Month: September 2023

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From growing up in a Mexican orphanage to creating the wildly successful Maggie’s All Natural Fresh Salsa’s & Dips starting with an $800 investment, Maggie Cook’s story shows how anyone can find their way through adversity to achieve their greatest potential.

Presenter

Magie Cook

Businesswoman Founder, Maggie’s Salsa

Magie Cook, whose birth name is Magdalena De La Cruz Cook Garcia, is a Latino businesswoman who was born in an orphanage in Mexico. She grew up in poverty along with 68 brothers and sisters. She missed her opportunity to play basketball for the Mexican National team because she broke her collarbone. Shortly after she immigrated to the US on a basketball scholarship at the University of Charleston.

After obtaining her college degree, and not being able to find a job, Magie became homeless and lived on the streets. When someone recognized her, she was given a place to stay. A few weeks later, she entered a Fresh Salsa competition for the State of West Virginia and won unanimously. At this event, she was given $800 to start her business.

Not knowing anything about business and with perseverance, she created Maggie’s All-Natural Fresh Salsas & Dips, a company that grew into a multi-million-dollar business within 4 years and distributed products across 38 states to major supermarkets such as Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods and many more. At the height of her success in 2015, Maggie’s Salsa sold to Campbell’s Soup. Shortly after, she went back to Mexico and rescued 31 orphaned children from a drug cartel.

As a CEO, Magie shares her unconventional and unique techniques that made her super successful in life and in business. She was given a Nobel Entrepreneurial Prize in Mexico, the Small Business Administration gave her the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the University of Charleston Awarded her into the Hall of Fame, and West Virginia inducted her into their Generation Next, 40 under 40. Magie is a board member of AFIRE Pinellas, an organization that provides educational scholarships to kids with disabilities.

Opening Remarks

Diana Bellini

Senior Relationship Strategist PNC Private Bank

Diana Bellini is a vice president and a senior relationship strategist; in her role, she coordinates a team to assist clients in pursuing the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the important aspects of a financial life are thoughtfully orchestrated. Diana has the knowledge, experience and desire to help bring about successful outcomes as a trusted advisor.

Prior to joining PNC Private Bank in 2019, Diana was a Vice President and a Relationship Manager within BNY Mellon’s Asset Servicing division. Her duties included having overall accountability for the seamless delivery of the firm’s comprehensive suite of asset servicing products and services. For over a decade at BNY Mellon, Diana helped direct strategic priorities to promote and ensure long term partnerships with clients and stakeholders.

Diana graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business management from King’s College and with a Graduate Certificate in organizational leadership from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. Diana was past president and board advisor of ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) Pittsburgh Chapter, a past board member of Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania, and a volunteer with Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania.

In 2016, Diana was selected as one of the recipients of the Pittsburgh’s Magazine 40 under 40. Diana received the 2019 company of distinction award from Girls Scouts of Western Pennsylvania for her leadership role at creating a cybersecurity program for girls in K 5th grade. In 2022, Diana became a board member of the Marco Island Center for the Arts and Marco Island Noontime Rotary Club. She is a volunteer with Our Daily Bread Food Pantry. Diana is currently a committee member of the PNC Private Bank Diversity, and Inclusion Council.

Moderator

Jeffrey Martinez

Head of Branch Banking PNC Bank

Jeffrey (Jeff) Martinez is Executive Vice President and Head of Branch Banking at PNC Bank. In his current role, Jeff is responsible for more than 2,500 branches, and nearly 17,000 employees, through PNC’s coast to coast footprint. He also serves as a Chair for PNC’s Military Advisory Council and is the Executive Sponsor of PNC’s Latino and Multicultural Employee Business Resource Group.

Martinez joined PNC in 2014 and adds more than 20 years of retail banking experience to PNC’s senior leadership team. Prior to PNC, he held various roles at JPMorgan Chase for more than 10 years, including responsibilities as a First Vice President, District Manager. Martinez also served the country for nine years in the U.S. Army National Guard. He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and has been awarded three Army Commendation Medals and New Jersey’s Distinguished Service Medal.

Martinez is passionate about giving back to the communities where he lives and works and is involved with several non-profit organizations. He is the Treasurer of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, a LatinoJustice PRLDEF Board Member, and a Member of the NJCU Foundation Board and the Hudson County Community College Employer Advisory Board. Martinez is also an executive advisor to CAALE, whose mission is centered on supporting education within our community and he works with the Association of Latino Professionals for America to educate students and professionals through informative presentations hosted at New Jersey and New York universities.

