Month: August 2024

One of Sands’ essential diversity, equity and inclusion priorities is to create a supportive and nourishing culture that offers growth and development opportunities for all Team Members. A key way this commitment to inclusion and advancement comes to life is through Uni+ed, the Team Member resource group for LGBTQ+ community members and their allies.

“Uni+ed was created to support four core pillars; education, professional development, networking and community engagement,” according to Christopher Melton, who is senior vice president of global premium account management and serves as executive sponsor for Uni+ed. “I think we have largely accomplished what we had set out to do – but I think what Uni+ed has also successfully done is give people a chance to get to know one another, connect in a different way, as well as have a place to be their authentic selves.”

Educational programs to advance professional acumen and community engagement initiatives that benefit local causes as well as unite members have emerged as Uni+ed’s leading offerings.

Developmental sessions have spanned an array of topics such as working successfully in teams, cultivating emotional intelligence for successful interpersonal relationships, and learning about and navigating issues in the LGBTQ+ community via curriculum from The Safe Zone Project. Volunteer engagements have included packing food kits, assembling hygiene supplies and participating in fundraising walks to support local organizations.

Nina Khatami, senior global information governance manager, joined Uni+ed a year ago. “Uni+ed has been a really nice way to connect with people outside of my own department, an opportunity to come together and create connections beyond just day-to-day business interactions. You see people more fully and get so much more perspective about who your co-workers are. It’s really refreshing.”

Khatami also noted the strength of the group’s professional development and education programs, some of which have been replicated for other Sands departments following their rollout through Uni+ed.

“I’m really proud of our professional development programs, which are applicable to anyone,” Khatami said. “One of the first sessions we did was about the five most common dysfunctions of a team, based on learnings from a book by Patrick Lencioni. It was so successful and well-received that other groups and departments have asked the instructor to repeat the session. We get to share this wealth of knowledge so that everyone benefits. It has absolutely enhanced our corporate culture.”

Other education programs offered by Uni+ed have focused on emotional intelligence and the history and experience of the LGBTQ+ community, which included a session on the community’s portrayal in media and pop culture offered during Pride Month 2024.

The group also aims to empower people in being and becoming allies and is planning an allyship session this year.

“Allyship looks different every year,” Khatami noted. “This is a great time to learn more and for people to understand how to support the LGBTQ+ community now.”

For Jack Bonner, senior corporate communications manager, the group’s community engagement and volunteer work has been a highlight. “The most meaningful part of Uni+ed for me has been the volunteer work, because I believe it’s really important to help people when I can. We got to work together as a group to help others, and I also got to know my colleagues a bit more too.”

Community initiatives have included packing food kits for the Just One Project, Southern Nevada’s largest food pantry, by processing food supplies for more than 300 people facing food insecurity in Southern Nevada; participating in Aid for AIDS in Nevada’s (AFAN) AIDS Walk; and volunteering at The LGBTQ+ Center of Southern Nevada to assemble kits with hygiene and personal care supplies for distribution to people in need.

Community engagement and volunteerism have been inspiring aspects for Melton as well, and the volunteer service at The Center, where Melton serves on the board of directors, was a stand-out. “The energy and fun that came from Team Members that day was so special for me,” he said. “Days like that show how much Sands cares about our community, and it’s just a wonderful experience to have with your colleagues outside of our workplace.”

Bonner also sees the positive impact and cohesion cultivated through Uni+ed’s events and experiences. “I think Uni+ed and employee resource groups like it really help Team Members form bonds that might not exist otherwise. Uni+ed makes our corporate culture stronger and lets people see tangible support for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Looking ahead, Melton is working with the group to find ways for Uni+ed to build on its success and encourage more Team Members to participate. The group is planning a social outing to celebrate members’ recent professional achievements and advancements and an educational session to assist with public speaking skills. Members also will attend The Center’s Honorarium, the organization’s annual gala fundraising event, on behalf of Sands.

