Month: May 2025

Key Points

• In less than three years, a $350,000 grant from Marathon Petroleum is already making a major impact on educators in St. John the Baptist Parish.
• Launched in 2022 as part of a workforce development initiative, the program set out to help more than 100 teachers earn full certification and advance their careers.
• One of those teachers not only earned full certification but went on to receive the district’s top honor for the 2024-2025 school year.

Marathon Petroleum’s commitment to St. John the Baptist Parish is already making a big impact for teachers in less three years since a major investment was made. In 2022, the company’s Garyville refinery provided St. John the Baptist Parish Public School’s (SJBP) with a $350,000 workforce development grant to help non-certified educators in the parish earn their full certification.

That investment, which set out to cover the full cost for approximately 120 teachers, helped remove a major financial barrier for those looking to grow professionally, boost their pay and build stronger classrooms.

Teachers like Diashiki Snyder-Brown, who says the grant, along with a strong desire to achieve her dreams, helped turn a leap of faith into a thriving career.

“I love it,” Snyder-Brown said. “This is the first time I feel like I wake up ready to go to work every day.”

Snyder-Brown left her job in business to pursue a longtime dream of becoming a teacher. In August 2022, she was just beginning the certification process. Even then, her passion was clear.

“I show up every day and give it my all,” she said. “I focus on what matters, teaching one student at a time, one class at a time and doing what I can to make a difference.”

Snyder-Brown is now a fully certified teacher at East St. John Preparatory Academy, where she teaches 7th grade math. She was recently named the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year in St. John the Baptist Parish, the district’s top honor.

For the district’s leadership, this kind of impact is exactly what the program was meant to spark.

“With partners like Marathon coming together to do what truly makes a difference, the impact has been invaluable,” said Dr. Kimberly Gales-Johnson, Chief of Staff for the school district. “This is an investment in our teachers, our students and our entire school system, and one that will benefit us for years to come.”

Dr. Jaimee Williams, the district’s Chief of Academics, agrees, especially as the program also opens doors for paraprofessionals and support staff to earn associate degrees and grow into teaching roles of their own.

“Supporting their career growth benefits them and our students. It’s a win-win,” Williams said. “When staff feel invested in, student performance rises too.”

According to Gales-Johnson, one of the biggest challenges to certification is cost. Without support, many educators simply don’t or can’t pursue it.

“That’s why this matters so much,” Gales-Johnson said. “Certified teachers are more likely to stay in the profession and stay right here in St. John Parish. This is a life-changing investment on many levels.”

The workforce development program builds on the Garyville refinery’s continued support for education in the parish, especially after Hurricane Ida in 2021, as part of a larger effort to help the community rebuild.

Snyder-Brown hopes her story encourages others to take a similar leap.

“During the pandemic, I felt lost and unsure of what I wanted to do,” she said. “This program and Marathon’s support gave me the push I needed. Less than three years later, I’m Teacher of the Year. It’s an incredible feeling, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

Joining Snyder-Brown are nine other educators who’ve become fully certified during the 2024–2025 school year alone, with more than 40 others currently enrolled in the scholarship-like program, a number the district hopes will continue to grow.

 

By Mel Campbell

Achieving great things is something to be honored. But what about the people who were the driving forces behind that success? What about the people who inspired someone to strive for something more?

Honoring these inspirational people is at the heart of the Regions Riding Forward^® Scholarship Contest.

With the announcement of winners for the fourth quarter of 2024, Regions completed its selection of four winners of the Regions Riding Forward^® Scholarship Contest for each quarter of 2024. Each of these winning students receive a check in the amount of $8,000 made out to their designated accredited college.

In 2024, Regions revamped the scholarship contest to provide more opportunities for students to apply. The contest invites eligible high school and college students to submit a video essay or traditional written essay on someone they know in their community who has inspired them and helped them build the confidence to achieve their goals.

