Month: September 2025

The story below was conveyed to FedEx from Heart to Heart International. FedEx has supported Heart to Heart with cash and in-kind transportation support for decades. The story reflects how FedEx Coldchain capacity came to the rescue.

Here’s the story:

FedEx played a critical role in ensuring our point of care laboratory training could happen for a clinic that was impacted by the California Wildfires.

Last week, our Point-of-Care Labs team was in Glendale, California, installing equipment and conducting training for our newest partner, Medical Mission Adventures, a clinic serving under-resourced communities, many of whom have been directly impacted by the recent Los Angeles wildfires.

During training, the team realized a critical Coldchain component was missing. Without it, the clinic would not be able to complete training or begin testing. The challenge was that the issue was discovered late in the day, with only one training day left on site.

Thanks to FedEx Priority Overnight service, we were able to ship the component after the normal collection time by dropping it directly at a FedEx location. This ensured the time and temperature sensitive item entered the FedEx system immediately, arriving in time for training to be completed and the lab to go live.

Your reliable service made it possible for us to keep our commitment and empower this clinic to provide essential testing to a vulnerable community at a critical time.

Thank you again for all that you do for HHI.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation (ACCF) has announced recipients of their 2025 Child Life Grant awards benefitting 15 hospital programs that will help bring comfort, support and guidance to pediatric patients, their siblings and families experiencing a cancer or blood disorders diagnosis. Since 2018, 83 grants totaling $152,500 have been awarded by the foundation to Child Life programs across the U.S.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to once again support the vital role child life specialists play in helping young cancer and blood disorders patients and their loved ones navigate their journeys through diagnosis and treatment,” said ACCF president Kerry Hand.

Because insurance does not typically cover Child Life programs, charitable donations are vital for some hospitals to be able to include these therapeutic and educational interventions that help minimize stress, promote coping and help children and families adjust to medical experiences, he added.

This year’s grantees are Children’s Health Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK – Nourishing Hope; Children’s National, Washington, DC – Super Sib Day; East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, AL – Sickle Cell education; Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, Danville, PA – Head wraps and care packages; James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital, Greenville, NC – Canine Crew; Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Atlanta, GA – coping support resources; Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Tacoma, WA – developmental play items; New York Presbyterian Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY – support group; Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL – Memory Making; Christus Children’s, San Antonio, TX – Puppyatrics ; Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ – sack lunch program; UCSF Benioff Hospital, Oakland, CA – Patient and Sibling Resiliency Initiative; UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, Gainesville, FL – sibling care packages; University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS – proton therapy patient blankets; and Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, Augusta, GA – pup companion. Stay tuned to newsroom.aflac.com for more stories about the impact of these programs.

You can join the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation in its mission. One hundred percent of donations to the Aflac Childhood Cancer Campaign directly benefit children with cancer and blood disorders and their families through grants supporting treatment and research at hospitals and organizations across the U.S.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500878 
Exp 9/26

By Jigar Shah and Jonah Wagner of Constructive

The world is short on power ― and time. Global electricity demand jumped 4.3 % in 2024, nearly double the past-decade average, and is projected to increase at 4% annually through 2027. From AI clusters in Virginia to air-conditioner peaks in India, grids are groaning worldwide. Governments now face a dual imperative: keep bills affordable today and accelerate the deployment of electricity solutions to unlock unprecedented economic development opportunities.

The challenge of meeting load growth occurs against the backdrop of significant global restructuring and change ― and a retrenchment in local supply chains. The Carlyle Group sees nations will pivot toward local, clean electrons to cut import risk and price volatility.

How to meet load growth quickly and competitively In most regions, renewables paired with batteries have recently become the fastest and least disruptive solution to meet rising electricity demand while maintaining affordability. Utility-scale solar can be financed and built quickly, with grid-scale batteries completed in just 100 days. The U.S. added an estimated ~50GW of solar plus storage in 2024 ― nearly 2X the prior year — accounting for 81% of all generating capacity.

Read the full article here including their Five policies to meet the power crunch with clean affordable power – https://greenmoney.com/new_version/meeting-the-power-crunch-how-proven-technologies-and-policy-can-deliver-affordable-clean-power-at-speed

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ATLANTA, September 15, 2025 /3BL/ – The Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards (WSLA) Alumnae Group is delighted to announce the appointment of several new board members and associates, expanding its leadership team to further strengthen the mission of recognizing, connecting, and supporting women driving sustainability forward.
The new board members include:

• Terri Stewart, Chief Finance & Administration Officer, The American Institute of Architects
• Elaine Salewske, Founder, Elaine Salewske Consulting, Inc., specializing in Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability
• Vlada Kenniff, President, New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust

Joining as board associates are:

• Aidan Ganzert, former Global Manager, GP Strategies Corporation
• Eniola Ore, Sustainability Analyst, Lhoist

The newly appointed board members shared their enthusiasm for joining the WSLA Alumnae Group’s Board and the opportunity to advance its mission:

“I’m looking forward to supporting the important work of this group of women who recognize and celebrate the contributions of their peers towards building a more sustainable world,” said Terri Stewart.

