In March 2025, thousands of everyday gamers, readers, and creators came together to do something extraordinary.

Through a partnership between CARE and Humble Bundle, more than $340,000 was raised to support women around the world, in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.

Each purchase made on Humble’s platform acted like a modern-day CARE Package®, delivering more than just digital content to users. It delivered opportunity, dignity, and hope to women across the globe.

Funds raised through Humble Bundle’s campaign contributed to CARE’s Women’s Economic Growth Fund, helping CARE expand access to economic opportunity for at least 8,500 women. Women who are starting businesses, leading in their communities, and building brighter futures for their families. Together we’re helping women level up their futures.

2025 hasn’t been easy for women entrepreneurs. Global cuts to foreign assistance have made it harder for women to access capital, mobility, digital tools, and support. Yet, women entrepreneurs keep showing up.

Thanks to flexible funds from Humble Bundle for CARE’s Economic Growth programming, hundreds of women in Guatemala are now participating in CARE facilitated savings groups. They’re saving money, diversifying their businesses, and gaining confidence and stability to keep their families and communities resilient.

With support from CARE, women all over the world are turning challenges into opportunities: launching nature-based businesses in Colombia, creating and selling handicrafts in refugee camps, running food and garment businesses in Vietnam, and growing home gardens, family farms and daycare programs in Africa. Now more than ever, women are using digital tools to market their products, access loans, manage finances, and drive growth.

Here are some additional stories of women who have received support:

Stitching tradition into a digital future

In Multan, Pakistan, Shahjahan Begum’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in resilience. Widowed at just 14, she began stitching embroidery to support her infant son and family. Over time, her craft grew into a thriving enterprise, titled Shah Fashion Collection, employing dozens of women specializing in handcrafted embroidery and beadwork.

Through CARE’s digital e-commerce and online marketing training, Shahjahan learned how to promote her work online. Orders jumped from 10 to over 50 per month.

Shahjahan eventually remarried, finding an equally committed and encouraging partner in her new husband, Iftikar.

With her husband’s support and her own determination, Shahjahan now works through Instagram and Facebook but dreams of expanding into global markets. For her, business is about more than income: it is also about community. She employs around 60 women, many of whom work from home, enabling them to support their households and gain new opportunities. She takes pride in teaching job skills to younger women so they can build careers and contribute to the enterprise.

Her advice to other women? “A woman should work with as much courage as she can muster. Standing on your own feet, you will succeed.”

Innovating through adversity in Pakistan

In the busy city of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Barbra Safar is rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship with her unique business portfolio.

After the loss of her brother and the end of her marriage, Safar returned to her family home to care for her daughter, who lives with a mild intellectual disability, and stepped in to support them financially.

With an MBA from Fatima Jinnah Women’s University, she leveraged her education to slowly carve out a niche in the tailoring industry and started her own tailoring service. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to shut down her shop, Safar, undeterred, pursued an unexpected opportunity: mealworm farming.

Safar faced resistance from the start, even within her own home. While education for women was encouraged, pursuing work outside the home was met with hesitation.

Despite these barriers, Barbra remained steadfast.

Barbra gained digital marketing skills through CARE-supported training, allowing her to grow her customer base and connect with other women entrepreneurs. “It was a game-changer,” she says. “It built stronger ties and boosted our business.”

Looking ahead, Barbra aims to scale Urban Meal Worms, ensuring year-round production and supplying larger-scale feed manufacturers.

Despite cultural barriers and personal setbacks, Barbra has emerged as a confident leader—making business decisions, being her family’s breadwinner, and charting her own future.

From passion to progress

Living in the Peruvian Amazon, Micaela saw opportunity in the resources around her. She founded Wame, a family business that transforms the region’s largest fish, paiche, into a range of products using both its meat and scales. Michaela’s goal: to build a circular-economy enterprise that sustains local livelihoods and the environment.