• Like the 2024 Contest, the 2025 Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest consists of four (4) separate quarterly contests.
• For each quarterly contest, eligible entries are grouped according to form of entry (written essay or video essay) and judged by a panel of independent, qualified judges.
• A total of four (4) quarterly contest scholarship prizes are awarded in each quarterly contest, consisting of two (2) prizes for the written essay group and two (2) prizes for the video essay group.
• Regions promotes the scholarship contest throughout the year and students may submit an entry in each quarterly contest.

Fourth quarter 2024 Contest winners and the individuals they highlighted in their award-winning submissions include (follow links to read/watch their submissions):

• Lacey Aho, Campobello, S.C., who detailed her journey and experiences having Type 1 diabetes and the nurse, Annie, who encouraged and inspired her. Annie’s example of personal connection and writing to her and each patient she helps inspired Aho. “Her example of patience, perseverance and joy will propel me as I pursue my degree,” Aho said.
• Lauren Jenkins, Columbus, Ga., honored Judge Moore who has inspired her to continue on the path to study and practice law, eventually to become a civil rights lawyer. She said Judge Moore showed her that not only could she succeed but, noting the lack of female and African American judges, also help pave the way for others.
• Jacquelyn Regan, Wake Forest, N.C., who shared the impact that her AP English teacher, Ms. Tekotte, has had one her. While her interest and future plans are to be a genetic researcher, Regan found an unexpected – but much needed – positive influence and someone who helped kindle a passion for connecting to others and communicating.
• Ecaterina Sur, Austin, Tex., who highlighted her Advanced Algebra II teacher, Mrs. Weissmiller, calling her “the most positive person I have ever met.” She pointed out how her teacher engaged her and her classmates and built a positive environment for everyone to achieve. It was her supportiveness and encouragement that helped convince Sur to pursue a college major in math.

To learn more about the Riding Forward Scholarship, visit www.regions.com/ridingforward.

See full contest rules for complete details, including eligibility and written essay and video essay requirements.

See a list of previous winners and their winning submissions on Doing More Today.

If you know of a young person – in college or headed that way – please share this information with them and with the guidance counselor at their school.

The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship contest has awarded over $1.4 million in educational assistance to more than 400 students over the past 12 years.

Published by Action Against Hunger.

There are 733 million people facing hunger in the world right now. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, several trillion dollars will be required to end hunger worldwide. Failing to properly fund efforts by 2030 means “millions of people will still be undernourished, millions will have been pushed into crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity, and insufficient progress will have been made to meet all global nutrition targets.” Worse, the consequences of delaying the fight against hunger increase the costs of doing so later because situations that lead to hunger will have worsened. According to the Action Against Hunger 2024 Hunger Funding Gap Report, countries dealing with “crisis” hunger levels received only 35% of hunger-related funding requested in 2023 — far too little to rehabilitate malnutrition-inducing contexts.

The funding gap for addressing world hunger is worsening. The recent dismantling of USAID, the world’s largest source of humanitarian funding, has impacted one-third of Action Against Hunger’s programs and damaged humanitarian infrastructures at large. Significant, sustained effort is essential for addressing the multitude of factors that lead to hunger, and global funding cuts threaten to set back years of progress made.

With two-thirds of the world’s children currently suffering from malnutrition, and a child dying from hunger every 15 seconds, the destruction of USAID and budget cuts for humanitarian organizations can incite a feeling of hopelessness. However, Charles Owubah, CEO of Action Against Hunger, encourages a spirit of resilience. “Imagine if we didn’t just lament disappearing aid budgets that were always too meager to begin with and instead focus on how we can deliver the promise of zero hunger for all,” he says. “When budgets and hearts seem to be getting smaller, big goals can enlarge us all.” In the face of budget cuts, Action Against Hunger is focusing on what we can accomplish.

