Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Previously published by Engage for Good

For the team at Subaru of America, Inc., commitment to community is woven into the very fabric of their brand through the Subaru Love Promise®. And a key pillar of that promise is the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative.

What began as a foundational corporate commitment has evolved into an impressive, nearly two-decade-long partnership with the ASPCA® and grown to include a number of other animal welfare organizations, resulting in over $70 million in donations to date. This dedication is fueled by Subaru’s passionate community of pet-loving owners and activated by their retailers across the country. The result? A comprehensive effort that drives the rescue, health, and adoption of hundreds of thousands of animals.

We sat down with Christina Valente, Love Promise Community Commitment Manager at Subaru of America, Inc., to peel back the curtain on this incredible, long-term commitment. She shares the strategy behind the iconic October campaign, the power of their partnership with the ASPCA, how they created the viral “National Make A Dog’s Day,” and the advice she has for other CSR leaders looking to build a truly lasting and impactful partnership.

EFG: For those new to the campaign, can you tell us a bit about what Subaru Loves Pets is all about and what you’re hoping to achieve with it?

Christina Valente (CV): As one of the five core pillars of the Subaru Love Promise®, the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative is just one of the ways Subaru aims to create change in the areas we and our owners care about the most. While support for animals and related partner community organizations takes place year-round, every October, we highlight Subaru Loves Pets through special programs that Subaru and our retailers host to support the adoption, rescue, transport, and health of animals. To date, Subaru and our retailers have donated more than $70 million to national and local pet-focused organizations to help these animals find love and companionship. In the past year alone, in partnership with the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), we helped impact more than 106,000 animals through over $3.2 million in grants to local shelters nationwide, as well as sponsored the transport and relocation of 40 shelter dogs from Alabama to New England for better adoption opportunities. Pets make the world better, and we are proud to make the world better for our pets.

EFG: The Subaru Love Promise is central to the brand. How does the Subaru Loves Pets initiative truly bring that promise to life, and why is this particular pillar so special to the company?

CV: With the Subaru Love Promise, we aim to show love and respect to all people, pets, and communities. The Subaru Loves Pets initiative is a key part of that. The Subaru community has a true passion for animal welfare, which is genuinely and enthusiastically matched by our retailers with their support of local organizations through adoption events and fundraising initiatives. Working with our dedicated partners, we take pride in helping dogs, cats and other pets find loving homes and seeing the difference it makes not only in the animals’ lives but also people’s lives as well. sense of belonging and ownership.

EFG: The partnership with the ASPCA is a huge part of this. We’d love to hear how that collaboration started and how it works behind the scenes to help shelter animals every day.

CV: According to the ASPCA, approximately 5.8 million animals entered U.S. shelters in 2024. Many of these animals live day after day without the love of a family or permanent residence. We believe that all pets deserve a loving home, which is why we’ve proudly partnered with the ASPCA since 2008 and currently serve as their largest corporate donor.

During the month of October, Subaru and our participating retailers provide direct financial assistance to local animal shelters nationwide, through grants administered by the ASPCA, to help cover costs associated with preparing animals for adoption, veterinary expenses, and more.

EFG: Beyond the financial support, what are some of the other ways this partnership helps make a difference for pets?

CV: Subaru helps the ASPCA to provide critical care for animals in need in a number of ways, through their recovery and rehabilitation centers for fearful and under-socialized dogs, as well as their community veterinary clinics dedicated to keeping people and pets together by offering accessible veterinary care and resources. Our focus is on supporting events and programs that help dogs, cats, and other animals find loving homes and ensure they remain healthy and safe. Since 2008, this important partnership has had a significant impact on the rescue, transport, well-being, and adoption of nearly 250,000 animals across the country.

EFG: Subaru’s community of customers are notorious animal-lovers. How did you select this cause and how does the initiative continue to build that strong community of pet lovers around the brand?

CV: We chose this cause because our community has always been filled with passionate pet lovers. The ASPCA has been a trusted leader in animal rescue for over 150 years, making them a natural partner for Subaru. Through initiatives like Subaru Loves Pets and National Make A Dog’s Day, we give our community meaningful ways to support adoptions, volunteer, donate, and celebrate their furry family members. It’s heartwarming to see the impact and how these efforts strengthen the bonds in our communities and unite people with a shared love of animals.

