Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt once tried to move his family into a DICK’S House of Sport (HOS). Now, he’s done it! Sort of.

“Click on me for the play-by-play as your personal tour guide,” says an avatar of Watt in DICK’S Sporting Goods Virtual HOS.

Virtual HOS is an immersive digital journey via DICKS.com that explores the unparalleled and exciting experience that is HOS. The DICK’S Sporting Goods’ eCommerce, Visual and Marketing teams partnered with Napster, an innovative technology and entertainment company specializing in the development of cutting-edge, AI-powered 3D immersive experiences, to bring all the excitement and energy of a 100,000 square-foot brick-and-mortar store into an online experience for athletes nationwide to explore, even if a physical HOS isn’t in their market just yet.

“Napster’s partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods demonstrates how immersive experiences can create authentic connections between brands and consumers, turning digital discovery into meaningful engagement,” said John Acunto, co-founder and CEO of Napster Corp.

The idea for Virtual HOS came about two years ago to build awareness to the HOS concept. Now, it’s grown into a true extension of the physical store featuring our elevated product assortment, showcasing our in-store experiences and incorporating elements like J.J.’s presence.

Watt, who has been synonymous with HOS since becoming a brand ambassador in March 2024, guides athletes through the virtual store while highlighting everything that makes HOS unique: the Climbing Wall, the Golf Pro Shop with TrackMan™ simulators, the HitTrax™ multi-sport cages that can be used for baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse and hockey, the Field and more!

“I love House of Sport and having the chance to experience it without even stepping foot in a store is next level,” said Watt. “Imagine being able to explore every facet of the ultimate destination for sports from anywhere. It’s a real game changer and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Another standout feature of Virtual HOS is that it’s both shoppable and schedulable. Athletes can add featured products directly to their DICKS.com cart for a seamless shopping journey. They can also book services or reserve time slots for activities that interest them like sports camps, fitness classes or even birthday parties! Click here to explore Virtual HOS for yourself!

There are currently 23 DICK’S HOS locations across the country with 12 more opening their doors by the end of 2025. DICK’S plans to have at least 75 HOS stores open by 2027. HOS offers athletes a multi-sport experience inside and outside the store and elite customer service with skilled teammates (employees) and enhanced technology. You can find the store nearest to you here.

Written by Hilary Totin

Classmates Will Brown and Alexis Adeboyejo figured they would stay in touch after college, but not quite like this.

“Friends, yes. Colleagues at the same company, no, didn’t expect that,” Adeboyejo laughed.

Brown and Adeboyejo came to Medtronic straight out of Harding University in Arkansas, part of a wave of new recruits training for careers that until now didn’t exist at Medtronic: cardiac mapping.

“I tell my friends it’s kind of a cross between video gaming and clinical technology,” Brown laughed. “It’s challenging and interesting and we’re all very excited about it.”

Brown and Adeboyejo both earned masters’ degrees in Cardiac Function and Interventional Technology at Harding. Their next learning challenge is Medtronic mapping school, officially known as Affera Academy.

Affera Academy

Cardiac mappers are experts in the cardiac arrhythmia ablation procedure, which requires technical knowledge of the procedure, cardiac anatomy and physiology, and skill at operating the software. This procedure is used to treat abnormal rhythms (such as atrial fibrillation, or Afib) in the heart. The software maps the electrical voltage and activity of the heart and helps physicians identify areas where the electrical signals are malfunctioning. The software creates brightly colored maps of the heart’s anatomy and its electrical activity, with each color telling the mapper and physician something unique. Watching a mapper in action can be a bit like watching someone play a video game.

“Mappers absolutely need a thorough understanding of not only the software, but also how the heart works and of electrophysiology (EP), which is the study of the heart’s electrical system and treatment of disorders like Afib,” said Troy Bertram, training and education director in the Cardiac Ablation Solutions (CAS) business at Medtronic. “They’re critical advisors to the doctor in the operating room, so if the doctor has a question, the mapper better have the answer.”

Affera Academy is named after the Medtronic Affera Mapping and Ablation System™, approved for use in the United States in 2024. Demand for the new system is so high that it’s creating an urgent need for mappers to operate the software. Hospitals typically rely on the companies that develop the mapping software to provide the mappers to run it. Medtronic is planning to hire hundreds of them—with varying levels of experience—in the coming months.

“Doctors are telling us this system is one of the best things they’ve ever seen in the EP space,” said Rebecca Seidel, president of CAS, as she addressed the new recruits at Affera Academy. “You have an amazing opportunity ahead of you, to use this incredible technology to help serve patients.”