Like many early-stage entrepreneurs, Micaela could not yet access formal loans. Through CARE-supported financial training, Micaela learned to strengthen her business plan, manage finances, and use digital tools to expand her reach. She now saves regularly, tracks business income separately, and sells confidently at trade fairs — even representing her community at the largest commercial fair in the region, where she sold her jewelry in U.S. dollars for the first time.

“Success comes step by step,” Micaela says. “But when you love what you do, every step is worth it.”

Why this work matters

Whether in Peru, Pakistan, or beyond, the barriers women face, like limited access to education, funding, or even permission to work, are real. As is their determination to develop skills and build a better life.

CARE’s economic growth work supports women to:

  • Start and grow businesses
  • Participate in savings groups and obtain financial services
  • Gain digital skills and access new markets
  • Build confidence and resilience
  • Create opportunities for others in their community

Together, with Humble Bundle, we’re showing what’s possible when women are trusted, supported, and encouraged to lead.

Learn more about CARE’s Women’s Economic Growth programming.

In March 2025, thousands of everyday gamers, readers, and creators came together to do something extraordinary.

Through a partnership between CARE and Humble Bundle, more than $340,000 was raised to support women around the world, in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.

Each purchase made on Humble’s platform acted like a modern-day CARE Package®, delivering more than just digital content to users. It delivered opportunity, dignity, and hope to women across the globe.

Funds raised through Humble Bundle’s campaign contributed to CARE’s Women’s Economic Growth Fund, helping CARE expand access to economic opportunity for at least 8,500 women. Women who are starting businesses, leading in their communities, and building brighter futures for their families. Together we’re helping women level up their futures.

2025 hasn’t been easy for women entrepreneurs. Global cuts to foreign assistance have made it harder for women to access capital, mobility, digital tools, and support. Yet, women entrepreneurs keep showing up.

Thanks to flexible funds from Humble Bundle for CARE’s Economic Growth programming, hundreds of women in Guatemala are now participating in CARE facilitated savings groups. They’re saving money, diversifying their businesses, and gaining confidence and stability to keep their families and communities resilient.

With support from CARE, women all over the world are turning challenges into opportunities: launching nature-based businesses in Colombia, creating and selling handicrafts in refugee camps, running food and garment businesses in Vietnam, and growing home gardens, family farms and daycare programs in Africa. Now more than ever, women are using digital tools to market their products, access loans, manage finances, and drive growth.

Here are some additional stories of women who have received support:

Stitching tradition into a digital future

In Multan, Pakistan, Shahjahan Begum’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in resilience. Widowed at just 14, she began stitching embroidery to support her infant son and family. Over time, her craft grew into a thriving enterprise, titled Shah Fashion Collection, employing dozens of women specializing in handcrafted embroidery and beadwork.

Through CARE’s digital e-commerce and online marketing training, Shahjahan learned how to promote her work online. Orders jumped from 10 to over 50 per month.

Shahjahan eventually remarried, finding an equally committed and encouraging partner in her new husband, Iftikar.

With her husband’s support and her own determination, Shahjahan now works through Instagram and Facebook but dreams of expanding into global markets. For her, business is about more than income: it is also about community. She employs around 60 women, many of whom work from home, enabling them to support their households and gain new opportunities. She takes pride in teaching job skills to younger women so they can build careers and contribute to the enterprise.

Her advice to other women? “A woman should work with as much courage as she can muster. Standing on your own feet, you will succeed.”

Innovating through adversity in Pakistan

In the busy city of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Barbra Safar is rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship with her unique business portfolio.

After the loss of her brother and the end of her marriage, Safar returned to her family home to care for her daughter, who lives with a mild intellectual disability, and stepped in to support them financially.

With an MBA from Fatima Jinnah Women’s University, she leveraged her education to slowly carve out a niche in the tailoring industry and started her own tailoring service. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to shut down her shop, Safar, undeterred, pursued an unexpected opportunity: mealworm farming.