Martinez earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Rutgers University and completed the CBA Executive Banking School Program at Furman University.

Closing Remarks

Steven González

SVP, Regional President & Head of Corporate Banking, Austin PNC Bank

Steven González is regional president for PNC Bank in Austin. In this role, González has direct oversight of business development, building and maintaining client relationships and leading philanthropic initiatives in support of the Austin community.

González currently serves as market leader for PNC’s Corporate Banking business in Austin and will continue in the role in addition to the regional president position. With more than 15 years of financial industry experience in Austin, González’s background includes a range of middle market and corporate banking roles, with responsibilities that included credit analysis, treasury management and business development. As the market leader for Corporate Banking, he and his team help companies with annual revenue greater than $50 million grow their businesses while delivering products and services, along with well-informed and timely advice to help them accomplish their business goals.

He prioritizes community involvement and is an active participant in the region. He currently serves on the Andy Roddick Foundation Leadership Council.

González received a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in accounting and finance from The University of Texas at El Paso.

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Viatris at UNGA

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, second only to COVID-19, claiming 1.6 million lives worldwide in 2021.1 TB generally affects the most vulnerable people – those who live in poverty, are marginalized or economically and socially excluded.2 Ongoing conflicts across Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East have further exacerbated this situation.3 Globally, the cumulative reduction in the tuberculosis incidence rate from 2015 to 2021 was 10% and has faced significant setbacks due to COVID-19 disruptions in care.4 Much more needs to be done to reach the World Health Organization’s (WHO) End TB Strategy milestone target of 50% reduction by 2025.5

Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) remains a growing public health crisis, with only about one in three people accessing treatment in 2020.1 Multi-Drug Resistant/Rifampicin-Resistant (MDR/RR) and Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) TB, together commonly referred to as DR TB, represent the greatest threat to the progress that has been made, especially as COVID-19 disruptions negatively impacted treatment.

The significance of DR TB within the broader context of Antimicrobial Resistance

Drug-resistant TB is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).6 Of the 700,000 people the WHO estimates die every year from AMR, nearly one-third are due to drug-resistant TB – by far the largest single contributing cause. The WHO estimates that the number of deaths due to AMR could rise to 10 million people a year by 2050 under the most alarming scenario if no action is taken.7

Increasing Global Access to Treatment

Providing sustainable access to high-quality medicines and healthcare is a universal need. At Viatris, we realized that we had a powerful platform, as the world’s largest producer of HIV drugs by volume, to help those living with TB around the world, including the regions where the TB burden is the highest – in low- and lower- middle-income countries. As such, our commitment to access begins with our ability to sustainably deliver high-quality medicines to people, regardless of geography or circumstance, and we offer a range of anti-TB medication options. Our efforts extend beyond delivering treatment options, as we believe that increased awareness and education are also crucial to help advance the WHO’s treatment recommendations, which include MDR-TB guidance.

These steps to expand access to healthcare for previously unmet needs of patients suffering from DR-TB are a small part of the global fight to end TB. We know we can do more – and are committed to continue partnering to make a difference for those impacted by TB.

India:

TB remains a pressing public health concern in India – the country shoulders a significant portion of the global TB burden. Viatris has partnered with the Government of India and non-governmental and civil society organizations for many years to improve TB care in India. In a dedicated effort to combat the disease and improve treatment outcomes, HEAL Foundation, supported by Viatris, recently launched the India Fights TB initiative. The new program aims to spread awareness and enhance treatment adherence among TB patients in India. Partnerships and collaborations such as these are critical to support early diagnosis and enhance treatment adherence.

Other key initiatives in India have included:

Partnered with India’s planning commission to increase awareness, enhance screening and provide access to quality healthcare in the model district of Bahraich in Uttar PradeshFacilitated screening of over 1 million people and helped 700 patients access the public health TB programRecognized by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for contributions to expanding access to TB health in India under the TB Pledge formulated in 2019

South Korea:

With the highest rate of TB incidence among OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) members*, TB remains a serious public health problem in South Korea. Viatris has worked to develop critical partnerships and collaborations to support sustainable access to medicines for TB patients in South Korea. Together with an array of organizations including medical thought leaders, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the STOP TB international network, access for a new XDR-TB treatment was achieved, making it possible to facilitate care for XDR-TB patients without a charge or delay.

