Tag: 3BL

Fast Company just published its “2024 Most Innovative Companies List,” and Taco Bell is featured on the cover of the latest issue. The brand ranked No. 1 in the Dining category and No. 8 on the overall global ranking. Fast Company’s accompanying article spotlights Taco Bell’s leadership team, its most recent activations and experiential events, and the impact the brand has had on the industry and culture at large with innovation at its core.

KFC was also recognized, coming in at No. 14 in the Advertising & Marketing category.

Inclusion in this ranking highlights how our brands continue to elevate their innovation to remain Relevant, Easy and Distinctive to fans around the world.

The full list and all the content related to Fast Company’s “2024 Most Innovative Companies” can be found here.

Today the world observes International World Water Day, in an effort to raise awareness on the importance of water. Given water’s pivotal role in sustaining human life and well-being, the United Nations has recognized access to water as a fundamental human right. Moreover, acknowledging the paramount importance of clean water and sanitation for achieving sustainable development, the UN has also integrated water as one of the 17 goals that form the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Organizations have significant influence in safeguarding this key resource, as their activities can significantly impact the ecosystem through water withdrawal, consumption, and discharge. Direct impacts on a catchment can have wider consequences on the quality of life in an area, including social and economic consequences for local communities and indigenous peoples. Since water is a shared resource, and water-related impacts are localized, organizations are increasingly encouraged to:

Prioritize action in areas with water stress.Understand and respond to local contexts, including local social and environmental impacts.Aim to benefit and respect the needs and priorities of all water users in an area.Align their approaches and collective actions with other water users and with effective public policy.

GRI has a dedicated Topic Standard for Water and Effluents. This standard equips organizations with a comprehensive approach for measuring water use and the associated impacts in direct operations and across the value chain, with emphasis on context-based metrics and areas with water stress. Moreover, it helps organizations provide a full picture of water use impacts, from withdrawal to consumption and discharge. Additionally, the standard promotes an expanded management approach to capture how water is managed as a shared resource and the impacts on local communities.

The GRI Standards are developed through a robust and transparent multi-stakeholder process. GRI 303: Water and Effluents was developed by a Technical Committee comprised of 14 members from various geographies and sectors – including businesses, investors, civil society, and international and governmental institutions. The North America region was well represented – thanks to the invaluable contributions of North American experts within Ceres, Guess, SASB, WRI and Pacific Institute, who served as Technical Committee members.

“We need water to live well, and to survive as a species. This is why we must be water stewards in our homes and at work – when we clean, eat and shop. Sometimes the choices are obvious – like taking short showers. But sometimes the choices are less so – such as opting for plant-based meat or shopping for denim made with water-saving technology.

This is why when we updated the GRI water disclosure, we broadened the topic management approach to include indirect water impacts (such as raw material procurement) in addition to direct water use. By requiring information related to both upstream or downstream water impacts, GRI enables companies to present a more complete perspective. The GRI water disclosure helps companies to focus on what’s most important, and offers external stakeholders a more thorough understanding of corporate water risks and opportunities.”

Jaclyn Allen, US- based Technical Committee Member

A stay-at-home mother of two stepped out of her comfort zone and enrolled in a trades exploration program. It changed her life.

She started earning more than a living wage immediately after finishing her free training through Women Building Futures (WBF), a non-profit based in Edmonton, Alberta.

Within a few years, she had saved enough money to purchase the family’s first home.

Today, she’s furthering her education to become a second-class power engineer—and at the same time showing her young daughters that girls and women really can do anything.

“Women account for about 5% of apprenticeship registrations in construction, manufacturing and transportation,” says Caitlin Hartigan, WBF’s Director of Program Management and Delivery.

“These are resilient careers that women can work in, and there is a significant demand for new skilled tradespeople across Canada,” she observes.

WBF’s flagship program, Journey to Trades, guides cohorts of 18 women and gender-diverse individuals through introductory training needed to work in the construction industry. The program has been offered in Alberta since 2001, and will be offered in Regina, Saskatchewan for the first time in May, with similar training opportunities being developed in Ontario.

In Journey to Trades, students learn career and professional skills; receive hands-on technical instruction in areas such as welding, carpentry, and plumbing; and take safety certifications, such as WHMIS and first aid.

WBF also supports the employer’s side, helping the trades get “ready for women,” Hartigan adds.

