Tag: 3BL

Verizon

Growing up in Karachi, Pakistan, Syeda Ahmed and her older sister Darakshan Ahmed had a special appreciation for the value of education. Their mother had not gone to school as her family didn’t believe that it was necessary for girls to attend school. Both sisters, however, not only attended school but were also taught at home by peer tutors. Thanks in part to her parents’ efforts, Syeda developed a passion for making learning accessible for all.

In 2020, this passion drove Syeda and Darakhshan to found Tutorsloop, a platform for affordable private tutoring. The venture, which matches high school students with college students, is based on the peer-tutoring model they grew up with in Pakistan. “Back home, getting this private support is easy. It’s available everywhere,” Syeda says. Yet in the Chicago area, where her family immigrated when she was a teenager, Syeda noticed that many people in her community struggled to find affordable options to augment their children’s education.

The sisters assumed that once they built the platform, the business would take off. The duo soon realized, however, that they needed significant funding to cover costs that they, as business novices, hadn’t foreseen. “We did not know all the business aspects, including financing, and so pretty soon, we ran out of savings,” Syeda says.

One business becomes two

Through Sunshine Enterprises, a Chicago nonprofit that supports local entrepreneurs, Syeda and Darakhshan learned about Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, which opened up a new world of resources and opportunities. As they began to connect with more entrepreneurs through the program and other venues, they noticed that many small businesses were looking for web development and social media solutions. “They wanted to get their website developed, but did not know who to contact,” Syeda explains. With both sisters having a background in IT software development, the answer was clear.

In 2023, Syeda and Darakhshan launched a second business: TL IT Solutions. “We work with clients from scratch,” Syeda explains. “We guide them on where to start and provide them with affordable solutions.” Today, they have 10 to 15 clients, all found through their network. With the steady revenue from the second business to back them, the sisters hope to work on their tutoring business again.

‘You get real-time help’

Syeda has taken nearly a dozen self-paced classes or live coaching events on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform — some of them multiple times. When a client recently had questions about SEO, for example, Syeda revisited the Basics of Search Engine Optimization: Get Discovered course to refresh her knowledge. She was able to offer her client strategies to boost the business’s visibility online.

As a woman entrepreneur, Syeda appreciates that the courses are often taught by other women business owners, who may share first-hand experiences. “They know what they’re talking about. They have been there,” Syeda says. “That’s inspiring to me. I feel like I’m not alone.”

The financial literacy courses have been a game-changer for Syeda. She learned to use accounting apps for invoicing and receiving payments, and to set up business accounts separate from her personal finances, amongst other financial strategies. With her newfound skills, “I’m more confident,” Syeda says.

For networking, Syeda found the Strategic Networking to Unlock New Opportunities course particularly helpful. In addition to providing actionable strategies to build connections, “the course taught me the importance of both seeking help and being helpful within my network,” she says.

These days, Syeda checks in daily on the Slack channel for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, where she has access to a network of 3,000 businesses. “You have a question, you put it out there and get a response,” she says. “Everybody shares their journey, what they do. You get real-time help if you need it.”

“I learn something new every day,” she adds.

Syeda also scored a prospective client, when someone posted that they needed a developer for their website and Syeda followed-up with a direct message.

In her father’s footsteps

For Syeda, the people-oriented service aspect of her web development business is personally gratifying. “I enjoy this work so much because I learn about other businesses and the life stories of our clients, who are coming from underprivileged communities. They have some touching and inspirational stories,” she says.

As she continues her entrepreneurial journey, Syeda hopes to follow the example of her father, also an entrepreneur, who died suddenly when she was nine years old. “He loved to help people, too,” Syeda says.

She recalls observing him in his business life and all that he accomplished — from creative endeavors to being adept at money management — and reflects, “I think that is in me, too. I feel him every day.”

The Digital Ready initiative is part of Verizon’s goal to support 1M small businesses by 2030 with the resources to thrive in the digital economy as part of its responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon. Visit CitizenVerizon.com to learn more about the company’s responsible business efforts. An individual user’s experience may vary and results are not guaranteed.

Originally published on HBISustains.com

“For me, the creation of the Weighted Hoodie prototype represents another step in our pursuit of crafting products with 
purpose that catalyze real impact.”

– Vanessa LeFebvre, president – Global Activewear, Champion

Launching in stores and online in September 2024, the brand now adds wearable weighted products and adaptive apparel to their portfolio with their newest innovative prototype, the Champion Weighted Hoodie – designed to champion mental health.

