Tag: 3BL

ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Paychex, Inc., a leading provider of integrated human capital management software solutions for human resources, employee benefits, insurance services, and payroll, has been named among one of the 2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies® on Ethisphere’s annual list. This marks the 16th time Paychex has been recognized since the program began in 2007.

Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, recognizes a select group of companies each year that show exceptional commitment to ethical operations, compliance performance, and governance practices.

“It’s always inspiring to recognize the World’s Most Ethical Companies. Through the rigorous review process, we see the dedication of these organizations to continually improving their ethics, compliance, and governance practices to the benefit of all stakeholders,” said Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere’s Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Chair. “Companies that elevate best-in-class cultures of ethics and integrity set a standard for corporate citizenship for their peers and competitors to follow. Congratulations to Paychex for achieving this honor and demonstrating that strong ethics is good business.”

“Helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed has been our purpose since Paychex was founded in 1971. In order to achieve this purpose, we will continue to have an unwavering commitment to operating our business with the highest ethical standards. This commitment has been essential in earning the trust of over 740,000 businesses, whom we are honored to call our customers,” said John Gibson, president and CEO of Paychex. “Paychex is a purpose and values-driven organization. Our 16,000 employees are committed to helping businesses succeed and do so with the highest levels of integrity. To be once again recognized as one of the most ethical companies in the world is a testament to the strength of our employees and our culture to do good for our customers, employees, and the communities where we live and work.”

“Our unwavering ethical business behavior is what drives our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives,” said Stephanie Schaeffer, vice president, chief legal and ethics officer, and secretary at Paychex. “It is an honor to be recognized by Ethisphere for how we apply our integrity across everything that touches the Paychex business—from how we act as responsible stewards to how our workplace values and respects our employees, and how we contribute to the quality of life for our local communities.”

In the 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report, Paychex released the impact the company has made to date and announced initiatives related to the primary pillars of the company’s ESG program:

Paychex is committed to supporting strong and vibrant communities. In FY23, the Paychex Charitable Foundation made its first gifts in support of its strategic giving framework focused on well-being. The initiative directs $1 million in funding each year for the next four years to Mental Health America, Feeding America®, Junior Achievement USA®, and the National Urban League for a total investment of $4 million to support mental health, physical health, financial health, and professional skills development.  Paychex launched the DEI Advisory Board, chaired by Gibson, to align efforts through strategic task forces to move DEI actions throughout the company. Prioritization remains on amplifying diverse voices through recruitment, Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRG), mentorship programs, training, and pay equity. Last fiscal year, in (FY23), 61% of Paychex employees were female and 53.5% of leadership roles within Paychex were held by women.To align with the shifting guidance on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Paychex committed to updating its environmental policy at least once a year, performing enterprise-wide risk assessments, evaluating the energy efficiency of data centers, and has announced its ambition to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. In FY23, Paychex strategically reduced printing 43 million sheets of paper and recycled 74.8 metric tons of electronic waste in the company’s U.S. operations.

To view the full list of this year’s honorees, please visit the World’s Most Ethical Companies website, at worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees. For more information on corporate social responsibility at Paychex, visit paychex.com/corporate/corporate-responsibility.

Methodology & Scoring 
The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment is grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, an extensive questionnaire that requires companies to provide over 240 different proof points on their culture of ethics; environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices; ethics and compliance program; diversity, equity, & inclusion; and initiatives that support a strong value chain. That data undergoes further qualitative analysis by our panel of experts who spend thousands of hours vetting and evaluating each year’s group of applicants. This process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify truly best-in-class ethics and compliance practices from organizations across industries and from around the world.

About Paychex 
Paychex, Inc. (Nasdaq: PAYX) is an industry-leading HCM company delivering a full suite of technology and advisory services in human resources, employee benefit solutions, insurance, and payroll. The company serves approximately 740,000 customers in the U.S. and Europe and pays one out of every 12 American private sector employees. The more than 16,000 people at Paychex are committed to helping businesses succeed and building thriving communities where they work and live. To learn more, visit paychex.com.