EFG: Subaru created National Make A Dog’s Day as part of this campaign. How has that helped the partnership gain momentum?

CV: In addition to hosting pet adoptions, helping with microchipping, and other events, Subaru retailers across the country recognize National Make A Dog’s Day every year on October 22 by encouraging people to celebrate their pets on social media using the hashtag #MakeADogsDay while also considering adopting or fostering an “Underdog”, older and/or disabled animals who are often overlooked in shelters. This awareness day has become a huge celebration for Subaru and animal lovers nationwide, motivating communities to give back to the amazing pets in their lives or to others.

EFG: Looking back, what have been some of the most memorable or proudest moments for the Subaru team throughout this partnership?

CV: It’s hard to pick just one or two moments to call out from this initiative and our close-knit partnership with the ASPCA. Our team has had the privilege to help design programs for Subaru Loves Pets that our retailers then activate in their communities to help those in need. It is rare in the automotive industry to have that dedication, outside of a typical CSR department, and with such a deep level of involvement.

Not only do we get to work on the community coordination, fun add-ons like new pet parent kits, and vehicle-themed pet toys to celebrate adoptions, but we also report on year-over-year impacts. Watching that number continue to grow to over 700,000 animals supported since the Subaru Loves Pets program started is just incredible.

We have seen this initiative and partnership change people’s and pets’ lives firsthand, through pet-focused volunteer events at our HQ, collecting photos and success stories from retailers nationwide, jumping in to assist during natural disasters through our ASPCA partnership, and the smiles on people’s faces at pet adoptions at our auto show booth. Truly, at the end of the day, this partnership has resulted in benefits that are much larger than the sum of its parts.

EFG: How do you get your own employees involved in the Subaru Loves Pets initiative?

CV: The entire Subaru family is extremely passionate about animals, and employees get involved year-round by volunteering at adoption events, making pet toys for donation to shelters, hosting supply drives, supporting fundraisers, and working hands-on with local shelters. Through our hometown commitment in Camden, NJ, for example, 104 volunteers helped support the vaccination of over 1,420 pets at no cost to residents last year. More broadly, over the past 20 years, Subaru and the SOA Foundation have donated over $340 million to causes our employees care about, including pets, and our team has logged more than 115,000 volunteer hours to support our communities.

EFG: This initiative has been around for almost 20 years! How has it evolved over time, and what have you learned from past campaigns that has shaped your current approach?

CV: Subaru Loves Pets has evolved in scale but remained true to its mission of supporting as many animals as possible. From supply drives to promoting pet adoption, each year has strengthened our long-standing partnerships with the ASPCA and local shelters. Since its launch in 2019, National Make A Dog’s Day has grown from a simple call to do something special for dogs into a nationwide movement inspiring people to volunteer, donate, and adopt animals of all kinds year-round. Our efforts across other Love Promise pillars also reflect our commitment to being More Than a Car Company® and fostering lasting community partnerships.

EFG: This is a truly impressive, long-term commitment. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other corporate social responsibility (CSR) leaders who want to build a lasting and impactful partnership?

CV: It is essential for organizations to define their core values and seek partners who share them. Teams should also invest the time and resources needed to succeed — establishing clear frameworks, structured processes, strategic goals, and financial support. By building strong, intentional partnerships aligned on a shared vision, you create a solid foundation for success and can focus on what matters most: making a meaningful impact.

Continue reading here.

In the #HowIGotHere series, you’ll read about the career paths of some of the world-renowned leaders at Yum! Brands. Learn more about Chris Turner, Chief Executive Officer at Yum! Brands.

Education

DeWitt High School
Dewitt, Arkansas, United States
(1988– 1992)

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
(1992 – 1997)

Stanford University

Stanford, California, United States
MBA
(2000 – 2002)

If we were to interview your teachers, what would they say about you?

Chris was a well-rounded student. He had a high level of curiosity and was studious. His peers voted Chris the ‘Wittiest Student’ of his class.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A farmer – I grew up in southeast Arkansas on a rice farm. There was also a time when I wanted to be a policeman, as many kids do, and a comedian because I love making people laugh.

WORK

First Job

I started driving big tractors and walking rice fields the summer I turned 10. My dad was a fourth generation rice farmer, and I ended up majoring in industrial engineering because I thought I could do something with technology and operations in farming.

Walmart, Bentonville, Arkansas, United States

1996 – 1997: Logistics Analyst

Accenture, Dallas, Texas, United States

1997 – 2000: Consultant

McKinsey & Company, Dallas, Texas, United States

2002 – 2004: Associate

2004 – 2006: Engagement Manager

2006 – 2008: Associate Partner

2009 – 2016: Partner

PepsiCo, Dallas, Texas & Rogers, Arkansas, United States

2016 – 2017: Senior Vice President, Strategy, Frito-Lay North America

2017: Senior Vice President, Transformation, Frito-Lay North America

2017 – 2019: Senior Vice President & General Manager, Global Walmart Service Team

Yum! Brands, Plano, Texas, United States

2019 – 2025: Chief Financial & Franchise Officer

2025 – present: Chief Executive Officer

Do you believe in work/life balance?

I believe work/life balance is the most important thing, but I also know I’m never going to have a role where it’s 9 to 5. So for me, it’s about how to get balance in other ways. I maximize the quality of every minute that I have with my family, as opposed to letting that time go to waste, because that’s really precious time.

Who has shaped your mindset in a significant way?

Jimmy Wright

When I was younger, I spent almost every day with Jimmy, one of my coworkers on the farm. He was in his early 40s with only a basic education and had very little from a material standpoint, but he worked incredibly hard, was one of the wisest people I’d ever met, remained humble and had this amazingly positive attitude. At an early age, Jimmy taught me that it doesn’t matter what you have, it matters how you act.

My Great Grandmother

After moving to rural Arkansas, my great grandmother worked as a phone salesperson, traveling house to house. She’d never done anything like it in her life, but she saw a need and took action. I carry her work ethic and resolve with me to this day and consider her a great example of the leadership qualities that we look for at Yum! — leading with smart, heart and courage.

Sam Walton

The summer before my senior year in college, I took an internship just up the road at Walmart. I took founder Sam Walton’s quotes to heart: “Ordinary people on their way to doing extraordinary things” and “There is only one boss – the customer and she can fire any one of use by spending her money elsewhere.” I even still have his book “Made in America,” which I read religiously that summer.

My Sister

My sister wandered through her 20s before finding her passion while teaching English in a small, Costa Rican village. She moved to Dallas in her 30s and started Solar Prep, an all-girls, public STEM school that maximizes student diversity. The school continues to make a huge impact and has received national recognition. Unfortunately, my sister died in May 2019 after a short, but fierce, battle with cancer. When she was diagnosed, someone recommended the book “Chasing Daylight,” written by a past CEO of KPMG who was given 90 days to live after his diagnosis. My sister said she had been chasing daylight ever since she found her passion for education and thankfully had fulfilled her dreams with Solar Prep. It’s a great lesson for all of us to step back and say, “I don’t know how much time I’ve got, so I must make the best of each and every day.”

What is a piece of advice that you’ve found insightful?

Let people be great at what they’re great at.

What makes you happy?

At home, it’s seeing my family happy, healthy and fulfilled. At work, it’s witnessing team members do things they didn’t think were possible.

What’s your professional ‘why’?

My professional passion has always been to make an impact. Coming up with good solutions is necessary, but you can’t just let those solutions sit as pretty presentations on a bookshelf. You also have to influence and inspire people to bring the ideas to life in the real world.

Following new research that shows only 1 in 5 restrooms meet user expectations,¹ Tork helps businesses unlock hidden value

Originally published on Tork Newsroom

Tork, the global leader in professional hygiene and an Essity brand, recently released new guidance aimed at helping businesses transform their restrooms into assets that enhance user satisfaction and benefit business performance. Citing research that indicates a significant gap in user and cleaner satisfaction, Tork recommendations focus on improving inclusive hygiene, environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.

“Our data shows https://www.torkglobal.com/us/en/about/inclusive-hygiene that when restroom users and cleaners’ needs aren’t met, a business can suffer as people spend less time and/or money there,” said name, title, Professional Hygiene at Essity. “With three in four people concerned about restroom hygiene, and one in two likely to face barriers to meeting their needs, small, targeted updates to the restroom – the most visited room in a facility – can make a substantial difference for both users and cleaning staff.”

Lean into Inclusive Hygiene 

Restroom visitors (survey respondents) cited several requirements for a restroom that exemplifies inclusive hygiene, meeting the needs of as many as possible. When the following “must have” elements are provided, the majority (59%) of people say a business can improve its positive image:

• Toilet paper and paper hand towels in dispensers that are easy to grasp (67% said these are a “must have”)
• Spaces and design elements that enable privacy (63%)
• Disposal bins in the stall for personal items including incontinence and menstrual products (60%)
• Physical accessibility – including grab bars and ramps – for everyone (58%)
• The availability of paper hand towels (57%)
• Features in public restrooms that enable caregivers to meet their needs (40%) such as changing tables

Promote Sustainability 

The restroom is an overlooked place for reducing environmental impact yet 67% of people want restroom managers to prioritize environmental sustainability.³ Tork recommends the following actions:

• Ensure teams understand the importance of responsible sourcing and look for third-party certified products. Tork offers free training and educational assets for everyone.
• Control consumption with one at a time dispensing to reduce waste.
• Support sustainability goals – avoid the landfill with recyclable packaging and certified compostable towels.
• Promote sustainability practices with signs in the restroom; Tork offers free resources. www.torkglobal.com/us/en/focus4materials 

Support employee efficiency

To empower cleaning staff, many of whom feel unsupported,⁴ and enhance guest experiences, Tork recommends:

• Working smarter with data-driven cleaning that identifies service needs in a facility.
• Installing high-capacity dispensers that reduce the need for frequent refills, allowing cleaning staff to focus more on cleaning rather than refilling.
• Using compressed towels for refills to serve more guests before cleaners need to refill again.
• Sourcing products with ergonomic packaging including Tork Easy Handling^® packaging for easier carrying, opening and disposal.

“By addressing these critical aspects, businesses can help restroom users and cleaners meet their basic needs and deliver an experience that meets the needs of as many as possible,” Katrin Ferge, (Commercial Marketing Manager), continued. “Investing thoughtfully in inclusive hygiene, sustainability, and operational support not only meets evolving public expectations but also improves business performance.” 

Tork helps businesses realize the benefit of sustainable hygiene with a focus on four key areas materials & packaging, use & waste, carbon, and hygiene for all.

For more steps businesses can take, visit: https://www.torkglobal.com/us/en/about/inclusive-hygiene 

¹ Tork Insight Survey 2025, conducted in US, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands and Poland among 11,500 people from the general public and 1,000 cleaning staff.

² Ibid.Respondents reported experiencing, without limitation, diagnosed or self-diagnosed physical/cognitive conditions, e.g. eczema, chronic pain, general anxiety, claustrophobia.

³ Tork Insight Survey 2024, conducted in US, UK, Germany, France and Mexico among 6,000 end-users and 900 businesses

⁴ Tork Insight Survey 2025, conducted among 1,000 cleaning staff in US, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Canada, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands and Poland.

About Tork

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissues, soap, napkins and wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that supports customers to think ahead so they’re always ready for business. Tork is a global brand of Essity and a committed partner to customers in more than 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit www.torkglobal.com/us/en/.

About Essity

Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

 

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, October 30, 2025 /3BL/ – DP World has achieved a major milestone in its sustainability journey in Argentina. Through a strategic partnership with local energy provider Pampa Energía, the company’s Buenos Aires terminal (Terminales Río de la Plata, or TRP) increased its renewable electricity use from 30% to 81%, marking a significant step toward DP World’s global decarbonization goals.

Powering Port Operations with Wind Energy

The partnership, which began in September 2024, enables TRP to source the majority of its electricity from Pampa Energía’s wind energy park, replacing traditional grid supply with clean, renewable power. After a successful three-month trial during Q4 2024, the terminal reported consistent performance improvements and substantial emissions reductions in the first half of 2025.

In September 2024 alone, 97.2% of TRP’s total electricity consumption – more than 746,000 kWh – came from renewable sources, avoiding the emission of 373 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere.

Tangible Reductions in Carbon Emissions

From January to May 2025, TRP’s absolute carbon emissions fell by 75%, dropping from 8 KtCO₂e to 2 KtCO₂e, compared with the same period in 2024. This reduction contributes directly to DP World’s global target of achieving a 42% decrease in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

Efficiency gains have also been striking. carbon intensity – the amount of CO₂ emitted per container handled – has been cut nearly in half, improving from 17.8 to 9.5 KgCO₂e per modified TEU, reflecting significant progress in energy efficiency.

Leading Argentina’s Energy Transition

As one of Argentina’s most important private terminals, TRP’s transition underscores DP World’s role in advancing the country’s energy transition while supporting economic resilience.

Claudio Pautazzo, Manager, Safety & Environment, DP World in Argentina, said: “Our agreement with Pampa Energía represents far more than a new energy contract – it’s a strategic commitment to transforming how we operate. By sourcing the majority of our electricity from wind power, we’re demonstrating how renewable energy can drive efficiency, reduce emissions, and strengthen Argentina’s position in the global transition toward a low-carbon economy.”

Beyond emissions reduction, this initiative supports DP World’s “Our World, Our Future” sustainability strategy, which focuses on decarbonizing operations, promoting circular economy practices, and supporting clean energy transitions across the Americas.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Ports

With this milestone, DP World in Argentina joins other terminals across the Americas – such as Callao in Peru and Caucedo in the Dominican Republic – that are now running on renewable energy. Together, these efforts are advancing DP World’s mission to make trade flow sustainably, transforming how global logistics contributes to a cleaner, more resilient future.

-END-

DP World Americas Media Contact:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications 
M: (+1) 704-605-6159 
E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

About DP World 

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 100,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW.

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com

NEWARK, Del., October 30, 2025 /3BL/ – Gore Fabrics, one of W. L. Gore & Associates’ key pillars of business, today launched its 2024 Fabrics Responsibility Update.

Faced with the complexity of a global value chain – spanning hundreds of apparel and footwear production facilities operated by our manufactures across 37 countries – Gore’s Fabrics business addresses these challenges with science-based, scalable solutions, enabling our customers to utilize Gore Fabrics’ innovative materials and technologies in the creation of their products.

“The impossible is merely a starting point.”

Jacques René
Gore Fabrics Business Leader

The 2024 Fabrics Responsibility Update emphasizes strategic prioritization of sustainability and responsibility throughout the Fabrics business. 
The Update further illustrates progress that can be made when high-performance products and responsible practices go hand in hand. 

Key Achievements in this year’s update:

• 100% Renewable Electricity: 100% of Gore’s Fabrics facilities now utilize renewable electricity in their manufacturing plants
• Carbon Reductions: The Gore’s Fabrics business achieved its carbon reduction and renewable energy goals ahead of its original schedule, with a 10% year-over-year drop in total carbon footprint.
• Chemical Recycling: The Fabrics business is testing textile-to-textile recycling for GORE-TEX® Laminates. While this process presents challenges, lab trials are confirming that textile recovery from laminates is feasible.

From student-designed ocean rescue coats to other creative projects, this year’s update is filled with stories that showcase how new ideas are woven into everyday life within the Fabrics business. 
Whether readers are interested in the future of workwear or in the subtle ways sustainability is integrated into products, the publication offers a fresh perspective on what responsible performance can mean.

Read the full Fabrics Responsibility Update to learn more on how Gore’s Fabrics business is advancing sustainability across the technical, high performance apparel industry.

About Gore Fabrics
Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX Fabric more than 45 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore’s Fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to defense operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages.
https://www.gore-tex.com and https://www.goretexprofessional.com/

 

About Gore
W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments – from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 13,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5 billion.
For more information, visit gore.com.

# # #

Products listed may not be available in all markets.
GORE, GORE-TEX, Together, improving life and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates.
© 2025 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Gore Fabrics Business Media Contacts

Molly Cuffe
W. L. Gore & Associates
mcuffe@wlgore.com

Monika Lischke
W. L. Gore & Associates
mlischke@wlgore.com

Register Here!

About

The holiday season is recognized as the most active period for organizations engaged in the sale of goods, including both retailers and e-commerce enterprises.

The significant increase in order volumes, heightened warehouse operations, and greater customer presence in retail stores present distinct environmental, health, and safety (EHS) challenges.

This escalation in activities necessitates diligent focus on EHS considerations. This webinar discusses common pitfalls encountered in warehouse and retail settings during peak seasons and provides actionable strategies for mitigation.

Key topics covered will include:

1. Approaches to effectively managing slip, trip, and fall hazards in high-traffic areas during periods of increased activity.
2. Strategies for maintaining psychosocial well-being and preventing burnout among employees working extended hours.
3. Techniques to control forklift movement and decrease incidents involving powered industrial trucks (PITs).
4. Methods for identifying potential workplace violence scenarios and corresponding mitigation measures.
5. Ensuring compliance with regulations related to hazardous material handling and shipping, including employee training and prevention of spills, improper handling, segregation issues, and documentation errors.

Featured speakers in this webinar will include Kelly Sampliner, Consultant with Antea Group USA, and Penny Pan with Anew Consulting, based in China. The webinar will be moderated by Lauren Corbett Noon, Senior Consultant with Antea Group USA.

Our speakers will provide a truly global perspective of regulatory expectations, cultural practices, and boots-on-the-ground EHS challenges across the retail, e-commerce, and warehouse operations.

Join us for this follow-up webinar to last November’s session by Antea Group. This webinar is a valuable refresher designed to help you stay confident in EHS and concentrate on your operations.

October is the perfect time to focus on protecting your digital life—especially your finances. As your trusted banking partner, we’re here to help you stay ahead of cybercriminals who constantly refine their tactics.

Scams Are Getting Smarter

Cybercriminals are skilled at creating urgency and credibility. Here are three of the most common tactics and how they work:

Imposter calls

A scammer calls pretending to be from your bank or another trusted institution. They may even “spoof” the caller ID so it appears legitimate, then claim there’s suspicious activity on your account—such as a large withdrawal or an overseas purchase. They often pressure you to act immediately by transferring funds to a “safe” account, revealing account numbers, or sharing a one-time passcode. The goal is to scare you into handing over access before you can think it through.

Fake texts and emails

These messages look strikingly real, using official logos, familiar language, or even your name. They might say your account has been locked, a payment failed, or a package is waiting for confirmation. Clicking the included link can install malware or lead to a convincing website that steals login details, card numbers, or personal information.

Urgent alerts

Scammers send notices about unpaid bills, unexpected charges, or a delivery that “requires verification.” Some even mimic government agencies or shipping companies. The message is always the same: act fast or face consequences like late fees, service suspension, or legal action. This sense of urgency is designed to override your caution, so you’ll share sensitive data or make a quick payment.

Protect Yourself with Simple Steps

A few consistent habits can dramatically reduce your risk:

• Pause before you share. Never give personal or account information to unsolicited callers, emails, or texts—even if they appear official or urgent.
• Avoid suspicious links. Go directly to a company’s website or use a trusted phone number instead of clicking on links in messages.
• Use strong, unique passwords. A password manager can help you keep track.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Adding a second layer of security makes it much harder for criminals to access your accounts.
• Update software and apps. Regular updates patch vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses.
• Monitor accounts regularly. Review your statements and online banking activity, and report anything unusual right away.

How We Help

We continually invest in advanced fraud detection, secure technology, and customer education. If you ever suspect fraud or receive a suspicious message, contact us immediately.

Let’s Stay Safe Together

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a reminder that small actions—like staying informed and vigilant—can protect your money and your identity. By working together, we can help keep your finances secure.

View original content here.

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

In a significant win for entrepreneurs across the U.S., the House Committee on Education and the Workforce has advanced The Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act (H.R. 3495) – a legislative milestone, decades in the making. For the millions of Americans who work as independent contractors in direct selling or real estate, this is the most significant policy move in a generation.

What’s In The Bill and Why It Matters

Whether you proudly run a direct selling business or help people become homeowners, this bill protects the freedom to work independently. By explicitly classifying direct sellers and real estate agents as independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), H.R. 3495 aligns federal labor law with the Internal Revenue Code, which has recognized this status since 1982. The bill “provides clarity and protection for millions of Americans who build businesses in these industries, reducing legal uncertainty and strengthening entrepreneurial opportunity^[1].”

Connecting Entrepreneurs Directly With Policy Makers 

The timing of this vote coincided with the Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill powered by the Direct Selling Association (DSA) in September, when more than 85 direct sellers and executives representing 14 DSA member companies including Mary Kay, came from across the country to meet with over 100 lawmakers, bringing their stories, business experiences, and insights directly to the nation’s decision-makers. They jointly shared what it truly means to be a small business owner and entrepreneur – setting your own schedule, working around family responsibilities, and building a career outside of the traditional 9-to-5 model. For these individuals – and for millions of others – direct selling is about more than just income. It’s about independence, flexibility, and empowerment.

A Triumph of Grassroots Advocacy

Mary Kay has a vibrant legacy of championing policies that enable women’s access to entrepreneurship through the Mary Kay selling opportunity and was part of the critical advocacy effort.

“The advancement of H.R. 3495 is a landmark moment for independent entrepreneurs across the country, including the thousands of Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants who run their businesses with personal drive and purpose,” said Anne Crews, Vice-President of Public Affairs at Mary Kay Inc. “The bill brings clarity to federal labor laws through classifying direct sellers as independent contractors. It’s the result of years of advocacy, collaboration, and the unwavering belief in the power of flexible, self-driven work. We are proud to stand behind this effort to protect opportunity, empower choice, and honor the entrepreneurial spirit that shapes the future of our communities.”

For the DSA and its members, this success is the culmination of years of consistent advocacy, coalition-building, and unwavering belief in the power of entrepreneurship. The vote represents a step toward protecting the freedom to work independently and preserving a path to economic empowerment for Americans from all walks of life.

“This is proof that advocacy works,” said Dave Grimaldi, Chief Executive Officer of the Direct Selling Association. “We brought entrepreneurs from across the U.S. to Capitol Hill to share their stories and explain the real-world value of the direct selling channel which brings $111 billion in total U.S. economic impact^[2]. The committee vote is a historic win for independent workers and shows the power of collective voices.”

What’s Next?

The bill (H.R. 3495) will move forward in Congress, and while there’s still a journey ahead before it becomes law, this vote is a major step in the right direction.

For direct sellers and real estate agents alike, it’s a sign that their voices are being heard and that lawmakers are realizing the value of independent work in today’s economy. The future of independent work just got a little brighter.

The Bigger Picture: Direct Selling’s Economic Impact

• $111 billion in total U.S. economic impact and $15.5 billion in tax revenue.^[3]
• 6.1 million direct sellers nationwide with $36.7 billion in retail sales every year.^[4]

Learn more about Mary Kay’s advocacy efforts around the world in the 2025 Sustainability Report. 
 

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About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X. 
 

^{[1] https://www.dsa.org/events/news/press-releases/dsa-advocacy-drives-historic-committee-vote-h.r.-3495-advances-as-entrepreneurs-rally-on-capitol-hill} 

^{[1] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., The University Of Texas At Austin. (2024). The Economic Impact Of Direct Selling Activity In The United States in 2022.}

^{[3] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., The University Of Texas At Austin. (2024). The Economic Impact Of Direct Selling Activity In The United States in 2022.} 

^{[4] Direct Selling Association. (August 30, 2024). U.S. Direct Selling Association Releases 2023 Data Showing Increased Interest in the Services Category. Retrieved from https://www.dsa.org/events/news/individual-press-release/u.s.-direct-selling-association-releases-2023-data-showing-increased-interest-in-the-services-category}