The organization nurtures relationships with Employers of Choice to ensure WBF graduates have the opportunity to join inclusive and equitable workplaces where they can thrive.

To be included as an Employer of Choice, WBF reviews the companies’ policies to ensure that they “hold values of diversity, equity and inclusion as closely to their operations as we do,” Hartigan explains, noting graduates are more likely to succeed and stay in the trades when they work in companies whose values align with WBF’s.

Enbridge is proud to be a WBF Employer of Choice. We believe diverse workplaces contribute to healthy, vibrant communities. This week, as we all celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, we extend an invitation to women and women-identifying individuals to explore a fulfilling career at Enbridge.

In recognition of the impact Journey to Trades has on women workers in our industry, we awarded WBF a $105,000 Fueling Futures grant to support the expansion of its programming into Saskatchewan.

WBF anticipates a successful launch in the neighbouring province. “The program maintains a completion rate of over 90%,” says Hartigan, adding that Journey to Trades celebrated its 100th cohort in 2023.

Supports are in place for alumnae after graduation, too. At any time, they can rely on WBF for career advice to further their professional goals.

Adds Hartigan: “To see the success of women coming into the program, and then years later, seeing them thrive in industry is incredible.”

March 22, 2024 /3BL/ – Franklin Templeton is pleased to announce a new partnership with VIDAS, an organization in Italy that has been dedicated to home care for incurably ill adults and children for 40 years. Through this collaboration Franklin Templeton follows its dedication in making a positive impact on the world on behalf of our clients, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders in partnering with the communities where we live and work. VIDAS aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families through highly specialized home care services.

With this collaboration and the donation by Franklin Templeton 568 days of care to people with incurable diseases can be guaranteed which includes visits by doctors, nurses and other professionals of multidisciplinary teams, such as volunteers and social workers who provide psychological and relational support to the patient and their families. This is particularly important in managing delicate situations, through the supply and transport of medicines, medical supplies, aids and supports to residual mobility. Since 1982, VIDAs has been defending people’s right to live with dignity until the very end. Every day it offers complete and free social and health care in palliative care to adults and children with incurable diseases. More than 2,300 people with incurable illnesses are assisted every year at home or in the hospices Casa VIDAS and Casa Sollievo Bimbi in Milan.

“We are excited to partner with VIDAS to improve home care for people with incurable diseases. This project reflects our commitment to social responsibility and community well-being” said Michele Quinto, Country Head e Branch Manager, Franklin Templeton.

“Partnering with Franklin Templeton will allow us to broaden our impact and reach more people. We are grateful for their support and trust in our work” has commented Ferruccio de Bortoli, VIDAS’ President.

Alessandro Rongo, Marketing Director Italy and Communications Coordinator, added: “We are extremely proud of our partnership with VIDAS, which translates into a concrete commitment to social responsibility and caring for the community. Instead of providing our clients, professional advisors and investors with event giveaways and merchandise, we will be able to donate to VIDAS and thereby making them feel part of and raise awareness of this important cause”.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is an international investment management firm with subsidiaries that operates as Franklin Templeton serving clients in more than 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s goal is to help clients achieve better outcomes through expertise in investment management, wealth management, and technology solutions. Thanks to its specialized investment managers, the company has developed expertise in all major asset classes on a global scale – including equities, fixed income, alternative solutions and custom multi-asset solutions. With offices in over 30 countries and over 1,400 investment professionals, the California-based firm has over 75 years of investment experience and $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of January 31, 2024. Franklin Templeton, which has been present in Italy for over 25 years, is one of the leading foreign asset management operators in the country. For more information, please visit www.franklintempleton.it.

LAS VEGAS, March 22, 2024 /3BL/ – Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) has contributed $500,000 through Sands Cares to The WASH Foundation, an evolution of the Clean the World Foundation, bringing the company’s total contributions to the nonprofit organization to more than $5.6 million since kicking off the partnership.

The 2024 Sands Cares investment supports three priority areas: the annual Sands Cares Global Hygiene Kit Build, which will mark more than 1 million kits built by Sands Team Members since 2014; the Drop By Drop Project, a program Sands established with The WASH Foundation to address water stewardship initiatives in the company’s regions; and capacity-building funding to help The WASH Foundation expand its hygiene education programs around the world.