About Ethisphere 
Ethisphere is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that strengthen corporate brands, build trust in the marketplace, deliver business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies build strong cultures of ethics and integrity. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World’s Most Ethical Companies® recognition program, provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA), and showcases trends and best practices in ethics with Ethisphere Magazine. Ethisphere also advances business performance through data-driven assessments, guidance, and benchmarking against its unparalleled data: the Culture Quotient dataset reflecting the ethical business practices of 3+ million employees around the world; and the Ethics Quotient dataset, featuring 240+ data points on the ethics, compliance, social, and governance practices of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit https://ethisphere.com.

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Grants will pay for training, life-saving equipment and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery operationsApplication now open for nonprofits, governmental agencies

GREENVILLE, S.C., March 12, 2024 /3BL/ – The Duke Energy Foundation is launching the third year of its $500,000 microgrant program to invest in emergency preparedness organizations across South Carolina to increase their resiliency to major weather events through advanced preparation, planning, equipment and training.

The application process is open now through April 12.

“When severe weather impacts communities across our state, we work alongside local emergency management and law enforcement teams to restore life back to normal,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president. “These grants will help provide our fellow first responders with the tools and training to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way.”

Nonprofits and governmental agencies across the state are eligible to apply and may request funds up to $20,000.

Grant applications may include, but are not limited to, projects that focus on:

Equipment necessary for severe weather rescues to preserve human lifeEmergency communication tools for severe weather scenariosSpecialized training for first responders for severe weather scenariosOrganized planning initiatives for communities to prepare for extreme weatherCommunity storm preparedness trainings, materials, kits or sheltersImproved outcomes for low-income communities experiencing extreme weather

Since 2022, Duke Energy has provided 66 microgrants totaling $1 million to nonprofits and local agencies across the Palmetto State supporting training, essential equipment and life-saving technology to aid in disaster planning and response.

“In any type of major event, communication is a critical component of the public safety response to that event,” said Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “The purchase of radio equipment last year, via the grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, will help public safety agencies in Oconee County accomplish those tasks more efficiently for the safety of our citizens, which is our number one priority. The grant allowed for the purchase of handheld radios that we will give to the South Carolina Highway Patrol as well as the Department of Natural Resources that will allow them to directly communicate with our deputies.”

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2023 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list and Forbes’ “World’s Best Employers” list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Contact: Ryan Mosier 
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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Cadence is pleased to congratulate the 12 recipients of Cadence’s 2023 Women in Technology Scholarship, highlighting their achievements and sharing their inspirational academic journeys.

In a year of phenomenal growth for the Cadence Diversity in Technology Scholarship program, submissions to the Women in Technology Scholarship reached the highest-ever total number of student applicants. Recognized by our selection committee as accomplished women in their field, we are proud to support these recipients in their work in pursuit of technical degrees. Each of our recipients was awarded a scholarship based on their strong academic records, work in the community, leadership potential, and recommendations from professors. Get to know our impressive class of future innovators by reading more about their journeys below.

Hear directly from the students in a short video as they dive into their personal experiences, post-graduation goals, and what drives them to shape the world of technology.

Thank you to everyone who submitted applications this year, we hope to continue to reach STEM students from underrepresented groups with our upcoming scholarships. We also want to thank the talented individuals who were selected for sharing their inspiring stories and expressing how these programs have positively impacted their studies. We look forward to seeing where their passions take them next.

Arisa Chue,
Stanford University

“My academic interests include exploring the intersection of the abstract concepts of linguistics and the concrete subject of natural language processing (NLP). From the basics of using artificial intelligence to translate our speech, I am researching how machines can better comprehend our jargon. More specifically, discovering ways, for we as programmers, to improve these machines and increase their capabilities.”

Ecy King,
Stanford University

“My educational computer science comic book, Bit by Bit, will be published globally by the Stanford University Press on June 4, 2024. I am very much looking forward to being more involved with that post-grad. Ideally, I would pursue something that is technical, creative, and educational, maybe in the tech, EdTech, or educational sector. In the meantime, I am on the lookout for opportunities, spaces, and places that inspire me to continue to grow while making a positive impact in the world.”