New college graduate recruits need to complete the foundational training through the Medtronic mapper school at what’s called EP University—mainly online classes where they learn about heart function, electrophysiology and the disease states that ablation can treat. They must pass a rigorous test (with a score of 90% or better) to move on to “The Bridge” where they learn how to use ablation devices and mapping systems, including the Affera system. That course is both online and in person, including classroom work and hands-on practice with simulators.

Experienced mappers in high demand

Not all students at Affera Academy are fresh from college—in fact many of the newest mappers are recruits from competitors. Veteran mappers newly hired at Medtronic recently came from Australia, Japan, France, the UK and various locations around the United States to attend in-person training in Minnesota.

“The new Medtronic technology is so efficient and that’s ultimately better for patients,” said Chelsea Polanco, who mapped for 10 years at a competitor before coming to Medtronic. “Affera is changing ablation therapy and it’s exciting to be part of it.”

Kristy Hoghton came from Perth, Australia to train on the Affera platform so she’ll be ready when the first systems arrive in her country. “Part of what I love about mapping is that you’re always learning and you’re always helping patients. With the Affera system, I’m doing both.”

Stepping out of the “shadow”

As they proceed through training, new mappers are paired with a mentor so they can shadow actual procedures. It takes an average of 25 cases under a mentor before a new recruit is certified to map on their own.

“We expect them to do more with every case,” Bertram said. “They should be constantly progressing. And it’s not just technical knowledge. We also need to see how they support and interact with the physician. That’s a huge part of being a good mapper.”

Will Brown is already shadowing cases at the Cleveland Clinic; Alexis Adeboyejo is doing the same in Seattle. “The sheer amount of knowledge that pours out of my mentor and the people I’m working with is amazing. Really, really cool,” he said.

“Initially it’s a little intimidating, working with doctors who have so much more experience than we do,” she said. “But Medtronic really prepares us, both technically and how to relate to the physicians. I’m already more comfortable.”

Both will probably map their first solo cases in 2026, if not sooner. They’ll be cheering each other on.

“Will is calm under pressure, observant and has a way of connecting with people. He’ll be a great mapper,” Adeboyejo said.

“She’s super intelligent and a great communicator,” Brown said. “She’ll be terrific.”

Interested in becoming a Medtronic mapper? Check out our careers page.

See how Medtronic’s David Stalls turned his health issues into a career as a mapper.

Important Safety Information

Risks may include serious complications and injuries to cardiac and other body structures. The Sphere-9™ catheter and Affera™ mapping and ablation system, PulseSelect™ pulsed field ablation system, and Arctic Front Advance™ over-the-wire balloon catheter should only be used under the supervision of a physician that performs cardiac ablation procedures.

AUSTIN, Texas, September 9, 2025 /3BL/ – Whole Foods Market Foundation announces nearly $500,000 in grants to support nine existing partners experiencing unexpected funding gaps through its annual High Impact Program, in partnership with the Kasperick Foundation. 

Since 2013, the Foundation’s High Impact Program has provided over $2.3 million to 32 organizations impacting over 84,000 people in 28 countries around the world. Through carefully selected partnerships with established organizations, this program ensures that vital community projects can continue without interruption. The High Impact Program not only prioritizes meeting partners’ current needs but also exemplifies the Foundation’s broader commitment to flexible, responsive funding that can swiftly adapt to their evolving challenges and opportunities. Learn more about each project below:

Action for Ocean | Tanzania

Action for Ocean (AFO) is a nonprofit committed to restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems, promoting environmentally friendly and economically competitive aquaculture, and enhancing sustainable fisheries. The $74,587 funds will enable AFO to continue their Coastal Livelihood Entrepreneurship for Adaptation and Resilience program, ensuring 225 women continue earning income through seaweed farming, accessing microloans, and building business skills.

Camino Verde | Peru

Camino Verde is a nonprofit organization advancing regenerative solutions to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and rural poverty in the Peruvian Amazon. Their $60,000 emergency support will allow Camino Verde to sustain all key operational needs for the Rosewood Farmer Livelihood Program, including essential activities with local farmers and securing the seeds and equipment necessary to sustain their growing programs on the ground.

