Tag: 3BL

RADIAN’s Five-Year, $25 Million Extension Will Increase Support for Local Organizations and Drive Progress to Help Turn the Tide on HIV Across the Region –

– RADIAN Will Expand Geographic Focus to Provide Key Populations and Communities Impacted by the Conflict in Ukraine with HIV Prevention and Care Services –

FOSTER CITY, Calif., August 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) announced a five-year extension of the RADIAN ® partnership to help meet the needs of the most vulnerable key populations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) where the HIV epidemic is growing. RADIAN will continue supporting the initiatives of trusted, grassroots organizations who are working to address HIV-related challenges in the region.

While HIV is declining globally, EECA is one of the few regions in the world where the epidemic is getting worse, with new HIV diagnoses and AIDS-related deaths increasing by 20% and 34%, respectively, since 2010.1 Of the 2.1 million people in EECA living with HIV, 41% are not aware of their HIV status and 50% are not on treatment – way below global 95-95-95-95 targets.1

“We are committed to ensuring that the EECA region is not left behind because ending the HIV epidemic means ending it for everyone, everywhere,” said Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gilead Sciences. “During a recent visit to Kazakhstan, I met with RADIAN-supported community leaders who emphasized the importance of doubling down on our collaborative efforts. Over the next five years, RADIAN 2.0 will continue to address the structural drivers of the epidemic, strengthen HIV health systems, and enhance the capacities of local organizations for lasting impact.”

Since RADIAN was launched in 2019 it has had a significant impact on the HIV response in the region, reaching more than 271,000 people with HIV services, providing over 114,000 HIV tests, (re-) initiating over 26,500 people on antiretroviral therapy, and training more than 14,000 frontline workers to reduce stigma and discrimination.2 These efforts are having an impact on communities most in need, however the situation in the region has escalated dramatically in recent years with the conflict in Ukraine further exacerbating the crisis.3 Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, human rights violations, stigma and discrimination are also hindering the HIV response across the region.4

“At the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we have a long history of supporting people living with or at risk of HIV across Eastern Europe and Central Asia – a region too often overlooked in the global HIV response. Because of insufficient access to HIV testing and effective treatment, 384 people newly acquire HIV every day in EECA and 120 people die of AIDS-related causes,” said Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.1 “We are incredibly proud of our RADIAN partnership with Gilead Sciences, which is genuinely helping to turn the tide on the HIV epidemic in the region. Over the next few years, RADIAN will continue to help meet the needs of people most affected by HIV in EECA through innovative, scalable solutions and we are incredibly grateful to our resilient and determined local partners who share our ambition of leaving nobody behind.”

Over the next five years, RADIAN will extend its efforts to support collaborative, community-based initiatives to help meet the needs of the most vulnerable key populations across EECA, including people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers and Transgender people.

RADIAN will also expand its geographic reach to include countries hosting refugees fleeing Ukraine, including Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Germany, where there is an acute need for additional HIV services. Language barriers, social isolation and internalized stigma are all greatly hindering the ability of refugees living with or at risk of HIV to access the treatment and care they urgently need.5 RADIAN’s geographic expansion will provide more support to these vulnerable communities, improving access to HIV services and supporting their mental and social wellbeing.

RADIAN will continue to build on successes and learnings from the first five years of the partnership to help close gaps in HIV testing, prevention and care. Additionally, to support innovations that increase the effectiveness of the HIV response in EECA, RADIAN will introduce an innovation fund. The fund will accept creative applications on a rolling basis to allow for flexibility of funding opportunities as innovations emerge.

About RADIAN

RADIAN is a ground-breaking partnership between Gilead Sciences and the Elton John AIDS Foundation that supports grassroots organizations and partners in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) to meaningfully address the HIV-related challenges in the region. By supporting the delivery of community-based services and health systems, and by addressing structural barriers impeding the HIV response, RADIAN helps address the needs of key populations and marginalized communities – including people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers and Transgender people. RADIAN works closely with local leaders and community partners – RADIAN Changemakers and grantees – who are committed to creating change in the region through on-the-ground initiatives tackling the unique challenges of the HIV epidemic in EECA.

To learn more about how RADIAN is working to end HIV in EECA, visit www.radianhiv.org.