Inspiration for the product came directly from Champion consumers’ interest in using a calming technique, and ultimately, who were keen on seeing a weighted wearable product from Champion. Champion recognized a widespread need for products that aid in offering day-to-day, wearable relief – without compromising style.

“We are committed to listening to what our consumers and communities want and creating solutions through our products. The Weighted Hoodie is a perfect example of that, as mental health concerns and daily life stress is a consistent throughline in our community listening,” said Vanessa LeFebvre, president – Global Activewear, Champion.

The hoodie was developed in collaboration with Thera – a small business founded by Jenny Rosenberg, who began manufacturing weighted wearable products during the pandemic. The prototype is also undergoing testing with leading mental health experts, including Dr. Kerri McBee-Black, head adaptive apparel researcher and professor at the University of Missouri.

The Champion Weighted Hoodie features:

Weighted Pressure: Weighing in at a total of 8lb | 3.6 kg allover balanced distribution across arms, chest, back and hood.Glass Beads: This garment contains premium quality, non-toxic, odor free, machine washable, micro glass beads.Machine Washable: Easy to clean and maintain.Reversible: To provide multiple sensory experiences as well as extend wear options for the user. One side is textural and quilted, while the other is soft and smooth.Stowaway Label Pocket: Designed as a solution for those with sensory label issues, as well as aiding in garment reversibility while not losing important legal and wash information.Extra-Long Cotton Drawcord: Can act as a focus agent for those with fidget, twirling, or other neurodivergent tendencies.Champion Quality: Featuring Champion’s signature Reverse Weave Fabric, washed down for the perfect cozy vintage comfort the brand’s hoodies are cherished for. Also featuring the proprietary C Onion Quilt with built-in layers, perfectly containing and balancing weight evenly across the body and over time.

Weighing 8lbs, this machine-washable hoodie is quilted with micro glass beads and was designed to leverage the scientifically proven benefits of weighted pressure seen in weighted blankets, which may reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety among a host of other mental health and neurodivergent conditions. 

“While the benefits of weighted products for neurodivergent populations and those affected by certain mental health conditions have been widely studied, we’re finding that this category of adaptive clothing can actually serve a far larger population,” says Dr. Kerri McBee-Black.

For the brand, “Champion” is no longer a title or indication of winning – it’s a verb and a means to take action – rooted in creating with intention and moving the needle for important causes across communities. Mental health is no exception.

View the full release on HanesBrands newsroom.

Re-entering the workforce after an extended absence can often be difficult. The longer you’re out, the more challenging it can be to get back in.

“It was just after COVID and I was applying for jobs in the petroleum quality field, where I had come from,” says Darcey Kateryniuk, a senior analyst in Enbridge’s Liquids Pipelines group, who re-entered the workforce after spending 10 years raising three children.

“I kept getting interviews, but not offers. No one said it, but it always felt that the barrier was that I hadn’t worked in the industry for a long time. It felt like I was getting passed over for those with more recent experience.”

Kateryniuk and Eva Tam are two of four women who found a way back into the workforce, thanks to a career re-entry pilot program in Enbridge’s Liquids Pipelines group. The program, which kicked off in 2023 to support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, is designed as a part-time, temporary opportunity to enable a gradual return to a working environment following a prolonged career pause.

“What’s fantastic about this program is that there is no downside. From a business perspective, Enbridge gets to tap into an overlooked demographic of talented professionals. People leaders get time to evaluate new employees. Teams get a new colleague who is willing and able to help support work,” says Stephanie Raill, a DEI projects lead with Enbridge.

“And for candidates, this structured return process”—part-time for a minimum of nine months—”gives them time to get back into a routine, helps build their confidence and, most importantly, gives them recent work experience that they can now put on their resume. It’s a win-win-win.”

Tam, a senior analyst in accounting with Enbridge, had stepped away to help raise two sons.

“Coming back to work was like finding myself and having a piece of my own life back,” she says. “It’s powerful and self-affirming. I know I’m a big influence in my kids’ lives, but it was important to remember that I can still contribute to society as well.”

This Enbridge career re-entry pilot program, notes Raill, boosts diversity in thinking and perspective, while also helping to eliminate the stigma often associated with career breaks.

“Enbridge is looking for good people, and I don’t think good people should be discounted because they took gaps in their career,” remarks Tam. “This is a wonderful program and I’m excited to see more people to get the opportunity to return to work.”

Tapestry, Inc. is honored to announce its inclusion on the fourth-annual TIME100 Most Influential Companies list for 2024. The recognition celebrates companies that hold sway over their industry and across others through innovation, ambition, success, and more. For Tapestry, it underscores our commitment to moving at the speed of the consumer and building a better-made future for all.