Safar faced resistance from the start, even within her own home. While education for women was encouraged, pursuing work outside the home was met with hesitation.

Despite these barriers, Barbra remained steadfast.

Barbra gained digital marketing skills through CARE-supported training, allowing her to grow her customer base and connect with other women entrepreneurs. “It was a game-changer,” she says. “It built stronger ties and boosted our business.”

Looking ahead, Barbra aims to scale Urban Meal Worms, ensuring year-round production and supplying larger-scale feed manufacturers.

Despite cultural barriers and personal setbacks, Barbra has emerged as a confident leader—making business decisions, being her family’s breadwinner, and charting her own future.

From passion to progress

Living in the Peruvian Amazon, Micaela saw opportunity in the resources around her. She founded Wame, a family business that transforms the region’s largest fish, paiche, into a range of products using both its meat and scales. Michaela’s goal: to build a circular-economy enterprise that sustains local livelihoods and the environment.

Like many early-stage entrepreneurs, Micaela could not yet access formal loans. Through CARE-supported financial training, Micaela learned to strengthen her business plan, manage finances, and use digital tools to expand her reach. She now saves regularly, tracks business income separately, and sells confidently at trade fairs — even representing her community at the largest commercial fair in the region, where she sold her jewelry in U.S. dollars for the first time.

“Success comes step by step,” Micaela says. “But when you love what you do, every step is worth it.”

Why this work matters

Whether in Peru, Pakistan, or beyond, the barriers women face, like limited access to education, funding, or even permission to work, are real. As is their determination to develop skills and build a better life.

CARE’s economic growth work supports women to:

  • Start and grow businesses
  • Participate in savings groups and obtain financial services
  • Gain digital skills and access new markets
  • Build confidence and resilience
  • Create opportunities for others in their community

Together, with Humble Bundle, we’re showing what’s possible when women are trusted, supported, and encouraged to lead.

Learn more about CARE’s Women’s Economic Growth programming.

by Carole Laible, Domini Impact Investments 

Every now and then, you see a survey result that startles you. Then upon reflection, you realize it shouldn’t. I recently learned that 45% of men reported being taught about investing by their parents at a young age, compared with only 23% of women.

As parents, we begin teaching our children basic skills from the moment they are born. They begin as essential needs (talking, eating, avoiding danger) and progress to more refined behaviors (sharing, reading, how to catch a ball). As our children grow, we increase our expectations — music lessons, sports teams, AP classes. Our parental guidance is all to nurture knowledge they will need as adults. Investing is a life skill that we may be neglecting when it comes to young girls. 

I’m a working mother in the field of investing with two daughters and a son. I scoured my brain to think of the lessons or discussions I had with my daughters at an early age about investing. Yes, my husband and I had helped them open deposit accounts for special occasion gifts from family. But, to them, it likely seemed a way that their money disappeared. It didn’t get spent, discussed or even monitored month by month. Had I taught them the skills of budgeting, saving and investing? Regrettably, I had not. My son, on the other hand, being the youngest, had a bit more of my time and a natural curiosity. 

Read Carole’s full article here- https://greenmoney.com/lessons-learned/

====

by Carole Laible, Domini Impact Investments 

Every now and then, you see a survey result that startles you. Then upon reflection, you realize it shouldn’t. I recently learned that 45% of men reported being taught about investing by their parents at a young age, compared with only 23% of women.

As parents, we begin teaching our children basic skills from the moment they are born. They begin as essential needs (talking, eating, avoiding danger) and progress to more refined behaviors (sharing, reading, how to catch a ball). As our children grow, we increase our expectations — music lessons, sports teams, AP classes. Our parental guidance is all to nurture knowledge they will need as adults. Investing is a life skill that we may be neglecting when it comes to young girls. 