*Source: https://www.who.int/teams/global-tuberculosis-programme/tb-reports

References:

1 World Health Organization. Tuberculosis. [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Aug 17]. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis

2 Equi-TB. [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 Aug 17]. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/57a08c98e5274a31e00012fa/HTBLivtb_vulnerable.pdf

3 World Health Organization. Tuberculosis deaths and disease increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 Aug 17]. https://www.who.int/news/item/27-10-2022-tuberculosis-deaths-and-disease-increase-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

4 World Health Organization. Global tuberculosis report 2022. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

5 World Health Organization. The End Tb Strategy. [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2023 Aug 17]. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-HTM-TB-2015.19

6 World Health Organization. The End Tb Strategy. [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2023 Aug 17]. https://www.who.int/activities/tackling-the-drug-resistant-tb-crisis

7 O’Neill J. Tackling drug-resistant infections globally: final report and recommendations. Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. 2016. [accessed April 15, 2017] https://amr-review.org/sites/default/files/160518_Final%20paper_with%20cover.pdf

Followed by wind energy (54%), hydropower (36%) and nuclear energy (22%)

Research data from the US highlights that Republican voters, including Donald Trump, Ron De Santis and Mike Pence supporters, strongly favour solar power over fossil fuel

NEW YORK, LONDON, and AMSTERDAM, September 15, 2023 /3BL/ – Today the largest global values based study ever conducted on renewable energy preferences, from Glocalities, a leading research agency, in collaboration with the world’s leading international advocacy organisation Global Citizen, and The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, a global effort fostering international cooperation for a fast and equitable phase out of fossil fuels, reveals that 68% of the world’s population across all demographics, are united on renewable energy, with solar power the world’s preferred energy source.

The study highlights that solar power, followed by energy sources wind energy (54%), hydropower (36%) and nuclear energy (22%) are the future of our clean energy transition. The report’s findings reinforce that when it comes to energy production the world’s population favours harvesting energy from the natural flow of light, wind and water instead of burning fossil fuels.

Conducted across 21 countries, with 21,290 respondents, the new global research comes at a pivotal moment in the climate crisis. Across all countries featured in the study, citizens overwhelmingly supported the use of solar energy instead of fossil fuels. Solar power is five times more popular than fossil fuels. While currently 77% of the global energy consumption comes from fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gas), only 14% of the international population favors energy from fossil fuels.

Key report findings include:

Most in depth global values study into clean energy, conducted across 21 countries, reveals the world is united on renewable energy with solar power being favoured by 68% of the world’s population.Harvesting power from the sun scores 5 times higher in preference compared to burning fossil fuels.Solar energy is followed by wind energy (54%), hydropower (36%) and nuclear energy (24%)Citizens favour solar power over every other energy source, regardless of party politics. Research data from the US further highlights that Republican voters, including Donald Trump, Ron De Santis and Mike Pence supporters, also strongly favour solar power over fossil fuel.Report findings reveal that global leaders need to listen to their electorate, upgrade their leadership styles, and deliver on the much needed clean energy transition.Change of leadership styles is required to push forward a clean energy transition. With respect to leadership styles, the Visionary (50%) is the most trusted and the least polarizing style. The Connector (47%), who brings people together to make decisions, is the second most trusted leadership style. The Boss (14%), however, is the least trusted and most polarizing leadership style. The pull of solar energy and the need for Visionary and Connecting leadership in the international population offer major opportunities for accelerating the transition to clean energy.

Although the report findings reveal that citizens are ahead of their leaders in transitioning to clean energy, too many fossil fuels remain in the system. Global leaders must act now in order to address these issues and respond to citizens who are using their voices and taking action.

Pursuing policies and framing that can harness this public support, along with an upgrade in leadership styles, is pivotal to facilitating and accelerating the transition to clean energy. International support for the transition to solar and other renewable sources of energy will continue to grow stronger in the future, with the potential to bring talents, countries and interests together.

Global leaders will need to acknowledge this public support for clean energy, and deliver actionable measures like restrictions on exploration and extraction, phasing out subsidies, and redirecting resources towards diversifying energy sources. International cooperation through innovative frameworks like the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty offer a blueprint for an organized and fair transition—one that ensures power reliability while also protecting workers and communities at risk of being left behind.

Martijn Lampert, Co-Founder and Research Director comments: “Citizens in all 21 countries from our survey abundantly gravitate towards energy from the sun. Harvesting solar power is five times more favored than burning fossil fuels. This study provides leaders with a powerful roadmap to bring people and countries together for a sustainable future.”

Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer of Global Citizen comments: “The overwhelming robust backing for solar power, as demonstrated by this report, is not merely a statistic; it’s a clear signal that there’s common ground where political agendas and citizen demands can meet. The encouraging news is that the public is significantly ahead of their governments, with the study underscoring the overwhelming support for clean, renewable energy over fossil fuels. The collective call for cleaner, sustainable energy has never been more urgent. It emphasizes the urgency of bridging the gap between emissions policies and fossil fuel production, while also helping leaders, advocates and campaigners connect with the hearts and minds of their citizens. We now have a clear path to follow; all that remains is the collective will to follow it.”

Alex Rafalowicz, Executive Director, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative: “The data speaks volumes, even coming from the heartland of conservative politics – fossil fuels are a moral, financial, and political dead-end. All politicians should be on alert now that a political tsunami on energy is coming due to the climate crisis. You can see this data on the streets: ahead of the UN Climate Ambition Summit in New York, millions of people around the globe are participating in more than 400 actions to end fossil fuels – fast, fair and forever. Fossil fuels are more expensive, more dangerous, and less popular everywhere, so we need a global plan to swiftly phase them out.”

Notes to Editors:

● The full report can be downloaded at https://glocalities.com/harnessingsolarpower

About the study

For the Glocalities research 21,290 respondents were interviewed online in 21 countries. The fieldwork took place between 27 January and 20 June 2023 in the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye (Turkey), United Kingdom and the United States. These countries cover every continent, and collectively host more than 50% of the world population. The surveys were conducted through the online research panels of Dynata, an agency that is specialized in international fieldwork. In the Netherlands we used the panel of Glocalities’ sister company Motivaction. Quotas were set beforehand, and the datasets were weighed according to national census data with respect to age, gender, education and region. Each country has an equal weight in the total dataset when conducting international analyses.

For the full methodology we refer to the survey report.

About Glocalities

Glocalities is an Amsterdam-based international research agency that specializes in global insights based on values, culture and psychology. The Glocalities research program, that started in 2014, now covers more than 35 countries. NGOs, companies and the public sector use Glocalities insights to connect with audiences, based on a deep understanding of trends, people and cultures. In the international Glocalities surveys we have incorporated several research instruments that provide a deeper understanding of people, such as values segments, universal archetypes and trends. These instruments make it possible to obtain a holistic view of groups of citizens and gain deeper knowledge of their drivers, aspirations and behaviors. Free reports on a multitude of topics such as the transition to a more sustainable future are available on our website. For more information, visit www.glocalities.com

About Global Citizen

Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

About the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is a global effort fostering international cooperation to end new development of fossil fuels, phase out existing production within the agreed climate limit of 1.5°C, and accelerate a just energy transition by developing plans to support workers, communities and fossil fuel dependent countries to create safe and healthy livelihoods. For more information, visit https://fossilfueltreaty.org/

More information about the study: 
Martijn Lampert, Research Director Glocalities: m.lampert@glocalities.com 
Media Inquiries: Caroline Head, EMEA PR Director, at media@globalcitizen.org

As published in Qualcomm’s 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report

We provide employees with frequent opportunities to share their feedback on what it’s like for them to work at our Company. We hold company-wide and business unit “All Hands” meetings on a quarterly basis to give employees opportunities to ask questions of our executive leadership team.

We conduct full census engagement surveys, as well as pulse surveys. These surveys provide employees the opportunity to give feedback and enable management to assess employee engagement. We ensure that every employee gets the opportunity to participate in these surveys at least annually. We use the results to drive change and engage, retain and develop our people. Leaders receive a detailed report of the results for their organization within a few weeks after a survey closes to help them understand the strengths of their organization and to quickly begin acting on opportunities for improvement.

Each survey also includes a relevant focus area, such as inclusion, skill development or recognition. Based on 2022 survey results, programs are developed to address opportunities for improvement. Employee sentiment is continually tracked, and we are pleased to see high engagement scores as demonstrated by the high satisfaction in the following areas (average scores for fiscal 2022):

“I have confidence in the future of Qualcomm” — 91 percent favorable“My team has a climate in which diverse perspectives are valued” — 83 percent favorable“I would recommend Qualcomm as a great place to work” — 82 percent favorable

Learn more in Qualcomm’s 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report

Can businesses embrace circularity without compromising profitability? Kurt Ritter, The Coca-Cola Company’s vice president and general manager of sustainability North America, joins Mandi McReynolds in the third episode of the ESG Talk Climate Week series. Mandi and Kurt explore collaboration within the supply chain and integrating sustainability strategies into business outcomes across a global organization.

