Month: August 2026

Cisco

Sustainability 101 is a blog series that you can turn to for information about different environmental terms that may come up at work, during discussions with friends, and even at your family gatherings. 

Why Materials Matter

Materials are at the center of the technology that keeps people, businesses, and communities connected. Every hardware product depends on a complex mix of inputs, including metals, plastics, packaging, and the minerals used in electronic components. As demand for digital infrastructure grows, so does the importance of understanding where these materials come from, how they are produced, and how that can affect both people and the environment.

Sourcing materials responsibly requires both environmental and human rights considerations, including working conditions; energy use; community, water and land impacts; greenhouse gas emissions; material efficiency; and reuse and recycling. It also requires working across multiple tiers of a complex global value chain. For example, a mineral may be mined in one region, processed in another, incorporated into components by suppliers in multiple countries, and assembled into products elsewhere. At the end of a product’s useful life, it may be broken down and processed into minerals that are sent back into the global supply chain.

Attention to these issues can support business resilience. An understanding of material flows through the value chain can give visibility to potential bottlenecks. Increasing recycled content can also help ease shortages. And traceability is a growing trend in laws and regulations. But a more sustainable, compliant, and resilient supply chain cannot be achieved by one company alone; it calls for collaboration across industries, governments, and civil society throughout the global value chain.

Cisco’s Approach: Act, Engage, and Collaborate

At Cisco, when it comes to minerals, we act where we have control, engage to influence what we cannot control, and collaborate to reach further into our value chain.

• Acting on what we control includes Cisco’s product design. Cisco’s Circular Design Program helps our engineers incorporate environmental sustainability from the beginning. Since approximately 80% of a product’s environmental impact is influenced by the design phase, Cisco embeds circular design principles under five focus areas into every new product and packaging design: material use; standardization and modularization; packaging and accessories; smart energy consumption; and disassembly, repair and reuse.

In one example, the Cisco Webex Room Bar’s streamlined redesign reduced the number of internal components compared to its predecessor, resulting in over 32,000 pounds of material savings annually. This is 16 tons of material that now does not enter Cisco’s supply chain each year, while also avoiding greenhouse gas emissions.

At the other end of the lifecycle, Cisco product return programs prevent waste. Over 99% of equipment returned to Cisco is sent to reuse or recycling, giving a second life for equipment where possible and supporting materials recovery.

• Engaging to influence includes working with suppliers to support more socially and environmentally responsible minerals sourcing. We conduct due diligence on multiple minerals in our supply chain. We require our suppliers to shift sourcing through their supply chain to minerals processors who are compliant with our Responsible Minerals Policy.  We are also active members of the Responsible Minerals Initiative, which sets standards for minerals processors and collaborative actions across mineral supply chains. Taken together, this work helps assure that the sources of minerals in our products align with our policies to uphold human rights and mitigate environmental impacts.
• Collaborating to reach further helps drive change in the deepest tiers of our mineral supply chain. As a member of the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) we support projects to improve working conditions in small scale and artisanal mines, and to connect them to global supply chains. And we support the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance to help increase the number of mines audited to standards for social and environmental responsibility and business integrity.

Connecting responsibility and resilience

Sourcing minerals responsibly is also a business resilience opportunity. Companies depend on access to materials and components to deliver products and services. Disruptions, regulatory changes, shifting customer expectations, and environmental or social risks can all affect supply chains.

A more responsible approach can help companies better understand where materials come from, identify potential risks, improve supplier engagement, and support business continuity over time. Designing products with reuse and recycling in mind can also help reduce dependence on newly extracted materials. Supplier engagement can support greater visibility into responsible sourcing practices. Collaboration across the value chain can help address issues that are too complex for any single organization to solve alone.

A shared responsibility

Minerals will continue to be essential to the technology and infrastructure that support our connected world. As demand grows across industries, so does the importance of sourcing and using these materials responsibly.

Cisco recognizes the complexity of the challenge and the need for continued engagement, transparency, and collaboration. By acting on what we control, engaging with suppliers and partners, and collaborating across the value chain, we can help advance progress in a way that supports people, the planet, and long-term business resilience.

View original content here.