The TIME100 list is a result of a rigorous selection process. TIME solicited nominations from a wide range of sectors and consulted its global network of contributors and correspondents, as well as outside experts. The final list was curated by TIME editors, who evaluated each company based on key factors such as impact, innovation, ambition, and success.

This accolade is a testament to the efforts and visionary thinking of our teams, who consistently push the boundaries of what is possible. We believe that our impact extends beyond the fashion and retail sectors, influencing a broad spectrum of industries and communities worldwide. 

Tapestry’s portfolio of iconic brands—Coach, Kate Spade New York and Stuart Weitzman—create exceptional products and unforgettable experiences for our customers. Each brand carries a legacy of quality and innovation, continually setting higher standards in the industry. 

Tapestry’s recognition on the TIME100 list highlights our efforts in sustainability, social impact, and equity, inclusion and diversity. We are committed to shaping a better-made future for all. Through our outcomes-based initiatives, we are not only enhancing our brands’ value but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. 

This recognition by TIME affirms that we are on the right path with our enterprise efforts. Our efforts are resonating across the industry and beyond, inspiring others and setting new benchmarks for success. We are immensely proud of this achievement, but we recognize that this is just the beginning. Our brands have tremendous potential ahead, and we are excited about the possibilities that lie before us. 

As we celebrate this recognition, we remain committed to our purpose and values. We will continue to innovate and inspire, always striving to make a positive difference in the world. Our journey is fueled by the passion and dedication of our exceptional teams, and together, we will keep stretching what’s possible. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TIME for this honor and to all our stakeholders for their unwavering support. Let’s keep moving forward, raising the bar, and making an impact that matters. The future is bright for Tapestry, and we are just getting started.

Southwire has joined forces with British climate tech leader Levidian to bring their innovative decarbonization technology to North America for the first time.

The collaboration will see the installation of Levidian’s LOOP technology at Southwire where it will capture carbon from methane to produce a hydrogen-rich blend gas. The teams will also be working on useful applications for the hydrogen and graphene, which can be used as a high-quality additive to increase the performance of materials as wide-ranging as concrete, batteries and plastics.

“This collaboration with Southwire marks an important first step in our expansion into North America and our mission to help decarbonize some of the important sectors on the planet,” said Levidian CEO John Hartley. “By deploying our LOOP technology at Southwire’s facilities, we’re not just reducing carbon emissions. We’re reshaping the landscape of sustainable industrial practices.”

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of wire and cable, Southwire delivers power to millions of people around the world. This partnership reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and remaining generationally sustainable in the electrical industry.

“This cooperation marks a significant stride towards our sustainability goals as we conduct exploratory work in graphene and hydrogen production and their potential applications,” said Axel Schlumberger, senior vice president of research and development at Southwire.

Levidian has also announced its intention to establish a new base in the US, including a new manufacturing hub for its LOOP devices to serve customers across North America.

For more information on Levidian and its mission to decarbonize the world’s most carbon-intensive industries, visit www.levidian.com.

For more news and information on Southwire and its commitment to sustainability, visit www.southwire.com/newsroom.

With support from Lenovo Foundation, Motorola jointly collaborated with UNESCO to publish a white paper detailing Motorola’s Indigenous Languages Digitization process with the aim to strengthen global focus on digital inclusion.

Published in April 2024, the “Hello Indigenous” white paper has the cooperation of UNESCO through the “Indigenous Languages on Mobile” partnership. It is a milestone for a journey that started in 2019, when Motorola and Lenovo Foundation collaborated to digitize the Kaingang languages from the Southern region of Brazil and Nheengatu from the Amazon. This whitepaper provides technical processes on endangered languages digitization to be shared globally across the industry.

In December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2022-2032 the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032). The decade was launched with an event in Paris to discuss how to integrate and preserve indigenous languages worldwide and the possibilities of cooperating for a more inclusive future. Sergio Buniac, President of Motorola and Vice President of Lenovo, participated in the event with representatives of the Lenovo Foundation and Motorola’s Globalization Area alongside high-level representatives of UNESCO Member States, indigenous leaders, the United Nations System agencies, national civil society research organizations, and representatives of the public and private sectors.

“We’re aware of our global company’s role and mission to bring more innovative technology to everyone, and Motorola has invested in raising awareness and putting into practice our ongoing commitment to the project to revitalize indigenous languages,” Buniac shared at the UNESCO event in 2022.

