Temp Check, a monthly LinkedIn newsletter by Trane Technologies, delivers actionable insights at the intersection of climate innovation and business growth. With 50,000 subscribers already engaged, Temp Check is quickly becoming a go-to resource for sustainability and business leaders on the frontier of this rapidly evolving space.

Follow and subscribe to stay connected with the innovations, insights and people challenging what’s possible for a more sustainable world.

“Sustainability is strategy, and it maximizes ROI. Temp Check showcases practical ways to lead through this transformative moment, providing valuable insights that sustainability leaders can apply now,” said Scott Tew, Global Head of Sustainability Strategy and Vice President, Trane Technologies. “I invite our readers to test ideas, challenge us and share what’s working so that we can scale solutions and impact across industries.”

Temp Check is published as a LinkedIn newsletter from Trane Technologies. Each issue features technologies, people and partnerships that are reducing emissions and creating business value. Launched in June, Temp Check has covered data center cooling, AI and sustainability, decarbonization of the built environment and the ROI of sustainability. Each edition highlights real-life case studies, data-driven thought leadership and the people behind the projects.

What subscribers can expect from Temp Check each month:

  • Leading by Example gives readers an inside look at operational wins, like our 100% renewable energy-powered La Crosse, Wisconsin facility, and shares insights about progress on our 2030 Sustainability Commitments, like the Gigaton Challenge, our commitment to reduce customers’ carbon footprint by one billion metric tons.
     
  • Innovating for Impact spotlights climate technology breakthroughs, like thermal management systems that are decarbonizing buildings and cooling data centers, and shares insights about applying AI across those systems to optimize energy.
     
  • Opportunity for All showcases the people behind the technology. This segment shares stories of people like operational impacts manager Cal Krause, who is advancing sustainable steel sourcing, and insights about career pathways and skills that drive climate impact, like the role of marketing specialist Elizabeth Tomalis.
     
  • News & Events surfaces timely news and conversations about the climate technology ecosystem, like Healthy Spaces podcast episodes about circularity and electrification, and shares insights about upcoming events and ways readers can connect and engage.

Follow and subscribe to Temp Check to join more than 50,000 business and sustainability leaders on the leading edge of sustainable innovation.

Infrastructure systems around the world are under strain — from roads and bridges to power and water networks. Host Angie Dickson, President of the Inogen Alliance and EVP of Antea Group USA, is joined by Chris Perks, Sector Director of Transportation at Tonkin + Taylor in New Zealand, and Thomas Noack, VP of International Business at HPC in Germany. Together, they explore new funding models, sustainable design, and the growing role of private-sector innovation in building infrastructure that lasts.

Listen now

This month, I completed a six-year term as trustee of the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Inc. CNC plays an important role in Metro Atlanta and across the Chattahoochee River watershed, connecting people with nature. During this period, the incredible board, senior leadership, and staff launched and executed a capital campaign that rebuilt the river boardwalk, significantly improving the visitor experience.

As the Center celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, we have updated our strategic plan, and a second capital campaign is in the process of completion. This will enable CNC to expand its capacity to teach tomorrow’s nature enthusiasts through school programs, summer camp, and other experiential opportunities.

I appreciate the support of CNC President and CEO Natasha Rice and board chair Nick DiLuzio during my tenure. Georgia-Pacific LLC has had a longstanding mutually beneficial relationship with CNC, which will continue as David Brabham now joins the board.

View original content here.

About Georgia-Pacific 
Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose and building products. Our familiar consumer brands include Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Dixie®, enMotion®, Quilted Northern®, Sparkle® and Vanity Fair®. Georgia-Pacific has long been a leading supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers. Its Georgia-Pacific Recycling subsidiary is among the world’s largest traders of paper, metal and plastics. The company operates more than 150 facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people directly and creates more than 80,000 jobs indirectly. For more information, visit: gp.com/about-us. For news, visit: news.gp.com. Follow Georgia-Pacific on LinkedIn, Meta, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Together, the two organizations will develop an inclusive three-year plan to strengthen evaluation capacity across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trepwise, a New Orleans–based strategy consulting firm, is expanding its footprint and deepening its impact across the Gulf South through a partnership that will boost engagements in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and beyond. The firm is proud to announce its selection as the strategic planning partner for the Gulf Coast Eval Network (GCEval), marking an important milestone in Trepwise’s mission to empower purpose-driven organizations throughout the region.