CASPER, Wyo., August 24, 2026 /3BL/ – Wells Fargo today announced a $1 million grant to Wyoming Housing Network to support the Goodwill Landing Housing Innovation Project, a pioneering affordable housing development designed to expand housing supply, strengthen workforce development, and create a scalable model for rural communities across Wyoming. The announcement was made during a panel discussion and housing demonstration event at Casper College, featuring Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation and best known as the creator and host of Dirty Jobs.

The philanthropic investment will support Phase One of Goodwill Landing, a first-of-its-kind affordable housing development in Casper that will create 24 permanent affordable rental homes using innovative construction technologies developed by InOurHands. The project combines housing development, supportive services, and workforce training to help address two of Wyoming’s most pressing challenges: housing availability and skilled labor shortages.

“Across Wyoming and the country, workforce housing shortages are an obstacle to long term economic growth,” said Jason Rosenberg, head of Public Affairs at Wells Fargo. “We’re proud to partner with Wyoming Housing Network, which is expanding the housing supply and the skilled workforce needed to build more homes statewide to help the region remain competitive for workers and businesses.”

Across Wyoming and many rural communities nationwide, housing shortages create barriers for attracting employers, building a local workforce and keeping people in rural towns they love. Goodwill Landing is designed to help address those challenges through an innovative approach that lowers construction costs, improves energy efficiency, and creates pathways for future housing production.

“Wyoming applauds the work of the Wyoming Housing Network and the generosity of Wells Fargo. Goodwill Landing is innovative — a tremendous opportunity for its future residents and a model for our state and the nation.” Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) said. “While our top-tier education system prepares citizens for highly skilled careers, Wyoming still faces a talent drain due to a lack of starter homes. To expand economic opportunities and keep Wyoming families together, solving this housing challenge is absolutely essential.”

Led by Wyoming Housing Network, the development will feature 22 dome-style homes, two ADA-accessible duplex units, and a community clubhouse that will provide on-site property management and supportive services. Through partnership with InOurHands, which developed the High Performance Structural Cellular Concrete (HPSCC) construction methods, the homes will be built with interlocking panels that can be poured, be cured in a matter of days and then assembled on site.

“Housing stability is life-changing for people and communities,” said Melissa Noah, executive director of the Wyoming Housing Network. “We believe in stable homes and a stronger Wyoming. With this funding, we’re piloting housing innovation that can bring down the cost of construction to create affordable homes that can change lives in Casper and beyond. The Goodwill Landing Housing Project in Natrona County is catalyst for collaboration to address Wyoming’s housing and construction trades program. I like to say this project brings together dreamers, like our partners, and believers, like Wells Fargo, to strengthen communities.”

In addition to increasing housing supply, the project will serve as a workforce development hub. In collaboration with Casper College’s construction trades program and Natrona County School District’s Pathways Innovation Center, students will have the opportunity for hands-on training to innovative construction technology through the Goodwill Landing project.

“The need for affordable housing along with a skilled workforce go hand in hand, and the genius of this program lies in its ability to address both, while serving as a template for other communities throughout Wyoming,” said Mike Rowe. “It’s simply impossible to overstate the extent of the opportunity waiting for a skilled tradesperson in 2026, especially in the construction industry. Along with Wells Fargo, my own foundation is doing all we can to reinvigorate the skilled trades in America. This program is further proof of that commitment.”

Goodwill Landing is intended to serve as a proof-of-concept for future affordable housing developments. Upon completion, the construction equipment, trained workforce, and building technology will remain available for future projects, creating opportunities to replicate the model in communities throughout Wyoming. With the partnerships built around this effort, the goal is to not only have more homes available but to increase the number of skilled trades workers and entrepreneurs rooted in Wyoming towns and rural communities.

Wells Fargo has a longstanding commitment to advancing housing affordability and economic opportunity nationwide. Since 2019, the company and the Wells Fargo Foundation have invested more than $830 million in philanthropic initiatives that help increase housing affordability, improve housing stability, and expand access to economic opportunity in communities across the country.

