Palmetto Welcomes Clean Energy Visionary Jigar Shah to Advisory Board to Accelerate Strategic Growth of the Consumer-First Clean Energy Platform

Former DOE Loan Programs Office Director and Generate Capital Co-Founder Brings Unparalleled Infrastructure Finance Expertise to Advance America’s Clean Energy Transition  

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Palmetto, America’s leading consumer energy platform, today announced the appointment of Jigar Shah as Strategic Advisor, effective immediately. Shah, a renowned clean energy finance pioneer, former Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office, and Co-Managing Partner of Multiplier, a clean energy, cleantech, climate-tech and sustainability advisory services firm, joins Palmetto’s advisory board to guide the company’s next phase of strategic growth and capital deployment to help even more households save money by making the transition to clean energy. 

Shah, one of TIME100’s most influential people, brings over two decades of transformative experience in clean energy infrastructure finance, having facilitated billions of dollars in investments that have accelerated the deployment of renewable energy technologies across the globe. At Multiplier, Shah works directly with management teams to strengthen fundamentals, sharpen strategy, navigate policy, and align capital formation with likely outcomes. His appointment reinforces Palmetto’s commitment to scaling its digital-first marketplace and expanding access to clean energy solutions for millions of American households.

“Jigar Shah is one of the most respected voices in clean energy finance, with an unmatched track record of turning innovative technologies into scalable, profitable businesses that put money back in consumers’ pockets through lower home energy costs,” said Chris Kemper, CEO and Founder of Palmetto. “His deep understanding of infrastructure capital markets, combined with his passion for democratizing clean energy access and helping families save on their energy bills, makes him the ideal advisor to guide our strategic vision as we enter this critical growth phase.”

Driving Strategic Innovation in Consumer-Centric Clean Energy

As Strategic Advisor, Shah will provide counsel on Palmetto’s long-term strategic planning, capital allocation initiatives, and market expansion opportunities. He will play a key role in advising on the company’s innovative financing solutions, which currently help homeowners access solar, storage, HVAC, and energy-efficient appliances through flexible payment options that reduce barriers to clean energy adoption.

“Palmetto has built something truly remarkable – a consumer-first platform that makes clean energy accessible, affordable, and actionable for everyday Americans,” said Shah. ”I’m committed to leveraging my experience in infrastructure finance to help guide this model’s expansion nationwide and help even more people lower their electricity bills – Americans deserve a system that provides a simple, accessible platform that meets their needs at the best possible value.” 

Bringing a Proven Track Record of Clean Energy Leadership

Shah co-founded Generate Capital, a leading sustainable infrastructure investment and operating platform that has deployed over $7 billion in capital across hundreds of projects. Prior to Generate, he served as the founding CEO of SunEdison, where he pioneered the solar power purchase agreement (PPA) model that revolutionized renewable energy financing.

Most recently, Shah served as Director of the DOE’s Loan Programs Office under the Biden Administration, where he managed a $40+ billion portfolio focused on deploying clean energy technologies at scale. His leadership helped accelerate critical investments in battery manufacturing, clean hydrogen, and renewable energy infrastructure across the U.S..

Ushering in the Next Strategic Expansion Phase

Shah’s appointment follows Palmetto’s recent strategic initiatives, including the expansion of its Charlotte, NC headquarters, the launch of the Palmetto App, and the acquisition of The Cool Down, a leading clean-lifestyle media platform. These moves position the company to serve growing consumer demand for comprehensive clean energy solutions while maintaining its triple-bottom-line commitment to people, planet, and profit.

The addition of Shah to the advisory team underscores Palmetto’s evolution from a solar marketplace to a comprehensive consumer energy platform. With his expertise in large-scale infrastructure finance, Shah will help the company explore new financing mechanisms and partnership structures to accelerate clean energy adoption in the home.