With a people-centered, equity-driven approach, Trepwise supports mission-aligned organizations through inclusive strategic planning processes designed to unlock potential and drive sustainable impact. The firm’s growing presence across the Gulf South reflects its commitment to strengthening the social and economic fabric of communities through collaboration, innovation and shared learning.

“We are honored to partner with GCEval at this pivotal moment in their growth,” said Kevin Wilkins, founder of Trepwise. “Our work is rooted in the belief that inclusive strategy creates stronger, more resilient organizations. This partnership reinforces our vision of building capacity and connection across the Gulf South.”

Gulf Coast Eval Network (GCEval) is a nonprofit association of evaluation practitioners who support peer learning and professional development, facilitate cross referrals and joint ventures and champion evaluation as a fundamental component of quality programming. As the American Evaluation Association’s affiliate for Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, the organization is transitioning from a volunteer-led grassroots network to a structured, sustainable regional hub for equity-centered evaluation. Through this collaboration, Trepwise will guide GCEval in developing a three-year strategic plan that clarifies its mission and impact, engages its members and partners and sets a clear roadmap for the future.

Trepwise will lead a phased participatory planning process that blends stakeholder engagement, discovery and collaborative plan development. Leveraging virtual convenings and interactive tools, the process will ensure broad participation across GCEval’s diverse membership. The plan will be grounded in evaluative thinking, building measurable strategies and benchmarks that strengthen GCEval’s internal capacity well beyond this engagement.

As part of the project, Trepwise will partner with Lauren Bierbaum, a GCEval member and seasoned evaluator working nationally with nonprofit, philanthropic, governmental and quasi-governmental organizations focused on educational equity and intersectional justice.

“This partnership represents the best of what the Gulf South can do when we come together,” said Elizabeth Sweeney on behalf of GCEval’s Leadership Committee. “Trepwise’s approach aligns perfectly with our commitment to equity, collaboration and actionable impact.”

The collaboration will formally launch in early November with the formation of a Strategic Planning Steering Committee to guide the process and ensure community-driven outcomes.

About Trepwise


Trepwise
is a New Orleans-based strategy consulting firm that partners with organizations across sectors to activate their full potential. Through services including strategic planning, organizational development, leadership support and equity-centered facilitation, Trepwise helps clients create actionable plans that inspire and align stakeholders.

About Gulf Coast Eval Network


Gulf Coast Eval Network (GCEval)
 is a regional hub for equity-centered evaluation, connecting evaluators, nonprofits and community organizations across the Gulf Coast. As the American Evaluation Association’s affiliate for Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, the network promotes collaboration, knowledge-sharing and collective impact to strengthen institutions and communities throughout the region.

Media Contact:
Laura Bissett
myWHY Agency
312-291-1099
404323@email4pr.com 

 

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SOURCE Trepwise

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

by Allison Stowell

Shopping on a budget is about more than just checking your store’s weekly flyer or buying bulk items. It’s also about dollar-stretching strategies that begin before you even enter the store.

Check Your Calendar

Review your calendar while curating your weekly list. Do you have longer days that will make it hard to prepare dinner? Or rushed mornings with less time to make breakfast or pack lunch? Planning ahead will help you streamline your week and shop for food that matches your household needs. Take it a step further by evaluating what you already have on hand and what’s expiring. Then plan a menu that includes recipes with similar ingredients and food that works for more than one meal. I highly recommend using cooking strategies that make it easier to bring these goals together.

Home Chef Habits

Keep your own cooking habits in mind to spend less and reduce waste. I recommend shopping like it’s the end of a long day, you’re tired, and maybe not too interested in cooking. What would you like to be able to prepare quickly? What will help you easily assemble a nutritious plate? Look for affordable, convenient options. But also keep in mind that sometimes spending a bit more now means spending less later. For example, pre-washed greens or a rotisserie chicken may cost a bit more than other options. But they may save you money outside of the store because you’ll be less likely to pick up last-minute meals or takeout. And don’t forget that the pre-washed greens and rotisserie chicken will likely provide more than just one meal.

