achieve the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) after the U.N. announced that the world is not on track to meet these critical objectives in time. To help generate momentum behind these goals, one Cincinnati, Ohio middle school student decided to tackle clean water scarcity both at home and abroad.

According to the U.N., 2.2 billion people around the globe lack safely managed drinking water. This includes 703 million people living without basic water service and 2 billion lacking basic handwashing facilities. In its presentation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, the U.N. reported that by 2030 the problem will worsen, with billions of people lacking access to safe water for drinking, sanitation and hygiene unless efforts to improve access to clean water are quadrupled.

Responding to a global invitation from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and its partner, the Sakhikamva Foundation, Vedanshi M. of Cincinnati, Ohio, submitted a concept called “Sani-Buddy” to the goIT Monthly Challenge for August 2023. She had high hopes for both its success in the competition — which she won for North America — and its eventual impact.

“Many people don’t have access to clean water and have to drink infected water [causing them to] get sick or die. My app wants to help prevent this,” she said.

Vedanshi pitched her detailed concept to competition judges in a three-minute video describing Sani-Buddy, her proposed app that would utilize smart technology sensors and multi-language translation to give people information about the quality of their water. The app would also feature GPS maps for finding clean water sources and even a donation option for those interested in supporting the goal of providing clean water for all.

There are many causes of water scarcity. They include increased urbanization; rising needs from sectors like agriculture, industry and energy; and rapid population growth. Water sustainability solutions like the one Vedanshi proposed could help improve health and wellness and even contribute to the preservation of water ecosystems and biodiversity. Additional and collective efforts can also contribute to enhanced food production systems, more job opportunities and economic growth.

As the North American winner of the goIT Monthly Challenge, Vedanshi’s pitch for Sani-Buddy will undergo further review by goIT judges. This could potentially result in opportunities for her to compete for mentoring opportunities, additional recognition and prizes associated with TCS’ North American and Global Innovator of the Year competitions in early 2024.

For more information on Vedanshi’s pitch, visit the TCS goIT Monthly Challenge website.

About the Sakhikamva Foundation   
Based in Cape Town, South Africa, the Sakhikamva Foundation is a registered non–profit organization involved in aviation awareness and skills development for youth and children interested in the aerospace industry. The Foundation believes that the future of the South African aerospace industry is anchored with the country’s highly talented youth, its mission being to identify and develop this talent in ensuring that a solid foundation is laid to feed the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pipeline. It prides itself in building a future with the youth of South Africa and sets out to achieve its mission by hosting several programs and outreach projects each year. Come on board and join one of our exciting programs.

About the goIT Monthly Challenge  
Go Innovate Together (goIT) is TCS’ flagship STEM education program. Focusing on digital innovation and career readiness, goIT engages students from diverse backgrounds with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects and with computer science, design thinking and digital innovation. The program offers an industry-developed, customizable curriculum that teaches students the 21st century skills necessary for a career in technology. Lessons cover topics such as the innovation life cycle, rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Since the launch of the goIT Monthly Challenge in 2020, thousands of students across the globe have used principles from goIT to design tech-based solutions by submitting pitch videos based on a monthly Challenge theme. Each month, TCS co-hosts the challenge with a globally minded nonprofit organization which acts as an SDG ambassador. The Challenge has engaged a growing number of teachers and students, exploring topics ranging from gender equality and systemic racism to protecting marine life under water.

To encourage students to participate, visit the goIT Monthly Challenge competition website at http://on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG.

Such is the state of the anti-ESG movement as we enter Fall 2023: The State of Florida’s legislature recently passed, and Governor DeSantis signed, an “anti-ESG” law that they hope will ensure Florida’s position as the “standard bearer” for the anti-ESG crowd.

This new law requires the state’s public employee pension fund to make investments based on “pecuniary” factors, meaning relating to money, and (in theory) not take into consideration ESG factors. Florida’s pension fund has AUM of $180 billion, and with related state funds covered by the law the total is $230 billion.

Unfortunately, this law could become a model for other Republican-controlled state legislatures. There is more information for you in one of our Top Stories from the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance. Passage of the Florida law gives other states examples of actions to make political points with their local anti-ESG and anti-woke crowd.