About Palmetto

Palmetto is a consumer energy platform dedicated to making the clean energy transition simple, accessible, and affordable for American families. Through its digital-first marketplace, Palmetto connects homeowners with vetted clean energy partners and flexible financing solutions across solar, storage, HVAC, backup power, and energy-efficient appliances. The company’s mission is to enable millions of households to reduce utility costs, increase energy resilience, and achieve energy independence while supporting its Get Solar, Give Solar initiative that funds renewable energy access for underserved global communities.

Contact: press@palmetto.com 

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/palmetto-welcomes-clean-energy-visionary-jigar-shah-to-advisory-board-to-accelerate-strategic-growth-of-the-consumer-first-clean-energy-platform-302661510.html

SOURCE Palmetto

Leading Trends in Sustainable Investing

Leading Trends in Sustainable Investing 

Welcome to GreenMoney’s January 2026 issue. We continue our 33rd year of award-winning publishing with this digital issue based on the US SIF 2025 Trends Report, which is the leading resource on sustainable investing, offering detailed data on assets under management, key ESG themes, and emerging investor priorities.

Widely cited by investors, companies, policymakers, and the media, as it shapes decision-making across the capital markets. The new Report totals over $6.6 Trillion in sustainable investments, equaling 11% of total money invested in US.

Find out about the wide variety of market changing Trends here- https://greenmoney.com

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Leading Trends in Sustainable Investing

Leading Trends in Sustainable Investing 

Welcome to GreenMoney’s January 2026 issue. We continue our 33rd year of award-winning publishing with this digital issue based on the US SIF 2025 Trends Report, which is the leading resource on sustainable investing, offering detailed data on assets under management, key ESG themes, and emerging investor priorities.

Widely cited by investors, companies, policymakers, and the media, as it shapes decision-making across the capital markets. The new Report totals over $6.6 Trillion in sustainable investments, equaling 11% of total money invested in US.

Find out about the wide variety of market changing Trends here- https://greenmoney.com

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Introducing the Lunar Lounge Collection by JanSport: A New Era of Comfort and Style

JanSport expands beyond back-to-school with a collection that reflects today’s cultural shift toward wellness.

DENVER, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JanSport, a global leader in lifestyle and carry solutions, proudly announces the launch of its Lunar Lounge Collection, a bold new assortment designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s wellness-driven consumers. Available globally on January 14, 2026, this collection redefines versatility and style, offering pieces that seamlessly transition from movement to leisure.

The Lunar Lounge Collection embodies a unique duality—balancing emotional appeal with physical functionality. Rooted in product innovation, this assortment reinforces JanSport’s relevance beyond traditional back-to-school moments, positioning the brand as a go-to for modern, versatile living.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Lunar Lounge Collection, a line that expands our assortment and answers the call from consumers who want more than just our iconic backpacks. They want pieces that fit their lifestyle, their energy, and their values. This collection represents our commitment to innovation and to creating products that resonate with the way people live today.” — Alexandra Reveles, Vice President of Global Brand at JanSport.

This collection speaks to consumers who prioritize wellness as a lifestyle; those who flow between rituals, from group workouts to farmer’s market trips. They’re not just seeking gear; they’re curating pieces that reflect their style, values, and intention to live in the present.

According to a study by McKinsey, wellness remains a top priority globally, with 87% of Chinese, 82% of US, and 73% of UK consumers saying wellness is a top daily priority. The Lunar Lounge Collection answers this cultural shift with trend-forward designs, elevated aesthetics, and sustainable materials.

The Lunar Lounge Collection:

Each piece is offered in five colorways—Soft Nylon Moon Flower, Black, Pastel Lilac, Lime Citron, and Azul Blue—with select exclusives for the Move Sling FX.

Availability
The Lunar Lounge Collection will be available globally on January 14, 2026, at select specialty retailers and fully online at JanSport.com in the USA.