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

For 35 years, Gilead has been a leading innovator in the field of HIV, driving advances in treatment, prevention and cure research. Gilead researchers have developed 12 HIV medications, including the first single-tablet regimen to treat HIV, the first antiretroviral for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help reduce new HIV infections, and the first long-acting injectable HIV treatment medication administered twice-yearly. Our advances in medical research have helped to transform HIV into a treatable, preventable, chronic condition for millions of people.

For more information on Gilead Sciences, please visit the company’s website at www.gilead.com.

About Elton John AIDS Foundation

The Elton John AIDS Foundation was established in 1992 and is one of the leading independent AIDS organizations in the world. The Foundation’s mission is simple: an end to the AIDS epidemic. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is committed to overcoming the stigma, discrimination and neglect that keep us from ending AIDS. With the mobilization of our network of generous supporters and partners, we fund local experts across four continents to challenge discrimination, prevent infections, and provide treatment as well as influencing governments to end AIDS. www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org

1 Data provided by UNAIDS (2024), https://www.unaids.org/en
2 Data provided by the Elton John AIDS Foundation – June 2024
3 Jonas, Kai J. et al. The war refugees from Ukraine: an HIV epidemic is fleeing as well. AIDS 36(12):p 1745-1746, October 1, 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000003271, last accessed June 2024
4 Schweitzer AM et al, Addressing HIV stigma in healthcare, community, and legislative settings in Central and Eastern Europe, 2023. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10714556/, last accessed June 2024
5 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Migrant health: HIV testing and counselling in migrant populations and ethnic minorities in EU/EEA/EFTA Member States. Available at: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/media/en/publications/Publications/1108_TER_HIV_in_migrants.pdf, last accessed July 2024.

Meaghan Smith, Media
public_affairs@gilead.com

Jacquie Ross, Investors
investor_relations@gilead.com

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

WESTERVILLE, Ohio, August 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Doodles and Digits and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation announced a partnership to underwrite the television debut of the acclaimed “How It’s Math” program on Public Television. Set to premiere this April in celebration of Mathematical Awareness Month, the show will explore the fascinating world of mathematics in different careers and industries.

“How It’s Math” has garnered praise from parents and educators for its unique approach to teaching mathematical concepts to children. By partnering with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Doodles and Digits aims to expand the reach of the show and inspire a broader audience of young learners.

In addition to the television debut, Doodles and Digits will collaborate with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company this summer to explore how the company uses math in its daily operations. Young viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look of the important STEM work that ScottsMiracle-Gro does when creating many of America’s most trusted lawn and garden products.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation to bring ‘How It’s Math’ to public television,” said Caroline Farkas, Founder of Doodles and Digits. “This partnership allows us to reach even more children with our educational content and inspire a lifelong love for math.”

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation shares Doodles and Digits’ commitment to the next generation. By supporting ‘How It’s Math,’ they aim to empower young learners to explore the wonders of mathematics and the natural world.

“We have a rich history of supporting organizations that inspire children to learn about and engage with the natural world through gardening,” said Brian Herrington, president of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. “The partnership with Doodles and Digits provides a wide-reaching platform in which we together can help students understand the importance of mathematics, both in STEM-related careers and the study of nature.”

Don’t miss the debut of “How It’s Math” on April 27, 2024, on public television, and PBS.org.

About Doodles and Digits:

Doodles and Digits is an educational media production company founded by Caroline Farkas. With a focus on STEM education, Doodles and Digits creates engaging video content, classroom resources, and teacher training materials to inspire students and educators worldwide. www.doodleslearning.com

About The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation:

The mission of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is to inspire, connect and cultivate a community of purpose. The Foundation is deeply rooted in helping create healthier communities, empower the next generation and preserve our planet. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that funds non-profit entities that support its core initiatives in the form of grants, endowments and multi-year capital gifts. For more information, visit scotts miracle gro foundation.org.

For more information about Doodles and Digits and their partnership with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, please contact Caroline Farkas at caroline@doodleslearning.com or Tom Matthews at tom.matthews@scotts.com.

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A massive category 5 hurricane hit the port of Acapulco, Mexico, on October 25, 2023. The destruction in the area was enormous, and the need for water and food was vast. As the community planned the recovery of houses, hotels, and the port, Griffith Foods Monterrey stepped in to help.

Within a few days of the disaster, the Griffith Foods Monterrey plant delivered 450,000 servings (4.5 tons) of Griffith Foods fortified porridge to support the people and the communities in the affected area. We packed the porridge in 1 kilogram bags to help with easy distribution. The production and packing are the result of work from dry-blend workers and the support of 70 volunteers from different areas of Griffith Foods. We worked with the Banco de Alimentos to ensure the porridge was delivered to those who needed it most.