Elaine Salewske expressed, “It’s an honor to join the WSLA Alumnae Board alongside women leading bold sustainability efforts. I look forward to celebrating, connecting, and empowering those creating meaningful progress for our planet and communities.”

Vlada Kenniff emphasized, “I am honored to join the WSLA Board and work alongside such an inspiring group of women leaders. Our greatest strength lies in recognizing and uplifting women who are fearless in advancing sustainability, ensuring their voices and impact continue to shape a more resilient and equitable future.”

The new board members will join existing board members as follows:

• Rochelle Routman, (President, WSLA Alumnae Group), Corporate Director
• Lisa Colicchio (VP, WSLA Alumnae Group), Sustainability Director, Metrolink
• Sandra Leibowitz (Treasurer, WSLA Alumnae Group) Managing Principal, Sustainable Design Consulting, LLC
• Heather Clancy (Secretary, WSLA Alumnae Group) VP, Editor At Large Trellis Group (formerly GreenBiz)
• Maureen Eisbrenner (Chief Development Officer, WSLA Alumnae Group), CEO and Founder, arbnco
• Duygu Erten, Founder and Global Head of Sustainability, TURKECO Construction and Energy, Inc.
• Kelly W. Fisher, Head of Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Bank USA N.A.
• Heather White, Author, Founder & CEO of One Green Thing

“This entire group of new and existing board members brings even greater expertise, passion, and leadership to WSLA. The synergy of these strong leaders, each with unique skills and capabilities, will elevate the organization by better serving the members and the community at large.” said Rochelle Routman, President & Chairperson. “We are honored to have the involvement of these talented women, and look ahead to a year of growth, collaboration, and continued recognition of women making an impact in sustainability.”

About WSLA Alumnae Group
The WSLA Alumnae Group, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is a community of past Women in Sustainability Leadership Award winners: over 135 of the most influential women* trailblazers who have become a powerful force in the profession of creating a more sustainable world. The group’s annual awards program, summits, service activities, and mentorship opportunities continue to pave the way in sustainability and for future leaders in the field. For more information, visit https://www.wsla.global.

*WSLA welcomes a diversity of women to unite as a strong collective of unique lived experiences and perspectives committed to sustainability and impactful environmental stewardship. WSLA is a strong proponent, advocate, and practitioner of equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice, and as such is an organization open to all women. Our definition of women is expansive and includes those who may identify as non-binary, genderqueer, gender-expansive, two-spirit, and otherwise do not exist within a gender binary.

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Press Contact:
Rochelle Routman, President & Chairperson
WSLA Alumnae Group
Email: wslaglobal@gmail.com
Website: www.wsla.global

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A Safer Home for Ronald

For over 50 years, Ronald worked as a truck driver, crisscrossing the country to keep America moving. After decades on the road, he settled into his home 22 years ago; a place filled with memories, love, and community.

Even in retirement, Ronald continued to dedicate his life to others, volunteering with a local charitable organization focused on self-improvement, community building, and making the world a better place.

But over time, his home became increasingly unsafe and inaccessible. On a fixed income, Ronald couldn’t afford the critical repairs he needed to continue living independently.

Thanks to DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity and the Regional Repair Collaborative, sponsored by Wesco, Ronald’s home has been transformed. He now has a sliding patio door, a new front door and screen, a wider 32-inch door connecting his house to the garage, an overhead garage door with a new opener, and most importantly, a wheelchair ramp that allows him to safely enter and exit his home.

With tears of gratitude, Ronald shared, “My home was alright, however the new improvements make me feel like a new man!”

Learn more about Wesco’s commitments to make a positive and lasting impact within the communities where our employees work and reside here.

Originally published on Tork Newscenter

Research-backed guide teaches facility leaders how to transform restrooms into a business asset that drives repeat visits, stronger satisfaction scores, and fewer complaints

Tork, an Essity brand and the global leader in professional hygiene, launched The Inclusive Hygiene Playbook – a first-of-its-kind resource that provides research-backed tips for facility managers to improve hygiene in one of the busiest spaces in a facility: the restroom. This builds on the ongoing efforts by the Tork Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene, which was launched earlier this year to explore and help solve for the hygiene barriers that people face in public restrooms. These barriers arise from a mismatch between a person’s abilities, needs or circumstances and their environment.