More Affordable

It’s true that food prices have been increasing at a higher rate than in previous years. There are many reasons for this, including increased supply chain and labor costs, weather impacts, and other factors. Try to shop for foods that haven’t been as impacted by inflation or rising food prices, like beans, grains, frozen vegetables, seasonal produce, root vegetables, and peanut butter. Luckily these are all versatile foods that are convenient to have on hand.

Seek Stars

Savvy shopping means choosing affordable, nutrient-dense foods. While this may be a new lens to view your food expenses through, it’s an approach that ultimately saves you money. Look for Guiding Stars icons on shelf tags to locate nutrient-dense foods in the store, ones with more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and whole grains. And be sure to consider the amount of protein a food contains. Some protein-rich foods (like eggs) have risen in cost. But compared to other protein-rich foods, or less nutritious options, they’re still a more affordable way to consume balanced nutrition.

Unit Price

The best way to save money at the supermarket is with the unit price. You’ll find it in the small orange box on the shelf tag, enabling you to compare products based on the cost per unit (such as an ounce). Using the unit price helps you save and makes it easier to compare products that come in different sizes. When we fill our cart with products with lower unit prices, we spend less per serving.

Looking to save more this summer? Check out these tips for grilling on a budget.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

*Image by Freepik

By Webster Bank

STAMFORD, Conn., November 4, 2025 /3BL/Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS), the holding company for Webster Bank, N.A. (“Webster Bank”), celebrated its 90th anniversary on Saturday, October 11. Since its founding in 1935, Webster has grown to a national financial services company with over $80 billion in assets.

Founder Harold Webster Smith opened First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Waterbury in Connecticut with $25,000 from friends and family to help people build and buy homes during the Great Depression. The company was renamed Webster Bank when it first became publicly traded and has expanded its footprint and business lines to become one of the largest regional commercial banks in the United States.

“Acknowledging 90 years is much more than a recognition of our longevity. We are grateful for the generations of clients who have trusted us, the communities that embrace us and the colleagues who consistently go the extra mile,” said John R. Ciulla, Chairman and CEO, Webster Financial. “Reaching this milestone galvanizes our commitment to delivering exceptional service and generating sustainable value for our shareholders.”

Webster Financial delivers market-leading solutions to help businesses and individuals achieve their financial goals. The company’s differentiated lines of business include Commercial Banking, Healthcare Financial Services and Consumer Banking. Webster’s Commercial Banking and Consumer Banking lines deliver solutions nationally and regionally to companies, investors, government entities, other public and private institutions as well as families, private clients and small business owners. Its Healthcare Financial Services business helps millions of clients nationwide manage complex healthcare financial needs. HSA Bank is a leading provider of health savings accounts and Ametros is the country’s largest professional administrator of medical insurance claim settlements.

Webster’s Community Investment Strategy (“CIS”) focuses on affordable housing, access to capital for small businesses, community engagement and accessible financial services across our footprint. The strategy is focused on creating economic vitality and strengthening the communities we serve. A signature program of the CIS is Webster’s Finance Labs initiative, which supports programs to help nonprofit community partners create opportunities for students to gain skills needed for financial empowerment and future financial well-being.

About Webster

Webster Financial Corporation (“Webster”) (NYSE:WBS) is the holding company for Webster Bank, N.A. (“Webster Bank”). Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Stamford, CT, Webster is a values-driven organization with more than $80 billion in total assets. Webster Bank is a commercial bank that provides a wide range of financial products and services to businesses, individuals, and families across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Healthcare Financial Services, and Consumer Banking. While its core footprint spans the Northeast from the New York metropolitan area to Rhode Island and Massachusetts, certain businesses operate in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com.

View original content here.

  • 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with SK Innovation E&S to add 16 MW of renewable electricity capacity starting in December 2027
  • Supports company’s 2030 sustainability targets to source 80% renewable electricity and reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% 

DARMSTADT, Germany, November 4, 2025 – Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, has signed a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SK Innovation E&S to deliver 16 megawatts (MW) of new renewable electricity capacity for its Life Science sites in Daejeon and Songdo, South Korea. This PPA is the company’s longest renewable energy commitment in APAC and underscores its focus on leadership in manufacturing sustainability as a driver of business innovation.

“This agreement reflects our long-term commitment to manufacturing sustainability in Korea,” said Tim Jaeger, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer for the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “By adding renewable electricity to the grid for our operations in South Korea, we are taking further measures to reduce our environmental impact and enabling our customers do the same.”