About Wyoming Housing Network

For 20 years the Wyoming Housing Network, Inc. (WHN) has served the State of Wyoming. The mission of WHN is to strengthen Wyoming communities by providing quality resources and opportunities for people to reach their housing goals. WHN accomplishes its mission as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) by creating affordable housing across the state and by delivering high-quality housing education services: homebuyer education and counseling, financial capabilities programs, reverse mortgage counseling, housing counseling, homeowner counseling, foreclosure prevention services, post-foreclosure counseling, and rental coaching. We have 14 income restricted properties around the state. WHN’s capacity to accomplish its mission is expanded as the only Wyoming Affiliate of NeighborWorks® America and the only HUD certified Housing Counseling Agency in the State.

###

 

 

CASPER, Wyo., August 24, 2026 /3BL/ – Wells Fargo today announced a $1 million grant to Wyoming Housing Network to support the Goodwill Landing Housing Innovation Project, a pioneering affordable housing development designed to expand housing supply, strengthen workforce development, and create a scalable model for rural communities across Wyoming. The announcement was made during a panel discussion and housing demonstration event at Casper College, featuring Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation and best known as the creator and host of Dirty Jobs.

The philanthropic investment will support Phase One of Goodwill Landing, a first-of-its-kind affordable housing development in Casper that will create 24 permanent affordable rental homes using innovative construction technologies developed by InOurHands. The project combines housing development, supportive services, and workforce training to help address two of Wyoming’s most pressing challenges: housing availability and skilled labor shortages.

“Across Wyoming and the country, workforce housing shortages are an obstacle to long term economic growth,” said Jason Rosenberg, head of Public Affairs at Wells Fargo. “We’re proud to partner with Wyoming Housing Network, which is expanding the housing supply and the skilled workforce needed to build more homes statewide to help the region remain competitive for workers and businesses.”

Across Wyoming and many rural communities nationwide, housing shortages create barriers for attracting employers, building a local workforce and keeping people in rural towns they love. Goodwill Landing is designed to help address those challenges through an innovative approach that lowers construction costs, improves energy efficiency, and creates pathways for future housing production.

“Wyoming applauds the work of the Wyoming Housing Network and the generosity of Wells Fargo. Goodwill Landing is innovative — a tremendous opportunity for its future residents and a model for our state and the nation.” Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) said. “While our top-tier education system prepares citizens for highly skilled careers, Wyoming still faces a talent drain due to a lack of starter homes. To expand economic opportunities and keep Wyoming families together, solving this housing challenge is absolutely essential.”

Led by Wyoming Housing Network, the development will feature 22 dome-style homes, two ADA-accessible duplex units, and a community clubhouse that will provide on-site property management and supportive services. Through partnership with InOurHands, which developed the High Performance Structural Cellular Concrete (HPSCC) construction methods, the homes will be built with interlocking panels that can be poured, be cured in a matter of days and then assembled on site.

“Housing stability is life-changing for people and communities,” said Melissa Noah, executive director of the Wyoming Housing Network. “We believe in stable homes and a stronger Wyoming. With this funding, we’re piloting housing innovation that can bring down the cost of construction to create affordable homes that can change lives in Casper and beyond. The Goodwill Landing Housing Project in Natrona County is catalyst for collaboration to address Wyoming’s housing and construction trades program. I like to say this project brings together dreamers, like our partners, and believers, like Wells Fargo, to strengthen communities.”

In addition to increasing housing supply, the project will serve as a workforce development hub. In collaboration with Casper College’s construction trades program and Natrona County School District’s Pathways Innovation Center, students will have the opportunity for hands-on training to innovative construction technology through the Goodwill Landing project.

“The need for affordable housing along with a skilled workforce go hand in hand, and the genius of this program lies in its ability to address both, while serving as a template for other communities throughout Wyoming,” said Mike Rowe. “It’s simply impossible to overstate the extent of the opportunity waiting for a skilled tradesperson in 2026, especially in the construction industry. Along with Wells Fargo, my own foundation is doing all we can to reinvigorate the skilled trades in America. This program is further proof of that commitment.”

Goodwill Landing is intended to serve as a proof-of-concept for future affordable housing developments. Upon completion, the construction equipment, trained workforce, and building technology will remain available for future projects, creating opportunities to replicate the model in communities throughout Wyoming. With the partnerships built around this effort, the goal is to not only have more homes available but to increase the number of skilled trades workers and entrepreneurs rooted in Wyoming towns and rural communities.