Our Sustainability Journey
At Griffith Foods, we are committed to driving positive impact through a regenerative mindset. Sustainability is connected to everything we do as a business, and by 2030, we are dedicated to significantly improving the future with a singular sustainable business strategy that we call our 2030 Aspirations. To learn more about Griffith Foods and its current sustainability efforts, visit them online and download the 2023 Sustainability Report.

About Griffith Foods
At Griffith Foods, our purpose defines who we are, what we do, and why we exist, highlighting what makes us distinct and authentic in the marketplace. We help our partners meet the evolving needs and desires of consumers in ways that respect and sustain the planet. Our care and creativity mean we’ll find the right mix of global reach and local impact to serve the earth and nourish all of us who call it home.

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Since 1981, CHRIS 180 has served more than 200,000 children, youth, adults and families, helping them build resiliency through tough times and overcoming trauma to become productive citizens through inclusive and innovative counseling, foster care and adoption, family and community support programs, preventing homelessness and violence, and providing professionals with the tools they need to serve their community.

Their annual gala, the CHRIStalBall, is right around the corner and a great way to witness the impact CHRIS 180 has on the Atlanta community. Grab your ticket to attend and experience the life-changing work they do. See you there!

https://www.christalball.org/

Watch the video here

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, specialty fibers, nonwoven fabrics, building products and related chemicals. Our familiar consumer brands include Quilted Northern®, Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Dixie®, enMotion®, 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 more than 30,000 people directly and creates approximately 89,000 jobs indirectly. For more information, visit: gp.com/about-us . For news, visit: gp.com/news

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Food labeling is a complex and dynamic field that requires constant attention to detail and compliance with various regulations. In this eBook, Vice President of Food Safety with SCS Global Services and expert in food labeling, regulatory affairs, and commercialization, Denise Webster shares insights on how to avoid the most common pitfalls and challenges that food manufacturers and retailers face when managing their food product labels.

Whether you are concerned about allergen declarations, nutrition facts, flavor disclosures, product claims, or the latest standards of identity, this eBook will help you navigate current food labeling requirements and best practices.

Here’s some of what you’ll find in this eBook:

Learn about the top 10 food safety labeling compliance issues and how to avoid themDirect links to the specific legislative language most relevant to each food labeling issueExpert, real-world tips on how to ensure compliance at every step of the labeling processBest practices for nutritional facts panel formatting, ensuring accurate serving sizes, calculating PDCAAS, and many more seemingly minor technicalities that can cause major problems for labeling operationsOverview of emerging regulatory themes and initiatives that will impact food labeling in 2024 and beyond

Download the full eBook here.

For information on FDA Food Labeling Compliance Training, visit our website or contact:

Shyama Devarajan 
Senior Marketing Manager, SCS Global Services 
sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com

Welcome to the very special 250th issue of GreenMoney. This new issue features reader favorites from the last decade, along with a few of our own all-time revered articles. From our media library, we’ve selected the most watched and listened to videos and podcasts. Then to mark this pivotal moment, we’re leading with BSR’s revealing retrospective “Beyond 2025: Setting Credible Sustainability Goals for Long-term Impact”.

We are featuring articles from – Amy Domini of Domini Impact Investments; Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield Farm; Mary Barra of General Motors; Tim Smith of Boston Trust Walden; Edward Mazria of Architecture 2030; Jenn Pryce of Calvert Impact; Ted Janulis of Investable Oceans; Janine Benyus of Biomimicry Institute; the team at Natural Investments; Ray C. Anderson of Interface; and John Howell of Climate & Capital Media on Green Bonds.

Also check out a new video on “Enoughness” on bringing Indigenous Values into Finance; as well a recent Podcast featuring Michael Pollan on Food systems.

Find it all at- https://GreenMoney.com

 

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SWORDS, Ireland, August 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, is exploring how climate technology and innovation are transforming the spaces where we live, work, learn and play with Season 4 of its Healthy Spaces Podcast.

“Building a net-zero future begins with crucial conversations with the innovators who are leading the way, one healthy space at a time,” said Dominique Silva, Healthy Spaces podcast co-host and EMEA marketing leader, Trane Technologies. “On this season of the Healthy Spaces podcast, we’re talking with the entrepreneurs, scientists and sustainability leaders who are shaping the future of climate technology. Our goal is to educate audiences on the breakthrough technology that already exists today, while discovering what’s next on the radar and how we can make a positive impact together.”