I’m a working mother in the field of investing with two daughters and a son. I scoured my brain to think of the lessons or discussions I had with my daughters at an early age about investing. Yes, my husband and I had helped them open deposit accounts for special occasion gifts from family. But, to them, it likely seemed a way that their money disappeared. It didn’t get spent, discussed or even monitored month by month. Had I taught them the skills of budgeting, saving and investing? Regrettably, I had not. My son, on the other hand, being the youngest, had a bit more of my time and a natural curiosity. 

Read Carole’s full article here- https://greenmoney.com/lessons-learned/

====

At Cisco, we’ve been redesigning and modernizing our offices over the last few years, rebalancing the composition of space to reflect how the purpose of the workplace has evolved. Today, the office is no longer just a place to get work done. It’s a destination for in-person collaboration, problem solving, career development and mentorship, and even for a stronger connection to the company culture. But everyone’s days are dynamic and while they may go into the office to take part in one of these activities with colleagues, it is unlikely the only thing they’re going to do while there. If employees can’t find spaces to focus, take a private call, or simply pause and reset during a busy day, the perceived value of going in drops, and they’ll seek other ways and places to connect with their team members.  

This is why inclusion is a cornerstone of our workplace design strategy. It drives us to offer a variety of settings that support the collaborative nature of work today, while also supporting the different ways people need and want to work and interact. Today, our commitment to inclusion in the workplace continues to evolve. While we have always prioritized accessibility, we’re now expanding to embrace neuroinclusion, the practice of designing environments that acknowledge and support the different ways people process information and experience their surroundings. This reflects our belief that as the workforce changes, resilient workplaces must adapt to a wide range of experiences, ways of working and also thinking.  

Innovating in London 

The recent renovation of one of Cisco’s London offices was an opportunity to put this strategy and approach into action. Our Finsbury Circus office in Central London welcomes customers from around the world every day and enables them to experience our technology and see our culture firsthand. By reimagining this space, we wanted to set a new standard for both innovation and employee experience, showing our customers and employees what’s possible when technology and human-centered design come together.   

When the idea emerged to provide a workplace that was intentionally designed to create neuroinclusion, we launched an internal study to better understand what truly makes a space neuroinclusive and, ultimately, we discovered a gap. While our offices were built for collaboration, they didn’t always support the full spectrum of how people think, process and recharge. With this project, we wanted to bridge that gap and create working environments where every type of mind and every mode of work could thrive.  

Bringing Neuroinclusivity to Life 

The key to understanding what a neuroinclusive workplace entails is recognizing that people experience and process the workplace in different ways. Sensitivities to light, sound, smells, movement and social interaction can be distracting and impact focus, wellbeing, and the overall experience in the workplace.   

Based on the findings of our report, we developed a set of neuroinclusive guidelines that have since been standardized as part of our Cisco Workplace Design Playbook. In addition to our existing standards around technology, sustainability, and accessibility, we focused on key design areas that support a range of cognitive and sensory needs.  

At the heart of our approach is spatial planning and sensory zoning. The office features open sight lines for easy navigation to reduce anxiety, and is intentionally arranged into high- and low-stimulation zones. This enables everyone to find collaborative spaces or individual focus areas that best align with their sensory preferences without having to sacrifice function or access. We also introduced a single-person reflection room, offering a private retreat for quick recovery from sensory overload or stress.  

Lighting is designed for comfort and choice. While overhead circuit lighting remains consistent throughout, employees can seek out spaces, especially in quiet and focus areas, with dimmable lamps and low-hanging light fixtures that create a more intimate, calming atmosphere.  

Air quality and thermal comfort are optimized through sensor technology, while natural ventilation and enhanced airflow in quiet zones help remove distracting odors/scents (e.g., from food or perfumes).  

Acoustic comfort is achieved through thoughtful design. Soundproof meeting rooms, acoustic treatments in quiet areas, and the strategic placement of printers away from focus areas all help dampen distractions. 

Colors and materials also play a key role. Calming neutral palettes are accented with pops of color and tactile natural finishes like cork and wood, helping to minimize overstimulation and making it easy to identify different zones.  