Hyunsu Chae,
University of Texas at Austin

“After graduation, I would like to secure an industry position, preferably in R&D. I would like to apply my research and the knowledge I’ve gained through academics to real-world scenarios and provide insight to practical challenges within the field, leading to innovation. In the long term, I would like to contribute to the academic community, particularly back in Korea. I hope to engage with young aspiring engineers, share my experiences, and provide guidance serving as a mentor while representing women in engineering.”

Iwinosa Aideyan,
Clemson University

“Embrace your uniqueness and leverage it as a source of strength. Don’t be discouraged by challenges or stereotypes. Seek mentors and allies who can provide guidance and support. Be proactive in finding opportunities, whether through internships, clubs, or research projects. Your perspective is valuable, and your presence can drive positive change in the field. Stay resilient, believe in yourself, and remember that diversity and inclusion are essential for innovation and progress in the world of engineering. Your journey will inspire others.”

Layla Ghalayini,
Georgia Institute of Technology

“I was inspired [to study a technical field] by the seemingly infinite possibilities to enact positive change in my community and the world! There are many resources available to support you on your journey—you just have to find them and take advantage of the opportunities. Do not be afraid to ask for help.”

Lily Chen,
Massachusetts Institue of Technology

“I’ve loved math since I was young, which led me to study mathematics and computer science in college. Furthermore, I am inspired by the AI researchers and innovators of our time. Looking back on my academic journey, I would advise future students in STEM to find experienced mentors, as well as connect and collaborate with peers.”

Mansi Sood,
Carnegie Mellon University

“The scholarship will provide immense support in my academic journey, and it will also help me pursue initiatives aimed at making educational opportunities and resources accessible to all. It is helpful to invest in building a strong support network. Actively seek mentors who can guide and inspire you and, in turn, become a mentor to others, creating a cycle of support and growth.”

Nishith Chakraborty,
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

“Upon completing my studies, my intention is to assume the role of an assistant professor in electrical and computer engineering. I perceive this as the most effective avenue for me to engage in cutting-edge research and positively influence the lives of students, particularly those hailing from underrepresented communities. I am confident that my personal experiences can offer valuable support to individuals facing challenges in this field.”

Precious Kolawole,
Carleton University

“Unlike many other people’s stories, I wasn’t exposed to technology while growing up, which was influenced by my family’s inability to afford electronics and gadgets. Studying medicine has been my childhood dream, but I subsequently was accepted to study physiotherapy at a Nigerian university three years after high school. However, my brother introduced me to technology during the three-year waiting period. My interest in studying a technical field was sparked and started to take shape when I saw the possibilities of combining medicine with technology. I also realized the extent to which healthcare could be made more accessible via the applications of artificial intelligence. Therefore, I left my medical degree program to pursue a bachelor’s in computer science at Carleton University in Canada.”

Promise Ekpo,
Cornell University

“My PhD research investigates techniques to enable safe cooperation and ensure alignment between humans and robots while collaborating in team settings. My long-term goal is to evolve into a reinforcement learning researcher who actively contributes to addressing safety concerns in robotic systems by developing algorithms. Post-graduation, I plan to pursue a robotics research career in the industry.”

Saba Mansour,
Cornell University

“I believe that academia plays one of the most decisive roles in reducing inequality. Thus, my advice for students from underrepresented groups is to not let any negative thoughts affect what major they choose to study or how big they dream. Instead, they should feel encouraged to participate more in all aspects of society. Everyone has the right to choose their desired academic journey and higher education is available to all talented students.”

Sneha Narasimhan,
North Carolina State University

“My post-graduation plans involve pursuing a research-oriented position working on real-world engineering problems. I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my studies to contribute to advancements in my field. Furthermore, I aim to actively volunteer within the power electronics community, working towards fostering inclusivity and generating additional opportunities for underrepresented groups, as giving back is important to me.”