About JanSport
Since 1967, JanSport has lived true to its purpose: Always With You. The brand is a true and trusted ally throughout all life adventures and values inclusivity, authenticity, and self-expression. With sustainability at its core, JanSport is committed to improving the environmental impact of its products through material and manufacturing innovations while continuing to provide the same durability, versatility, and long-life JanSport packs are known for. Though the brand began by manufacturing and marketing world-class outdoor backpacks, today’s product offerings include a variety of daypacks, bags and accessories sold on www.jansport.com, in department stores, and in specialty and boutique retail locations worldwide.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-the-lunar-lounge-collection-by-jansport-a-new-era-of-comfort-and-style-302661435.html

SOURCE JanSport

Introducing the Lunar Lounge Collection by JanSport: A New Era of Comfort and Style

JanSport expands beyond back-to-school with a collection that reflects today’s cultural shift toward wellness.

DENVER, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JanSport, a global leader in lifestyle and carry solutions, proudly announces the launch of its Lunar Lounge Collection, a bold new assortment designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s wellness-driven consumers. Available globally on January 14, 2026, this collection redefines versatility and style, offering pieces that seamlessly transition from movement to leisure.

The Lunar Lounge Collection embodies a unique duality—balancing emotional appeal with physical functionality. Rooted in product innovation, this assortment reinforces JanSport’s relevance beyond traditional back-to-school moments, positioning the brand as a go-to for modern, versatile living.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Lunar Lounge Collection, a line that expands our assortment and answers the call from consumers who want more than just our iconic backpacks. They want pieces that fit their lifestyle, their energy, and their values. This collection represents our commitment to innovation and to creating products that resonate with the way people live today.” — Alexandra Reveles, Vice President of Global Brand at JanSport.

This collection speaks to consumers who prioritize wellness as a lifestyle; those who flow between rituals, from group workouts to farmer’s market trips. They’re not just seeking gear; they’re curating pieces that reflect their style, values, and intention to live in the present.

According to a study by McKinsey, wellness remains a top priority globally, with 87% of Chinese, 82% of US, and 73% of UK consumers saying wellness is a top daily priority. The Lunar Lounge Collection answers this cultural shift with trend-forward designs, elevated aesthetics, and sustainable materials.

The Lunar Lounge Collection:

Each piece is offered in five colorways—Soft Nylon Moon Flower, Black, Pastel Lilac, Lime Citron, and Azul Blue—with select exclusives for the Move Sling FX.

Availability
The Lunar Lounge Collection will be available globally on January 14, 2026, at select specialty retailers and fully online at JanSport.com in the USA.

About JanSport
Since 1967, JanSport has lived true to its purpose: Always With You. The brand is a true and trusted ally throughout all life adventures and values inclusivity, authenticity, and self-expression. With sustainability at its core, JanSport is committed to improving the environmental impact of its products through material and manufacturing innovations while continuing to provide the same durability, versatility, and long-life JanSport packs are known for. Though the brand began by manufacturing and marketing world-class outdoor backpacks, today’s product offerings include a variety of daypacks, bags and accessories sold on www.jansport.com, in department stores, and in specialty and boutique retail locations worldwide.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-the-lunar-lounge-collection-by-jansport-a-new-era-of-comfort-and-style-302661435.html

SOURCE JanSport

Arbor Day Foundation To Debut Podcast Exploring Optimism, Nature, and the Future of the Planet

LINCOLN, Neb., January 14, 2026 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation is digging into a new kind of climate conversation in its upcoming podcast, “Unearthing Optimism.” The show features a series of conversations between CEO Dan Lambe and notable guests like Bill Nye the Science Guy, actor Rainn Wilson and The Weather Channel meteorologist Stephanie Abrams.

In episode one, Abrams shares her experience covering natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and reflects on evolving environmental challenges and the importance of optimism in the face of uncertainty. The debut episode will be released on Monday, January 19.