When operational in late 2027, the PPA will provide approximately 21,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting approximately 75% of its Life Science business’s electricity demand in South Korea.

This new agreement builds on the company’s global renewable energy portfolio, which includes virtual PPAs in Europe and North America, as well as additional PPAs and onsite installations worldwide. Together, these initiatives keep the company on track to achieve its 2030 target of sourcing 80% of purchased electricity from renewable sources ahead of schedule and to reach climate-neutral operations by 2040.

About the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has more than 26,000 employees and more than 55 total manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics. 

Around 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21.2 billion in 65 countries.

The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark “Merck” internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company’s technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. For more information about Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, visit www.emdgroup.com. 

Follow MilliporeSigma on Twitter @MilliporeSigma, on Facebook @MilliporeSigma and on LinkedIn. 

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service. 

WASHINGTON, November 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Fairtrade America, the organization behind the world’s most recognized label for social justice and sustainability, the Fairtrade Mark, is proud to announce the election of its new Board Chair and the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. These advisors will guide the organization’s strategic direction as it advances its mission to make trade fairer for farmers and workers around the world.

Dean Decrease was elected as Chair of Fairtrade America’s Board of Directors and formally assumed the role in October 2025. He brings deep expertise in food and agriculture, with leadership and entrepreneurial experience spanning the food and beverage, restaurant, grocery retail, and packaging industries. His sustainability journey began in 1993, when he founded and led Weyerhaeuser Company’s first global sustainability office in Geneva and helped create the Forest Stewardship Council’s certification framework for sustainable forest products. Over his career, he has lived and worked across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, bringing a global perspective to his work in advancing sustainable business practices.

With his leadership, Fairtrade America will continue to strengthen its reputation for building best-in-class commercial partnerships that promote equitable trade, reduce exploitation, and drive meaningful impact across global supply chains.

Andy Beck, Julia Knott, and Jenny Roberts joined Fairtrade America’s Board of Directors this fall. They each bring a wealth of experience and expertise to advance the organization’s trade justice mission.

About the New Board Members

Andy Beck is a business professional and ecologist working to build sustainable supply chains for tree crops and other non-timber forest products, with a focus on cooperative modes of production and fair prices. He has worked with smallholder farmers and gatherers across multiple continents and most recently led sourcing for the chocolate company Hu Kitchen, through and beyond its acquisition by Mondelez International in 2021. He holds master’s degrees in forestry and business and a B.A., all from Yale University. Beck also sits on the Board of Directors of the Amazon Conservation Association.

Julia Knott is a fractional CMO and marketing advisor for mission-led food and beverage brands. She started her career at Equal Exchange and went on to lead marketing at Stonyfield, Tea Forte, and Ithaca Hummus before advising dozens of high-growth startups. Knott is known for bringing “big company” shopper marketing expertise into entrepreneurial environments—developing retailer programs, sell-in strategies, and velocity-driving activations that help emerging brands punch above their weight.

Jenny Roberts has spent her career building a more just and sustainable world through market-based approaches to development. She currently serves as Senior Director of Sustainability and Procurement at CAVA, a progressive Mediterranean national chain that seeks to make food a force for good. Over her 20 years in international development, sustainable sourcing, and microfinance, she has supported companies’ efforts to convert their supply chains to more ethical and environmental practices, including her work to help establish the first fair trade microfinance loans through Kiva.org. Roberts received dual degrees from New York University, Stern (MBA) and Wagner (MPA), and has an undergraduate degree in Spanish and International Business from Georgetown University.

To learn more about Fairtrade America’s Board of Directors, visit Fairtrade.net.

About Fairtrade America

Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It’s about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the original and global leader in fair trade certification with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 60 countries across the globe. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Fairtrade America is part of the world’s largest and most recognized fair trade certification program —part of a global movement for change. Learn more at Fairtrade.net and by connecting with Fairtrade America on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Liz Davis, ldavis@fairtradeamerica.org | +1 202-930-4349

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com 

At the heart of every thriving company is a leader who inspires those around them to rise. This year, we’re proud to honor our Vice-President of Legal Operations, Naisha Covarrubias, as Mary Kay’s Leader of the Year for North America Region – recognition that goes far beyond titles and achievements. 