Dominique Silva is joined as co-host by Scott Tew, Vice President of Sustainability, and Oakley Roberts, Vice President of Innovation. Season 4 launched with Episode 1, “Growth Mindset,” featuring a conversation with venture capitalist Steve Westly about scaling clean technologies. More episodes are available now and include:

Episode 2, “Nitty Gritty on Net-Zero” – a conversation with climate activist Avipsa Mahapatra on the importance of transparency as companies activate net-zero plans. 
 Episode 3, “Climate Talent” – Opportunity@Work co-founder and CEO Byron Auguste joins Trane Technologies VP of Talent Betsey Strobl to talk about how to leverage the talents of employees skilled through alternative routes to help decarbonize our world. 
 Episode 4, “Rethinking Heat Policy” – a conversation with Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University, about how to elevate community insights to protect people from extreme heat. 
 Episode 5, “Digital Transformation” – Bob Irvin and Ryan Rutledge from climate tech incubator Joules Accelerator join Trane Technologies Chief Digital Officer Riaz Raihan to talk about how digital technology is reducing emissions and unlocking value.

More episodes will be released later this summer that explore topics like preventing food loss, supporting the next generation of climate innovators, and the role of marketing and communications in advancing sustainability strategy.

Each episode also features a story from a listener about how they are building healthy spaces in their own organizations and communities. Listeners are invited to submit their stories on the Healthy Spaces Podcast webpage to be considered for a future episode.

Healthy Spaces is streaming now on podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Through bold, industry-leading action and innovation, Trane Technologies is advancing its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge to reduce customer emissions by a billion metric tons and its pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company’s emissions reduction targets have been externally validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

# # # 
 

About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. Visit tranetechnologies.com.

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our sustainability commitments and the impact of these commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

KFC

PLANO, Texas, August 12, 2024 /3BL/ – In celebration of International Youth Day, KFC today announces a partnership with Plan International to support youth in their pursuit of skills and work of their choosing – at KFC restaurants and beyond.

Plan International is working toward a world where all are equal. They partner with young people and their communities to provide resources and support to help youth overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. With a presence in 80+ countries, Plan International is one of the oldest and widest-reaching organizations that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

Nearly 75 percent of young people aged 15 to 24 in 92 countries lack the basic skills needed for employment, according to the Education Commission and UNICEF. KFC’s partnership with Plan International will empower young people, especially girls and persons with disabilities, to pursue their professional dreams and goals through tailored training and resources. The partnership has four key objectives:

Providing pathways for young people to pursue decent work of their choosingSupporting young people to develop market-driven, relevant skillsFostering a work environment where youth can be authentically themselvesPromoting positive social norms about young people as economic actors and valuable contributors

“We are so proud to link arms with Plan International to help feed the potential of youth around the world,” said Meredith Krones, Integrated Communications and Social Purpose Lead at KFC Global. “Working to address inequities and support individuals is one way KFC can make lasting impact in the communities we serve. Whether you choose to work at KFC or pursue a different passion, we know this work is building a brighter future for everyone involved.”

To achieve its partnership objectives, KFC will contribute to Plan International’s Skills & Work Fund, co-develop best practice guides on youth-friendly recruitment, training and retention, and welcome young people to its corporate offices to experience a day in the life of a KFC executive.

“Our partnership with KFC Global will create real opportunities for young people, especially young women and those with disabilities,” said Shanna Marzilli, President and CEO at Plan International USA. “This is about more than just jobs; it’s about helping young people who seem to have the odds stacked against them to build the skills and confidence they need to shape their own futures.”

This work builds on KFC’s existing efforts to support youth employability, including initiatives in Thailand and the UK. KFC Thailand’s Bucket Search program unlocks opportunities for drop-out students through confidence-building and vocational exploration. These work and study opportunities are aimed at socially re-integrating youth in support of Thailand’s zero dropout vision. Since 2023, Bucket Search has helped 130 school dropouts reintegrate into the education system.

KFC United Kingdom and Ireland’s Hatch employability program focuses on opening doors to young people and unlocking the life-changing power of a first job. Through Hatch, 825 young people have increased access to growing skills and opportunities to promote confidence, resilience and aspiration while providing a viable pathway to sustainable employment.