After working with Clean the World for the collection and recycling of discarded hygiene amenities at the company’s resorts, Sands provided its first donation to the foundation in 2014. Since that initial Sands Cares engagement, the partnership has produced a number of impacts, firsts and new programs over the years, including transformation of the organization’s Las Vegas recycling center into a full soap manufacturing operation, expansion of Clean the World’s operations in Asia and launch of Las Vegas’ first mobile shower unit for people experiencing homelessness.

Through its partnership with Clean the World, Sands has diverted more than 618,000 pounds of waste from landfills since 2011. The company has worked with The WASH Foundation to distribute 4.1 million bars of soap to people in need. In the United States, Sands Cares’ support has enabled more than 62,000 showers to people experiencing homelessness.

“Across a remarkable decade-long partnership with Las Vegas Sands, we’ve embarked on numerous impactful initiatives rooted in improving public health and transforming communities worldwide,” Shawn Seipler, founder and CEO of Clean the World Global and chairman of The WASH Foundation board, said. “From pioneering projects like the Drop by Drop Project, which supports local water champions in Macao and Singapore, to our collaborative efforts in promoting access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), our journey has been one of innovation, resilience and meaningful change. As we celebrate this milestone, we not only honor the history we’ve built together but also reaffirm our commitment to continue championing these vital causes, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all.”

2024 Sands Cares Contribution Components

Spanning an increased number of hygiene kits for people facing hardship and expanded support for water stewardship and foundation initiatives, this year’s Sands Cares engagement is providing accelerated support for The WASH Foundation’s mission to transform people’s lives and improve their health by promoting access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene for communities in need across the globe.

Hygiene Kits to Address Hardship: One of the first companies to establish a global kit build program with The WASH Foundation, Sands has hosted these events in its regions around the world since 2014. During that time, the company’s Team Members have built 938,000 kits and will increase annual production to 70,000 kits this year, bringing the cumulative total to more than 1 million kits. The WASH Foundation provides these critical hygiene supplies to people and communities facing hardships and crisis situations.

Grants for Water Stewardship: As part of the $500,000 donation, Sands has increased its funding to The WASH Foundation for the Drop by Drop Project to provide larger grant amounts for the program’s two grantees designated in Macao and Singapore. This year’s recipients will be announced in summer 2024. The Drop by Drop Project was established by Sands and The WASH Foundation in 2019 to support innovative water stewardship projects in Macao and Singapore through grants to local environmental champions that are addressing the program’s goals to increase water resiliency, reinvigorate ecosystems, incubate new water solutions and engage the community in these areas.

Capacity-Building Support for the Foundation’s Mission: The third component in this year’s Sands Cares contribution is $100,000 earmarked for capacity-building to support The WASH Foundation in expanding its reach, with a priority on hygiene curriculum and programs for schools. The foundation has established hygiene curriculum for schools in Uganda and the Dominican Republic, which will become models for other school-centric initiatives.

“Our decade-long partnership with The WASH Foundation is our longest-standing global Sands Cares engagement, and it’s provided a critical mechanism for us to address several core priorities, including relief for people facing hardship and environmental advocacy in our resorts and regions,” said Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, who oversees corporate responsibility initiatives and the global Sands Cares program. “Many of the programs we’ve launched with Clean the World and The WASH Foundation have been pivotal, both for our communities and our people. The organizations’ entrepreneurial drive, understanding of our goals and ability to deliver on the mission are why we continue to support these programs and greatly value our long-standing relationship.”

Sands’ partnership with Clean the World and The WASH Foundation supports each of the company’s People, Communities and Planet corporate responsibility pillars – from providing an annual Team Member bonding opportunity through the kit builds as a supportive People program to addressing hardships and crisis situations through hygiene kit contributions and other hygiene-related initiatives under the Communities pillar and advancing recycling, conservation and water initiatives under the Planet pillar.

To learn more about Sands’ corporate responsibility initiatives and other global Sands Cares community engagement priorities, visit https://www.sands.com/responsibility.

To learn more about The WASH Foundation, visit https://thewashfoundation.org/.

About Sands (NYSE: LVS)

Sands is the world’s preeminent developer and operator of world-class integrated resorts. The company’s iconic properties drive valuable leisure and business tourism and deliver significant economic benefits, sustained job creation, financial opportunities for local businesses and community investment to help make its host regions ideal places to live, work and visit.