Action Against Hunger is continuing to lead the charge in fighting hunger around the world by maximizing the power of every dollar of funding. Ninety cents of every dollar donated to Action Against Hunger goes directly to programs, and we ensure our programs yield significantly greater returns on investment by integrating long-term solutions that communities can sustain without additional external aid. Our streamlined approach enables us to create massive impact despite limited resources, and each investment creates ripple effects of change: from one child’s life, to a community’s wellbeing, to regional food systems and beyond. With just $1 million or less, here are ten examples of things Action Against Hunger can accomplish.

1. Replenish Therapeutic Milk Supply in Somalia – $10,000

In Somalia, Action Against Hunger’s current supply of—a therapeutic milk formula essential for treating severely malnourished children—will soon run out due to supply chain disruptions caused by USAID funding cuts. Just $10,000 could fund a full month’s supply of this lifesaving treatment and care for thousands of children in crisis-affected regions. In addition to immediately saving lives, the investment would be devoted to developing local production capacity for these essential treatments, reducing future dependency on external aid.

2. Advance Rice Farming Innovation in South Sudan – $50,000

In South Sudan’s Aweil region, our rice farming program has grown from 100 farmers in 2021 to 500 in 2024, creating a promising foundation for food security in a country where 54% of the population faces acute hunger. An investment of $50,000 takes this successful initiative to the next level by providing six essential rice milling machines, high-quality seeds, and advanced farmer training. This transforms the local food system, enabling complete processing from farm to market and adding substantial value to locally grown rice. The program specifically includes women farmers, challenging traditional gender roles. Action Against Hunger’s work in South Sudan creates economic opportunities beyond subsistence farming, establishing local food production systems that will continue generating income and nutritional health for years without external support.

3. Support School Nutrition Programs in Tanzania – $60,000

In Tanzania, where the teenage pregnancy rate is 22% and child mortality remains high, $60,000 supports comprehensive school meal programs in Early Childhood Development centers that meets nutritional needs and boosts school attendance. Action Against Hunger supplies fortified meals to immediately improve kids’ nutrition while at school, and we introduce energy-efficient cooking methods and water harvesting systems so more food can be provided with less resources. Teachers are trained in nutrition education, and school gardens are established for ongoing food production. This holistic, sustainable approach boosts academic outcomes, increases school attendance — especially for girls — and establishes nutritional practices that children carry home to their families, creating intergenerational change.

4. Activate a Mobile Health Unit in Haiti – $70,000

In remote, conflict-affected areas of Haiti, Action Against Hunger’s mobile units deliver critical healthcare where no other aid organizations go. Government support is diminishing in these volatile regions, but with a mere $70,000, Action Against Hunger can fund a complete Mobile Health Unit that brings malnutrition treatment, healthcare, immunizations, and maternity care to isolated communities. Beyond providing immediate medical intervention, these units establish community-based health education programs that equip local residents with knowledge and skills to prevent malnutrition and disease. This dual approach saves lives and creates lasting change in areas that would otherwise be abandoned.

5. Provide Emergency Water Access for Drought-Stricken Communities in Kenya – $75,000

In Kenya’s most water-stressed regions, 41 of 67 boreholes require urgent rehabilitation after the withdrawal of USAID-funded water programs. With $75,000, we can repair nine critical non-functional boreholes in areas where communities are now forced to trek over a mile for water. This intervention restores access for thousands of people and their livestock, addresses immediate water needs, and strengthens community water management systems. Additionally, it prevents waterborne diseases that exacerbate malnutrition and reduces the burden on women and children who spend hours daily collecting water. As climate change intensifies drought conditions, water access support provides a lifeline to communities at the frontline of this crisis.

6. Engage in Emergency Response for Crisis Refugees Entering South Sudan – $100,000

South Sudan is facing an influx of refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan, straining already limited resources in a country where 54% of the population experiences acute food insecurity. It takes $100,000 to providing comprehensive emergency response to displaced families, including emergency shelter for 500 households, food assistance for 1,500 individuals, malnutrition treatment for 500 children, and essential health services for 2,000 people. With this program, urgent humanitarian needs are addressed, and protection services and psychosocial support offer long-term benefits for the community. Together, we can ensure that families fleeing violence don’t face a second crisis of hunger and disease in their place of refuge.