Wells Fargo has a longstanding commitment to advancing housing affordability and economic opportunity nationwide. Since 2019, the company and the Wells Fargo Foundation have invested more than $830 million in philanthropic initiatives that help increase housing affordability, improve housing stability, and expand access to economic opportunity in communities across the country.

About Wyoming Housing Network

For 20 years the Wyoming Housing Network, Inc. (WHN) has served the State of Wyoming. The mission of WHN is to strengthen Wyoming communities by providing quality resources and opportunities for people to reach their housing goals. WHN accomplishes its mission as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) by creating affordable housing across the state and by delivering high-quality housing education services: homebuyer education and counseling, financial capabilities programs, reverse mortgage counseling, housing counseling, homeowner counseling, foreclosure prevention services, post-foreclosure counseling, and rental coaching. We have 14 income restricted properties around the state. WHN’s capacity to accomplish its mission is expanded as the only Wyoming Affiliate of NeighborWorks® America and the only HUD certified Housing Counseling Agency in the State.

###

 

 

CASPER, Wyo., August 24, 2026 /3BL/ – Wells Fargo today announced a $1 million grant to Wyoming Housing Network to support the Goodwill Landing Housing Innovation Project, a pioneering affordable housing development designed to expand housing supply, strengthen workforce development, and create a scalable model for rural communities across Wyoming. The announcement was made during a panel discussion and housing demonstration event at Casper College, featuring Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation and best known as the creator and host of Dirty Jobs.

The philanthropic investment will support Phase One of Goodwill Landing, a first-of-its-kind affordable housing development in Casper that will create 24 permanent affordable rental homes using innovative construction technologies developed by InOurHands. The project combines housing development, supportive services, and workforce training to help address two of Wyoming’s most pressing challenges: housing availability and skilled labor shortages.

“Across Wyoming and the country, workforce housing shortages are an obstacle to long term economic growth,” said Jason Rosenberg, head of Public Affairs at Wells Fargo. “We’re proud to partner with Wyoming Housing Network, which is expanding the housing supply and the skilled workforce needed to build more homes statewide to help the region remain competitive for workers and businesses.”

Across Wyoming and many rural communities nationwide, housing shortages create barriers for attracting employers, building a local workforce and keeping people in rural towns they love. Goodwill Landing is designed to help address those challenges through an innovative approach that lowers construction costs, improves energy efficiency, and creates pathways for future housing production.

“Wyoming applauds the work of the Wyoming Housing Network and the generosity of Wells Fargo. Goodwill Landing is innovative — a tremendous opportunity for its future residents and a model for our state and the nation.” Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) said. “While our top-tier education system prepares citizens for highly skilled careers, Wyoming still faces a talent drain due to a lack of starter homes. To expand economic opportunities and keep Wyoming families together, solving this housing challenge is absolutely essential.”

Led by Wyoming Housing Network, the development will feature 22 dome-style homes, two ADA-accessible duplex units, and a community clubhouse that will provide on-site property management and supportive services. Through partnership with InOurHands, which developed the High Performance Structural Cellular Concrete (HPSCC) construction methods, the homes will be built with interlocking panels that can be poured, be cured in a matter of days and then assembled on site.

“Housing stability is life-changing for people and communities,” said Melissa Noah, executive director of the Wyoming Housing Network. “We believe in stable homes and a stronger Wyoming. With this funding, we’re piloting housing innovation that can bring down the cost of construction to create affordable homes that can change lives in Casper and beyond. The Goodwill Landing Housing Project in Natrona County is catalyst for collaboration to address Wyoming’s housing and construction trades program. I like to say this project brings together dreamers, like our partners, and believers, like Wells Fargo, to strengthen communities.”

In addition to increasing housing supply, the project will serve as a workforce development hub. In collaboration with Casper College’s construction trades program and Natrona County School District’s Pathways Innovation Center, students will have the opportunity for hands-on training to innovative construction technology through the Goodwill Landing project.

