Month: April 2025

Originally published on Principal.com

Every role at Principal® serves our customers. Risk and security leaders, like Michelle, play a major role in that—helping secure customer data, their products, and their savings.

“Whenever a customer’s connecting with us, they can trust we’re taking care of them in a secure manner,” she says.

See what else she has to say about her purpose-led tech role, and how it’s evolved over time.

When did you join Principal, and what was that role like?

I started as an intern over 32 years ago! I really enjoyed that internship because I was in my last semester of classes, and I could relate my coursework to the professional work I was doing.

After that, I signed on as a developer. And within a couple of years, I started dabbling in leadership—managing interns and new hires.

What’s your role today?

I’m in information security and risk—primarily working in identity and access management.

That means making sure we’re helping keep our customers’ and our own employees’ data and information secure. We’re responsible for ensuring customers can securely log in or connect with an engagement center.

I’m a leader on this team, but what’s cool is that I’m also a Principal customer; we all are. I can put myself in a customer’s shoes and recognize the value firsthand.

How has the way we work evolved over the years?

The scope of roles has changed dramatically. Initially, everyone in IT/engineering did a little bit of everything. Then we broke responsibilities into specific roles. We aren’t afraid to pivot when our processes aren’t effective or aren’t allowing us to move forward.

What’s your impression of our modernization?

It’s easy to keep doing the things we’ve always been doing. My teams will ask: Why are we doing this? What value does it bring? What’s the impact?

When the answer is, ‘It’s how we’ve always done it,’ it’s time to dig into whether it still brings value.

Principal really makes a concerted effort to prioritize progress.

How have you helped support other women in tech at Principal?

First, I’m always interested in how I can have a diverse team, in terms of skill sets as well as demographics.

Mentorship—both formal and informal—also really stands out. I enjoy hearing about what others are doing and what challenges or pressures they have. Sometimes I learn from them, and sometimes there are things they can learn from me.

And how have you been supported?

My mantra: I work to live. I don’t live to work. That balance isn’t always easy.

One of the things I’ve always appreciated is the flexibility at Principal. I loved going to my kids’ classrooms to read when they were in grade school, getting involved in their school activities, being a Girl Scout leader. Having that extra time together—or being able to stay home if someone was sick—helped meet the needs of our family.

Also, we have volunteer hours, which I always take advantage of.

What’s your advice for someone looking to break into tech?

Be inquisitive. If tech is something that you enjoy, be sure to challenge yourself. Technology changes so quickly. Being able to learn a specific skill and be an expert in that feels really good. What also feels really good is becoming well-rounded and knowledgeable.

At the same time, you don’t have to be the expert at everything. It’s OK to say, ‘I don’t know, I’ll get back to you,’ and then work through your network and use the tools available to you to move forward.

Principal® is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and an E-Verify participant. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion or religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic partner status, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also prohibit harassment on these bases.

Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (dol.gov)

If at any stage of the employment application process you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, contact Human Resources at MyHR@principal.com or 1-866-524-6947. Read our employment policies for more information.

Recruitment fraud is a scheme that offers fictitious job opportunities to people. This type of fraud is normally done through online services such as bogus websites, social media, or through unsolicited emails/SMS texts claiming to be from Principal or Principal employees. Only applicants who have filled out an official application on our career site (careers.principal.com) will be considered for employment opportunities. Principal will never ask for money during any stage of the employment application process. If you receive a communication (e.g., LinkedIn message, Facebook Messenger, SMS text, personal email, etc.) asking for money or personal financial information, don’t engage or respond. Please contact our Human Resources team at MyHR@principal.com or 1-866-524-6947, and your local law enforcement. For more information, review our recruitment fraud information.

You can find our U.S. workforce privacy notice here.

Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Company®, a member of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.

4112929-122024

We’re focused on driving innovation in virology, oncology and immunology – and that includes investing in world-class science to change the way cancer is treated. In the latest episode of The Centrifuge Sessions, hear from Samuel Haile, Ph.D., Director of Cell Biology at Kite Pharma, on how we’re working to deliver cell therapies that offer new hope for patients.

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world. Gilead has operations in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California. 

Canada’s freight network is a lifeline for its economy, connecting industries, businesses, and consumers across vast landscapes. But logistical challenges such as extreme distances, varied terrains, and unpredictable weather often slow operations, while increasing demand for freight services—driven by e-commerce and international trade—puts even greater pressure on an already complex system.

At a time when freight efficiency is critical, collaboration among railways, ports, last-mile delivery systems, and community stakeholders, including Indigenous groups, isn’t just important—it’s essential. That’s how we break through bottlenecks, meet growing demand, and build a resilient, future-ready freight system.

Canada’s Unique Freight Challenges

The Geographical Reality

Canada’s sheer size creates logistical hurdles that few other countries face. With supply chains spanning 5,500 kilometers coast-to-coast, the diverse terrain—mountains, plains, and Arctic tundra—coupled with harsh winter conditions can all complicate freight movement. Efficient freight systems here require innovative solutions and partnerships to mitigate these challenges.

Growing Demand Requires Urgency

The surge in e-commerce and globalized trade has caused freight volumes to skyrocket. The Port of Vancouver alone handled over 145 million tons of cargo in 2022, with similar record-breaking figures echoed at Prince Rupert. But here’s the catch—we’re quickly running up against capacity limits. Faster delivery expectations from customers and businesses add fuel to the fire.

Technology Integration and Sustainability Gaps

New technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain undoubtedly have the potential to revolutionize logistics by improving efficiency, transparency, and customer experience. But the reality is that successful adoption isn’t simply about having the latest tools—it’s about ensuring they are the right tools for the challenges at hand. As we’ve experienced, over-promising and under-delivering on tech can erode trust and have a ripple effect across operations.