Fresh Life | Kenya

Fresh Life seeks support to stabilize and strengthen their sanitation service operations in Kisumu, Kenya, where their model provides critical daily services to low-income residents. This $72,000 support will enable Fresh Life to sustain safe, reliable sanitation services for 20,000+ low-income residents in Kisumu, preventing disruptions across over 1,272+ Fresh Life Toilets in Kisumu alone. In addition, the funds will support the expansion of a waste processing and washing station. 

Futuro | Mozambique

Futuro supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individual entrepreneurs in Mozambique, while maintaining a strong focus on low-income individuals and community groups. Their $53,814 funds will be used to establish a new branch of Futuro to maximize outreach in Namialo and Meconta. This brand will be a full infrastructure branch designed to provide a spectrum of financial services. 

Fondo Mas | Mexico

The coffee-growing women of Chiapas, Mexico face structural barriers to accessing productive credit, with high levels of poverty, without formal guarantees, and with limited access to financial information. Their $33,000 funds will help Fondo Mas to reactivate and consolidate access to credit and training for 100 coffee-growing women in four regions, ensuring the continuity of a comprehensive strategy that promotes their financial inclusion. 

HIAS | Ecuador

The Socio-Economic Support Program (SESP) is HIAS’ poverty alleviation initiative, which supports displaced families in achieving self-reliance. Using their $65,000 project funds, HIAS will be able to continue their program supporting displaced families by offering financial support, case management, service referrals, early cash assistance to stabilize basic needs, and ongoing coaching from staff to build sustainable livelihoods. 

Skylight Ventures | United Kingdom

Skylight is a nonprofit organization providing interest-free micro loans to refugee entrepreneurs in the U.K., alongside financial literacy education and support. Their $44,012 project funds will directly replace a disrupted grant, enabling Skylight to set up a sustainable funding pathway and further develop their impact strategy. Skylight will also expand loan products to introduce an interest-bearing loan and offer financial literacy training to 200 refugee entrepreneurs. 

Swahili Honey | Tanzania

Swahili Honey is a social enterprise focused on supporting smallholder beekeepers to produce high quality honey and beeswax for both local and international markets. Their $22,239 funds will enable 300+ smallholder beekeepers to form 15 new Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups, enabling informal savings and access to credit, while also improving 3 existing honey collection centers to facilitate timely, fair, and digital payments for farmers. 

Upendo Honey | Tanzania

Upendo Honey is a social impact organic honey company based in Kigoma, Tanzania. The $75,000 support will be used to bridge part of this gap in the budget for their core activities to engage small-scale beekeepers, including organic certification for their products, distribution of buckets and other equipment to beekeepers, training, and technical field support.  

Since 2005, Whole Foods Market Foundation, has invested over $205 million supporting over 16,750 partner organizations and schools in 81countries around the world.

For more information, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org/funding-announcements. 

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ABOUT WHOLE FOODS MARKET FOUNDATION

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

International Olympic Committee news

In the heart of Seine-Saint-Denis, one of Paris’s youngest and most working-class departments where half of the 11-year-olds cannot swim, the legacy of Paris 2024 is set to benefit the local community. Sevran has inherited one of the most symbolic legacies from the Games: a 50-metre Olympic swimming pool that exactly one year ago was home to world-class athletes, including French swimming sensation Léon Marchand.

This pool, originally installed in the iconic Paris La Défense Arena to host Olympic swimming and water polo events, was the site of Marchand’s historic performance, earning four gold medals and a bronze medal, and setting multiple Olympic records. In January 2026, it will open its doors to the public in Sevran, complementing the current 25-metre municipal pool that has long served the local community.

While the existing pool welcomes between 70,000 and 90,000 visitors annually, the new facility is expected to more than double attendance, reaching up to 200,000 visitors per year, with a particular focus on schoolchildren. With this expansion, the pool will be able to welcome students across six consecutive school years, from kindergarten to year five.

“The Dive”, a short film by the IOC, features Ali Dhifallah, director and swimming instructor at the local pool in Sevran. As someone who almost drowned as a child, he highlights how this Olympic legacy goes far beyond providing new facilities to teach children to swim. For him, it’s a tool for empowerment.

At the moment, in some parts of Sevran only about 42 per cent of children can swim. So the fact that we can offer classes for a six-year age range is huge. It’s unique and will enable us to be much more efficient.

Ali Dhifallah Director and swimming instructor at the local pool in Sevran

“There are many children in Sevran who don’t go on holiday, and learning to swim will enable them to take part in water sports activities such as waterskiing and kayaking and out-of-town trips, which will help us reduce the gap in terms of access to these activities,” Dhifallah explains.