Finally, technology integration is fundamental to supporting this office’s adaptability and inclusivity. Cisco Spaces provides digital wayfinding, helping employees easily locate an available meeting room or workstation when needed. It also syncs the smart workplace sensors with the building management system, helping our facilities team maintain an optimal environment based on real occupancy and utilization data. Webex technology is embedded throughout, creating an equitable meeting experience for everyone whether they are in the office or joining remotely. 

The Future of Work 

The UK and Ireland hold an important place in Cisco’s global footprint, serving as a dynamic region for innovation, collaboration and customer engagement. Our commitment here goes beyond technology; it extends to creating workspaces across the UK and Ireland that reflect the diverse needs of our employees. By investing in thoughtfully designed, inclusive environments, we can ensure that every workplace supports hybrid work, fosters creativity, and promotes well-being. Spaces like the ones we’ve created at London Finsbury Circus are not just offices; they are vibrant ecosystems where technology and people come together to drive impact and showcase Cisco’s leadership in shaping the future of work. 

While this office represents the first time we’ve explored deeper neuroinclusive principles in this way, these insights are now informing future projects globally, shaping the evolution of our workplaces around the world. Our commitment to neuroinclusivity is about more than just physical space; it’s about creating workplaces that support and celebrate the different ways we all work best. By putting human experience at the center of our workplace strategy and driving it with purpose, we’re not just preparing for what’s next, we’re building it, together.  

View original content here.

This time of year, we reflect on the great work our associates do to give back to their own communities in ways big and small.

Through our Give Back to Gro program, each associate can take a full day every year to do what matters most to them. It’s an extension of our broader purpose to GroMoreGood in our communities and build a better future for everyone. 

Giving Tuesday reminds us how our individual efforts create a collective force that makes a powerful impact.

Thank you to all our associates who Give Back to Gro. We’re inspired by your generosity.

View original content here.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With approximately $3.6 billion in sales, the Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are among the most recognized in the industry. The Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hawthorne Gardening Company, is a leading provider of nutrients, lighting, and other materials used in the indoor and hydroponic growing segment. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com

DALLAS, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NexAnnuity announced the launch of the NexCompounder Fixed Index Annuity (FIA), designed to help individuals take their retirements to the next level with growth potential, principal protection, and tax-deferred accumulation.

A Flexible Approach to Retirement Savings

The NexCompounder FIA is engineered for policyholders/investors seeking both growth and protection. With a minimum initial premium of $25,000 and the ability to add additional premium in the first year, policyholders can tailor their annuities to meet evolving retirement goals. The FIA product supports a range of plan types, including IRAs, non-qualified accounts, and employer-sponsored plans, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of savers.

Diversified Index Strategies

Currently, NexCompounder FIA offers account options linked to the following three major market indexes:

  • S&P 500® Index: A benchmark for large-cap U.S. equities;
  • Nasdaq-100® Index (12% Volatility Control): Focused on innovative growth and technology stocks with lower volatility than the Nasdaq-100® Index; and
  • Franklin US Core Plus Index (7.5% Volatility Control): Is a multi-asset index that takes a diversified, well-balanced approach to investing.

Interest is credited annually based on positive index performance, with strategies including one year point-to-point cap rates and participation rates. Policyholders/Investors benefit from a guaranteed floor, ensuring their principal is protected even in volatile markets.

Additional Features

  • Tax-Deferred Growth: Earnings accumulate tax-deferred until withdrawal.
  • Free Withdrawals: Up to 10% of the contract value may be withdrawn annually after the first policy year, subject to minimum balance requirements.
  • Death Benefit: Full accumulation value paid to beneficiaries.
  • Account Reallocation: Policyholders may adjust allocations on each contribution anniversary.

Commitment to Innovation and Service

The Ohio State Life Insurance Company (Ohio State Life), in partnership with NexAnnuity, continues its tradition of delivering modern retirement solutions. The NexCompounder FIA reflects the company’s commitment to providing products that adapt to changing financial landscapes and client needs.