The hidden business impact of inadequate public restrooms
According to a recent survey from Tork, only one in five public restrooms meet users’ hygiene and cleanliness expectations. And when public restrooms fail to meet users’ needs, it directly impacts the overall experience, business reputation, and depending on the facility type, revenue. For example:

• 52% of people have acted upon a poor restroom experience* such as limiting how much they eat or not returning at all.” **
• In office buildings – where people spend a significant portion of their day – restrooms account for over 45% of building complaints.***

This is because a significant number of people face barriers to hygiene in public restrooms that often go unknown to the people who own, manage or operate public restrooms. Some of these barriers are visible; others are not. For example, a barrier can include anything from soaps that use harsh chemicals and thus aggravate a person’s skin condition, loud air dryers that overwhelm individuals who are neurodiverse, or faucets and paper towel dispensers that are difficult to operate for those with limited hand mobility due to a condition like arthritis. Research shows that 54% of venue visitors contend with some form of physical or cognitive challenge* and 44% of people feel anxious about using public restrooms and often plan their days around access to proper hygiene.**

“The Inclusive Hygiene Playbook was designed to help facility managers reevaluate the role of restrooms — not just as operational necessities, but as strategic assets that can elevate the user experience and drive business results,” said Amy Bellcourt, VP of Communications at Essity. “Backed by over 50 years of professional hygiene expertise and informed by ethnographic research conducted in 20 cities across North America, this playbook delivers actionable insights to transform public restroom spaces into business advantages.”

How to drive inclusive hygiene and unlock business outcomes
The Inclusive Hygiene Playbook offers research-backed guidance to help businesses understand the challenges people face when using public restrooms and how to solve for them so the hygiene needs of as many people as possible can be met and thus drive business performance and reputation. The research revealed that today’s restrooms often feel unhygienic, uncomfortable and uncared for.

The playbook outlines the following three key design principles and recommendations for addressing hygiene barriers and driving inclusive hygiene in public restrooms.

1) A clean and safe environment is paramount to encouraging return visits and boosting business performance

“When restrooms fail to meet hygiene expectations, businesses pay the price, said Ron Clemmer, Director of the Global Handwashing Partnership, who partnered with Tork on an inclusive hygiene roundtable in Washington D.C. in June 2024. “If people feel at risk of inadequate hygiene solutions and getting sick or they just don’t want to use a dirty restroom – it damages trust, hurts customer experience, and ultimately impacts the facilities’ goals.”

2) Put the “rest” back in restroom: design a comfortable and private space to increase user satisfaction and promote a better work environment.

“Smart businesses are discovering that exceptional restrooms drive competitive advantage,” said Dr. Steven Soifer, Treasurer, American Restroom Association, Co-Founder of the International Paruresis Association (IPA). “When facilities subject users to strong odors, excessive noise, and inadequate privacy – making restrooms feel overwhelming or even threatening – they fail the needs of people they serve. Forward-thinking organizations across industries are investing in comfortable, private, sensory-friendly design instead. In today’s market, the quality of your restroom facilities can make the difference between someone feeling welcomed and valued resulting in a return visit or feeling overlooked.

3) The restroom should feel cared for: signal care with communications that showcase your business values.

“Your restroom communicates your brand values whether you realize it or not,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity and the newest member of the Tork Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene. “Every detail – from signage that guides users with sensory sensitivities to accessible product placement and amenities – sends a message about the quality of experience your facility offers. Organizations that get this right not only exceed expectations but also foster a sense of community

“Restrooms have long been overlooked in the evolution of human-centered design, but that needs to change,” said Lee Moreau, Founder of Other Tomorrows and Professor of the Practice in Design at Northeastern University. “The Inclusive Hygiene Playbook is a one-of-a-kind resource that not only challenges outdated norms, but empowers facilities with specific, actionable steps to create more humane, thoughtful and high-performing restroom environments.”

To learn more and take actionable steps toward improving the restroom experience, download the Inclusive Hygiene Playbook here: https://www.torkglobal.com/us/en/about/inclusive-hygiene#playbook

To learn more about Tork, visit website and social media channels across LinkedIn, X and Facebook. 

*Tork Insight Survey 2025, conducted in US, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands and Poland among 11,500 from the general public and 1,000 cleaning staff.
**Tork Insight Survey 2024, conducted in US, UK, Germany, France and Mexico among 6000 end-users and 900 businesses.
***Statista: North America; Average across 2017 to 2021; 185 respondents; Building service contractors / commercial cleaning providers.