The loss of language diversity is an urgent issue. UNESCO estimates that an indigenous language is lost every two weeks, resulting in the disappearance of around 3,000 unique languages by the end of the century. Motorola and Lenovo Foundation began the efforts captured in the white paper to help preserve our human heritage, protect the stories of indigenous cultures and encourage future generations to use their native language in new digital formats so that the language does not disappear. The initiative has been vetted by Lenovo’s Product Diversity Office and has inspired further inclusive language initiatives, like Lenovo’s Aotearoa Bilingual Keyboard in New Zealand, the foundation of a first-ever Nheengatu Academy of Language in Brazil and various interactions with Task Force groups of UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous languages to reinforce the importance of technology on endangered Language Revitalization.

Motorola and Lenovo Foundation are committed to inclusion and smarter technology for all and continue to support endangered languages in the interface of its smartphones. In addition to Nheengatu (Amazon region), Kaingang (south/southeast of Brazil), Cherokee (North America), Kuvi, Kangri (India) and Maori (New Zealand), Motorola and Lenovo Foundation are proud to introduce Ladin, an endangered language spoken in Italy, Dolomites region (South of Tyrol) as part of the 90+ languages to use in Motorola smartphones.

Linguistic diversity is widespread in Europe and includes minority languages in various countries. From Welsh spoken in the United Kingdom to Sami spoken in Scandinavia, there are about 105 autochthonous languages that are spoken across the continent by about 400 linguistic communities (both titular nations and minority groups), reflecting the deep-rooted history of the cultures of Europe.

In Italy there are twelve officially recognized minority languages, some without kinstate such as Friulian, Sardinian and Ladin. Among these three minority languages, Ladin has the least number of speakers. Compared to Friulian and Sardinian, which have over 500,000 and 1 million speakers, respectively, there are approximately 32,500 Ladin speakers. According to the influential study by the European Commission from 1996, if a language has below 300,000 speakers, it is considered at risk of disappearing. Additionally, UNESCO categorizes Ladin as definitely endangered. With this initiative, Lenovo Foundation and Motorola hope to inspire further work on endangered languages digitization.

May 30, 2024 /3BL/ – Wells Fargo is donating $250,000 to support the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund, which is organized by the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance. The Alliance is a philanthropic partnership established by the Greater Houston Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Houston to support individuals and families affected by the severe storms, derecho winds, tornados, and flooding events that occurred between April 26 and May 17, 2024.

“Our thoughts remain with the city of Houston and surrounding areas that were severely impacted by the devasting storms over the past month,” said Darlene Goins, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation and head of Philanthropy and Community Impact. “When it comes to supporting our communities, we understand there is greater power in collaboration. That’s why we are proud to work with local nonprofits like the United Way of Greater Houston and the Greater Houston Community Foundation to provide financial support to help aid in recovery efforts during these incredibly difficult times.”

The Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund will serve uninsured and underinsured low-to-moderate income families in the affected counties of Harris, Montgomery, and Waller, focusing on disproportionately impacted zip codes and vulnerable populations.

75% of funds will support recovery through home repair and resource navigation.25% of funds will support immediate relief through emergency flexible financial assistance.

“The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance was created to help those severely impacted begin the process of recovery,” said Stephen Maislin, president and CEO, Greater Houston Community Foundation. “Having the generous support of Wells Fargo is extremely helpful, and we are grateful to them for prioritizing the recovery efforts of the vulnerable populations in our community.”

“To have Wells Fargo’s support of the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund is powerful,” said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston. “In times of disaster, it takes a collaborative and coordinated response from the nonprofit, for-profit, public sector and philanthropic community to ensure our neighbors get the help they need to start the recovery and rebuilding process.”

In addition, Wells Fargo is offering customer accommodations and employee support for those directly impacted by the storm. Wells Fargo customers who wish to support the American Red Cross storm relief efforts may donate through any Wells Fargo ATM in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas beginning May 24 through June 6. There is no fee for ATM donations, and 100% of contributions will be sent to the American Red Cross.

Supporting customers

Wells Fargo is committed to providing support to customers and clients affected by the recent storm in Houston. Customers who want to discuss their financial needs should call 1-800-219-9739.

For support related to commercial accounts, customers can contact their relationship manager or client service officer directly, or call Global Treasury Management Service at 1-800-AT-WELLS (1-800-289-3557).

Caring for employees

The company’s We Care Fund was established to aid employees during unexpected financial hardship, including natural disasters. Employees who are impacted by the recent storm should contact their manager or Employee Assistance Consulting to be connected to resources, including the We Care application process.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 47 on Fortune’s 2023 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellsfargo

*The American Red Cross name, emblem, and copyrighted materials are being used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion, or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by The American National Red Cross. For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit redcross.org.