“This podcast will be a source of positivity in a time when it’s easy to feel overcome by challenges. Together, my guests and I will explore the significance of hope, the power of nature, and what it means to shape a better future,” said Lambe. “We’re excited to begin Unearthing Optimism with Stephanie Abrams, one of the most trusted voices in weather reporting. She’s spent two decades on the frontlines of extreme weather events and she’s sharing firsthand stories of resilience in the wake of devastation.”

“Unearthing Optimism” is available to stream or download on all major podcasting platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Click here to listen.

The podcast is produced in part by the Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest tree planting nonprofit. Since its founding in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has helped to plant more than 500 million trees.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

###

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Arbor Day Foundation To Debut Podcast Exploring Optimism, Nature, and the Future of the Planet

LINCOLN, Neb., January 14, 2026 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation is digging into a new kind of climate conversation in its upcoming podcast, “Unearthing Optimism.” The show features a series of conversations between CEO Dan Lambe and notable guests like Bill Nye the Science Guy, actor Rainn Wilson and The Weather Channel meteorologist Stephanie Abrams.

In episode one, Abrams shares her experience covering natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and reflects on evolving environmental challenges and the importance of optimism in the face of uncertainty. The debut episode will be released on Monday, January 19.

“This podcast will be a source of positivity in a time when it’s easy to feel overcome by challenges. Together, my guests and I will explore the significance of hope, the power of nature, and what it means to shape a better future,” said Lambe. “We’re excited to begin Unearthing Optimism with Stephanie Abrams, one of the most trusted voices in weather reporting. She’s spent two decades on the frontlines of extreme weather events and she’s sharing firsthand stories of resilience in the wake of devastation.”

“Unearthing Optimism” is available to stream or download on all major podcasting platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Click here to listen.

The podcast is produced in part by the Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest tree planting nonprofit. Since its founding in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has helped to plant more than 500 million trees.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

###

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Cisco’s FY25 Purpose Report: A Letter from Fran Katsoudas

If strategy sets direction, learning is what makes it last. Learning is one of the clearest places where Cisco’s Purpose and business intersect. Ensuring that people are prepared to take part in a digital and AI-enabled economy is essential to sustainable growth, long-term trust, and shared success. When people have the skills to adapt, organizations move faster — with greater resilience and stronger outcomes.

Within Cisco, we’ve been intentional about investing in our own capabilities. In fiscal 2025, more than 37,000 employees completed AI-focused learning — a 76% year-over-year increase — strengthening our ability to innovate, redesign work, and deliver value to our customers. As work continues to evolve, learning has become one of the most powerful ways leaders enable the future and drive momentum. For example, at Cisco, employees are twice as likely to use AI when their manager does, and consistent users are more productive and more engaged.

At the same time, our commitment to learning has never stopped at our own walls. Through Cisco Networking Academy, we’ve helped more than 28 million learners build the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. And, through Learn with Cisco, we’re supporting the White House’s Pledge to America’s Youth: Investing in AI Education with a commitment to train one million people across the United States.

In December, IDC MarketScape recognized Cisco as a Leader in IT Training Services in both Europe1 and North America2. We see that recognition not as a finish line, but as encouragement to move faster — extending the confidence and capability we’re building inside Cisco to our partners, customers, and communities around the world.

Learn more about our progress and goals in our FY25 Purpose Report.

Millions of Stories: The Impact of Learning

A recent conversation powerfully highlighted the importance and impact of education. During a discussion with Equity Bank in Kenya about their learning programs for underserved youth, we realized that one of our Cisco colleagues in the meeting was a graduate of this program. She shared how this bank-sponsored education profoundly changed her life. This personal testimony underscored the real-world impact of Equity Bank’s efforts. As I shared how Cisco Networking Academy builds digital skills at scale, a senior leader from the bank spoke up. He shared that he earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) through Cisco Networking Academy — an experience that launched his career and led him to the executive role he holds today.