Sands’ portfolio of properties includes Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and The Venetian Macao, The Plaza Macao, The Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao and Sands Macao in Macao SAR, China, through majority ownership in Sands China Ltd.

Sands is dedicated to being a leader in corporate responsibility, anchored by the core tenets of serving people, planet and communities. The company’s ESG leadership has led to inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for World and North America. To learn more, visit www.sands.com.

About The WASH Foundation

The WASH Foundation, an evolution of Clean the World Foundation, is a nonprofit with the purpose to improve the quality of life of women, children and communities by providing enhanced access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), soap, hygiene education, microfinance programs and health programs. The WASH Foundation partners with local governments and nongovernmental organizations to strengthen communities’ policies, systems and infrastructure for future generations.

Since its establishment in 2009, The WASH Foundation has helped serve over 15 million people and helped provide disaster relief supplies to 1.5 million people. To learn more about The WASH Foundation, please visit https://thewashfoundation.org.

Contacts:

Kristin Koca
Sands
702.923.9142

Aurélie Grand
The WASH Foundation/Clean the World Global
407.574.8353

Today, as the world observes World Water Day on March 22, 2024, the spotlight intensifies on the lifeline of our planet—freshwater. This crucial resource, central to all forms of life, faces unprecedented challenges that threaten its accessibility.

Initiated by the United Nations, World Water Day celebrates this vital resource while sounding an urgent call to action against the growing water crisis. The day serves a reminder for the world to recommit to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ensuring Clean Water and Sanitation for all (SDG 6).

More than 2.2 billion people – 81% of the world population – lack basic access to clean water. With the stark reality that water demand is projected to outstrip supply by 40% by 2030, the imperative for action has never been more critical.

DP World, a global leader in supply chain solutions, is at the forefront of addressing these challenges through comprehensive initiatives that reflect our deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community support.

As a business that enables prosperity to flow around the globe, we have a key role to play in safeguarding ocean health, increasing access to clean water and hygiene, managing our water use and protecting aquatic biodiversity. Recognizing this urgency, we have woven sustainable water management into the fabric of our operations and community engagements worldwide.

Our sustainability strategy, “Our World, Our Future,” lays the groundwork for our approach, focusing on reducing our environmental footprint and advancing global water-related goals, aligning with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

This year, DP World is set to introduce its Water Conservation Management Strategy, highlighting our commitment to bolstering water efficiency across our global operations. But our commitment doesn’t stop at operational enhancements; it extends into the heart of local communities.

Our World, Our Future

As we observe World Water Day, DP World stands as more than just a participant in global dialogues on water security; we’re leading the charge towards a sustainable, water-secure future. Through educational efforts, community engagements, and strategic partnerships, we’re laying the foundation for a world where water scarcity is no longer a threat to prosperity and well-being.

These activities include:

Hosting a school hygiene workshop in Karachi, India, where our team taught 72 schoolchildren about the importance of hand washing and general personal hygiene.Delivering educational programs about water conservation to more than 900 students across nine schools in Callao, Peru, as part of our “Valuing Water” campaign.Collaborating with CALISUR Foundation to plant mangrove seedlings as a nature-based approach for combatting climate change near Ecuador’s Puná Island.Partnering with Natuurpunt to implement a Source-to-Sea approach to safeguard and restore a precious waterway from plastic pollution.Installing clean water harvesting structures for 9,000 people in India and equipping 54 families with personal-use toilets.

Partnering for Success

Our journey is powered by partnerships with organizations like the CEO Water Mandate and WaterAid, amplifying our impact through collective action. Together, we’re not just aspiring to meet SDGs; we’re working to surpass them, ensuring communities can thrive with access to clean, sustainable water sources.

Water Resilience Coalition 

By joining forces with the CEO Water Mandate’s Water Resilience Coalition – an industry-driven, CEO-led initiative that aims to work collaboratively across the private sector to address water scarcity – we will have the opportunity to align with global leaders dedicated to mitigating water scarcity through collaborative action.

WaterAid

Our global partnership with WaterAid exemplifies our dedication to creating long-lasting change by developing comprehensive WASH infrastructure in communities across Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Senegal, India, and Pakistan.