Learn more about the Diversity in Technology Scholarship Program and check out our past recipients.

Cadence is pleased to congratulate the 12 recipients of Cadence’s 2023 Women in Technology Scholarship, highlighting their achievements and sharing their inspirational academic journeys.

In a year of phenomenal growth for the Cadence Diversity in Technology Scholarship program, submissions to the Women in Technology Scholarship reached the highest-ever total number of student applicants. Recognized by our selection committee as accomplished women in their field, we are proud to support these recipients in their work in pursuit of technical degrees. Each of our recipients was awarded a scholarship based on their strong academic records, work in the community, leadership potential, and recommendations from professors. Get to know our impressive class of future innovators by reading more about their journeys below.

Hear directly from the students in a short video as they dive into their personal experiences, post-graduation goals, and what drives them to shape the world of technology.

Thank you to everyone who submitted applications this year, we hope to continue to reach STEM students from underrepresented groups with our upcoming scholarships. We also want to thank the talented individuals who were selected for sharing their inspiring stories and expressing how these programs have positively impacted their studies. We look forward to seeing where their passions take them next.

Arisa Chue,
Stanford University

“My academic interests include exploring the intersection of the abstract concepts of linguistics and the concrete subject of natural language processing (NLP). From the basics of using artificial intelligence to translate our speech, I am researching how machines can better comprehend our jargon. More specifically, discovering ways, for we as programmers, to improve these machines and increase their capabilities.”

Ecy King,
Stanford University

“My educational computer science comic book, Bit by Bit, will be published globally by the Stanford University Press on June 4, 2024. I am very much looking forward to being more involved with that post-grad. Ideally, I would pursue something that is technical, creative, and educational, maybe in the tech, EdTech, or educational sector. In the meantime, I am on the lookout for opportunities, spaces, and places that inspire me to continue to grow while making a positive impact in the world.”

Hyunsu Chae,
University of Texas at Austin

“After graduation, I would like to secure an industry position, preferably in R&D. I would like to apply my research and the knowledge I’ve gained through academics to real-world scenarios and provide insight to practical challenges within the field, leading to innovation. In the long term, I would like to contribute to the academic community, particularly back in Korea. I hope to engage with young aspiring engineers, share my experiences, and provide guidance serving as a mentor while representing women in engineering.”

Iwinosa Aideyan,
Clemson University

“Embrace your uniqueness and leverage it as a source of strength. Don’t be discouraged by challenges or stereotypes. Seek mentors and allies who can provide guidance and support. Be proactive in finding opportunities, whether through internships, clubs, or research projects. Your perspective is valuable, and your presence can drive positive change in the field. Stay resilient, believe in yourself, and remember that diversity and inclusion are essential for innovation and progress in the world of engineering. Your journey will inspire others.”

Layla Ghalayini,
Georgia Institute of Technology

“I was inspired [to study a technical field] by the seemingly infinite possibilities to enact positive change in my community and the world! There are many resources available to support you on your journey—you just have to find them and take advantage of the opportunities. Do not be afraid to ask for help.”

Lily Chen,
Massachusetts Institue of Technology

“I’ve loved math since I was young, which led me to study mathematics and computer science in college. Furthermore, I am inspired by the AI researchers and innovators of our time. Looking back on my academic journey, I would advise future students in STEM to find experienced mentors, as well as connect and collaborate with peers.”

Mansi Sood,
Carnegie Mellon University

“The scholarship will provide immense support in my academic journey, and it will also help me pursue initiatives aimed at making educational opportunities and resources accessible to all. It is helpful to invest in building a strong support network. Actively seek mentors who can guide and inspire you and, in turn, become a mentor to others, creating a cycle of support and growth.”

Nishith Chakraborty,
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

“Upon completing my studies, my intention is to assume the role of an assistant professor in electrical and computer engineering. I perceive this as the most effective avenue for me to engage in cutting-edge research and positively influence the lives of students, particularly those hailing from underrepresented communities. I am confident that my personal experiences can offer valuable support to individuals facing challenges in this field.”