“The need for affordable housing along with a skilled workforce go hand in hand, and the genius of this program lies in its ability to address both, while serving as a template for other communities throughout Wyoming,” said Mike Rowe. “It’s simply impossible to overstate the extent of the opportunity waiting for a skilled tradesperson in 2026, especially in the construction industry. Along with Wells Fargo, my own foundation is doing all we can to reinvigorate the skilled trades in America. This program is further proof of that commitment.”

Goodwill Landing is intended to serve as a proof-of-concept for future affordable housing developments. Upon completion, the construction equipment, trained workforce, and building technology will remain available for future projects, creating opportunities to replicate the model in communities throughout Wyoming. With the partnerships built around this effort, the goal is to not only have more homes available but to increase the number of skilled trades workers and entrepreneurs rooted in Wyoming towns and rural communities.

Wells Fargo has a longstanding commitment to advancing housing affordability and economic opportunity nationwide. Since 2019, the company and the Wells Fargo Foundation have invested more than $830 million in philanthropic initiatives that help increase housing affordability, improve housing stability, and expand access to economic opportunity in communities across the country.

About Wyoming Housing Network

For 20 years the Wyoming Housing Network, Inc. (WHN) has served the State of Wyoming. The mission of WHN is to strengthen Wyoming communities by providing quality resources and opportunities for people to reach their housing goals. WHN accomplishes its mission as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) by creating affordable housing across the state and by delivering high-quality housing education services: homebuyer education and counseling, financial capabilities programs, reverse mortgage counseling, housing counseling, homeowner counseling, foreclosure prevention services, post-foreclosure counseling, and rental coaching. We have 14 income restricted properties around the state. WHN’s capacity to accomplish its mission is expanded as the only Wyoming Affiliate of NeighborWorks® America and the only HUD certified Housing Counseling Agency in the State.

###

 

 

CASPER, Wyo., August 24, 2026 /3BL/ – Wells Fargo today announced a $1 million grant to Wyoming Housing Network to support the Goodwill Landing Housing Innovation Project, a pioneering affordable housing development designed to expand housing supply, strengthen workforce development, and create a scalable model for rural communities across Wyoming. The announcement was made during a panel discussion and housing demonstration event at Casper College, featuring Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation and best known as the creator and host of Dirty Jobs.

The philanthropic investment will support Phase One of Goodwill Landing, a first-of-its-kind affordable housing development in Casper that will create 24 permanent affordable rental homes using innovative construction technologies developed by InOurHands. The project combines housing development, supportive services, and workforce training to help address two of Wyoming’s most pressing challenges: housing availability and skilled labor shortages.

“Across Wyoming and the country, workforce housing shortages are an obstacle to long term economic growth,” said Jason Rosenberg, head of Public Affairs at Wells Fargo. “We’re proud to partner with Wyoming Housing Network, which is expanding the housing supply and the skilled workforce needed to build more homes statewide to help the region remain competitive for workers and businesses.”

Across Wyoming and many rural communities nationwide, housing shortages create barriers for attracting employers, building a local workforce and keeping people in rural towns they love. Goodwill Landing is designed to help address those challenges through an innovative approach that lowers construction costs, improves energy efficiency, and creates pathways for future housing production.

“Wyoming applauds the work of the Wyoming Housing Network and the generosity of Wells Fargo. Goodwill Landing is innovative — a tremendous opportunity for its future residents and a model for our state and the nation.” Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) said. “While our top-tier education system prepares citizens for highly skilled careers, Wyoming still faces a talent drain due to a lack of starter homes. To expand economic opportunities and keep Wyoming families together, solving this housing challenge is absolutely essential.”

Led by Wyoming Housing Network, the development will feature 22 dome-style homes, two ADA-accessible duplex units, and a community clubhouse that will provide on-site property management and supportive services. Through partnership with InOurHands, which developed the High Performance Structural Cellular Concrete (HPSCC) construction methods, the homes will be built with interlocking panels that can be poured, be cured in a matter of days and then assembled on site.

“Housing stability is life-changing for people and communities,” said Melissa Noah, executive director of the Wyoming Housing Network. “We believe in stable homes and a stronger Wyoming. With this funding, we’re piloting housing innovation that can bring down the cost of construction to create affordable homes that can change lives in Casper and beyond. The Goodwill Landing Housing Project in Natrona County is catalyst for collaboration to address Wyoming’s housing and construction trades program. I like to say this project brings together dreamers, like our partners, and believers, like Wells Fargo, to strengthen communities.”