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Looking for more? Subscribe to the ESG Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, and YouTube.

Mary Kay Ash once said, “There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened. We all have a choice. You can decide which type of person you want to be. I have always chosen to be in the first group.”

Mary Kay is celebrating its 60th anniversary. That’s 60 years of making the world a better place for women and their families; 60 years of environmental restoration and beautification to preserve the world’s most precious resources; 60 years of advocating, bringing awareness to, and supporting women-related cancers and ending domestic violence; and 60 years of giving from the heart to causes near and dear to our corporate mission and founder, Mary Kay Ash’s heart around the world.

Since 1996*, Mary Kay and its company-sponsored foundations have given more than $200 million in charitable contributions to support organizations fighting cancers affecting women, domestic violence, gender inequality, education for women and girls, environmental protection and restoration, and so much more across the globe. When it comes to our philanthropic efforts, we are intentional. Our support of local, national, and global organizations help ensure we are making an impact where it matters most. Through thoughtful collaboration with key partners, we can maximize our reach, stretch opportunities and outcomes to their full potential, and support essential services and innovative solutions.

Throughout 2022, the iconic global entrepreneurship company furthered its innovations in skin science, continued its sustainability and social impact efforts, and garnered prestigious awards for its business and leadership. It’s a thing of beauty and proof that some things really do get better with age. Here’s to 60 years for women around the world.

To learn more about our most recent initiatives and philanthropic efforts, check out our 2022 Year-End Highlights.

*Comprehensive philanthropic tracking began in 1996 upon the establishment of the Mary Kay Ash FoundationSM. 

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) has made a $20,000 donation to the Red Cross to support relief efforts following the recent earthquake in Morocco, the country’s deadliest earthquake in more than a century. The company will also match employee donations.

On Sept. 8, the 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck just south of Marrakech, Morocco. The epicenter was within the Moroccan High Atlas Mountain range, roughly 75 kilometers (46 miles) from the popular tourist and economic hub of Marrakech. The death toll in Morocco has reached 2,900 with an additional 5,500 injured. The United Nations estimates 300,000 people across the region have been affected.

“The gravity of this crisis is being seen in the struggles of Moroccan communities who are stranded and awaiting aid,” said Rockwell’s Patricia Contreras, vice president, Community Impact. “We know recovery efforts will go on for some time, and we are proud to support the Red Cross and their frontline efforts to help so many who are in need.”

Rockwell funds will support the Red Cross network and their efforts to provide emergency shelter, relief supplies, and meals and to assist with search and rescue efforts. The American Red Cross is coordinating with its global Red Cross and Red Crescent partners to help get aid to areas where it is needed most.

This fall, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) and kate spade new york proudly announce the expansion of their joint program, the “She Care Wellness Pods”, which aims to reach over 25,000 Black women on HBCU campuses with frontline mental wellness care. After a successful inaugural launch at Alabama State University in April of this year, BLHF and kate spade are expanding the initiative to a second HBCU campus location, Hampton University in Virginia.

Through this groundbreaking program for HBCU students, BLHF and kate spade new york, in partnership with trusted Hampton University community resources, bring access to mental health facilities and resources directly to Black women on campus. The multifaceted program features the opening of “She Care Wellness Pods” – physical structures installed on campuses that offer a range of services, including:

Free mental health therapy sessions for female students experiencing an exacerbation of stress, anxiety and hopelessness.Hangout spaces that allow students to connect with peers or avoid isolation and grief during the school year and vacation periods.Unique programming including yoga, meditation, art and drama therapy, African dance, nutrition and more, all provided by certified practitioners.Workshops that offer resources and tools for those who suffer with anxiety, sleep deprivation and insomnia.Quiet spaces for silence, rest and respite to reset from daily stressors.

Founded in 2018, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation’s mission is to eradicate the stigma around mental health in the Black community. As a leading Black mental health advocacy group, BLHF provides competent therapy and integrated wellness resources. For kate spade new york, women’s empowerment has been at the forefront of the brand’s purpose for over a decade and remains a core pillar of the brand. This year, kate spade and the kate spade new york Foundation will invest $5 million in programming to further destigmatize the mental health conversation and continue to provide services to women and girls in need. By continuing to expand the “She Care Wellness Pods” initiative, the joint partnership aims to provide 25,000 Black women on HBCU college campuses with frontline mental healthcare.