“I would love to see more people who don’t necessarily consider themselves allies right now come to our programs to learn how important their support can be,” he said. “I also hope that Team Members who are still in their journey to come out know they have a welcoming workplace where they can find compassion and encouragement.”

Melton also wants people to know that Uni+ed has support at the very highest levels of the company to grow in ways that can best support the needs of the community.

“While Uni+ed is very much run and directed by the group’s members, our leadership team wants to ensure that the group remains vital and responsive to what members might need or want to do. Uni+ed has given our Team Members a chance to come together, get to know one another, but it also demonstrates Sands’ support for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.”

To learn more about Sands’ workplace and community DEI initiatives, read the latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resources

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you currently do at GoDaddy?

I’m a Lead Researcher on the Global Research & Insights Team (GRIT) here at GoDaddy. Over the past ten years, I’ve had the opportunity to dive deep into a variety of customer journeys and product experiences. I’m passionate about connecting the dots between our research, customer data, external insights, and my own experiences as a business owner who uses lots of GoDaddy products. From security solutions to domains and website builders, I’ve worn many hats at GoDaddy, and I love the challenge of understanding our customers’ needs and making recommendations.

What inspired your entrepreneurial spirit?

When I was a kid, my father had a small computer software business that took over the basement of our house. It wasn’t successful, but I grew up around computers in the 80s. Then as an adult, I was exposed to the tech startup community while getting a PhD in Biomedical & Health Informatics from the University of Washington. After graduation, I considered joining an early stage health tech startup, but I thought it was too risky at that point in my life. I decided to join GoDaddy as a Researcher and put off this dream until it made sense for me.

Outside of work, you have a healthcare communication app. Would you mind sharing more about it and how it came to be?

The seed for my business was planted many years ago. In 2007, a few students and I won a student grant while at the University of Michigan School of Information. We proposed building a physician expertise sharing app called Casepedia. Fast forward to the pandemic, and a dear friend of mine who is a successful pediatric dentist and entrepreneur noticed that dentists were joining Facebook groups to share expertise. We decided to co-found a startup called CaseDrive to focus on solving clinician communication challenges, a topic I studied extensively in grad school. Since starting our business, we’ve identified a significant gap in the market, most recently for electronic medical record vendors and smaller healthcare organizations struggling with patient-facing and internal communication inefficiencies.

How has GoDaddy assisted you in building out your company?

We’ve bought tons of domain names. I’ve built three websites through GoDaddy. They’re quick and easy to get up and running, so we can focus on customer needs and product delivery! We have email accounts and Microsoft 365 through GoDaddy. We use Domain Pay Links and the low GoDaddy Payments rates, which I feel are unique offerings to evangelize.

What have you learned from your side hustle that you have been able to apply to your work at GoDaddy?

It’s so easy to have empathy for our small business customers, since I am one! I feel every pain point and delight every time something goes well. I have (often strong) opinions on tons of customer discovery, product, and account management flows. I love seeing changes in our experiences since product, marketing, and UX are truly listening to what us employee entrepreneurs have to say. I also understand the business and strategy side of GoDaddy on a deeper level than I did before.

What advice would you give to others who are looking to start a side hustle while working full-time?

Building a successful venture takes time. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You have to truly enjoy the journey to keep going when things get challenging – and they will.

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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30th Anniversary of Ray C. Anderson’s “Spear in the Chest” Speech

August 31, 2024 will mark the 30th Anniversary of Ray Anderson’s “Spear in the Chest” Speech. His life’s journey moved him from the football field and classrooms of Georgia Tech to performing on the world stage as a leading voice in industrial sustainability. In 1994, at the height of his success with Interface—a company he had built from a dream, grit and determination—he was challenged with a question that would define the rest of his life: “What is your company doing for the environment?” Read the speech.