Transparency with our customers and teams is key in navigating this. All of these challenges reinforce a clear message to logistics professionals across Canada: Collaboration is the only way forward. 

Collaboration as a Solution

Strength in Partnerships Across Nodes

When railways, ports, last-mile delivery systems, and communities work together, the results are game-changing. At DP World, we’re demonstrating this at key locations such as the Prince Rupert and Vancouver terminals. By integrating operations and establishing open lines of communication, we’re speeding up cargo movement and cutting delays. Collaborative planning ensures cargo swiftly transitions from trains to ships to trucks without bottlenecks.

One shining example is ongoing partnerships with Indigenous communities near Prince Rupert. Working together not only strengthens local economies but also speeds up the development of vital buildouts like intermodal facilities and dedicated rail access—resulting in faster, more efficient freight movement.

Sustainability Must Be Woven Into Collaboration

Sustainability is no longer just an aspiration—it’s a necessity for the future of logistics. Transitioning to low-emission vehicles, reducing cargo weight through smarter packaging, and investing in renewable energy aren’t optional steps; they are essential to meeting climate commitments. However, these initiatives come with real costs and complexities that we must approach with honesty.

Ports like Prince Rupert are leading the charge by adopting electric-powered cargo handling equipment, setting an example for the industry. But scaling these efforts won’t happen in isolation—it requires collaboration, shared investment, and aligned goals across the logistics network. At DP World in Canada, our focus is on being transparent about these challenges while working closely with our partners and customers to build a sustainable future that delivers value for everyone involved.

Addressing Regulatory Alignment

Policy can either ease collaboration—or obstruct it. Proactive regulatory alignment is vital for giving freight operators the flexibility to collaborate across jurisdictions. Policies fostering innovation, funding sustainable infrastructure, and standardizing digital solutions can act as fuel for collaboration.

Driving Forward Together

For Canadian freight to meet tomorrow’s challenges, no stakeholder can succeed in isolation. Railways, ports, truckers, policymakers, Indigenous groups, and tech innovators must work as co-creators of a streamlined, sustainable, and innovative network that delivers results now and far into the future.

DP World is committed to this vision and welcomes the voices of logistics and supply chain professionals who share our drive to deliver the goods (literally). Are you seeing barriers to collaboration in your own operations? Or have you implemented technologies or policies that sparked meaningful change?

We’d love to hear your insights and ideas. Join the conversation and share your experiences on our platform.

Together, we can pave the way toward an interconnected, resilient, and sustainable freight network for Canada—and the world.

This article was originally published in LinkedIn. Read the original article.

AUSTIN, Texas, April 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Whole Foods Market Foundation is excited to announce $897,000 in funding across three transformative project impacting 35,535 people in Ecuador, Nigeria and England. Throughout the year, the Foundation provides funding to help its partners improve nutrition and create opportunities for financial stability. Each project is designed to create lasting impact in communities worldwide.

From supporting microentrepreneurs in Ecuador to empowering smallholder farmers in Nigeria, and improving children’s access to healthy, sustainable food in England, these carefully selected programs represent the Foundation’s dedication to fostering sustainable economic growth and resilience where it’s needed most. Learn more about each project below:

Fundacion Espoir | Ecuador

Fundacion Espoir, a new Whole Planet partner, will receive a $350,000 three-year zero percent interest loan that will fund two distinct micro-loans programs. The first will support Communal Bank loans that provide small scale loans to Ecuadorian women living in poverty. The second micro-loan program—in partnership with HIAS Ecuador— supports refugees from Venezuela, Colombia, and Haiti. This funding will enable Fundacion Espoir to expand its reach from 36,739 to 41,464 active borrowers, serving vulnerable populations who typically live on about $2.90 per day and have limited access to traditional financial services.

Nuru Nigeria | Nigeria

Nuru Nigeria, a first-time Whole Planet partner, will receive a $297,000 three-year grant to empower smallholder farmers in conflict-vulnerable areas by establishing Village Savings and Loan Associations and other cooperatives that support farmer-led agribusinesses. This grant will enable Nuru Nigeria to expand into a new community, providing climate-smart agriculture support and financing loans for 2,000 new smallholder farmers in a challenging environment marked by climate issues and insecurity.

School Food Matters | England

School Food Matters, a longtime Whole Kids partner, will receive a $250,000 one-year grant to fund their edible education work. This includes School Garden Grants, a Honeybee Program, and Schools to Market. These programs will serve 75 higher-need K-12 schools in England. To date, Whole Foods Market Foundation has contributed $1.4M in funding to School Food Matters.

Since 2005, Whole Foods Market Foundation, has invested over $195 million supporting over 16,000 partner organizations and schools in 81countries around the world.

For more information, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org

####

About Whole Foods Market Foundation

Whole Foods Market Foundation works to nourish people and the planet by providing access to essential resources to improve nutrition and create opportunities for financial stability. The registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, based in Austin, Texas, encompasses the pillars of Whole Cities, Whole Kids and Whole Planet. For more information on the Foundation’s work, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Foods Market Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Originally published on March 11, 2025 on LinkedIn

Last week, Sysco GSC celebrated International Women’s Day with our IMPACT Colleague Resource Group, reinforcing our commitment to gender equity and honoring those driving meaningful change. From inspiring conversations to moments of connection, it was a powerful reminder of the impact of inclusivity.

We also recognized this year’s GEM (Gender Equity Momentum) Award winners—colleagues who champion diversity, foster inclusivity, and break down barriers. Congratulations, and thank you for your dedication!

Let’s continue celebrating IWD across Sysco and beyond!

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended June 29, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com.

 For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

View original content here.