About Tork
The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissues, soap, napkins and wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that supports customers to think ahead so they’re always ready for business. Tork is a global brand of Essity and a committed partner to customers in more than 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit www.torkglobal.com/us/en/.

About Essity
Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

The holiday season is a time for connection, gratitude, and giving back. For employers, it’s also an ideal moment to strengthen workplace culture, deepen employee engagement, and showcase your company’s values. One of the most effective ways to do this is by providing employees with an easy, inspiring way to give back—through workplace giving.

Why Employee Giving Matters During the Holidays

The holidays are one of the busiest charitable giving periods of the year. Employees are already looking for ways to support causes close to their hearts. By offering a centralized, user-friendly donation platform, you empower your workforce to:

• Give with ease –ACH and credit card options make donating simple.
• Double their impact – Matching gift features help employees’ contributions go further.
• Support what matters to them – A wide selection of vetted charities ensures employees can contribute to causes they’re passionate about.

When you make giving seamless, you’re not just facilitating generosity—you’re fostering a culture of purpose and connection within your organization.

The Business Benefits of Holiday Giving Programs

Employee giving isn’t just good for the community; it’s good for business. Companies that integrate donation technology into their holiday initiatives see:

• Higher employee engagement and retention – Employees want to work where their values align.
• Stronger employer brand – Socially responsible companies attract top talent and strengthen customer loyalty.
• A more connected workforce – Giving together creates a sense of unity and shared accomplishment.

The Technology That Makes It Simple

Modern donation platforms take the heavy lifting out of workplace giving programs. With customizable holiday-themed sites, real-time reporting, and built-in matching gift capabilities, employers can launch a program in weeks—not months.

This means you can meet your employees where they are this season: ready to give, eager to make an impact, and looking to connect their work with a greater purpose.

Make This Holiday Season Count

Don’t miss the opportunity to turn holiday generosity into lasting engagement. By investing in donation technology now, you can create an experience that not only makes giving simple for your employees, but also strengthens your company culture well into the new year.

Ready to spark generosity this holiday season? Contact us today to launch your employee donation site in time for the holidays: https://impact.charities.org/holidaygiving

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

On a recent episode of The Direct Approach podcast, two of Mary Kay’s top global leaders – Tara Eustace, Chief Opportunity and Sales Officer, and Dr. Lucy Gildea, Chief Brand and Scientific Officer – offered a compelling look into what makes Mary Kay a global icon today and how the brand continues to evolve as the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care & Color Cosmetics in the world¹ and #9 on Forbes’ 2025 list of Best Brands for Social Impact.

The Direct Approach, hosted by industry expert Wayne Moorehead of Direct Selling News, is a bi‑weekly podcast offering insights from top leaders in direct selling. With over 110 episodes, it’s a trusted source for practical strategies, innovative ideas, and inspiring stories – ideal for anyone looking for fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways.

A Legacy of Purpose and Continued Evolution 

• “Mary Kay is more than a brand—it’s a movement,” said Dr. Gildea. “Our purpose is deeply rooted in transforming lives, inspiring hope, and enriching women’s journeys. These aren’t just initiatives—they’re the foundation of who we are and who we’ve always been.”
• Eustace emphasized the human impact behind every product sold: “Every Mary Kay product represents a dream in motion,” she said. “When you support a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant, you’re investing in her ambition, her resilience, and her future. That’s the power of our business model.”

Innovation with Integrity

The conversation also explored how Mary Kay balances innovation with its enduring values.

• “Mary Kay Ash was a visionary who challenged norms and created a company that empowered women long before it was mainstream,” Eustace shared. “Her legacy demands that we continue to innovate boldly while staying true to our core mission.”
• Dr. Gildea added: “Innovation is in our DNA. We listen actively, learn continuously, and lead with purpose and integrity. That’s how we evolve – by staying authentic while embracing what’s next.”

Key Takeaways:

• Purpose First: Mary Kay’s mission remains unchanged—enriching women’s lives is at the heart of everything we do.
• Sustainability Matters: We’re committed to caring for our planet and the communities we serve.
• Women Lead Here: Empowering women is not just a goal—it’s our legacy.
• The Future Is Bright: We honor our past by continuously innovating for the future

Want to watch the full conversation? Check out the episode on The Direct Approach podcast, and get to know these dynamic leaders better through their bios: Tara Eustace and Dr. Lucy Gildea.

Did You Know? 

Women-led company: 63% of the global workforce at Mary Kay is female as well as 62% of its global Research and Development (R&D) team. 60% of the Executive team is female, and 57% of leadership positions are held by women in our top 10 markets.²

About Mary Kay
One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

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Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
newsroom.marykay.com
972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com

¹ ”Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”

² Women Representation and Leadership at Mary Kay (May 2025).