About KFC

KFC is a global chicken restaurant brand with a rich, decades-long history of success and innovation. It all started with one cook, Colonel Harland Sanders, who created the Original Recipe more than 90 years ago, a list of 11 secret herbs and spices scratched out on the back of the door to his kitchen. Today, while honoring our heritage, we remain committed to modernizing the colonel’s vision, by serving feel-good food, at scale, through inclusive, equitable and sustainable business practices. We continue to follow his formula for success, with real cooks breading and freshly preparing our delicious chicken by hand in more than 30,000 restaurants in 150 countries and territories around the world. KFC is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM.)​

About Plan International

Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We are there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in more than 80 countries. We won’t stop until we are all equal.

For more information, please visit www.PlanUSA.org.

Groundbreaking social experiment uses AI powered by Lenovo to raise awareness of Gen Zs’ loneliness and anxiety exacerbated by big differences in their real and online lives.New Lenovo research finds 60% of Gen Z respondents wish they could have difficult conversations with family in real life.Almost half (48%) say talking to a trained professional would give them the confidence to talk more openly with the people they love in the real world.Lenovo partners with mental health non-profit organizations in the US, UK, and Japan to expand access to 24/7 mental health support for young people.

August 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Lenovo™ released the newest iteration of its Work For Humankind project, titled ‘Meet Your Digital Self’. The project highlights the role that smarter technology and AI can play in helping to advance change and support mental health professionals in addressing the global youth mental health crisis. This work aims to address the challenges young people face when living different lives in the real world versus online, as two-thirds (67%) of Gen Z feel a disconnect between their online and offline selves, fuelling feelings of loneliness and anxiety. While almost half (49%) of Gen Zs say it’s easier to express themselves online than offline, 60% wish they could have difficult conversations with family and loved ones in real life.

Sarah Kendrick, Clinical Director at Mental Health Innovations, the charity running the UK’s Shout 24/7 text support service said, “One in eight people globally grapple with a mental health condition, with Gen Z experiencing the greatest impact, where that figure rises to one in five. The type of AI innovation in Lenovo’s ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ social experiment shows promise as a way in which generations with different understandings of online personas can meet and understand each other.”

In this first-of-its-kind social experiment, Lenovo pioneered the use of AI made possible by its broad portfolio of technology, from mobile phones and PCs to infrastructure, software, services, solutions, and cloud. The combined technology brought to life the entire online personas of two Gen Z project participants as lifelike avatars capable of having unscripted, natural conversation.

The experiment facilitated impactful, heartfelt conversations between the participants, their family members, and the avatars – conversations that might not have happened otherwise, in real life. The family members either didn’t know about their Gen Z participant’s online world or didn’t understand and accept it: be it their career choices or gender identity. By asking the digital avatars questions and having real-time conversations, each family member gained invaluable insights into their Gen Z loved one’s true self as expressed in the online world and were able to better understand and reconnect in real life. The project is a pioneering proof of concept demonstrating the positive impact technology can have in advancing positive change in the youth mental health epidemic, which has been worsened by their struggle to balance two distinct online and offline identities.

The 3D avatars not only resembled each participant but were built to be able to respond to real-time conversation – adjusting their tones, movements, and facial expressions based on the discussion. To do that the avatars were trained on data that came directly from each participant’s online persona.

According to new research from Lenovo, almost half (48%) of Gen Zs say talking to a trained professional would give them the confidence to talk more openly with the people they love in the real world.

In an effort to expand mental health support and resources for people in need, Lenovo has partnered with several organizations, such as Shout, a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service based in the UK; Crisis Text Line, a non-profit organization that provides free, 24/7 confidential text-based mental health support in both English and Spanish for anyone in the US and Puerto Rico; and Anata no Ibasho in Japan. These organizations train real people who are then supervised by mental health professional staff, offering support to millions in need.

The digital versions of the two Gen Z participants were created by weaving together data from across their social media, blog, and forum handles securely with their consent. The data was trained and tested, and the project designed and brought to life with Lenovo devices, services, software, servers, and cloud solutions. This is the first time ever that Lenovo solutions have come together to develop an avatar of this kind. Devices and solutions include Lenovo ThinkStation™ workstations; ThinkCentre™ desktop computers; Lenovo Legion™, ThinkBook™ and Yoga™ laptops; Lenovo tablets; ThinkVision™ monitors and accessories; motorola razr smartphones; ThinkEdge™ SE450 Edge Server; AI Professional Services and Lenovo | Dropbox Cloud Storage.