The “Leader of the Year” award at Mary Kay Inc. celebrates employees who lead with heart, exemplify the company’s values, and make a meaningful impact. In short, the Leader of the Year award is more than just a trophy—it says that Mary Kay’s culture is one of striving, being seen and celebrated, and lifting others while doing so. The company regularly celebrates milestones and achievements, reinforcing that recognition is not just about high-performance outcomes, but about making each individual feel seen, valued, and empowered. 

As the guiding force behind our global legal operations team, Naisha balances high-stakes decisions with a grounded sense of purpose. But what makes her story especially powerful is that her leadership extends far beyond boardrooms. She’s also a devoted mother and a caring daughter, navigating the complexities of family life while flourishing at one of the world’s most iconic beauty and entrepreneurship companies. Her journey is a testament to the combo of strength and intention it takes to lead with the heart – and it’s one that many of us will recognize in our own lives. 

During a ten-question interview with the recently awarded Leader of the Year, we discovered several noteworthy details about Naisha.

Q: How did you begin working at Mary Kay or what made you want to work here?
A: Before Mary Kay, I spent 13 years as a lawyer for railroad companies. This was a major industry shift for me. Honestly, I chalk up my start at Mary Kay Inc. 100% to fate. Nothing about the move made logical sense on paper, but the moment I met the people and learned about the company’s mission, something just clicked. It felt like stepping into a place where purpose meets passion…and everything is unapologetically Pink. 

Q: What’s one thing people might be surprised to know about you?
A: Many people are surprised to learn that Spanish is my first language. Until college, I spent my summers attending school in Buenos Aires – keeping up my Spanish, learning to tango, and playing polo. 

Q: What’s one professional lesson you wish you would’ve learned earlier?
A: That growth doesn’t always come from doing more; it often comes from empowering others to do more. Early in my career, I thought success meant carrying everything myself, but I’ve learned that real leadership is about trust, not control. Delegating isn’t just about offloading tasks – it’s about giving others the chance to rise, contribute, and grow. When you empower others, you multiply potential, and that’s where true growth begins.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Helping others reach their goals and realize their full potential is what I’m most proud of. I have had the privilege of doing this with several team members, and seeing their growth, both professionally and personally, and it is incredibly rewarding. The real win as a leader is seeing someone exceed even their own expectations.

Q: What advice would you give others at Mary Kay? (new or tenured)
A: Stay humble, stay hungry, and treat this business like your name is on the door. Show up with purpose, execute with excellence and urgency, and honor the legacy of a family whose vision continues to create opportunity – for you and millions worldwide. This mindset changes everything.

Q: Who outside Mary Kay has most influenced your life and how?
A: My Abuela (maternal grandmother), now 96, has been one of the greatest influences in my life. She leads with unwavering faith, puts family first, and reminds me daily to surrender everything to God. Her quiet strength and devotion have shaped how I live, love, and lead. She’s also been a loyal Mary Kay skincare user for decades – and let me tell you, the dedication shows. Barely a wrinkle on that radiant face.

Q: If you could swap jobs with anyone in the company for the day, who would it be and why?
A: If I could swap jobs for a day, I’d choose one of Mary Kay’s scientists. I’d love to step into the lab, see the innovation up close, and wear a lab coat while pretending I know exactly how peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinol work! 

Q: What is the best piece of professional advice you ever received?
A: The best advice I have received came from my father: leave things better than you found them. I have watched him live that principle every day – treating everyone with respect, acting on great ideas, and elevating everything he touches. That mindset has become the foundation of how I show up in every part of my life.

Q: What is one item on your desk or in your office that you can’t live without?
A: Coffee. No contest. It’s the MVP of my desk! It keeps me focused, friendly, and functioning. It’s the quiet hero of my workday. 

Q: What’s your most memorable “oops” moment at work?
A: Not at Mary Kay, but much earlier in my legal career, I sent an email summarizing a deposition to my client. Or so I thought. The email included a rather colorful description of an eccentric opposing counsel who had brought his parrot to the meeting (yes, a real parrot). Unfortunately, I accidentally included him in the recipient list (don’t judge this Xennial). Let’s just say the bird wasn’t the only one squawking after that. To this day, I’ve sworn off “Reply All,” always rebuild my email recipient list from scratch, and quadruple-check the “To” field before hitting “Send.” 