7. Transform Healthcare in Somalia with Solar-Power- $150,000

In Somalia’s remote regions, health facilities lack reliable electricity for essential medical equipment, vaccine refrigeration, and basic lighting. A $150,000 investment is all it takes for Action Against Hunger to transform healthcare delivery through solarization of critical facilities, providing consistent power to clinics, maternity wards, and nutrition centers in areas with frequent or total power outages. This sustainable solution eliminates dependency on expensive, unreliable diesel generators while ensuring continuous service delivery for malnutrition treatment, maternal care, and essential health services. By harnessing Somalia’s abundant sunshine, this intervention creates environmentally sustainable healthcare infrastructure that will serve communities for decades with minimal ongoing costs.

8. Manage a Sudan Emergency and Recovery Program – $350,000

Sudan is facing a catastrophic famine, and 25 million people are experiencing acute hunger following the withdrawal of USAID support. Since civil war erupted in 2023, Action Against Hunger has provided critical assistance to over 1.1 million people. It takes $350,000 to sustain these essential interventions—food assistance, nutrition support, clean water, and protection measures—for communities facing imminent starvation. Additionally, Action Against Hunger introduces climate-smart agriculture techniques and economic empowerment initiatives, creating sustainable food systems that can withstand future crises and address the root causes of hunger to prevent it from happening again.

9. Strengthen a Climate Adaptability Program in Zambia – $500,000

In Zambia, climate change is devastating agricultural communities, with increasingly frequent droughts threatening food security for millions. With $500,000, Action Against Hunger could immediately enroll 1,250 vulnerable households in drought relief and nutrition support programs at a critical moment when international aid has been dramatically reduced. More importantly, it implements our comprehensive 10-year program that strengthens climate-smart agriculture through drought-resistant, nutritious, high-value cowpea crops. Farmers participating in this innovative program have already tripled their incomes, creating generational resilience against climate change. This approach creates sustainable food security in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions where 2 million people are facing crisis levels of hunger.

10. Research and Distribute Breakthrough RUTF – $1,000,000 

Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is the gold standard for treating severe acute malnutrition with over a 90% success rate. However, current formulas are expensive to produce and heavily dependent on imported ingredients, limiting access for millions of children who need treatment. At a critical moment when traditional funding sources have been cut, groundbreaking research that cuts costs of RUTF is essential for increasing the number of children we can save despite having fewer resources. This pioneering initiative will revolutionize hunger treatment by developing a plant-based therapeutic food formula that reduces costs by 25% while enabling local production in the Global South. Beyond saving lives today, this intervention catalyzes systemic change that will help millions more children receive life-saving treatment for years to come. The economic impact is equally remarkable—every $1 invested in novel RUTF research generates an estimated $18 in return through reduced healthcare costs, increased productivity, and strengthened local economies. This transformational approach doesn’t just treat hunger; it reimagines how we fight it, creating sustainable solutions that advance our mission of ending hunger for good.

Equipped to Adapt, Ready to Act

Action Against Hunger has 45 years of experience in saving lives to revolutionizing the fight against hunger, so we have a solid foundation to operate from as we navigate this new humanitarian context. With a streamlined financial structure, proven by 17 years of receiving the highest Charity Navigator ranking in terms of accountability and transparency, we are equipped to make sound financial decisions that maximize our programmatic impact despite facing limited resources. Challenging circumstances cannot alter our key priorities: saving lives today through rescue and response, building resilience with sustainable solutions, and strengthening the future of food with research and innovation.

There is no denying that there are enormous obstacles to overcome in the fight against hunger, but Action Against Hunger is determined to do whatever it takes to accomplish our mission of ending hunger for all. Our position remains strong, our mission unwavering, and our determination to save lives greater than ever. Together, we can sustain crucial programs while we build upon our sustainable and diverse funding model, building resilient communities that will thrive tomorrow.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Verizon

Greg Pardo knew he was ready for a change when he saw a job posting for a Verizon Innovative Learning Lab STEAM Specialist in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He’d worked for 23 years at the same level in a nearby school system — as a computer science teacher, a STEM interventionist and other roles — yet was unable to work his way into administration.