“Technology can become the bridge that shortens distances, making powerful human-to-human connection faster and more accessible to people in moments of need,” said Dr. Shairi Turner, Chief Health Officer at Crisis Text Line. “Whether someone is in a classroom, at a family event, or lying awake at night, the power of a text conversation with another human offers solace in anonymity and compassion without judgement. It is truly brave to reach out for support.”

Crisis Text Line reports that more than 70% of its texters are under the age of 25. Its text-based service helps people of all ages but was specifically created for young people allowing for on-demand support through text message.

Anyone who sees themselves in these films, struggling to reconcile their online and offline identities and more deeply connect with their friends and family, or who simply needs advice on how to reach out to someone close to them, can reach out for support by messaging Shout (UK), Crisis Text Line (US), or Anata no Ibasho (Japan).

“We recognize the importance of achieving a healthy digital balance for our overall mental wellbeing,” commented Emily Ketchen, global vice president and CMO of Intelligent Devices Group and International Markets at Lenovo. “With huge advancements in AI and smarter technologies, now is the time to explore and pilot creative new ways to use technology like AI thoughtfully and responsibly, for the greater good. Lenovo is uniquely positioned to lead here thanks to having one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of smarter technology—from AI devices to IT solutions—that can work seamlessly together to benefit our society and the next generation. Ultimately, we hope that through our ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ social experiment we can spark meaningful conversations that contribute to the mental wellbeing of individuals and communities worldwide.”

Chinatsu Hoashi, Gen Z participant from Japan comments: “Taking part in the ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ social experiment has definitely helped strengthen relationships with my family. By using technology and AI, I was able to open up more and convey what I always wanted them know. This has had a positive impact on my mental health, as I can finally express feelings I have been avoiding telling people because I was too embarrassed.”

Oscar Jackson-Walsh, Gen Z participant from UK comments: “Taking part in this social experiment has helped me to become more confident and bridge the gap between myself and my online persona. It has also enabled me to have more open conversations with my family around my identity, which has not only made me feel more loved and accepted than ever before, but also less alone and anxious in a family space.”

Watch the ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ videos here:

The Evolution of Work For Humankind: https://youtu.be/X-r74EHhudwMeet Your Digital Self, Chinatsu | Work For Humankind: https://youtu.be/fNHIJFfGvHcMeet Your Digital Self, Oscar | Work For Humankind: https://youtu.be/RAPN71vErUQ

We are committed to fostering the next generation of leaders in the utility industry. Our summer internship program offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and build meaningful connections within the company. Through engaging projects and mentorship, our interns are equipped to make significant contributions and grow both personally and professionally.

Mathew Sweeney, one of our talented summer interns, shared some of his experiences and insights from his time with us.

Q: Can you introduce yourself?

A: My name is Matthew Sweeney, and I’m from Milford, Delaware. This summer I interned with the Construction and Maintenance department at Delmarva Power. A little bit about myself – I’m a rising senior studying advertising and digital marketing at York College of Pennsylvania. Yep, that’s right. I’m a marketing major in C&M, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Q: What were some of the major projects you worked on during your internship?

A: My time in Construction and Maintenance saw me taking on several major projects. One of my critical responsibilities was providing organizational support to a head engineer by sorting and streamlining his job application inbox. I also hosted a beach clean-up event, where twenty employees and I removed a large amount of trash from one of our local beaches.

Q: Did you have any experiences outside of your main department?

A: Yes, beyond my C&M projects, I took initiative and reached out to several people in the Communications and Marketing department. This gave me the opportunity to take on communications projects alongside shadowing a senior marketing specialist at Carneys Point.

Q: What new knowledge did you gain during your internship?

A: Through my time in this internship, I gained invaluable knowledge about the utility industry. I learned all about the local energy grid through lessons and tours, as well as how Delmarva Power operates as a business.

Q: How did you grow personally and professionally during this experience?

A: Alongside learning, I was able to connect with many new people. I am a quiet person, so meeting new people can be tough. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by networking with various employees, and it paid off. If it wasn’t for me reaching out, I would have never learned about our Communications and Marketing department and met so many great individuals.

Q: What was your overall impression of the internship program?

A: My internship experience was incredibly rewarding. The individuals who organized this program deserve significant recognition, and I am grateful for the opportunity to experience this company and connect with so many wonderful people. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and hope to secure a future opportunity with this company.