Once the new Olympic pool is in place, the current pool will be repurposed outdoors, providing open-air swimming in a newly developed green space. The upgraded aquatics centre, designed to accommodate up to 1,500 people, will also feature wellness facilities, including a sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, cold bath, massage jets and training equipment, creating a vibrant hub for the entire community. “During the Games, there was a Club 2024 where we could watch the Games on a giant screen in the centre of Sevran,” says Dhifallah. “Even people who knew nothing about swimming came to watch and asked me questions. Everyone identified with what would be Sevran’s new pool. It was magical.”

His transformation is part of a broader mission by Paris 2024 to make sport more accessible, particularly for young people in urban areas. More than 38,000 children have so far benefitted from free swimming lessons through 1,2,3 Swim!, a Paris 2024 initiative focused on addressing inequality in access to sport, and 30 minutes of daily physical activity are being introduced into French primary schools, as a result of an initiative supported by Paris 2024.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds widely used in industrial and consumer products for their resistance to heat, water, and oil since the 1950’s. Their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have prompted sweeping regulatory and legal actions across the United States. This post highlights the latest developments in PFAS regulation, litigation, and strategic implications for stakeholders.

 

EPA Regulatory Updates 

Drinking Water Standards 

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its first-ever National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, setting Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) at 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for each. The rule also included MCLs for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (GenX), and a hazard index for mixtures of these substances.

However, in May 2025, the EPA announced that it will keep the current NPDWR for PFOA and PFOS and concurrently declared its intent to rescind the MCLs for four of the six PFAS, citing the need for further scientific review. The EPA plans to retain the MCLs for PFOA and PFOS and extended the compliance deadline from 2029 to 2031.

CERCLA Designation 

On July 8, 2024, the EPA’s final rule designating PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), often coined the “Superfund Law,” took effect.

This designation enabled the EPA and other agencies to compel cleanup actions and recover costs from potentially responsible parties. The rule as drafted was intended to have significant implications for industries linked to legacy/historical PFAS use.

Poignantly, the New York Times recently reported that Steven Cook, principal deputy assistant administrator in the Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM), met in late July with industry players challenging the Biden-era designation of PFOA and PFOS as “hazardous substances” under CERCLA. And thereafter, the OLEM revised its recommendation on the rule to suggest repealing it rather than supporting it.

Litigation quickly followed the EPA’s 2024 designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA. In Chamber of Commerce of the United States v. EPA, industry groups challenged the CERCLA designation of PFOA and PFOS, arguing that the EPA exceeded its statutory authority and failed to justify the rule under the Administrative Procedure Act. The D.C. Circuit Court initially granted multiple stays to allow the EPA’s leadership to reassess its position. As of November 4, 2024, the Chamber coalition filed its opening brief. The case remains in the briefing phase, and no decision has been issued yet.

TSCA Reporting Requirements 

The EPA finalized its Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(a)(7) rule in late 2023, requiring manufacturers and importers to report PFAS data dating back to 2011 through calendar year 2022. The reporting window was initially set for 2024 but has since been delayed twice. The current reporting period runs from April 13 to October 13, 2026, with an extended deadline of April 13, 2027, for small businesses and article importers.

The rule mandates disclosure of chemical identity, production volumes, uses, byproducts, exposure, and disposal practices. The EPA is considering adding exemptions and streamlined reporting for small entities and article (manufactured items) importers.

Questions about TSCA? Our Waste and Materials Management team is here to help.

 

Litigation Landscape 

Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) 

The PFAS MDL (MDL No. 2873), centralized in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, consolidates over 10,000 cases involving aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and PFAS contamination near military bases, airports, and industrial sites. Judge Richard Gergel presides over the litigation, which includes claims against manufacturers such as 3M, DuPont, Tyco, and BASF.

In 2024, the court approved settlements totaling over $13 billion from 3M and DuPont to resolve claims from public water systems. Litigation continues to shape legal standards around liability, causation, and damages.

Broader Legal Trends 

Beyond the MDL, there is a surge in consumer and state-level lawsuits targeting PFAS in products and water supplies. Legal uncertainty persists around legacy PFAS (e.g., PFOA, PFOS) versus newer short-chain and fluorinated replacements. Courts are grappling with scientific evidence and regulatory definitions, which vary across jurisdictions.

PFAS risks are evolving quickly. If you have legal questions or need guidance on potential impacts, connect with our team for support.