Precious Kolawole,
Carleton University

“Unlike many other people’s stories, I wasn’t exposed to technology while growing up, which was influenced by my family’s inability to afford electronics and gadgets. Studying medicine has been my childhood dream, but I subsequently was accepted to study physiotherapy at a Nigerian university three years after high school. However, my brother introduced me to technology during the three-year waiting period. My interest in studying a technical field was sparked and started to take shape when I saw the possibilities of combining medicine with technology. I also realized the extent to which healthcare could be made more accessible via the applications of artificial intelligence. Therefore, I left my medical degree program to pursue a bachelor’s in computer science at Carleton University in Canada.”

Promise Ekpo,
Cornell University

“My PhD research investigates techniques to enable safe cooperation and ensure alignment between humans and robots while collaborating in team settings. My long-term goal is to evolve into a reinforcement learning researcher who actively contributes to addressing safety concerns in robotic systems by developing algorithms. Post-graduation, I plan to pursue a robotics research career in the industry.”

Saba Mansour,
Cornell University

“I believe that academia plays one of the most decisive roles in reducing inequality. Thus, my advice for students from underrepresented groups is to not let any negative thoughts affect what major they choose to study or how big they dream. Instead, they should feel encouraged to participate more in all aspects of society. Everyone has the right to choose their desired academic journey and higher education is available to all talented students.”

Sneha Narasimhan,
North Carolina State University

“My post-graduation plans involve pursuing a research-oriented position working on real-world engineering problems. I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my studies to contribute to advancements in my field. Furthermore, I aim to actively volunteer within the power electronics community, working towards fostering inclusivity and generating additional opportunities for underrepresented groups, as giving back is important to me.”

Learn more about the Diversity in Technology Scholarship Program and check out our past recipients.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA, hosted 3,000 young girls at the YMCA’s 3rd Annual Girls Empowerment Day, which was presented in partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles Unified School District Region East and LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Event sponsors will include AEG’s LA Kings and LA Galaxy, the LA Clippers, LA Sparks and LA Dodgers.

Award winning NBC journalist, Annabelle Sedono emceed the event which had more than 20 Olympic and Paralympic athletes in attendance including two time Gold Medalist Breanna Clark PLY (USA, Track, 2016, 2020), Silver Medtalist, Kim Glass (USA, Indoor Volleyball, 2008) and Silver Medalist Rosalyn Clark (USA, Track, 1976), among others.

Following Sedano’s remarks and a celebration of the althletes, a series of speakers discussed about the opportunities for women in sports including such positions as women officials, women coaches, women sports broadcasters and so much more. The speaker lineup included:

Dr. Sharon Hame, Head Team Physician for the LA Sparks and Associate Team Physician at UCLA Athletics,Victor Dominguez, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles,Alberto Carvalho, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent,Jenifer Sanchez and the YMCA’s PE PLAY program coaches,Kelly Cheeseman, Chief Operating Officer for AEG and the LA Kings,And Wendy Gruel, former Los Angeles City Controller and current Board Chair at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles,

Attendees also participated in a variety of sports clinics hosted by the LA Kings, LA Sparks, LA Clippers, and LA 2028 that were designed to cultivate a growth mindset and build the girls’ self-confidence and self-awareness.

Separately, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles honored Tamala Lewis, Dignity Health Sports Park Senior Director of Community Affairs, as a “Beacon of Light” for her unwavering dedication and profound impact in advancing gender equity and girls empowerment in the Greater Los Angeles and South Bay communities.

“For over two decades, Tamala has been a guiding force, earning accolades and recognition that mirror her tireless commitment to uplifting others. Through her leadership at DHSP and involvement in numerous community boards and organizations, Tamala has stood as a testament to the profound impact one individual can make in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come,” said Jennifer Carter, Director of Membership Experience & Engagement at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles.

Carter added, “Tamala embodies resilience and grace, touching lives not only through her professional endeavors but also through her innate spirit of giving,” “We honor her immeasurable contributions with heartfelt gratitude and deep admiration.”