About NexAnnuity

NexAnnuity is a retirement solutions business based in Dallas, Texas that was founded in 2018 and includes NexAnnuity Holdings, Inc., an insurance holding company that owns Ohio State Life, as well as affiliates and subsidiaries that offer investment services through SEC-registered investment advisors, insurance services, wealth management, and annuity and insurance distribution services to clients throughout the US. NexAnnuity distributes annuities, including the NexCompounder FIA, that are issued by its affiliate Ohio State Life. NexAnnuity also distributes annuity and life products offered by non-affiliated insurance companies. For more information, visit https://www.nexannuity.com/.

About The Ohio State Life Insurance Company and General FIA Disclosures

Ohio State Life, whose home office is in Dallas, Texas, issues the NexCompounder FIA as well as other annuity products. The NexCompounder FIA is subject to state regulations, so the NexCompounder FIA and certain features or optional benefits thereof may not be available in all states. In particular, Ohio State Life is not licensed in Connecticut, Maine, New York, and Vermont and operates in California under License No. 08115. Annuity contracts have limitations. Please consult your annuity policy contract for the actual terms and conditions that apply, including the definitions, limitations and exclusions, and charges. Ohio State Life may change or discontinue a product at any time. All guarantees, including any optional benefits, are subject to the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Ohio State Life. The NexCompounder FIA, like all annuities, is an insurance product and not insured by the FDIC, the NCUSIF, or a federal government agency. “NexAnnuity” and “Nex” are marketing names for the entity that, through its network of financial services affiliates, provides investment management, product development, financial services expertise, and management services to Ohio State Life retirement products.

About NexPoint

NexPoint is a multibillion-dollar alternative investment firm based in Dallas, Texas. The firm is structured around three major business areas: real estate, corporate credit and equities, and insurance solutions. NexPoint’s businesses span asset classes, industries, and strategies, providing the flexibility to invest across capital structures and market environments. Serving a diverse client base, NexPoint’s investment strategies are offered in a range of vehicles and fund structures, including mutual funds, public and private REITs, tax-advantaged vehicles, private funds, and separate accounts. For more information, visit https://www.nexpoint.com/.

Indices Disclaimers

Each of S&P 500® Index, Nasdaq-100® Index (12% Volatility Control), and Franklin US Core Plus Index (7.5% Volatility Control) has licensed its respective Index to NexAnnuity for use by The Ohio State Life Insurance Company to be used as a component of the NexCompounder FIA products. For more information about the Indices, including important disclaimers for each, visit https://www.nexannuity.com/terms-of-use/.

Availability and Contact

The NexCompounder FIA is available in most states, subject to licensing requirement and regulatory approval. For more information, visit https://www.nexannuity.com or call (855) 890-5206.

Contacts

Investor Relations
Kristen (Thomas) Griffith
ir@nexpoint.com

Media Relations
comms@nexpoint.com

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nexannuity-announces-the-launch-of-nexcompounder-fixed-index-annuitya-modern-solution-designed-to-assist-with-retirement-savings-302634998.html

SOURCE NexAnnuity

At Comcast, we believe innovation begins with imagination. As a global media and technology company, we reach hundreds of millions of people through world-class connectivity, platforms, and memorable content and experiences. This November, we ignited creativity and curiosity among the next generation of innovators at Universal Epic Universe, our newest and most technologically advanced theme park.

In partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX), we welcomed nearly 200 college and high school students from across the country to the first Inspiring Future Innovators Summit — a multi-day experience designed to spark ideas, build technical skills, and show students firsthand how creativity can open doors to careers in technology and entertainment.

Guided by mentors from Comcast and UDX, students participated in a design challenge where Universal Epic Universe was their innovation lab — and where gaming, storytelling, and thrill design were powered by their imagination.