In a company as far-reaching as Cisco, we don’t always get to hear the individual stories behind our work — but when we do, they bring our impact to life. In the last fiscal year alone, more than five million learners engaged with Cisco Networking Academy, which means millions of stories like these are unfolding around the world. Each one is a reminder that what we do matters — creating pathways for people to participate more fully in the future.

Learning in Partnership

One important way that we continue to learn as an organization and stay connected to our industry is through our leadership of the AI Workforce Consortium. This collaboration brings together Cisco, Accenture, Cornerstone, Eightfold AI, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP. Together, we’re mapping how AI is reshaping more than 50 critical technology and supporting roles across G7 countries — and, just as importantly, building practical pathways so people can prepare for what’s next.

The Consortium’s 2025 research shows that 78% of jobs already require AI skills. But it also makes clear that human skills — leadership, problem-solving, innovation, collaboration, and communication — will determine how impactful AI ultimately becomes.

That same research reinforces the need for continuous learning to unlock the full potential of the workforce. It’s telling that Learning & Development Specialist is now the most in-demand technology support role in the U.S. and Canada, underscoring how strongly organizations are prioritizing learning agility in an AI-driven economy. That signal is hard to ignore. At Cisco, we’re acting on it by investing in new learning roles and enterprise-wide efforts that help our people build the skills to leap ahead in an AI-driven future.

Permission to Rethink Everything

Moments like the one I experienced in Kenya stay with me because they clarify what’s truly at stake. They remind me that we are living in a rare time — one that gives us permission to rethink everything. How do we spend our resources? What breakthroughs do we pursue? And what kind of human experience do we want to enable?

At Cisco, we’re fortunate to be navigating this moment from a position of strength, grounded in leading technology, hard-earned trust, our people, and our Purpose.

But with that strength comes the responsibility to pause and ask the right questions about how we move forward together.

  • As industry leaders, how will we help shape markets that expand opportunity and set the standard for secure, trusted, and inclusive innovation?
  • As people leaders, how will we model learning in real time, using AI ourselves and building cultures where curiosity, courage, and compassion drive progress?
  • And as individuals, how will we adapt, unlearn, and retool, knowing that our collective success ultimately depends on our personal willingness to grow?

Those questions aren’t just theoretical for us. In fiscal 2025, we answered each with a real and measurable commitment:

  • 573,000 employee volunteer hours and the sixth consecutive year exceeding our 80% community impact target
  • 31 crisis response efforts and over 900 employee volunteers supporting communities in crisis
  • 100% renewable energy to match global annual electricity needs at Cisco owned and leased facilities3
  • 154 million lives positively impacted through the Cisco Foundation and Social Impact Investments

Behind each of these metrics are human stories of resilience and expanded possibility. Our responsibility is to ensure this progress continues — human, inclusive, and grounded in trust. That is how we will meet this moment: by learning, by leading, and by helping others do the same.

Learn more:

Purpose at Cisco
FY25 Purpose Report
Purpose Reporting Hub 

View original content here.

 

1. Source: “IDC MarketScape: European IT Training Services 2025 Vendor Assessment”, 1 December 2025, IDC # EUR153005625. 

2. Source: “IDC MarketScape: North America IT Training Services 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment”, 4 December 2025, IDC # US52991625. 

3. Cisco achieved this milestone using a variety of methods, including on-site renewables, contractual arrangements such as power purchase agreements, and energy attribute certificates. See the Purpose Reporting Hub for our renewable energy strategy

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Cisco’s FY25 Purpose Report: A Letter from Fran Katsoudas

If strategy sets direction, learning is what makes it last. Learning is one of the clearest places where Cisco’s Purpose and business intersect. Ensuring that people are prepared to take part in a digital and AI-enabled economy is essential to sustainable growth, long-term trust, and shared success. When people have the skills to adapt, organizations move faster — with greater resilience and stronger outcomes.