Meanwhile, as these anti-ESG actions occur in Red states, what are the views of institutional investors about ESG – the asset managers entrusted to safely manage trillions of dollars? To find out, the Bloomberg organization teamed with Adox Research (London) to survey executives managing money.

The researchers asked institutional portfolio managers, climate risk analysts, and data management executives about their reliance on key ESG data in investment decision-making. Fact: spending levels for ESG data in 2023 were rising. 92 percent of respondents said ESG data expenditures are increasing by at least 10%…with a small number of respondents increasing their ESG data spending by 50% or more.

The influential money managers surveyed said that ESG benchmarks and indexes, corporate disclosed ESG data, ESG scores and ratings assigned to firms, and “sustainable debt” (fixed income) are priorities in 2023 for their firms. The reasons why included the need to keep up with peer organizations, establish competitive practices, and to meet increasing regulatory requirements. More than 99% of respondents said their organizations value the importance of ESG data to achieve competitive advantage.

The encouraging survey results will be read by thousands of the respondents’ peers, with the results highlighted in Pensions & Investments, the must-read for public sector and corporate pension fund managers, asset/money management execs, portfolio managers, and other key players in the institutional investment community.

Conclusion: The use of ESG data is definitely mainstream for asset managers in 2023. Said Leila Sadiq, Global Head of Enterprise Data Content at Bloomberg in the news release announcing survey results: “Once categorized as an alternative data source, ESG data has quickly become integral to the value financial firms deliver to their clients. Executives are making significant strategic investments in ESG data acquisition and management to differentiate themselves and meet client and regulatory demand.” Bloomberg is a leader in providing investors with access to ESG data for more than 15,000 companies, and almost 500,000 active securities, which is instantly accessed on the Bloomberg Terminal.

The G&A team looks forward to keeping you updated on trends in ESG and sustainability reporting and the continuing attempts by some states to politicize what has clearly become a best practice for asset managers and corporations.

NOTE: About Pensions & Investments: the link to the news report about the Bloomberg survey is in our Top Stories this week. You can sign up to receive free newsletters at the link in the story, and if you wish, sample the publication for a brief period of time as well. P&I has been chronicling institutional investor market developments for 50 years, with readers including executives in asset management firms, hedge funds, corporate and public employee pension systems, insurance companies, and many related organizations.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

Originally published on GoDaddy Life

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to join GoDaddy?

Working as a Senior Software Engineer, I am an individual fueled by curiosity and driven by a passion for Software Development. My journey to this point has been one marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.

From a young age, I found myself drawn towards computers and coding behind applications, which ignited a spark that has since evolved into a burning desire to make a meaningful impact in this domain. Through countless hours of study, practical application, and continuous learning, I have honed my abilities in Software Development and gained a profound understanding of coding and related methodologies.

The decision to join GoDaddy was not a light one. It was guided by a myriad of factors that resonated deeply with me. GoDaddy’s reputation as a global technology leader is underscored by its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, small businesses, and individuals to succeed in the digital realm. This mission aligns perfectly with my own aspirations of making a meaningful impact through technology.

Joining the GoDaddy family is not just a career move — it’s about becoming part of a community that shares my passion for leveraging technology to empower individuals and businesses, alike.

If you had to describe GoDaddy’s culture in one word, what would it be?

Empowering! Collaboration and open communication are fundamental aspects of GoDaddy’s culture. Employees feel comfortable sharing their perspectives, collaborating across teams, and seeking guidance from peers and mentors. This kind of environment not only strengthens teamwork but also cultivates a sense of belonging and inclusivity.

Ultimately, an empowering culture at GoDaddy translates to employees feeling motivated, engaged, and fulfilled in their roles. We all are empowered to make a difference, both in our own careers and in the company’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide.

You are a GDFIT Ambassador for India. How does the community’s mission align with you on a personal front?

GDFIT is an Employee Resource Group setup with a mission to bring GoDaddy employees together to promote a healthy mindset and lifestyle. As a GDFIT Ambassador for India, I am contributing to building the community within the APAC region by bringing more colleagues together, to support their fitness journey.