MIDLAND, Mich., March 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Dow (NYSE: DOW) recently announced that for the fifth year it has been named to the JUST 100 list by JUST Capital and CNBC – placing 35th overall, up 20 spots in the ranking from last year, and securing the top spot for Customers in the Chemicals sector. This year marks the Company’s first time ranking in the top 50.

“Being recognized as a JUST 100 company is a testament to the values and principles that drive Dow,” said Jim Fitterling, Dow chair and CEO. “We are committed to creating a more equitable, sustainable and inclusive future, and this recognition indicates our intentional work is making a positive impact on our team, our communities and our stakeholders.”

JUST Capital is an independent nonprofit that demonstrates how just business – defined by the priorities of the public – is better business. The Rankings of America’s Most JUST Companies are the only measure of how the nation’s largest corporations are performing on the business issues that matter most to Americans. The issues – which include paying a fair, living wage, creating jobs in the U.S., supporting workforce retention and training, providing benefits and work-life balance, protecting customer privacy, minimizing pollution and more – are defined annually by an extensive nationwide polling process done on a fully representative basis. The top 100 companies – the JUST 100 – are determined by scoring performance across the full range of criteria and comparing companies head-to-head.

For the annual Rankings, JUST Capital collects and analyzes corporate data to evaluate the 1,000 largest public U.S. companies across 20 issues identified through comprehensive, ongoing public opinion research on Americans’ attitudes toward responsible corporate behavior. JUST Capital has engaged more than 170,000 participants, on a fully representative basis, since 2015.

“American capitalism has to work for more Americans. For this to happen, the private sector, and especially big corporations, must take the lead in creating value for all their stakeholders,” said JUST Capital CEO Martin Whittaker. “That’s exactly what the JUST 100 are doing. They show that just business is better business.”

CNBC will delve into the data, highlighting company-specific results and showcasing key stakeholder performance stories about this year’s JUST 100 leaders across the network’s broadcast and digital platforms at cnbc.com/just100. An exploration of the JUST 100 companies can be found at justcapital.com/rankings.

This is one of several recent recognitions that highlight Dow’s progress toward its ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world. In December, Dow earned a top score in LGBTQ+ equality in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index and achieved its 23rd year on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. The recognition also follows Dow’s placement on Great Place To Work and FORTUNE’s World’s Best Workplaces list for 2023.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

###

For further information, please contact:

Mary Fournier 
989-636-7475 
mkfournier@dow.com

Verizon

When Dawn Martesi started college, she hadn’t yet considered becoming a teacher. Education was important to her and her family — Martesi’s mother was always adamant that her daughter get a good education — but it wasn’t until she started working at a daycare during college that she found her calling.

“I remember the daycare director,” Martesi says. “She told me, ‘You’re going to be a teacher — you know that, right?’”

From that point, Martesi, now the principal at Mill Creek Elementary School in Levittown, Pennsylvania, started her journey into education. Martesi earned a bachelor’s degree in the field, as well as a master’s in reading, then worked as a literacy coach and English Language Arts special education teacher for over a decade.

But it was becoming a coach at her school’s Verizon Innovative Learning program that would change the trajectory of Martesi’s career. She led the program’s tech integration at Neil A. Armstrong Middle School in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, which was one of the first schools in the program. In this role, Martesi ensured teachers and students alike made the most of the devices, data plans and professional development provided by Verizon.

It wasn’t smooth sailing, initially. Martesi says she wasn’t comfortable with the technology at first, but her love of her students pushed her through the challenge. “I cared about growing our school,” she says. “It didn’t matter that we didn’t have experience with the technology. We knew it was about the kids, and we held on to that. As long as you know your ‘why,’ you’re going to be okay.”

Remembering her “why,” Martesi dove into her new role in a creative way. She was the mentor to Tiger Tech, Armstrong’s student tech team composed of middle and high school students for the Verizon Innovative Learning program. These students act as an in-house IT department. The opportunity to be on the team provided participating students with a leadership role (and influenced some of them to later pursue STEM majors and careers). Leading the team also inspired Martesi to take on more. As a coach, she presented to teachers, ran district-wide professional development training and participated in curriculum meetings with the superintendent.