Within Cisco, we’ve been intentional about investing in our own capabilities. In fiscal 2025, more than 37,000 employees completed AI-focused learning — a 76% year-over-year increase — strengthening our ability to innovate, redesign work, and deliver value to our customers. As work continues to evolve, learning has become one of the most powerful ways leaders enable the future and drive momentum. For example, at Cisco, employees are twice as likely to use AI when their manager does, and consistent users are more productive and more engaged.

At the same time, our commitment to learning has never stopped at our own walls. Through Cisco Networking Academy, we’ve helped more than 28 million learners build the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. And, through Learn with Cisco, we’re supporting the White House’s Pledge to America’s Youth: Investing in AI Education with a commitment to train one million people across the United States.

In December, IDC MarketScape recognized Cisco as a Leader in IT Training Services in both Europe1 and North America2. We see that recognition not as a finish line, but as encouragement to move faster — extending the confidence and capability we’re building inside Cisco to our partners, customers, and communities around the world.

Learn more about our progress and goals in our FY25 Purpose Report.

Millions of Stories: The Impact of Learning

A recent conversation powerfully highlighted the importance and impact of education. During a discussion with Equity Bank in Kenya about their learning programs for underserved youth, we realized that one of our Cisco colleagues in the meeting was a graduate of this program. She shared how this bank-sponsored education profoundly changed her life. This personal testimony underscored the real-world impact of Equity Bank’s efforts. As I shared how Cisco Networking Academy builds digital skills at scale, a senior leader from the bank spoke up. He shared that he earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) through Cisco Networking Academy — an experience that launched his career and led him to the executive role he holds today.

In a company as far-reaching as Cisco, we don’t always get to hear the individual stories behind our work — but when we do, they bring our impact to life. In the last fiscal year alone, more than five million learners engaged with Cisco Networking Academy, which means millions of stories like these are unfolding around the world. Each one is a reminder that what we do matters — creating pathways for people to participate more fully in the future.

Learning in Partnership

One important way that we continue to learn as an organization and stay connected to our industry is through our leadership of the AI Workforce Consortium. This collaboration brings together Cisco, Accenture, Cornerstone, Eightfold AI, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP. Together, we’re mapping how AI is reshaping more than 50 critical technology and supporting roles across G7 countries — and, just as importantly, building practical pathways so people can prepare for what’s next.

The Consortium’s 2025 research shows that 78% of jobs already require AI skills. But it also makes clear that human skills — leadership, problem-solving, innovation, collaboration, and communication — will determine how impactful AI ultimately becomes.

That same research reinforces the need for continuous learning to unlock the full potential of the workforce. It’s telling that Learning & Development Specialist is now the most in-demand technology support role in the U.S. and Canada, underscoring how strongly organizations are prioritizing learning agility in an AI-driven economy. That signal is hard to ignore. At Cisco, we’re acting on it by investing in new learning roles and enterprise-wide efforts that help our people build the skills to leap ahead in an AI-driven future.

Permission to Rethink Everything

Moments like the one I experienced in Kenya stay with me because they clarify what’s truly at stake. They remind me that we are living in a rare time — one that gives us permission to rethink everything. How do we spend our resources? What breakthroughs do we pursue? And what kind of human experience do we want to enable?

At Cisco, we’re fortunate to be navigating this moment from a position of strength, grounded in leading technology, hard-earned trust, our people, and our Purpose.

But with that strength comes the responsibility to pause and ask the right questions about how we move forward together.

  • As industry leaders, how will we help shape markets that expand opportunity and set the standard for secure, trusted, and inclusive innovation?
  • As people leaders, how will we model learning in real time, using AI ourselves and building cultures where curiosity, courage, and compassion drive progress?
  • And as individuals, how will we adapt, unlearn, and retool, knowing that our collective success ultimately depends on our personal willingness to grow?