Legacy PFAS vs. Replacement Surfactants 

Manufacturing of legacy PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS have largely been phased out in the United States and replacement chemicals (aka “replacement surfactants”), including short-chain PFAS and fluorinated alternatives, are now under scrutiny.

One would think with all the scrutiny on the legacy PFAS, legacy PFAS would be phased out, however PFOA and PFOS are essential for many products, such as electronics and pesticides. These products are deemed to contain PFAS as “currently unavoidable use” by some states.

The most-reported PFAS under Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) from 2020-2023, are PFOA, PFOS, and a replacement surfactant HFPO-DA, aka GenX. Where combined quantities of HFPO-DA (GenX) and its ammonium salt account for more waste managed than any other TRI listed PFAS.

The EPA has recently adopted a risk-based approach to evaluating new PFAS, considering persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity.

Scientific debate continues over how to define PFAS, with some experts advocating for class-based regulation and others favoring compound-specific assessments.

 

EPA Strategic Direction 

Under Administrator Lee Zeldin, the EPA has emphasized a “polluter pays” framework, source control, and effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs). On April 28, 2025, the EPA announced a sweeping initiative to address PFAS contamination through coordinated regulatory, scientific, and enforcement efforts. Of import the EPAs major PFAS action document introduced the following federally driven prerogatives:

• Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELGs): New discharge limits targeting PFAS in industrial wastewater.
• TSCA Testing Strategy: Expanded testing under Section 4 to assess toxicity and exposure pathways.
• CERCLA Enforcement: Continued designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances; litigation stays remain in effect.
• Drinking Water Compliance: MCLs for six PFAS upheld with the intent to rescind four of the six; compliance deadline extended to 2031.
• “Polluter Pays” Framework: Reinforced liability principles to shift cleanup costs to responsible parties.
• Air Monitoring Initiatives: Launch of PFAS air emissions data collection and measurement protocols.
• State Collaboration: EPA pledges deeper engagement with state regulators and tribal governments.

These developments reflect Administrator Lee Zeldin’s commitment to science-driven regulation and environmental accountability. They also mark a significant shift in federal strategy and carry major implications for industry, municipalities, and environmental stakeholders. While implementation details remain forthcoming, stakeholders should prepare for increased scrutiny and evolving compliance obligations.

 

Practical Implications for Stakeholders 

Manufacturers, importers, and property owners face growing compliance burdens. PFAS liabilities are increasingly material in real estate transactions and mergers and acquisitions. Proactive PFAS risk management, including site assessments, contractual protections, and regulatory tracking, is essential.

 

PFAS are NOT Forever 

PFAS are notoriously resistant to degradation in the environment due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making conventional treatment methods largely ineffective and are considered a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP). However, several technologies have emerged to sequester PFAS and/or reduce PFAS concentrations in water and other environmental media, calling for the public to ask whether the label of “forever chemicals” is a misnomer. These technologies fall into two main categories: removal (adsorption or separation/concentration) and destruction.

1. Removal Technologies 

These methods focus on separating PFAS from water without breaking down the chemical structure:

• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): One of the most widely used and studied technologies, GAC effectively adsorbs long-chain PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS. Its performance depends on carbon type, contact time, and water quality parameters.
• Ion Exchange Resins: Synthetic resins with charged functional groups selectively bind PFAS molecules. They offer high removal efficiency, especially for short-chain PFAS, and are often used in tandem with GAC.
• High-Pressure Membranes (Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration): These membranes physically separate PFAS from water. Reverse osmosis is highly effective but generates a concentrated waste stream that requires further treatment.
• Foam Fractionation: Another separation technology, fractionation leverages the physical properties of PFAS which has a hydrophobic and hydrophilic end that likes to stick to the air/water interface. By passing a gas (usually air) through the liquid, PFAS sticks to the bubbles which are then collected at the top of a vessel for subsequent disposal or destruction.

2. Destruction Technologies 

These emerging methods aim to break the carbon-fluorine bonds and permanently eliminate PFAS:

• Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO): Uses high temperature and pressure to oxidize PFAS in water. SCWO shows promise for complete mineralization but faces scalability and cost challenges.
• Plasma-Based Treatment: Non-thermal plasma can generate reactive species that degrade PFAS. While effective in lab settings, commercial deployment is still limited.
• Electrochemical Oxidation: Applies electrical current to degrade PFAS at the electrode surface. This method is under active development and shows potential for treating concentrated waste streams.
• Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs): Techniques like Fenton chemistry and UV/peroxide have limited success due to PFAS stability. They may be more effective when combined with other methods.