This extraordinary group of future innovators included 40 students from our partners CodePath and Urban Arts, two organizations paving the way for creators and technologists. CodePath is transforming higher education to build an AI-native workforce of engineers, CTOs, and founders, while Urban Arts uses digital game design and creativity as a pathway to college and career success.

“This experience gave our students an inspiring space to focus on ideation and connect their ideas to both the guests who will enjoy them and the engineers who bring them to life,” said Chris Coleman, Chief Product Officer at CodePath. “The summit opened doors for students from all different zip codes and showed them that they belong in exciting, industry-leading roles.”

After the design challenge, which focused on identifying new ways to enhance the guest experience, it was impressive to see student teams pitch their ideas to industry leaders including Tom Geraghty, Vice President, Digital Innovation at Universal Destinations & Experiences; and Jody Keller, Vice President, Advanced Technology, Media and Immersive Experiences, Universal Creative. The students combined AI and design to create tech-driven solutions that were both creative and practical, and the feedback they received from the senior executives provided valuable insights into the fast-paced world of immersive technology.

The summit concluded with an advice-packed conversation during The Power of Innovation at Our Company fireside with Chris Crayner, EVP and Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Universal Destinations & Experiences; and Fraser Stirling, Global Chief Product Officer at Comcast. Together, we discussed how innovation drives everything we do — from broadband and entertainment to gaming and immersive park experiences. As Fraser explained, innovation is not only about finding ways to do things smarter or cheaper, it’s about how you’re using that to generate value, new opportunities, and customer experiences.

After the fireside, the conversation continued with the Careers in Technology and Innovation panel featuring Tom Geraghty; Anisha Vyas, Director of Projects at Universal Creative; and Paul Palaganas, Director, Engineering, Technology and Product, Global Product at Comcast, and moderated by Gwyneth Gaul, VP of Strategic Partnerships & Philanthropy at Comcast. Students walked away with practical steps for jump-starting their careers in engineering, technology, and design.

The Inspiring Future Innovators Summit builds on Comcast and UDX’s shared commitment to expand access to technology and innovation through Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital opportunity and build a future of Unlimited Possibilities.

“Students are seeing careers that didn’t exist a year ago — and imagining those that will emerge in the next five or ten years,” said Philip Courtney, CEO of Urban Arts. “From coding and computer science to arts and digital media, Comcast’s family of companies offers an incredible menu of creative tech opportunities. The access they get here is transformative.”

The summit was more than an event — it was a launchpad for imagination, collaboration, and building what’s next. Together with our partners, we are fueling curiosity and opening doors for the young people to earn jobs as the creators, technologists, and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

Dalila Wilson-Scott is Executive Vice President and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer for Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation.

About Comcast

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

NEW YORK, December 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Franklin Templeton was recognized in the 2025 Best Places to Work in Money Management awards announced by Pensions & Investments (“P&I”). The firm was included in the Super Employers category for those with 1,000+ employees. Franklin Templeton’s specialist investment manager Clarion Partners, LLC, a leading real estate investment manager, and ClearBridge Investments, a leading global equity manager, were also recognized in the Large Employers category for those companies with 100 to 499 employees.

Presented by Pensions & Investments, the global news source of money management and institutional investing, the 14th annual survey and recognition program is dedicated to identifying and recognizing the best employers in the money management industry.

Since 1947, Franklin Templeton has cultivated a workplace defined by innovation, opportunity, inclusion, and high performance. The firm provides comprehensive programs, benefits, and development resources that support employees at every stage of their careers. Rooted in a culture of entrepreneurial drive, collaboration, and partnership, Franklin Templeton continues to enhance the employee experience by expanding growth initiatives, encouraging volunteerism and participation in its business resource groups, and prioritizing overall employee well-being.

“As their employees attest, the companies named to this year’s Best Places to Work list demonstrate a commitment to building and maintaining a strong workplace culture,’’ said P&I Editor-in-Chief Julie Tatge. “In doing so, they’re helping their employees, clients and their businesses succeed.’’

