Month: February 2025

Every February 11, the world marks the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a celebration that recognizes the critical role women play in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At DP World, women aren’t just participating — they’re leading, innovating, and reshaping the landscape of logistics, port operations, and engineering against the odds of a historically male-dominated sector.

From Port Cranes to Boardrooms: Driving Change Across the Globe

At DP World, initiatives aimed at increasing female representation are gaining traction across multiple countries, demonstrating that change isn’t just possible — it’s already happening. In Argentina, workshops addressing gender stereotypes and workplace biases have encouraged employees to challenge traditional norms. Meanwhile, Canada’s MentorHer program fosters professional mentorship opportunities for women in STEM, spotlighting talents like Amy Ling, a maintenance engineer dedicated to improving terminal efficiency.

Moreover, leaders like Bronwyn Pountney, Environmental Manager at DP World Canada, are also leading change every day. By championing decarbonization, spearheading sustainability initiatives, and securing funding for environmental projects, she ensures that DP World’s operations in Canada balance global trade with environmental responsibility.

Elsewhere, Chile’s targeted training programs have propelled women into operational roles, including Lilian Cortés, a Portruck driver in training, and Fabianna Leal, a Port Lashing Specialist who overcame skepticism from male colleagues to prove her capability. Meanwhile, Kamila Naranjo broke stereotypes by becoming a certified chainsaw operator, excelling in a role that was once considered exclusively male. The Dominican Republic has launched transformative recruitment efforts, training women to operate Internal Transfer Vehicles (ITVs) and cranes, including Mary Sosa, the country’s first female RTG and gantry crane operator.

In Ecuador, programs like Operators of the Future and UAFTT ESPOL are helping women break into heavy machinery and technical roles. Lesly, a forklift operator, and Sharon Baque, a mother pursuing a degree in Port Logistics, embody the spirit of these initiatives. Similarly, in Suriname, the DP World 4Women program highlighted role models like Priscilla Pique-Edoo, the first female HSE Supervisor, through the inspiring “S(he) as a Beacon” campaign.

These are not token efforts — they are concrete, strategic investments in gender equity, with women breaking real barriers.

Against the Tide: Women Who Are Paving Their Own Way

The stories of DP World’s women employees are as inspiring as they are instructive. Take Patrícia Silva de Oliveira in Brazil, where she defied expectations by transitioning from bus driving to becoming an ITV operator, and then climbing further to become an Operations Supervisor. “Even if your dream seems crazy to others, you should go for it,” she says.

In Bronwyn Pountney’s case, her upbringing in Calgary, Alberta nurtured a deep appreciation for resource-based industries as well as a strong commitment to sustainability. She pursued a Bachelor of Social Science in Geography and a Master of Environmental Management, equipping herself with the tools to lead impactful environmental initiatives. As Environmental Manager at DP World Canada, she is now driving decarbonization efforts, piloting zero-emission equipment, and expanding Green Marine certifications across three terminals. “This perspective allows me to work effectively within DP World, helping balance the needs of global trade with the necessity of sustainability and environmental leadership,” she says.

In Peru, Cynthia Benites Virhuez carved out a space in IT leadership after years in logistics, demonstrating the vital intersection of technology and operations. Similarly, Olenka Cobos in IT services spearheads the Tech4Women initiative, providing digital skills training to hundreds of women across the region.

Meanwhile, in Ecuador, Verónica Plúas, a mother of five, has returned to study mechatronics at ESPOL University through a DP World-sponsored program, proving that education — and ambition — has no expiration date. Sharon Baque, another participant in the program, is breaking barriers in port logistics while setting a precedent for women in her community.

More Than Just a Seat at the Table

Women at DP World aren’t simply being invited into the industry — they are reshaping it. Fabiana do Nascimento Almeida, the first female quay crane operator in Brazil’s Port of Santos, is proving that women can command the heaviest machinery with as much precision as their male counterparts.