“When we first had the idea to create the Boris L. Henson Foundation Self-Care Wellness Pods, I knew we had to start with women, and specifically women on HBCU campuses. I can remember through my own experiences with stress and anxiety, not having the adequate support to deal with my issues or the education to name what I was experiencing,” said BLHF Founder, Taraji P. Henson. “Black women, from a very young age, are taught to be strong and dismiss their own suffering, tending to the needs of family and community often at the expense of their own well-being. The She Care Wellness pods seek to change this narrative,” says BLHF Executive Director, Tracie Jade. “Our shared vision and partnership with kate spade new york has been vital in promoting conversations and offering support to students to take care of their mental health, starting with our successful launch of She Care Wellness pods at Alabama State University. We are proud to open our second installment at Hampton University this fall,” Henson stated.

“At kate spade new york, we believe that mental health is foundational to women’s empowerment, and recognize that it has long been under-acknowledged, underfunded, and stigmatized. We are committed to increasing accessibility of mental health resources to women and girls around the globe through our social impact work and trusted partners in this space,” said kate spade new york CEO and Brand President, Liz Fraser. “We are proud to expand our partnership with Taraji, Tracie and The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. By offering space and resources dedicated to mental health, together we can create a positive difference for young women on HBCU campuses and in their communities.”

“The health and wellbeing of our Hampton University community is of the utmost importance,” Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams expressed. “We take a holistic approach to education and, as such, we are honored to partner with the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and kate spade new york on the She Care Wellness Pods, positioning our students with additional resources for mental wellness, helping to prioritize the importance of mental health within our communities.

“Hampton University is proud to be a recipient of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation’s Wellness Pods,” said Kristie Norwood, Ph.D., director, HU Student Counseling Center. “One out of five adults are affected by mental health diagnoses and 39% of college students experience a significant mental health issue. It is our mission, at the HU Student Counseling Center, to help normalize therapy within the Black community, and to educate our students on the importance of self-care and mental health awareness. The Wellness Pods will be part of a multi-faceted approach to ensuring the health and wellness of our students.”

Each She Care Wellness Pod is designed to create an environment that stimulates joy, peace and serenity through intentional design and color selection. The mural is a reflection of each campuses’ unique identity, from the perspective of the student body. One student is selected by each campus leadership team to design the mural that is painted on the outside of the containers. The intention of the mural is to reflect the diversity of women and intersecting identities within the local study body.

“The piece I have created reflects the importance of watering yourself based upon what your body and mind need,” said Hampton University student and mural artist T’Kiyah Reeves. “As women, we must prioritize our wellness. We must treat our minds with the same love, care, compassion and grace we would give to a tangible seedling to support its growth into something beautiful.”

As a member of kate spade new york’s Social Impact Council, which was established in January 2022, Taraji P. Henson, has continued her work with the global lifestyle brand to increase mental health resources. Alongside other social impact members, including Sofia Wylie and Jazz Thorton and Latham Thomas and more, the cohort brings unique expertise and work hand-in-hand with kate spade to propel positive change, and encourage more conversation, education and research around the cause.

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and kate spade new york will launch their second “She Care Wellness Pod” at Hampton University, a historically Black university in Hampton, Virginia. The on-campus mental health destination will officially open to Hampton University students on November 2, allowing the community to take advantage of increased mental health resources and access.

About The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation:

Founded in 2018, BLHF has built its reputation on providing trusted referrals and demonstrating a deep understanding of the population health of communities of Color. Through timely and relevant programming and awareness campaigns, BLHF encourages mental wellness, raises awareness of the stigma and the use of stigmatizing language when referring to mental illness, and provides mental health resources to the Black community.

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is charting a new course that encourages Black individuals to own their history, heritage, and collective wounds in empowering, empathic, and transformative ways.

For more information, visit https://borislhensonfoundation.org/.

About kate spade new york:

Since its launch in 1993 with a collection of six essential handbags, Kate Spade New York has always stood for color, wit, optimism, and femininity. Today, it is a global lifestyle brand synonymous with joy, delivering seasonal collections of handbags, ready-to-wear, jewelry, footwear, gifts, home décor and more. Known for its rich heritage and unique brand DNA, Kate Spade New York offers a distinctive point of view, and celebrates communities of women around the globe who live their perfectly imperfect lifestyles. Kate Spade New York is part of the Tapestry house of brands.

About Hampton University:

Rich in history, steeped in tradition, Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. In addition to being one of the top historically black universities in the world, Hampton University is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators, representing 49 states and 35 territories and nations.

For more information, visit https://home.hamptonu.edu/about/

Contacts
Media:
LaForce, katespade@laforce.nyc