“Always trying to move up, but never quite making it,” says Pardo. “It was frustrating.”

In the three years since he took that role as a STEAM Specialist at McKinley Community School in New Brunswick, he’s advanced to Supervisor of Instructional Technology for the New Brunswick School System. What helped him move up so quickly? Decades of tech education experience, natural people skills and professional training from Verizon Innovative Learning.

Pardo loves science and engineering even though he didn’t grow up in a particularly tech-savvy home. “We had one TV in my house,” he recalls with a smile. “The channel knob broke off at one point and my father fixed a vise grip to the knob. We had no remote. I was the remote.”

His grandfather, however, was intrigued by cutting edge technology, and bought a personal computer when it was still a novelty. Pardo loved programming it and playing video games. Those early lessons in coding grew into a lifelong fascination with the way machines, robots and computers work.

Today’s kids grow up in a different world. Corded telephones and cassette players have been replaced by hand-held computers. Most students have instant access to knowledge and can create otherworldly illustrations with a few screen taps. The traditional, teacher-centric classroom doesn’t click with this new generation of self-taught learners.

“They want to create their own knowledge. They want to create their information. They want to create their own learning,” says Pardo.

During his years as a STEM educator, Pardo began experimenting with student-led classrooms. Verizon Innovative Learning’s professional development sessions helped supercharge that skillset.

“Working with Verizon Innovative Learning improved my confidence as an administrator, giving me the tools really to understand how we utilize technology in a classroom setting,” says Pardo.

In the Verizon program, students complete lessons that foster problem-solving abilities. “Students are working together and the teacher is a guide on the side,” explains Pardo. “That allows the kids to collaborate, communicate, be creative and think critically. That interaction happens more organically when lessons are project-based or problem-based.”

Discussions about technology regularly extend into real-world applications. An architectural build stirs up interest in the engineering required to keep a bridge structurally secure. A virtual reality tour of Egyptian pyramids offers students — many who rarely leave New Brunswick — a chance to travel halfway around the world. Programming a rolling robot develops into questions about a career building lunar rovers.

Now, in his role as District Supervisor of Instructional Technology, Pardo shares wisdom about student-centered learning with educators throughout the New Brunswick school system, often suggesting changes in classroom methodology.

“So many of our teachers are teaching the way they were taught,” says Pardo, referring to the traditional “chalk and talk” classroom style that has been the standard for centuries. “They have a hard time letting go of that. My role has been to come in and have them release the reins a little bit.” That shift encourages the student to get more involved and increases student engagement.

Anthony Mwangi, New Brunswick Middle School Robotics teacher and Verizon Innovative Learning Lab Mentor, says Pardo has changed the way he teaches. “Mr. Pardo encourages teachers not to give students the answers, but help them work to find the solutions themselves,” says Mwangi.

Developing students’ science and engineering education isn’t always about introducing more technology in classwork, notes Pardo. The educators must utilize the most impactful elements, “supporting the students in their learning and pushing them to meet their fullest potential.”

Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all. As part of the plan, Verizon has an ambitious goal of providing 10 million youth with digital skills training by 2030. Educators can access free lessons, professional development, and immersive learning experiences to help bring new ways of learning into the classroom by visiting Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

“Working with Verizon Innovative Learning improved my confidence as an administrator, giving me the tools really to understand how we utilize technology in a classroom setting,”

Greg Pardo, District Supervisor of Instructional Technology for the New Brunswick School System

In June 2024, PotlatchDeltic and Central Arkansas Water (CAW) completed the purchase and sale of 2,047 acres of forestland in the Lake Maumelle watershed, a vital source of drinking water for the City of Little Rock and surrounding communities. This transaction marks the latest chapter in a strong, trust-based relationship dedicated to providing future protection for one of Little Rock’s most essential natural resources while balancing conservation priorities with economic and urban development considerations.