Contact Information

Media 
Ty Morrison, 713-838-6799 
Tymika.Morrison@wellsfargo.com

With just one month to go, the July 1st, 2024, deadline for companies operating in California to create and implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) is quickly approaching. Senate Bill No. 553 (CA Labor Code § 6401.9) requires every company in the state to establish, implement, and maintain a WVPP by that date.

To learn more about the bill and to download a free WVPP template, check out our original blog on this topic.

What’s important to note is that it’s not enough to simply just have a plan in place. This bill also requires employers to train their employees upon implementation and to provide continued training annually for employees working in the state.

Employers are actively debating the best methodologies to implement these WVPP training obligations. One of the obstacles employers are facing is that SB553 requires that the training allows for employee feedback or the ability to ask questions and get answers.

While ideal scenarios involve in-person sessions with interactive Q&A segments, sessions like this aren’t always practical for companies with numerous locations. So, the question remains, what’s the best way to train employees on WVPP? Below, we discuss some training options to consider and their pros and cons.

In-Person Training: The Ideal Yet Impractical Solution

In-person training sessions are often hailed as the gold standard. They offer direct interaction, allowing employees to ask questions and receive immediate feedback, as the bill requires. This face-to-face communication fosters a clearer understanding and a more engaging learning experience. However, for companies with many employees across multiple locations, in-person sessions quickly become logistically challenging and costly.

Live Webinars and Zoom Calls: A Middle Ground

Many employers are turning to webinars and Zoom calls as a compromise. These platforms enable trainers to deliver the WVPP content live while utilizing chat features to facilitate Q&A sessions. This method retains some level of interactivity and is more scalable than in-person sessions. Nevertheless, managing a high volume of participants can still pose challenges, employees tend to multi-task during calls thus missing critical information, and the quality of engagement may suffer compared to in-person interactions.

The Rise of eLearning: Flexible Yet Disconnected

The benefits of eLearning are significant. It offers flexibility, allowing employees to complete the training at a convenient time, which is particularly advantageous for shift workers or those with busy schedules. eLearning platforms can incorporate adult learning concepts, interactive elements, and assessments to engage learners effectively. However, the requirement for employee feedback remains a sticking point. How can companies ensure meaningful interaction and feedback in a predominantly asynchronous learning environment?

Addressing the eLearning Feedback Challenge

Several strategies are emerging to tackle the feedback requirement in eLearning environments:

Dedicated WVPP Q&A Email Addresses: Some companies are setting up specific email addresses where employees can send their questions and receive timely responses. This ensures feedback and questions are documented and addressed, albeit less immediate than live interactions.Manager-Led Follow-Up Conversations: Another approach involves requiring managers to hold follow-up discussions with their teams after the eLearning modules. This allows employees to ask questions and discuss the training content in a more personalized setting, bridging the gap between asynchronous learning and real-time feedback.WVPP Office Hours and Live Q&A Sessions: Hosting dedicated office hours or live Q&A sessions provides employees with scheduled opportunities to connect with knowledgeable personnel. These sessions can be held periodically, ensuring that employees have regular access to real-time support and feedback.

WVPP Training Key Takeaways

The debate over the best methodology for implementing WVPP training is ongoing. Each approach—whether in-person, live webinars, or eLearning—offers unique advantages and faces distinct challenges. The key lies in finding a balance that meets regulatory requirements while remaining practical and scalable for your organization. By incorporating innovative feedback methods, companies can enhance the effectiveness of their training programs and ensure that employees remain engaged and informed, not only upon WVPP implementation, but also for the years to come.

Do you need help building a WVPP or EHS training program at your organization? Reach out to our team of EHS training experts for help today!

Southern Company

We’re celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the groundbreaking innovations and transformative leadership of the AAPI community.

Watch State & Local Affairs Policy Manager, Yvonne Murray; National Carbon Capture Center Project Manager, Charles R. Daniel; Energy End Use R&D Manager, Pradeep Vitta; and Data Analytics Manager, Joyce Solomon, talk about their experiences across the Southern Company system.

Each of these employees have played a part in innovating our business through their job roles or involvement in employee resource groups and councils.

At Southern Company, we remain committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and creating spaces where our teams can thrive. Celebrating the tapestry of cultures that make up our employee population is essential to Intentional Inclusion.

Keysight employees collaborate with STEM education partners to inspire young students. Laura McCarter, Software Engineering Manager at Keysight, shares her passion for engineering in hopes of encouraging careers in STEM. 

Tune in to this Discovery Education STEM Careers Coalition video featuring her story here.