“I didn’t look at [the coach] position as a tech position,” she adds. “I felt very strongly that my position was really important as an advocate for teachers and a liaison for the teachers between the administration, community and students.”

Thanks to the experience, Martesi decided to pursue administration, receiving the certifications she needed to work her way up to principal, as well as obtaining a second master’s degree in administration and curriculum. “After being a [Verizon Innovative Learning Schools] Coach, I saw that in a different leadership role, I can have a larger say in what programs we have and how we get kids and families more involved,” Martesi explains. “I’m not just impacting my class: I can impact entire grade levels and schoolwide systems. From this position, you can have a bigger ripple effect.”

Martesi moved from assistant principal at a high school to her new principal role in summer 2023. As principal, she hopes to integrate STEM education into the curriculum and is determined to foster an environment where students and their families can thrive.

“I want to make sure I build community,” Martesi says. “I want kids to leave here as problem-solvers, readers, creators and thinkers, so when they hit those difficult adolescent years, they’re better equipped and they can really be the best people they can be.”

FedEx Corp. is once again ranked among the most admired companies in the world, according to a survey published in Fortune magazine.

The annual “World’s Most Admired Companies” report released today lists FedEx as the No. 17 ranked company overall. This marks the 24th consecutive year FedEx has been ranked in the top 20 companies on the prestigious list by Fortune. FedEx also retains its position as the highest ranked delivery company on the overall World’s Most Admired Companies list.

“I am proud that FedEx is one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies for the 24th consecutive year,” said Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO of FedEx Corporation. “This is a testament to the incredible dedication of our team members, who move FedEx and the world forward by delivering both transportation and digital solutions to make supply chains smarter for everyone.”

The survey measures nine attributes related to the company’s financial performance and corporate reputation.

The Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list is the definitive report card on corporate reputation. Since 1997, Fortune has identified, selected, and ranked the World’s Most Admired Companies, identifying the business practices that make these companies highly regarded among their peers.

Survey Methodology

Fortune collaborated with Korn Ferry on this survey of corporate reputations. They began with a universe of about 1,500 candidates: the 1,000 largest U.S. companies ranked by revenue, along with non-U.S. companies from Fortune’s Global 500 database that have revenues of $10 billion or more. The list was then winnowed to the highest-revenue companies in each industry, a total of 660 in 29 countries. The top-rated companies were picked from that pool of 660.

To determine the best-regarded companies spanning 52 industries, Korn Ferry asked executives, directors and analysts to rate enterprises within their own industry on nine criteria, from investment value and quality of management and products to social responsibility and ability to attract talent. A company must score in the top half of its industry peer group to be listed.

The power of community-centered solutions to create a more digitally inclusive world was on full display at the Net Inclusion 2024 conference in Philadelphia last month. Hosted by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), this year’s event was the largest to date – bringing together more than 1,300 leaders who share our vision of helping more people gain access to the Internet, technology, and skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.

“Now more than ever, public and private partnerships are critical to equitable access and use of technology,” said Angela Siefer, Executive Director, NDIA.

We’re proud to have partnered with Comcast to be able to showcase innovative cross-sector models of digital inclusion at this year’s conference.

ANGELA SIEFER
Executive Director, NDIA

Committed to Digital Innovation in Philadelphia

As I reflect on the conference, I can think of no better city than our hometown to host a gathering of leaders, practitioners, and policymakers who are working to make our communities better for us all through digital equity. That’s why NDIA recognized Philadelphia as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer in 2023, an award given to municipal, county, and regional governments that are providing excellent models for digitally inclusive communities.

What stood out to me during the conference was how Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker acutely captured the spirit of this work and what it can accomplish for communities.

“I made a commitment last year to make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, greenest big city in the nation with access to economic opportunity for all,” she said. “You do that by closing the gap between the haves and the have-nots.”