MotionGlow Wins the Carbon Reduction Challenge

In the 2024 Carbon Reduction Challenge, organized by the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business and Georgia Tech’s College of Sciences, students volunteered to propose ways to reduce carbon emissions and costs for partnering organizations. First prize was awarded to Team MotionGlow, led by Hyunjun Ryh, a second-year chemical engineering major, and Kevin Maranto, a fourth-year aerospace engineering major in the BS/MS Honors Program. Hyunjun and Kevin are resident assistants who share dedication to helping Georgia Tech reach its sustainability goals. The RAs noticed that people often neglect to turn off lights when they are no longer needed, thereby contributing to carbon emission, light pollution, migration hindrances, and global warming. The team partnered with Georgia Tech Housing to propose a plan to install motion sensors in the North Avenue Apartments to reduce electrical usage from lighting. They determined that sensors and installation would cost $75k, and that the Institute could save $67k and reduce 492k lbs. of carbon annually. Congratulations, Team MotionGlow!

Georgia Tech Faculty Receive Grants for Sustainability Infusion

The inaugural Educational Innovation Community received funding from the Georgia Tech’s Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business for completing infusions of sustainable business content and pedagogy in their courses across a range of disciplinary areas. The Center is pleased to share spotlights on four recipients: Tiffany Johnson, Robbie Moon, Florin Niculescu, and Eric Overby.

A Journey in Environmental Leadership in Georgia

As a participant in the year-long Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership, Inc. (IGEL) program, Allison Bridges explored and learned at numerous environmentally significant locations around the state. In words and images, Allison shares highlights of her journey – from the “tumbling waters” of North Georgia to the Southeast’s most sustainable building (in our own backyard). Allison is program manager for the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact. Read the article. 

IGEL is currently recruiting the Class of 2025. Apply here.

Drawdown Georgia Business Compact

The Drawdown Georgia Business Compact continues to extend its network and foster opportunities for collaboration. The Compact is pleased to share spotlights on several members. Discover how Retaaza is bridging gaps in the food supply chain: Its scaled solution simultaneously gets food from farmers to those who need it most and addresses the massive problem of food waste in Georgia agriculture. Also, learn how four members – Brightmark, Alternative Energy Southeast, Yamaha, and Ascend Elements – are making meaningful strides in sustainability in the state.

Spotlight on Drawdown Georgia Grantee: Community Farmers Markets

The Drawdown Georgia team spoke recently with representatives from Community Farmers Markets, a Climate Solutions & Equity grantee, about the work they are doing through their MARTA Markets program to scale climate solutions and improve access to fresh, healthy produce for Atlanta residents.

Read on to learn more about the exciting work this grant is funding, and how CFM is leveraging farmers markets to reduce emissions in multiple creative ways.

Climate Digest Series: Composting in Georgia with Khari Diop

Do you think of composting as something magical and majestic? If not, this conversation with expert community composter and urban farmer, Khari Diop, will change your mind.

In this interview in the Georgia Climate Digest video series, Eriqah Vincent of Drawdown Georgia speaks with Khari Diop about what inspired his 27-year career in community organizing, urban agriculture and composting.

Video Series Launching Soon: Pollinators on The Ray

Josh Weaver, Natural Capital Manager at The Ray, recently shared the successes of innovations in the Landscape Lab, an ongoing project of The Ray and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). A primary focus of this project is the pollinator gardens, which have succeeded in drawing in various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to native GA plants, measurably increasing visual appeal and biodiversity on The Ray Highway. 

Josh will be the star of an upcoming video series filmed on The Ray Highway at the Georgia Visitor Information Center as well as exits 6 and 14. This series demonstrates the effectiveness of the native plants’ ability to draw in pollinators, decrease maintenance, beautify the roadsides, and stabilize the slopes against natural factors such as erosion. Tune in to any of The Ray’s social media platforms in coming weeks to learn about Josh’s efforts and realize that “Natural Capital is Everybody’s Capital.”

The Biomimicry Institute Announces 2024 Ray of Hope Accelerator Cohort

The Biomimicry Institute has announced the 10 startups selected to participate in the transformational Ray of Hope Accelerator. The six-month accelerator is designed to propel nature-inspired startups towards commercialization through robust training, networking, $15,000 in non-dilutive funding and over $50,000 of in-kind services. The Foundation is proud to be the keystone partner for this program. Read the full story.