Women are also pioneering change in leadership roles. Daniela Zicari di Monte, Director of DP World Logistics in Brazil, is using her engineering background to drive strategic growth in logistics. Her journey reflects the increasing presence of women in senior roles, reinforcing the importance of sustained corporate investment in female leadership. Bronwyn Pountney’s work in Canada further exemplifies how women are influencing environmental and sustainability strategies that align global trade with environmental stewardship.

The ripple effect of these breakthroughs is felt in company culture. Suriname’s “S(he) as a Beacon” campaign highlights career journeys like that of Priscilla Pique-Edoo, the country’s first female HSE Supervisor, ensuring that workplace safety is a conversation led by women as much as men.

The Industry’s Gender Challenge

While progress is undeniable, the global logistics and maritime industry remains a challenging environment for women. Representation remains low in many regions, and workplace biases, hiring practices, and outdated gender norms still present obstacles. Roles like quay crane operators, chainsaw operators, and environmental managers are still seen as anomalies when performed by women.

Efforts such as mentorship programs, leadership training, and STEM outreach are making headway, but the pace of change must accelerate. In Peru, for example, initiatives such as Women’s Leadership and Women Truck have proven effective in training and retaining female employees. Yet, the slow pace of change underscores the need for broader industry-wide efforts. The industry as a whole must commit to structural reforms that actively address historic gender disparities and create pathways for women to succeed.

Celebrating Women the Right Way

The UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science isn’t about empty platitudes or virtue signaling. It’s about recognizing the incredible contributions women make to STEM and committing to a future where their achievements are the norm, not the exception.

At DP World, women are breaking ground, operating cranes, leading logistics teams, and driving innovation in sustainability. But their success isn’t just about individual accomplishments — it’s about challenging an entire industry to do better.

So here’s to all the women in STEM at DP World — breaking ground, lifting cranes, and changing the rules of the game. And here’s to ensuring that, in the not-so-distant future, they are no longer the exception, but the norm.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

If there’s one thing fans and media have learned by now, it’s to always expect the unexpected with University of Colorado Head Football Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. Known for keeping things interesting, like being the only athlete to play in both the Super Bowl and the World Series, Coach Prime never misses a chance to surprise.

On Sept. 17, at the news conference leading to the Colorado vs. Baylor showdown, Coach Prime added another twist. In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, he introduced 8-year-old cancer survivor and lifelong Buffs fan, Piper Lardes, as the Aflac Supplemental Coach of the Game.

Piper, a true Buffs fan through and through, took a few questions from reporters with confidence and shared how excited she was to team up with Aflac and Coach Prime to help support the Buffs in their upcoming game. Sporting her Blenders sunglasses and wrapping up with a heartfelt “Sko Buffs!,” Piper stole the show.

Piper’s connection with Coach Prime goes back to this past summer when they met at a children’s hospital during a My Special Aflac Duck® delivery, but Piper’s journey started much earlier. At just 4 years old, she began experiencing unexplained arm pain, which led to an emergency MRI. On Halloween 2020, she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare tumor pressing against her spinal cord.

After enduring 28 weeks of biweekly chemotherapy and 31 days of radiation, Piper was declared cancer-free. Today, she enjoys reading, playing softball and helping raise awareness for pediatric cancer. She even had the chance to do just that during the first quarter of the Colorado vs. Baylor game on Sept. 21.

On the field, Piper wore the first-of-its-kind Aflac-branded coaching staff custom headset that coordinated with the team’s helmets. Piper and her family were honored on Folsom Field, where her story was shared with fans. The stadium erupted in applause and cheers when it was announced that Piper is now cancer-free. Fans congratulated her and took photos with her as she made her way to her seat.

As the Aflac Supplemental Coach of the Game, Piper now boasts a perfect 1-0 coaching record after the Buffs fought hard and clinched a thrilling overtime victory against Baylor. It’s a game — and an experience — Piper and her family will never forget.

These memorable moments serve as powerful reminders about the importance of supporting children with cancer. Watch below for a special message from Piper to Team Aflac.