3. Integrated Treatment Trains 

Given the diversity of PFAS compounds and site-specific conditions, many remediation strategies use a combination of technologies. For example, GAC may be used for initial removal, followed by SCWO or plasma treatment for destruction of residuals.

4. Limitations and Considerations 

• Short-chain PFAS are more mobile and harder to remove than long-chain variants.
• Waste management of spent media and concentrate streams remains a challenge.
• Cost and energy requirements for destruction technologies are significant.
• Site-specific factors such as co-contaminants and water chemistry influence treatment efficacy.

 

How Antea Group Can Help

Navigating PFAS regulation and litigation requires strategic foresight and technical expertise. Antea Group offers comprehensive support, from compliance planning and risk assessment to stakeholder engagement and remediation strategy.

Contact us to learn how we can help you stay ahead of evolving PFAS obligations and mitigate risk with available technologies.

 

To learn more or connect with the authors on LinkedIn, see below:

Insurance / Legal:

Rosemarie Hebner

PFAS:

Jack Sheldon

Jason Lagowski

Caron Koll

Waste and Materials Management (TSCA, TRI, etc.):

Kara Van Blarcum

By Michele Robinson-Pontbriand, Director Corporate Social Responsibility

CSR Intern reflects on Keysight’s commitment to building a better planet by empowering the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovators.

By Katherine “Katie” Murphy

Bachelor of Arts in Statistics; Harvard University

On my first day as an intern on Keysight’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, I learned about Keysight’s foundational framework of six CSR pillars: ethical governance, the environment, responsible sourcing, our people, communities, and our solutions. But it was only throughout the summer that I began to truly appreciate how these pillars operate as a business strategy to help the company and planet thrive. Each pillar is carefully designed with supporting policies, programs, action plans, and trackable accountability measures. This intentional framework connecting technology innovation and impact explains how Keysight continues to be a leader in sustainability, listed on TIME Magazine’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2025, and the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index.

Though I hate to play pillar framework favorites, I feel especially connected to Keysight’s ‘communities’ pillar—which includes support for global STEM education—as I pursue a degree in Statistics. As part of this pillar, Keysight facilitates volunteer efforts and supports educational organizations to achieve the company’s social impact goal of engaging more than 2 million students in the current fiscal year. Through STEM education partnerships, Keysight invests in community prosperity and cultivates the talent pipeline that will drive future technological breakthroughs.

Why STEM Education Matters to Keysight

STEM is crucial for both community development and industry advancement. Keysight focuses on investing in hands-on, engaging learning experiences for all students—each fiscal year, the company supports STEM education engagements around the world. This investment reflects the core belief that community prosperity begins with opportunity for all.

Growing the Talent Pipeline

Investing in STEM education is also a strategic move to secure a skilled workforce for the future. K–12 STEM education funding is just one part of engaging a larger talent pipeline that includes:

• Education outreach through Keysight’s signature After School Program including hands-on science experiments
• Internships to provide students direct engagement in technology career paths
• University relations and education programs for engineering students

Supporting STEM talent development from early education to professional stages helps Keysight remain at the forefront of technological advancement.

STEM For All

Through community partnerships, Keysight strives to empower students, support community prosperity, and secure a future skilled workforce. It has been so rewarding to contribute to Keysight’s CSR pillars this summer—to learn more about Keysight’s initiatives, check out the CSR webpage to see the latest news.

Kidney disease affects an estimated 35 million Americans, with 90% unaware until it’s critical. As DaVita celebrates its 25th anniversary, it remains dedicated to changing this by prioritizing proactive care and empowering individuals to manage their kidney health before dialysis or transplant is needed. Through health awareness, screenings and support resources, DaVita is making an impact.

To accelerate progress, DaVita fosters strategic collaborations with organizations dedicated to increasing access to care, addressing both clinical and social drivers of health for better outcomes.

The recently announced expansion of DaVita’s work with the YMCA is a testament to that collaborative spirit. Leveraging YMCA’s extensive reach across communities as well as DaVita’s 25 years of expertise in kidney care, the collaboration will seek to bring vital health screenings, education and community-based resources to enable early intervention.

Similarly, DaVita proudly supports the American Heart Association’s Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Health Initiative. This program focuses on raising awareness, increasing screenings, and facilitating interdisciplinary care for individuals facing the interconnected challenges of heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity.

Download multimedia here.