I’ve always been active in sports. My childhood days were spent on the playground playing cricket and football. Being a great sprinter for school, I was always attracted to fitness and being an all-round player. Nowadays, I am practicing table-tennis at an amateur level. My day either starts with a long run or an hour long session of table-tennis.

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

“Living for the thrill of the game, and the journey in between.”

I’ve been following this mantra for quite sometime now since it encapsulates a philosophy of embracing both the excitement of sports and the enriching experiences of travel. It signifies a deep appreciation for two distinct yet interconnected aspects of my life. It reflects a dynamic lifestyle that embraces both active engagement in sports and the broader journey of exploration. I am eager to better understand the value of balance, embracing challenges and relaxation, and finding joy in every facet of my adventures.

How do you feel that GoDaddy supports you to do things that are important to you?

GoDaddy, being a company known for its employee-centric culture, supports its employees in pursuing activities that are important to them. For me, staying close to my motto was the first priority. GoDaddy has provided me with a platform where I have been able to perfectly maintain my work-life balance by taking regular time off and flexible work arrangements.

Since the day I joined GoDaddy, I have travelled most of the cities between Kashmir (Northernmost tip of India) to Kanyakumari (Southernmost tip of India). I’ve found myself lucky to join a team where mental health is taken so much into account and we push each other to attain personal goals, as well.

I’ve always been a person who believed in giving back to my community. GoDaddy encourages this with the GoDaddy For Good platform. It allows employees to contribute to various causes. Through GoDaddy For Good, I’ve been able to help people in need with my skills in terms of building their career.

GDFIT has provided me with the opportunity to lead from the front, build a team, organise events, and have fun with it, along the way. I won the table-tennis tournament, organised by GDFIT in March. We have many more experiences and opportunities to look forward to.

At the end of the day, I know that “Together, we are making the world a better place” and that satisfies me to my core.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

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SAINT PAUL, Minn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 25, 2023 /3BL/ – 3M and Discovery Education today announced public voting is now open for the Improving Lives Award, a special recognition award that is a part of the annual 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist). From now through October 6, 2023, students, teachers, parents, and other members of the public can vote once per day here for the innovation from the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge they believe has the most potential to make a positive impact on the world.

“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge showcases the remarkable potential of youth to positively change the world for the better,” said John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility. “3M takes pride in contributing to their achievements and supporting their growth and development as scientists. We encourage everyone to cast their vote in support of those whom they believe will create the biggest impact.”

In June, the top ten finalists were named for the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge – now in its sixteenth year as the nation’s premier science competition – which recognizes outstanding innovations from young scientists in grades 5-8. Each finalist will receive $1,000 and the opportunity to work with a 3M scientist who will mentor them as they evolve their invention from idea to prototype. The Improving Lives Award started in 2019 to elevate the innovations of young scientists and to promote the importance of science.

The winners of both the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge and the Improving Lives Award will be revealed during an awards banquet at 3M’s Global Headquarters in St. Paul, Minn. on October 10, 2023.

The 2023 Improving Lives Award winner will receive $2,000. All finalists can be considered for all prizes. The grand prize winner of the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge will receive $25,000 and the prestigious title of America’s Top Young Scientist. In 2022, by public vote, middle schooler Harini Venkatesh from Plano, Texas, was named the recipient of the Improving Lives Award. Harini’s project, The Comptometrist, was designed to improve eye care by reducing the time needed to determine a patient’s myopic power. Harini’s innovation could significantly improve the accuracy and experience of the eye examination process in the future.

“The finalists in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge are already working to make the world a better place,” said Amy Nakamoto, executive vice president of Social Impact at Discovery Education. “We are proud to partner with 3M to help nurture their creativity and problem-solving skills through the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Supporting students in exploring their curiosity as they learn and grow is one of most important ways we can work to improve the future.”

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 Experience.

To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet this year’s finalists, visit youngscientistlab.com.

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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.

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, innovative classroom tools, and social impact initiatives, 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