These projects – which involve constructing solar panel water provision systems, enhancing water infrastructure, and supporting local communities through employment – help bolster community resilience, improve health outcomes, and support sustainable development. With WaterAid, we’re planning to map WASH facilities across our network.

MEGHDOOT 

Innovation fuels our quest for sustainability. Our engagement with Maithri Aquatech’s technology, MEGHDOOT™, converts air humidity into water, demonstrating our commitment to exploring and implementing cutting-edge approaches to water scarcity and contamination. This technology is being piloted in our Jebel Ali Port this year.

A More Secure Water Future 

As we commemorate World Water Day, DP World is not just raising awareness about the importance of water; we’re actively participating in shaping a sustainable future. Through educational initiatives, community workshops, and strategic partnerships, we’re laying the groundwork for a water-secure world.

Our actions reflect our belief in the power of collective effort and innovation to overcome the water challenges of today and tomorrow. As we continue our journey towards sustainability and resilience, we remain committed to empowering our communities, protecting our planet, and ensuring that water, the source of all life, is preserved and cherished for generations to come.

On this World Water Day, let us all reaffirm our commitment to water stewardship and embrace our role in securing a sustainable and equitable water future for everyone, everywhere.

Learn more about DP World’s global sustainability initiatives.

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Verizon

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., March 22, 2024 /3BL/ – Verizon Innovative Learning, the company’s signature education initiative focused on driving digital equity and inclusion through a suite of programs and resources, is continuing to partner with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) to bring the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and community colleges.

Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers is a free, project-based immersive STEM program open to middle school students in under-resourced communities to explore STEM subjects, learn problem-solving skills and gain exposure to career opportunities in technology fields. In 2023, 90% of students in the summer program said they enjoy learning new things that involve STEM and 83% said that they can use STEM to impact issues affecting the community, nation, and/or the world. This year, Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers is expanding and now able to accommodate more students: from 11,900 last year to 13,500+ students this year.

The program’s interactive curriculum, developed by Verizon in partnership with Arizona State University’s J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, centers on four educational tracks: immersive media, smart solutions, digital product innovations and artificial intelligence. Participating students receive mentorship, access to next-gen technology– such as 3D printing, augmented reality (AR) and robotics, and hands-on training connected to real-world challenges that help teach design thinking and social entrepreneurship. The program is held on the campuses of 45 HBCUs, HSIs and community colleges across the country.

“As tech and AI continue accelerating the pace of innovation, it’s up to all business leaders to ensure digital equity and inclusion,” said Rose Stuckey Kirk, Verizon’s Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer. “One of our many strategies to address this is Verizon Innovative Learning’s STEM Achievers summer program, in partnership with NACCE, which provides students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and opportunities to engage with emerging technologies and develop the necessary skills to succeed in the digital workforce. The opportunity for students to engage with tech over the summer and propel their own learning and digital skills can set them up for success during the school year, beyond middle school and in life. Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers do big and bold things through the program and beyond – both inside and outside the classroom – and Verizon is honored to be part of their journey.”

Free registration is now open for parents to sign up their rising 6th – 8th grade students for the summer sessions being offered in-person. The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program also consists of one in-person full-day workshop, both in the fall and spring, onsite at the partner college. To sign up for Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers, please visit here.

Next-gen learning for all

Teachers and students can also leverage Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, an award-winning, free education portal that makes next-gen learning tools, including a curated collection of lesson plans, available to all. Through Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, K-12 educators nationwide gain free access to over 375 lesson plans with 22 corresponding augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) apps. The education portal also provides educators with extensive training and resources, including over 50 professional development courses. Educators can visit Verizon.com/Learning to sign up.

Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative, is celebrating over a decade of commitment to addressing barriers to digital inclusion for students and teachers. Since 2012, the initiative has committed $1 billion in market value to support digital equity, reaching over 7 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and innovative learning programs to students in under-resourced communities – enabling students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build an innovative workforce of the future. A key initiative under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement, Verizon Innovative Learning is helping to drive the company’s goal to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030.

Media contact 
Hope Arcuri Armanus 
hope.arcuri.armanus@verizon.com

PORTLAND, Ore., March 22, 2024 /3BL/ —Get Schooled has received a $300,000 grant from KeyBank to further its outreach to first-gen-to-college youth in the Pacific Northwest. Get Schooled provides personalized support along three journeys including helping prepare them to continue their education after high school, throughout the first year of higher-ed, and finding and succeeding in their first jobs and early careers.