For CAW, the goals were clear: prevent future development that could possibly disrupt water quality. While PotlatchDeltic’s sustainable forestry practices align with conservation values, long-term ownership of the land by CAW was a crucial factor. Under CAW’s ownership, this land could be maintained as a buffer to protect streams and the Maumelle River headwaters before they even reached the lake. This buffer would help control potential contamination sources and maintain water quality from the point where streams exit the adjacent U.S. Forest Service land.

What made this transaction possible wasn’t just a shared vision for conservation, but years of trust and collaboration. PotlatchDeltic has long understood CAW’s watershed protection priorities, and both organizations worked together aligned by their respective sustainability goals. Identifying strategic opportunities, like this sale, fosters an environment where forestland can continue to benefit both people and nature. By keeping the dialogue open, the two organizations have developed a model where conservation and economic considerations work hand in hand.

This transaction is more than just a land sale, it’s an example of how public and private entities can work together to balance environmental protection with responsible land management. PotlatchDeltic’s commitment to sustainable forestry management gave CAW confidence that the land had been well-managed leading up to the sale, while the land sale ensured that growth pressures wouldn’t encroach on critical watershed areas. As development pressures near critical watershed areas increase, transactions like this set a precedent: when organizations align their goals, meaningful conservation outcomes become possible.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

What is your name and what do you do here at GoDaddy?

Hi, my name is Julia, and I am a Software Engineer here at GoDaddy. I interned with the M365 Provisioning team during the summer of 2019 and have continued with the same team since I joined full-time in February 2020. I became a member of our Employee Resource Group, GD Asians when I started working full-time. In August 2023, I seized the opportunity to join the leadership team as the main Communications Lead. By October 2024, I assumed the role of Co-President.

As Co-President of GD Asians, what initiatives or projects are you most excited about, and why?

One of our key priorities this year has been to increase membership and host events that cater to time zones more friendly to our APAC members. I’ve had members in Asia frequently reach out, asking if we were planning to host any of our events at a more convenient time for them. Given the recent expansion of our teams in India, I wanted to ensure this significant part of our community felt included in our events. We are fortunate to have an incredible group of members in India who have stepped up to facilitate our APAC events. With the exciting lineup planned for May, I’m optimistic that our APAC members will feel the commitment we’re making to deliver engaging events directly to them!

What do you want your colleagues, neighbors, and friends to take away from Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month?

I hope my colleagues, neighbors, and friends take away a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity within the AANHPI community. The umbrella term “AANHPI” originally came about as a way to bring different groups together under one banner to work toward shared goals, but it represents a hugely diverse population—East Asians, Southeast Asians, South Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Each of these groups has its own unique identity and stories that deserve to be seen and celebrated in their own right—not just as part of a broader group. I invite everyone, both allies and community members, to take the time to explore the diverse cultures within our community that are often overlooked.

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you, and how do you celebrate it?

For me, AANHPI Heritage Month is more about reflection and recognition than celebration. It’s a time to honor the contributions our community has made to American history, society, and culture. It’s not really something that I can celebrate with family and friends like I would Lunar New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival, but I find it really encouraging when government organizations use this month to host seminars and festivals that educate and highlight AANHPI impact. I really appreciate that GoDaddy acknowledges this month and empowers our Employee Resource Group to celebrate in ways that are meaningful to us. The events we are hosting this month is most of my celebration!

What aspects of GoDaddy’s company culture do you appreciate the most?

GoDaddy has always stood out against other places I’ve worked because of its incredible people, and the people are what make the culture what it is.

I feel genuinely lucky to work alongside such skilled and welcoming individuals, both in my day-to-day role on the Productivity team and as part of the Core Leadership team within GD Asians. Having the team of talented individuals I work with is an immense privilege. I truly believe I couldn’t have found a better environment to cultivate and advance my career as an Engineer.

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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