Those questions aren’t just theoretical for us. In fiscal 2025, we answered each with a real and measurable commitment:

  • 573,000 employee volunteer hours and the sixth consecutive year exceeding our 80% community impact target
  • 31 crisis response efforts and over 900 employee volunteers supporting communities in crisis
  • 100% renewable energy to match global annual electricity needs at Cisco owned and leased facilities3
  • 154 million lives positively impacted through the Cisco Foundation and Social Impact Investments

Behind each of these metrics are human stories of resilience and expanded possibility. Our responsibility is to ensure this progress continues — human, inclusive, and grounded in trust. That is how we will meet this moment: by learning, by leading, and by helping others do the same.

Learn more:

Purpose at Cisco
FY25 Purpose Report
Purpose Reporting Hub 

View original content here.

 

1. Source: “IDC MarketScape: European IT Training Services 2025 Vendor Assessment”, 1 December 2025, IDC # EUR153005625. 

2. Source: “IDC MarketScape: North America IT Training Services 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment”, 4 December 2025, IDC # US52991625. 

3. Cisco achieved this milestone using a variety of methods, including on-site renewables, contractual arrangements such as power purchase agreements, and energy attribute certificates. See the Purpose Reporting Hub for our renewable energy strategy

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Affordablehousing.com and Learning Collider Awarded Public Benefit Innovation Fund Grant to Improve Housing Assistance Delivery

AI Housing Navigator Grant Aims to Speed Access to Stable Homes

BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As housing agencies nationwide face growing demand and mounting administrative pressure, AffordableHousing.com, in partnership with Learning Collider, has been selected as a grantee of the Public Benefit Innovation Fund (PBIF), a national initiative led by the Center for Civic Futures that is investing $8.5 million in artificial intelligence projects designed to improve how essential public benefit programs are delivered nationwide. 

With support from PBIF funders and partners, AffordableHousing.com and Learning Collider will build an AI Housing Navigator designed to help people more easily find and qualify for housing while enabling housing agencies and partners to deliver assistance faster and more clearly. The initiative aims to reduce administrative friction, improve program navigation, and accelerate access to stable housing for families who rely on critical housing support. 

The project is intended to shorten the time it takes families to secure housing while helping agencies process applications more efficiently and with fewer errors. 

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, AffordableHousing.com will lead development of the housing-focused initiative. 

The AffordableHousing.com AI Housing Navigator will support users across multiple stages of the housing process, helping translate complex requirements into clear, actionable guidance while giving agencies and partners tools to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and improve outcomes. 

“This work is about making the housing process easier to navigate for the people who need it most—and more efficient for the agencies and partners who support them,” said Richard Cupelli, CEO of AffordableHousing.com. “We’re proud to collaborate with Learning Collider and the PBIF cohort to responsibly test what’s possible and focus on what actually works.” 

As PBIF grantees, AffordableHousing.com and Learning Collider will participate in a shared learning cohort alongside states, practitioners, and fellow innovators, contributing insights and best practices to advance the responsible use of AI in housing assistance delivery. 

About AffordableHousing.com 
AffordableHousing.com is the nation’s largest dedicated online platform for affordable housing and a trusted technology partner to thousands of public housing agencies nationwide. For more than two decades, the company has delivered tools that help families secure safe, stable homes across naturally occurring affordable housing, Section 8, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs. By connecting renters, property owners, and housing agencies through a single integrated platform, AffordableHousing.com supports more efficient housing programs and broader access nationwide. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida.  

About Learning Collider 
Learning Collider is a civic innovation organization that partners with governments, nonprofits, and technologists to design and test responsible, human-centered AI solutions that improve public systems and outcomes. 

About the Public Benefit Innovation Fund 
The Public Benefit Innovation Fund supports projects that responsibly apply AI to strengthen public benefit delivery, reduce administrative burden, and improve access to essential services. 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/affordablehousingcom-and-learning-collider-awarded-public-benefit-innovation-fund-grant-to-improve-housing-assistance-delivery-302661384.html

SOURCE AffordableHousing.com