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

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DAVIDSON, N.C., February 11, 2025 /3BL/ – Trane® – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator, announces the new Trane® Connect™ for customers across North America, giving building owners and managers a modern, cloud-based all-in-one smart commercial building portal to access insights and controls. 

The integrated Trane Connect enhances building and operational efficiency that allows customers to improve utilization of labor, and energy, streamline maintenance and increase the life of HVAC equipment. The portal provides access to building systems and assets securely from anywhere 24 hours a day, saving time and operational costs. 

“This modern, cloud-based platform gives building operators and facility managers a single pane of glass with simple access to insights and controls,” said Riaz Raihan, senior vice president and chief digital officer (CDO) of Trane Technologies. “Smart buildings are talking, and Trane Connect is the newest, most powerful way to listen and turn building data into useful insights and better decisions.” 

20,000 users around the world benefit from Trane Connect to access their building automation and management systems and energy insights, including Trane Tracer® SC+ and other control brands. 

Key Features of Trane Connect:

Data-Driven Insights: The platform collects and analyzes data from HVAC systems to provide actionable insights, empowering facility managers to make informed decisions that enhance system performance and occupant comfort. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: The platform utilizes advanced analytics to identify opportunities for energy savings, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs.Predictive Maintenance: Trane Connect’s predictive maintenance capabilities allow users to anticipate potential issues before they become major problems, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of HVAC equipment.User-Friendly Interface: The platform features an intuitive interface that simplifies system management, making it easy for users to navigate and access key performance metrics.Seamless Integration: Trane Connect integrates with existing building management systems and IoT devices, providing a unified solution for comprehensive building automation.

Join Trane experts for a webinar on Feb. 25 for a deeper look into the new Trane Connect and learn how the simple cloud-based platform helps save time and operational costs.

Learn more about Trane Connect and how it can help turn data into useful insights and better decisions. Trane Connect | Trane Commercial HVAC

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About Trane 
Trane – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator – creates comfortable, energy efficient indoor environments through a broad portfolio of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems and controls, services, parts and supply. For more information, please visit www.trane.com or www.tranetechnologies.com.

About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit tranetechnologies.com.

© 2025 Trane. All Rights Reserved. 
All trademarks referenced in this document are the trademarks of their respective owners.

ST. PAUL, Minn., February 11, 2025 /3BL/ – Antea Group USA is proud to announce that Keith Knoke, Executive Vice President, has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors for Inogen Alliance. Keith will assume the role following the retirement of Peylina Chu, Senior Vice President at Antea Group USA, who has served as the Chair since 2018.

Keith Knoke brings over 30 years of experience to the role in the environmental, health, safety, and sustainability (EHS&S) consulting field. A geochemist by education, Keith has been deeply involved in Inogen Alliance since 2003, working with global clients and fostering collaboration across the network. Most recently, Keith served as interim COO for Antea Group UK, providing operational leadership during its inaugural months.

“I am honored to serve as the new Chair of the Board for Inogen Alliance and look forward to collaborating with Angie Dickson, her leadership team, and my fellow board members. Together, we will build on our proven resilience and agility to address the dynamic challenges of the global EHS&S consulting landscape,” Keith stated. “My hope is to help our clients and Associates find success locally and abroad while creating opportunities for our 6,000+ employees to engage in meaningful global work.”

Peylina Chu, the first female Chair of Inogen Alliance’s Board, concludes a remarkable tenure that spanned two consecutive terms. Her leadership established a robust governance framework and a culture of collaboration.

Reflecting on her time with Inogen Alliance, Peylina remarked: “I am proud of the governance structure we have built within the Alliance. I am confident that the new Board Chair, Board of Directors, and leadership team will continue to lead with wisdom and camaraderie.”

Keith shared his perspective on the value of the Alliance: “Inogen Alliance enables us to serve many of the world’s leading organizations with their global EHS&S needs, which would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve alone. Personally, my involvement with Inogen Alliance has allowed me to work with some of the best and brightest in the field—individuals who have become not only trusted colleagues but lifelong friends.”

About Inogen Alliance 

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.

About Antea Group 

Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance.