Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Noah Hernandez was the first person in his family to attend college. It was his passion for science and math, and a belief that engineering shapes the future, that led him to pursue mechanical engineering with a focus on thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics.

And his participation in Trane Technologies’ Graduate Training Program, helped prepare him for his next role as an account manager for new systems. “HVAC is a lot more complex than people think,” Noah says. “There’s definitely a lot more engineering involved than just making cool air.”

VIDEO: How the Graduate Training Program Prepared Noah for a Meaningful Career in Energy Efficiency

Knowledge, confidence and camaraderie in the Graduate Training Program

Before joining the Graduate Training Program, Noah worked full time as an estimator in his local Trane Technologies office, where he first heard about the program from account managers and leadership. “This isn’t something other companies in our industry really offer,” he says.

“From day one, we’ve been getting real training, and we’re coming out well-equipped for the field.”

Noah Hernandez
Account Manager, Trane Technologies

The program, which mixes deep technical education with real-world learning and leadership development, is designed to close the university-to-industry gap. “I studied all the fundamentals in school — thermodynamics, fluid mechanics — and now I’m seeing how it all fits together in actual HVAC systems,” Noah explains. “It’s powerful to tie that theory to real-life practice.”

Just as important as the technical learning has been the people around him in the program. “One of the best parts of the program has been the camaraderie. We’re all going through this together. Everyone here is smart, driven and collaborative. I’ve made such great friends here.”

Mentorship and growth

Alongside the camaraderie, mentorship plays a central role in the Graduate Training Program experience. Each participant is paired with a mentor who provides one-on-one support throughout the program. “Our mentors are there to help guide us, to talk about where we’re struggling and identify what we need to develop. 

“The Graduate Training Program’s not just growing us technically; it’s growing as people.”

That whole-person development is built into the program’s design. “It’s intense,” Noah admits. “The days are long, but the weeks go by quickly. We’ve learned how systems work, how to manage our time, how to present and understand ourselves and how we learn.”

The Graduate Training Program also dives deeply into sales, including the differences between new systems, service and controls sales, giving each participant the tools to succeed in their chosen track.

HVAC’s role in climate impact

For Noah, one of the most eye-opening takeaways of the program has been HVAC’s role in global emissions. “HVAC systems make up a third of the world’s energy usage,” he says. “I didn’t realize just how big of an impact we can make. And I think that’s really inspiring.”

While sustainability wasn’t the initial reason Noah joined Trane Technologies, it’s become a core part of his mission. “Now that I understand how much our systems matter, I see my role differently. I’m helping engineers and building owners move toward a more sustainable future.”

That shift starts with education. “We’re consultants. Customers look to us for expertise. So, staying educated and sharing that knowledge with our customers is one of the best ways we can contribute to a more sustainable world.”

Building a purposeful career 

After graduating from the program, Noah will return to his office in Texas, where he’ll work with engineers and contractors to lay out HVAC systems for large-scale building projects. But this time, he’s stepping in with confidence, tools and a network of support behind him.

“Trane Technologies is a great company to work for. The culture, the people, the training — it’s all been incredible,” he says.

“If you’re an engineer who wants to make a difference, this is one of the greatest decisions you can make.”

Noah Hernandez
Account Manager, Trane Technologies

Sell something meaningful with Trane Technologies. Ready to make an impact? Explore your future in sales with Trane Technologies.

At WK Kellogg Co, we believe healthy soils are the foundation of resilient farming communities, thriving ecosystems and a more sustainable food system. Through our support of the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund, we are helping expand opportunities for soil health education, farmer-led innovation and youth engagement initiatives across Nebraska.

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund is working to strengthen the future of agriculture by investing in projects that advance regenerative agriculture, soil biology, water stewardship, biodiversity and hands-on agricultural learning. Together, these efforts are helping producers, students and communities explore practical approaches that improve soil health, strengthen farm productivity, protect natural resources and build resilience for future generations.

One example of this impact is Battle Creek High School FFA member Claire Schmidt, whose award-winning agriscience research demonstrates the leadership and innovation emerging from the next generation of agricultural stewards. Schmidt won the Nebraska State Agriscience Competition in the Environmental Service/Natural Resource Systems category with her project, “Optimizing Nitrogen Application to Maximize Crop Yield, Economic Returns, and Soil Health.” Supported through funding from the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund and an anonymous donor through Nebraska Community Foundation’s Youth Engagement Grant, her research showed how optimized nutrient management can improve economic returns while supporting soil health and protecting water quality.

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund continues to invest in farmers, educators and community organizations working to advance soil health knowledge and adoption throughout Nebraska. By supporting locally driven solutions and practical on-farm learning opportunities, these investments help create agricultural systems that are productive, environmentally responsible and economically sustainable.

Here at WK Kellogg Co, we are proud to support this work alongside other donors and community partners who share a commitment to sustainable agriculture, natural resource stewardship and agricultural education.

As a result of this collective investment, the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund will increase its maximum grant award to $2,500 for the next two grant cycles, creating additional opportunities for farmers, educators and students to pursue innovative soil health projects that deliver lasting environmental and community benefits.

“We’re proud to support the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund and its efforts to expand opportunities for soil health education and innovation,” said Sarah Ludmer, Sustainable Business Officer at WK Kellogg Co “Healthy soils are foundational to resilient farming communities, thriving ecosystems and a sustainable food system. Investing in soil health helps create opportunities for farmers today while supporting future generations of agricultural leaders.”

Supporting initiatives like the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund reflects WK Kellogg Co’s broader commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and building resilient communities through its Feeding Happiness sustainable business strategy. By investing in soil health education, farmer innovation and youth leadership, WK Kellogg Co is helping create positive outcomes for people and the planet while supporting the long-term sustainability of the agricultural systems that help feed communities across the country.

Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, has once again earned top recognition from leading nonprofit evaluators Charity Navigator, Candid, and GreatNonprofits for 2026. These renewed ratings reflect Smile Train’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, financial stewardship, and the meaningful impact of our work for children and families affected by cleft conditions globally. 

For donors, partners, and supporters, these recognitions serve as trusted signals of Smile Train’s effectiveness and responsible management. They demonstrate that the organization operates responsibly and remains focused on delivering sustainable solutions through its global network of local medical partners.

Each recognition highlights a different aspect of nonprofit excellence. Charity Navigator recognizes nonprofits that demonstrate strong financial health, accountability, and measurable impact. Candid, formerly known as GuideStar, highlights organizations that provide comprehensive, transparent information about their mission, programs, goals, and results. GreatNonprofits is based on reviews and stories from volunteers, donors, and community members, reflecting the real-world experiences of those who know our work best.

Together, these honors strengthen confidence among supporters and reinforce Smile Train’s reputation as a trustworthy organization. For many donors, independent evaluations like these play an important role in understanding how nonprofits operate and making informed decisions about where to give.

“These recognitions are a reflection of the dedication and collaboration of the entire Smile Train community,” said Elyse Taub, Chief Development Officer at Smile Train. “Every team member, partner, volunteer, and supporter contributes to the accountability and impact that these ratings represent. These achievements belong to everyone who helps advance our goals.”

As Smile Train continues working toward a future where every child born with a cleft has access to the care they need to live a healthy, full life, these renewed recognitions reaffirm the organization’s commitment to excellence.

To learn more about Smile Train’s work and global impact, visit www.smiletrain.org. 

For the fifth consecutive year, SLB has earned a top score on the Disability:IN 2026 Disability Index^®, a leading benchmark that measures disability inclusion and accessibility practices.

This year, SLB has been recognized on the index as one of the World’s Top Disability Inclusive Businesses, a distinction that highlights SLB’s disability inclusion efforts, including global best practices and locally led initiatives.

“This year’s Disability Index shows that leading companies are embedding disability inclusion into the core of how they operate. It’s shaping how businesses design products, build trust and drive innovation. The companies leading today are the ones building more adaptable, resilient and future-ready organizations,” said Jill Houghton, president & CEO, Disability:IN.

The index measures performance across a range of disability inclusion practices, including employee resource groups (ERGs), accessibility of buildings and digital content, accommodation processes, disability inclusion training and employee support programs.

“We are proud to be recognized in the Disability Index again this year and named one of the world’s top disability-inclusive organizations,” said Carlos Sarmiento, director of Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at SLB. “The index provides data-driven insights to help assess inclusion in the workplace and identify actions to drive progress. Focusing on workplace inclusivity creates opportunities and builds a culture where all employees can contribute and thrive.”

Supporting these efforts is SLB’s ThisAbility Network, an ERG that provides a global community for employees with disabilities, long-term health conditions and caregiving responsibilities. The network provides opportunities for employees to share experiences, access peer support and promote learning across the organization.

This recognition follows SLB’s inclusion earlier this year on the 2026 Forbes Accessibility 200 List, an annual ranking focused on accessibility and disability inclusion.

Learn more about SLB’s inclusive culture here and in the company’s Sustainability Report.

Yum! Brands

When Dan Shacklett first agreed to help finish a fence on Angie Clark’s Kentucky farm, he thought he was lending a hand. He didn’t realize he was stepping into a future that would include thousands of feet of fencing, three horse-related businesses and, eventually, a wedding.

“She had 16 unfenced acres, so I went to help,” Shacklett said. “I didn’t know I was going to put up 2,700 more feet of fence all by myself. That’s how I knew it was love.”

This fall, Shacklett will marry Clark, and together they run Royal Creek Farm, where they board horses, manage a breeding program and build custom pieces for the equestrian community. Their third venture, Red Oak Customs, grew out of Shacklett’s lifelong ability to make and fix things. He builds everything from picture frames and signs to horse tack trunks and show-ready barn setups.

That hands-on skill also serves him in his day job at Yum! Brands, where Shacklett is a building and facilities supervisor at the company’s Restaurant Support Center (RSC) in Louisville, Kentucky. His role is part project manager, part problem solver, making sure his team knows that his door is always open if they have a personal issue or need advice.

Shacklett’s days are long, starting at 3:45 a.m., tending to the horses before hitting the gym and then sitting down at his computer by 5:30 a.m. He tries to leave the office around 3 p.m., then heads straight to Royal Creek Farm. There, he feeds the horses, checks the creek and makes sure debris hasn’t caught in the fencing or gates. After that, he heads to the garage to work on customer orders for Red Oak Customs. By 8 p.m., he stops to eat dinner, watch the news and get a few hours of sleep before doing it all again.

Foaling season can make that already full schedule even more unpredictable. There have been times Shacklett called his coach, Yum! Corporate Services Manager Royce Blevins, to say he’ll be late — not because he overslept, but because a foal was arriving.

“Dan is an early riser. If he’s not in the office by 6 a.m., it’s because he’s bringing a magnificent foal into this world!” said Blevins. “He’s not only a great building engineer, he’s an excellent horseman!”

For Shacklett, the farm is less a hobby than a return to his roots. He grew up on a 150-acre farm where his family raised tobacco, cattle and four Belgian draft horses (the kind of big, sturdy horses people often compare to Clydesdales). Those early years shaped the way he sees animals and the way he approaches work.

“A horse is just a big dog,” he said. “You just have to be easy with them and talk to them. They’re like big puppies that eat a little more.”

Shacklett has always been drawn to work that requires his hands. Before joining Yum! eight years ago, he worked in conveyor maintenance, served as a contractor in Afghanistan helping train and manage local workers and worked as a machinist. Long before any of that, he was the kind of kid who took things apart just to understand how they worked.

“If I couldn’t figure out how to get it back together, then I’d get whipped,” Shacklett said. “So you figure out real quick how to put it back together!”

That practical mindset has carried into every part of his life, from managing facilities projects at the RSC to building the infrastructure at Royal Creek Farm from the ground up. He is quick to point out that the horse world is not all polished arenas and blue ribbons. Show horses may be in the ring for only 10 or 15 minutes, but getting them there takes months of training, travel, care and planning.

Still, he wouldn’t trade the long days. His favorite part is simple: being with the horses. Each has its own personality, from the retired Hackney Road pony named Whiskey to Bocelli, a boarded horse with torn retinas who relies on Whiskey to help guide him back from the creek.

“Wherever Whiskey goes, Bocelli goes with him,” Shacklett said. “Sometimes Bocelli can get down to the creek by himself, but he can’t always find his way back up the hill. Whiskey will go out there, nudge him and bring him back. It’s sweet.”

That connection is what keeps Shacklett going, even on five hours of sleep. The farm is demanding, but it also gives him something he can’t always find in the middle of a busy workday: quiet focus.

“If you have a bad day, you can go out there and mess with the horses, and the stress goes away,” he said. “You’re focused on them — how they’re doing, what they need. That’s my stress relief.”

For Shacklett, that balance is possible because of the support he feels at Yum!. He says his team knows his phone is always on and that he’ll answer if there’s an issue. In return, he appreciates the flexibility to manage the occasional early-morning foal or farm emergency.

“They know if there’s an issue, I’ll answer the phone,” Shacklett said. “We’re very flexible.”

It is a fitting arrangement for someone whose days are built around responsibility — to his team, the building, the animals and the future he and Angie are building together. What started as a fence line has become a life stitched together by work ethic, craftsmanship and care.