The purpose of the investment in Get Schooled – and in the youth they serve – is to support a dramatic increase in FAFSA completion and postsecondary matriculation among potential first-gen-to-college students. The grant focuses on 21 of the most challenged high schools in Portland, Reynolds, Seattle, and Tacoma school districts in a unique partnership between three KeyBank markets—Seattle-Cascades, South Puget Sound and Oregon/Southwest Washington. These high schools were identified based on racial demographic data and 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates (which is a collective 54%).

To operationalize this investment, Get Schooled plans to work directly with the high schools, their counselors, each district and directly with students to provide high quality content and personalized supports to their seniors, with additional engagements with juniors. Key among the many supports will be to help students them with the many elements of college and career readiness, including college application essay and scholarship support, resume reviews and early career exploration. Of particular importance will be to encourage students to complete the FAFSA/ORSAA/WASFA – an essential step that can unlock much-needed financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

“At KeyBank, our mission is to help our communities thrive, and we know that an important building block is helping underserved youth realize their full potential and develop the skills that will lead to successful and fulfilling careers,” says Josh Lyons, KeyBank Oregon and SW Washington Market President. “An educated workforce is at the heart of a prosperous regional economy, and we were delighted to come together as three leaders to support this proven organization and maximize our impact across a larger geography.”

“Get Schooled is thrilled to receive this investment from KeyBank,” said John Branam, CEO of Get Schooled. “Supporting first-gen-to-college youth in achieving their full potential is foundational to our region’s ability to thrive – and this goal sits at the heart of this investment. And in an era of ambiguous corporate values, we’re grateful and excited to partner with KeyBank – a company that brings clarity and intentionality to its corporate social responsibility.”

By Candace Higginbotham

Regions Bank has a strategic and cultural commitment to do what is right for our customers and communities.

Philanthropy, volunteerism, community development lending, financial education, sponsorships, disability and veterans outreach, and board service are among the tactics Regions Foundation, Regions Bank and bank associates utilize to make life better for the communities and neighborhoods where we live and work.

Recently, Regions’ Leroy Abrahams and his Community Affairs team have developed an additional approach: sharing insights.

“We see a lot of need in our communities,” Abrahams said. “And we work with many organizations across our 15-state footprint to help address those needs. Frankly, we only have so much time and money to share. But at Regions we have an unlimited supply of knowledge, skill and experience.

“And during times like this, with economic and market volatility, geopolitical and political uncertainty, operational challenges as well as labor market and workforce issues – we’ve found that technical support can be extremely beneficial to our community partners.”

We see a lot of need in our communities. And we work with many organizations across our 15-state footprint to help address those needs.

Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Affairs at Regions

The team put some of that know-how to work recently by hosting an Important Insights seminar at Regions Center in Birmingham, Alabama, for local community partners. Leaders from 25 organizations gathered for a half-day session to engage with Regions specialists on topics that are top of mind for nonprofits.

Regions Chief Investment Officer Alan McKnight spoke to the group about the state of the economy, reporting that inflation is coming down, unemployment is staying relatively low and balance sheets are basically healthy. But he acknowledged that consumers are paying significantly more for food and those prices “stay sticky.”

McKnight also discussed increased housing costs and shortages. Like any business, those economic factors have a big impact on a nonprofit’s funding and the needs of their clients.

In this presidential election year, politics and legislative agendas are on the forefront for everyone, including community organizations. Jason Isbell, head of State Government Affairs and Economic Development at Regions, spoke to the group about current issues being debated, including economic development, education, workforce development, childcare, housing and healthcare.

Workforce matters were a common thread with all the speakers and a topic that received a lot of engagement from the participants. Dwight Julbert, head of Human Resources Operations at Regions, led a panel of human resources specialists to discuss issues around many aspects of human capital management.

“The topic of hiring, training, retaining, as well as managing performance of employees was especially relevant to me as a nonprofit director,” said Jennifer Sumner, executive director of Pathways, an organization that serves homeless women and children.