In addition to increasing housing supply, the project will serve as a workforce development hub. In collaboration with Casper College’s construction trades program and Natrona County School District’s Pathways Innovation Center, students will have the opportunity for hands-on training to innovative construction technology through the Goodwill Landing project.

“The need for affordable housing along with a skilled workforce go hand in hand, and the genius of this program lies in its ability to address both, while serving as a template for other communities throughout Wyoming,” said Mike Rowe. “It’s simply impossible to overstate the extent of the opportunity waiting for a skilled tradesperson in 2026, especially in the construction industry. Along with Wells Fargo, my own foundation is doing all we can to reinvigorate the skilled trades in America. This program is further proof of that commitment.”

Goodwill Landing is intended to serve as a proof-of-concept for future affordable housing developments. Upon completion, the construction equipment, trained workforce, and building technology will remain available for future projects, creating opportunities to replicate the model in communities throughout Wyoming. With the partnerships built around this effort, the goal is to not only have more homes available but to increase the number of skilled trades workers and entrepreneurs rooted in Wyoming towns and rural communities.

Wells Fargo has a longstanding commitment to advancing housing affordability and economic opportunity nationwide. Since 2019, the company and the Wells Fargo Foundation have invested more than $830 million in philanthropic initiatives that help increase housing affordability, improve housing stability, and expand access to economic opportunity in communities across the country.

About Wyoming Housing Network

For 20 years the Wyoming Housing Network, Inc. (WHN) has served the State of Wyoming. The mission of WHN is to strengthen Wyoming communities by providing quality resources and opportunities for people to reach their housing goals. WHN accomplishes its mission as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) by creating affordable housing across the state and by delivering high-quality housing education services: homebuyer education and counseling, financial capabilities programs, reverse mortgage counseling, housing counseling, homeowner counseling, foreclosure prevention services, post-foreclosure counseling, and rental coaching. We have 14 income restricted properties around the state. WHN’s capacity to accomplish its mission is expanded as the only Wyoming Affiliate of NeighborWorks® America and the only HUD certified Housing Counseling Agency in the State.

###

 

 

By Cristina del Canto

Entergy recently partnered with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana to host a poverty simulation designed to deepen understanding of the difficult realities facing ALICE households — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — who often earn above the federal poverty level yet still cannot afford a basic survival budget.

The exercise brought together about 140 participants, including policymakers and Entergy stakeholders committed to strengthening support systems for families struggling to make ends meet.

Held at the New Orleans Saints Indoor Practice Facility, the simulation assigned participants roles based on real‑world family scenarios. Over four compressed “weeks,” volunteers were tasked with securing housing, childcare, transportation and employment while confronting sudden setbacks such as eviction notices, lost wages, medical bills and service barriers. Stations around the field represented the institutions families rely on — schools, employers, a community action agency, a utility provider, childcare resources and payday and title loan lenders — challenging participants to navigate services often overstretched or inaccessible.

Rob Hatley, Entergy’s group vice president of corporate affairs and communications, opened the event by underscoring why empathy is essential to Entergy’s community mission.

“At Entergy, our mission goes beyond providing reliable power. It includes strengthening the communities we serve and supporting the people who call them home,” Hatley said. “A significant part of that commitment is working to better understand the challenges faced by our customers living with limited incomes. Today’s simulation gives us a valuable opportunity to step into their shoes and get a first-hand view of the difficult choices and obstacles so many families navigate every day.”

Key policymakers participated gaining a firsthand perspective on the daily struggles constituents face. Jody Montelaro, Entergy Louisiana’s vice president of public affairs, said the experience offers policymakers an important lens into the realities constituents face.

“Our team works year‑round to ensure policymakers have an accurate and complete understanding of what customers are facing,” Montelaro said. “The scenarios you navigate — sudden bills, unexpected expenses, service barriers — mirror the very challenges lawmakers hear from constituents. When they raise those concerns with us, our credibility depends on how well we understand the real experiences behind them.”

The event concluded with a reflection circle, where participants described the experience as eye‑opening and humbling.