Ray of Hope Alumni are Scaling their Companies

By investing in the Biomimicry Institute’s Accelerator Program, the Foundation is enabling them to vet high potential startups and enable them with the tools they need to scale post program. 

Over the past three months, five of the portfolio companies have secured funding, totaling over $27M being invested into impact oriented, nature-inspired startups!

Sudoc – $10M 
Anodyne Chemistries – $6M 
Cellugy – $4.9M 
Mycocycle – $3.6M 
Sparxell – $3.2M

Get to Know the 2023 Ray of Hope Finalists

The Biomimicry Institute is proud to highlight the 2023 Ray of Hope finalists, as they tell their stories via video. Be sure to follow the Institute’s YouTube page for new videos. Watch the latest example from Coral Vita here.

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

TOGETHER, WE CHANGE LIVES

Today we’re bringing you the latest quarterly giving series from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation to highlight the great work being done in support of our mission to help inspire and enable youth sports participation.

In our second quarter of 2024, we:

Committed more than $1 million in Sports Matter Grants to support teammate-nominated youth sports organizations.Renewed meaningful partnerships to keep giving all kids the same access to play.Welcomed Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes to House of Sport for a Field Day and a surprise Sports Matter Grant.

Read on to learn more.

Where Are They Now: Harlem Lacrosse

The DICK’S Foundation first visited Harlem Lacrosse in 2014. Dyjae Pearson and Jordany Baltazar were just teenagers looking for guidance. They found that structure in Harlem Lacrosse with Coach Joel Censer.

A decade later, Pearson and Baltazar returned to Harlem Lacrosse to present Coach Censer and the program with a $100,000 Sports Matter Grant in honor of The DICK’S Foundation’s 10th Anniversary. Watch the surprise here.

Giving Back with a Little Help from Our Teammates

In April, The DICK’S Foundation announced a $2 Million grant initiative to celebrate 10 years of Sports Matter. With that announcement, DICK’S Sporting Goods teammates (employees) had the opportunity to nominate a school sports team or youth sports organization that is making an impact in their community to receive a grant.

We approved 75 teammate submissions with at least one submission from each store region, the Customer Support Center and our community marketing managers. In total, The Foundation will commit $1,030,500 in Sports Matter Grants to these organizations!

Partnerships We Love

The DICK’S Foundation is proud to continue partnerships with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Project Play.

Through our partnership with LISC, we’re supporting a second year of the Game On-Community Places to Play Initiative! The initiative provides funding and technical assistance to community-rooted organizations creating and renovating multi-use youth sport spaces in under-resourced communities nationwide. Grant awards will range from $50,000 – $100,000 and will require 1:1 match funding. Interested and eligible organizations can apply through Sept. 5.

In working with Project Play, The DICK’S Foundation is now a 63×30 Partner Organization. The 63×30 initiative was brought to life after the federal government announced the national target for youth sports participation: 63% by 2030.

Having a Field Day

DICK’S Sporting Goods and On worked together to host a field day at the Ross Park House of Sport for Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA). The athletes participated in Olympic-type activities and received head-to-toe gear from On.

SOPA was then surprised with a combined $60,000 Sports Matter Grant ($30,000 from The DICK’S Foundation and $30,000 from On) to expand their unified sports programming.

Adventures in Learning

That’s a wrap on the 2024 Summer Camp at McKeesport Area School District (MASD) near Pittsburgh. More than 480 K-8 students registered for this year’s camp. They spent four weeks participating in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities, crafts, field trips and more!

The school also partnered with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to host several farmer’s markets over the summer for MASD students, families and community members to pick up fresh, local produce.

Read about The DICK’S Foundation’s partnership with MASD here.

THESE MOMENTS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPORTS MATTER FUND. IF YOU’D LIKE TO DONATE, VISIT WWW.SPORTSMATTER.ORG.