“We are honored to be recognized once again as one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management by P&I,” said Jenny Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton. “Our culture is driven by our people, who bring our values to life through their innovative thinking, collaborative spirit, and professional excellence. Their work empowers us to deliver solutions that meet the needs of our clients today while helping them prepare confidently for what lies ahead.”

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and inspired,” said Penny Alexander, Chief Human Resources Officer at Franklin Templeton. “Our employees drive our success every day, and we remain focused on delivering opportunities that help them grow, thrive, and make meaningful impact for our clients and stakeholders.”

Pensions & Investments partnered with Workforce Research Group, a research firm specializing in identifying great places to work, to conduct a two-part survey process of employers and their employees.

The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 20% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 80% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies.

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Ultrafine particles emitted from small home appliances with electric heating coils and brushed DC motors cause health hazards

BUSAN, South Korea, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Indoor air quality has become an urgent concern in recent times, as we spend a considerable amount of time inside our homes. Advances in measurement technologies have revealed that small, otherwise invisible ultrafine particles (UFPs) pose a significant threat to indoor air quality. While there are outdoor sources of these particulate air pollutants, the most common source lies indoors. The UFPs emitted by small home appliances equipped with electric heating coils and brushed DC motors can reach the users as they are deployed close to the users without any preventive shield.

In a new study, a group of researchers led by Professor Changhyuk Kim (Ph.D.), characterizes the UFPs emitted by some small electric home appliances using heating coils and brushed DC motors and assess the health hazards of the inhaled UFPs. “Understanding the source of the pollutants helps to develop preventive measures and policies for keeping healthy indoor air quality,” mentioned Dr. Kim, while talking about the motivation behind the study. This paper was made available online on September 11, 2025 and was published in Volume 498 of the Journal of Hazardous Materials on October 15, 2025.

The assessment was done for three different types of small electric home appliances—hairdryers, air fryers, and toasters. Hairdryers with brushless motors were compared for the study to identify the UFP emission from the brushed motors in the gadgets. The amounts of UFPs emitted by each device were measured, and the chemical compositions and morphologies of heavy metals within the particles were analyzed. The team also used a simulation model to understand how the ultrafine particles affect our respiratory tracts that are most susceptible.

The study showed that most of these appliances emit large quantities of UFPs and the amount of emission often varied based on the operating temperatures. Devices equipped with brushed DC motors and heating coils released up to 10–100 times higher total particle number concentrations compared to brushless types. The heating coils in small electric home appliances frequently contained heavy metals such as copper, iron, aluminum, silver, and titanium. “These associated heavy metals increase the risk of cytotoxicity and inflammation when the particles enter the human body,” mentioned Dr. Kim.

The simulation showed that UFPs deposit mainly in the alveolar region of the lungs, and children face higher health risks due to smaller airways and greater particle deposition.

This research can help to reshape how we select home appliances for better indoor air quality, safety and product performance. The findings from this study can be applied to improve the design and regulation of small electric home appliances. Manufacturers can adopt brushless motors and optimized heating components to minimize UFP emissions from the products.

“Our study emphasizes the need for emission-aware electric appliance design and age-specific indoor air quality guidelines. In the long term, reducing UFP emissions from everyday devices will contribute to healthier indoor environments and lower chronic exposure risks, particularly for young children, than current status. Moreover, this framework can be extended to other consumer products, guiding future innovations toward human health protection,” concluded Dr. Kim.

Reference

Title of original
paper:

Physicochemical characteristics and health impacts of ultrafine particles
emitted from small home appliances equipped with heating coils and
brushed motors

Journal:

Journal of Hazardous Materials

DOI:

10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139796

About Pusan National University
Website: https://www.pusan.ac.kr/eng/Main.do 

Media Contact:
Goon-Soo Kim
82 51 510 7928
405992@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Pusan National University

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