“The experience of stepping into the shoes of those who have limited resources and live in poverty was eye-opening and impactful,” said Entergy employee Vonda Flentroy-Rice. “The simulation helped me better understand the day-to-day struggles our low-income customers endure and the need for us to step up and help.”

Learn more here about Entergy’s year-round initiatives dedicated to help our customers and communities that we serve.

View original content here.

By Cristina del Canto

Entergy recently partnered with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana to host a poverty simulation designed to deepen understanding of the difficult realities facing ALICE households — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — who often earn above the federal poverty level yet still cannot afford a basic survival budget.

The exercise brought together about 140 participants, including policymakers and Entergy stakeholders committed to strengthening support systems for families struggling to make ends meet.

Held at the New Orleans Saints Indoor Practice Facility, the simulation assigned participants roles based on real‑world family scenarios. Over four compressed “weeks,” volunteers were tasked with securing housing, childcare, transportation and employment while confronting sudden setbacks such as eviction notices, lost wages, medical bills and service barriers. Stations around the field represented the institutions families rely on — schools, employers, a community action agency, a utility provider, childcare resources and payday and title loan lenders — challenging participants to navigate services often overstretched or inaccessible.

Rob Hatley, Entergy’s group vice president of corporate affairs and communications, opened the event by underscoring why empathy is essential to Entergy’s community mission.

“At Entergy, our mission goes beyond providing reliable power. It includes strengthening the communities we serve and supporting the people who call them home,” Hatley said. “A significant part of that commitment is working to better understand the challenges faced by our customers living with limited incomes. Today’s simulation gives us a valuable opportunity to step into their shoes and get a first-hand view of the difficult choices and obstacles so many families navigate every day.”

Key policymakers participated gaining a firsthand perspective on the daily struggles constituents face. Jody Montelaro, Entergy Louisiana’s vice president of public affairs, said the experience offers policymakers an important lens into the realities constituents face.

“Our team works year‑round to ensure policymakers have an accurate and complete understanding of what customers are facing,” Montelaro said. “The scenarios you navigate — sudden bills, unexpected expenses, service barriers — mirror the very challenges lawmakers hear from constituents. When they raise those concerns with us, our credibility depends on how well we understand the real experiences behind them.”

The event concluded with a reflection circle, where participants described the experience as eye‑opening and humbling.

“The experience of stepping into the shoes of those who have limited resources and live in poverty was eye-opening and impactful,” said Entergy employee Vonda Flentroy-Rice. “The simulation helped me better understand the day-to-day struggles our low-income customers endure and the need for us to step up and help.”

Learn more here about Entergy’s year-round initiatives dedicated to help our customers and communities that we serve.

View original content here.

By Cristina del Canto

Entergy recently partnered with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana to host a poverty simulation designed to deepen understanding of the difficult realities facing ALICE households — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — who often earn above the federal poverty level yet still cannot afford a basic survival budget.

The exercise brought together about 140 participants, including policymakers and Entergy stakeholders committed to strengthening support systems for families struggling to make ends meet.

Held at the New Orleans Saints Indoor Practice Facility, the simulation assigned participants roles based on real‑world family scenarios. Over four compressed “weeks,” volunteers were tasked with securing housing, childcare, transportation and employment while confronting sudden setbacks such as eviction notices, lost wages, medical bills and service barriers. Stations around the field represented the institutions families rely on — schools, employers, a community action agency, a utility provider, childcare resources and payday and title loan lenders — challenging participants to navigate services often overstretched or inaccessible.

Rob Hatley, Entergy’s group vice president of corporate affairs and communications, opened the event by underscoring why empathy is essential to Entergy’s community mission.

“At Entergy, our mission goes beyond providing reliable power. It includes strengthening the communities we serve and supporting the people who call them home,” Hatley said. “A significant part of that commitment is working to better understand the challenges faced by our customers living with limited incomes. Today’s simulation gives us a valuable opportunity to step into their shoes and get a first-hand view of the difficult choices and obstacles so many families navigate every day.”

Key policymakers participated gaining a firsthand perspective on the daily struggles constituents face. Jody Montelaro, Entergy Louisiana’s vice president of public affairs, said the experience offers policymakers an important lens into the realities constituents face.