Power Advice from Naisha
“You don’t have to do it all perfectly – just do it with purpose. The most powerful thing you can bring to any role, whether at work or at home, is your whole authentic self.” 

Final Thoughts:
Naisha’s journey reminds us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up, staying grounded, and believing in the impact you can make, one intentional step at a time.

Did You Know:

  • The culture of recognition at Mary Kay Inc. is deeply rooted in its founding values — every team member is encouraged to treat one another with the respect and acknowledgement embodied by the company’s motto: “Make Me Feel Important.”
  • Women-led company: 63% of the global workforce at Mary Kay is female as well as 62% of its global Research and Development (R&D) team. 60% of the Executive team is female, and 57% of leadership positions are held by women in the company’s top 10 markets[1].

****

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 FacebookInstagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

# # #
 

[1] Women Representation and Leadership at Mary Kay (May 2025).

In recognition of his relentless dedication to the company’s values and his focus on ensuring Southwire is an extraordinary place to work, Southwire’s President and CEO, Rich Stinson, was recently recognized with the 2025 Pioneer Award.

Presented at the company’s annual Include Summit, this prestigious award honors someone who has boldly blazed new trails to drive the value of inclusion at Southwire.

Rich’s vision and unwavering commitment helped ignite transformative advancement in the development of Southwire’s values – empowerment, trust, consistency and inclusion. His pioneering spirit has not only opened doors, but laid foundation, process and opportunity for growth and a future where all team members can thrive.

“When I think about Rich and why he was the obvious choice for the Pioneer Award, there are countless reasons,” said Cara Herzog, Chief Inclusion Officer. “He has made such a meaningful impact on our industry alongside the many ways we’ve seen incredible growth at Southwire. Rich has led us through transformative change and propelled us forward. He established our core values, and in doing so, gave us a lens to view not just what we do, but how we do it.”

Southwire’s annual Include Summit is a reflection of the company’s values and a celebration of its commitment to inclusion. It welcomes team members across the organization from all locations and functions who are leading with inclusion through employee resource groups (ERGs), Giving Back, mentorship and more. The gathering also emphasizes Southwire’s ongoing commitment to sustainability – the 2025 summit received the company’s internal sustainable event certification.

In honor of the company’s 75th anniversary, this year’s Summit evolved into a hybrid month-long experience with in-person and virtual opportunities, resulting in approximately 2,000 team members engaged, including 400 in-person attending at the dynamic, two-day gathering in Carrollton, GA on October 29 and 30.

Stinson is the second recipient of the Pioneer Award, following last year’s inaugural award winner, Charlie Murrah, EVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer, who was the first executive sponsor of the company’s Women’s Network ERG and a continued advocate and strong example of Southwire’s values in action.

Murrah presented Stinson with this year’s award at the company’s 2025 Include Summit on Wednesday, October 29.

“The Pioneer Award has been the most treasured recognition of my career, and it was an absolute honor to present Rich with this year’s award. Receiving this award means is that you live by your values – the right values,” said Murrah. “Rich gets involved – he plays the game, and he plays it with passion. He has candor, commitment and drive along with a will to win, but he also has a sense of fair play. We would not be anywhere near where we are today as a company without the leadership of Rich Stinson.”

Stinson, who recently announced his retirement, shared his deep appreciation for the Southwire team and acknowledged the role each team member plays in shaping and growing the culture and values of the organization.

“When I think about Southwire, I think about our two P&Ls. Our first P&L – Profits and Losses, is incredibly important as we continue to sustain our success. Equally important is the second P&L – People and Lives – we want to be an extraordinary place to work,” said Stinson. “It is our people and our values that truly set our company apart, and it is up to each of us and the choices we make that will lead us toward growth and a successful future. I am honored to receive this award and am incredibly proud of the work of our team that I know will continue in the years to come.”

In honor of this recognition and the evening’s keynote speaker, veteran hero and Paralympian Melissa Stockwell, a $10,000 donation is being made to Tunnel to Towers in Stinson’s name. Tunnels to Towers focuses on honoring fallen first responders and military heroes by building mortgage-free smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families and working to end veteran homelessness.

A full recap of Southwire’s 2025 Include Summit will be shared in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to the Southwire newsroom for updates.

For more information about Southwire’s continued commitment to inclusion, or to read the company’s latest Inclusion Report, visit https://www.southwire.com/inclusion.

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