The meeting wrapped up with a cautionary presentation about about fraud – another subject that affects businesses large and small. According to Jeff Taylor, head of Commercial Fraud Forensics and Payment Strategy at Regions, fraud is a pervasive threat for individuals, families, governments and businesses. Nonprofits are particularly vulnerable due to “limited resources for combating fraud and an unwavering focus on their mission to do good,” Taylor said.

Taylor spoke about the dangers of insider fraud, payment fraud, check fraud, ransomware and business email compromise. He shared tips and strategies to stop the bad guys, including a very simple reminder: Stop, Call and Confirm. Taylor advised the group, “Before proceeding with a suspicious transaction, stop what you’re doing, call a number you already know to verify the request and confirm with a person that the transaction is legit.”

Wendi Boyen, Community Development Lending and Investment leader at Regions, organized the event, which expanded on a concept she put in place recently with Regions’ support of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs).

I feel that Regions did an excellent job addressing the issues that nonprofits face each day.

Jennifer Sumner, executive director of Pathways

In June, Boyen and Abrahams hosted a CDFI Convening where bank leaders engaged with CDFI and MDI executives on timely topics such as risk management, balance sheet management, economic and market conditions, consumer lending, deposit pricing, strategic planning, liquidity and technology.

“We’re pleased to provide financial support to all these organizations, but we’re hearing from them that brainstorming with bankers and networking with each other can be just as helpful, if not more so, as they navigate challenging economic and operational issues,” Boyen said.

Based on their feedback, the participants of the Important Insights seminar agreed.

“I feel that Regions did an excellent job addressing the issues that nonprofits face each day, from political impact to human relations, and the need to protect our organizations against the threats of accessing secure information that could impact lives,” Sumner said. “We greatly appreciate our relationship with Regions Bank.”

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at GoDaddy.

I am a Software Engineer on the Managed WordPress Platform Team. Our team focuses on creating tools and solutions to make managing WordPress websites easier and more efficient for our customers. We work on various aspects such as improving site performance, enhancing security features and providing seamless user experiences. My journey with GoDaddy began as an intern last summer. The collaborative environment and the impactful projects we work on made me eager to return full-time after graduating from college.

Why is GDWIT important to you as a woman in this industry?

Joining Employee Resource Groups like GDWIT (GoDaddy Women in Tech) has been instrumental in my professional growth. Being a part of this community has provided me with invaluable support, mentorship and networking opportunities. It’s incredibly empowering to connect with like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of being a woman in the tech industry. GDWIT fosters an inclusive culture where diverse voices are celebrated, making me feel more confident and supported in my career journey.

What advice would you give to women entering the tech industry?

Embrace your uniqueness and never underestimate the value of your perspective. Be confident in your abilities, stay curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek mentorship. Remember that your voice matters and your contributions are essential to driving innovation and progress in the field. Additionally, cultivate a supportive network of allies and colleagues who champion diversity and inclusion. Lastly, don’t be discouraged by setbacks or challenges. Instead, see them as opportunities for growth and learning.

What motivates you at work?

My motivation at work stems from the opportunity to tackle complex challenges, collaborate with brilliant minds and make a meaningful impact on our customers’ lives. I’m driven by the constant learning and growth that comes with working in technology, as well as the satisfaction of seeing our efforts translate into tangible results. Knowing that the work we do directly contributes to empowering individuals and businesses online fuels my passion and drive every day.

Tell us about your biggest role model or mentor.

I recently matched into the GDWIT Mentorship Program, where I’ve been paired with a seasoned professional within our organization. In just a short time, my mentor, with over a decade of experience as an engineer, has already imparted invaluable insights aligned perfectly with my career aspirations. Our partnership not only facilitates my professional growth but also underscores the supportive culture at GoDaddy.

How does your team, manager, or GoDaddy as a whole support your career development and aspirations?

I’m fortunate to be part of a team and company that prioritize employee growth and development. My team fosters a collaborative environment where everyone’s ideas are valued, and continuous learning is encouraged. My manager provides regular feedback and guidance, helping me identify areas for improvement and opportunities for advancement. Additionally, GoDaddy offers various resources such as training programs, mentorship initiatives and career development opportunities that empower employees to pursue their aspirations and reach their full potential.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a profound reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and female empowerment. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women worldwide, while also reflecting on the work that remains to be done. For me, it’s a call to action to continue advocating for inclusivity, challenging stereotypes and fostering an environment where every woman can thrive and succeed.

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