“Our team works year‑round to ensure policymakers have an accurate and complete understanding of what customers are facing,” Montelaro said. “The scenarios you navigate — sudden bills, unexpected expenses, service barriers — mirror the very challenges lawmakers hear from constituents. When they raise those concerns with us, our credibility depends on how well we understand the real experiences behind them.”

The event concluded with a reflection circle, where participants described the experience as eye‑opening and humbling.

“The experience of stepping into the shoes of those who have limited resources and live in poverty was eye-opening and impactful,” said Entergy employee Vonda Flentroy-Rice. “The simulation helped me better understand the day-to-day struggles our low-income customers endure and the need for us to step up and help.”

Learn more here about Entergy’s year-round initiatives dedicated to help our customers and communities that we serve.

View original content here.

By Cristina del Canto

Entergy recently partnered with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana to host a poverty simulation designed to deepen understanding of the difficult realities facing ALICE households — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — who often earn above the federal poverty level yet still cannot afford a basic survival budget.

The exercise brought together about 140 participants, including policymakers and Entergy stakeholders committed to strengthening support systems for families struggling to make ends meet.

Held at the New Orleans Saints Indoor Practice Facility, the simulation assigned participants roles based on real‑world family scenarios. Over four compressed “weeks,” volunteers were tasked with securing housing, childcare, transportation and employment while confronting sudden setbacks such as eviction notices, lost wages, medical bills and service barriers. Stations around the field represented the institutions families rely on — schools, employers, a community action agency, a utility provider, childcare resources and payday and title loan lenders — challenging participants to navigate services often overstretched or inaccessible.

Rob Hatley, Entergy’s group vice president of corporate affairs and communications, opened the event by underscoring why empathy is essential to Entergy’s community mission.

“At Entergy, our mission goes beyond providing reliable power. It includes strengthening the communities we serve and supporting the people who call them home,” Hatley said. “A significant part of that commitment is working to better understand the challenges faced by our customers living with limited incomes. Today’s simulation gives us a valuable opportunity to step into their shoes and get a first-hand view of the difficult choices and obstacles so many families navigate every day.”

Key policymakers participated gaining a firsthand perspective on the daily struggles constituents face. Jody Montelaro, Entergy Louisiana’s vice president of public affairs, said the experience offers policymakers an important lens into the realities constituents face.

“Our team works year‑round to ensure policymakers have an accurate and complete understanding of what customers are facing,” Montelaro said. “The scenarios you navigate — sudden bills, unexpected expenses, service barriers — mirror the very challenges lawmakers hear from constituents. When they raise those concerns with us, our credibility depends on how well we understand the real experiences behind them.”

The event concluded with a reflection circle, where participants described the experience as eye‑opening and humbling.

“The experience of stepping into the shoes of those who have limited resources and live in poverty was eye-opening and impactful,” said Entergy employee Vonda Flentroy-Rice. “The simulation helped me better understand the day-to-day struggles our low-income customers endure and the need for us to step up and help.”

Learn more here about Entergy’s year-round initiatives dedicated to help our customers and communities that we serve.

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Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

Few brands in direct selling carry the legacy, cultural impact and global recognition of Mary Kay, and even fewer are led by a third-generation steward so deeply connected to that legacy. In a recent conversation with Direct Selling News, Ryan Rogers, CEO of Mary Kay and grandson of Mary Kay Ash – the iconic founder of Mary Kay Inc., offers a rare inside look at the company’s evolution, its enduring values, and the forward-thinking strategies shaping its next era of growth.

From personal stories that reveal the expectations and influence of his iconic grandmother to candid insights on innovation, digital transformation and leadership, Rogers paints a clear picture of a company rooted in purpose but accelerating toward the future. His perspective underscores a powerful theme: honoring a legacy isn’t about preserving the past – it is about advancing it with intention.

As Mary Kay continues to redefine what success looks like in today’s direct selling and beauty landscape – blending entrepreneurship, technology, and community – this interview provides an inspiring and insightful glimpse into what’s ahead. Read the full interview here to explore how one of the industry’s most iconic brands is building momentum for the next generation.

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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.