You can’t put people on a path to self-sufficiency, without digital inclusion.

CHERELLE PARKER
Philadelphia Mayor

Investing in Our Communities through Project UP

With 92 percent of jobs available today requiring digital skills, it’s clear that digital inclusion is essential for a stronger, more equitable tomorrow.

That’s a future Comcast has long been committed to. For over a decade, we’ve been developing programs and partnerships to ensure the most marginalized groups are connected to the Internet – reaching millions of people nationally.

And we’ve accelerated our commitment through Project UP, our $1 billion digital equity and economic mobility initiative that is opening doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

Spotlight on Community Partners and the Power of Aligned Action

Everyone at Net Inclusion recognized that creating more economic opportunity is not something any one company or organization can do alone. In order to advance digital equity, we must invest in partnerships with organizations that are embedded in our communities.

Our Project UP partners are able to deliver real impact because they have a unique set of superpowers: community expertise, relationships, and trust.

We were proud to share the Net Inclusion stage with five of those partners – SERJobs, Community College of Baltimore County, LGBT Tech, Raising Expectations and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey – who deploy a full range of services to advance digital equity in their respective communities. This is done through Digital Navigators – trusted individuals trained to help get more people connected. Some of the wisdom and impact that our partners shared included:

Sheroo Mukhtiar, CEO, SERJobs

“Our digital navigation program leverages technology, training and connectivity to empower individuals and families so that they too can have equal and timely access to much-needed information, resources, and opportunities. In 2023, our ambitious goal for the program was to reach 1,600 families. With the dedication and commitment of our two incredible navigators, we served 5,230 families in the greater Houston area in 12 months.”

Ke’ra Thomas, Program Coordinator, Community College of Baltimore County

“My mission is to be an ambassador for affordable broadband. We want more families, regardless of age, background, or circumstances to get connected to the Internet at home and learn the digital skills to navigate in today’s world. In less than a year, we hired 11 digital navigators and reached 4,000 students and community members.”

Arin Rook, Digital Navigator, LGBT Tech

“I want to share one important, overarching recommendation that we believe is critical to ensuring that all digital equity initiatives are fully inclusive of all communities. And that is that proactive, intentional, and meaningful inclusion of Queer and Trans experiences is key. We must include those communities in our work to ensure that programs fit the needs of the community.”

This last takeaway, the notion of tailoring solutions to specific challenges is one that was repeated throughout the three-day conference. And it’s a powerful reminder that we must work intentionally and collectively with our communities to make our shared vision of digital equity a reality.

Whether this critical work takes the form of digital navigators building trust and connecting households to the Internet, or comes from policymakers leveraging BEAD and Digital Equity Act funding to advance broadband adoption and deployment, or is propelled by our collective voices calling on Congress to reauthorize the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – Net Inclusion offered a space for us to come together to build new bonds and to focus on aligned action.

Dalila Wilson-Scott is Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation.

The Edison Electric Institute has named Entergy an Outstanding National Key Accounts Customer Engagement 2023 Award winner.

Hundreds of the nation’s leading chain and multi-site businesses, including 7-Eleven, Amazon, Intel, Starbucks, The Home Depot and Walmart, cast votes to recognize electric utilities that are delivering exceptional service to their corporate customers.

“Our corporate customers are increasingly seeking renewables to power their businesses,” said Treena Mason, business center manager at Entergy. “Working directly with these customers, we developed a portfolio of green energy offerings to meeting customers’ sustainability needs.”

Our growing portfolio of sustainable energy solutions includes our Entergy Renew digital platform and electric vehicle fleet solutions.

Through Entergy Renew, our corporate customers can subscribe to and benefit from clean, renewable energy resources to reduce their emissions to their desired commitment level.

Through our eMobility platform, we offer corporate customers resources like free consultations to help them calculate the potential cost savings of going electric.

“We are grateful for this recognition from our commercial and industrial customers,” said Mason. “We feel privileged to power life and business for our customers, and we’re committed to ongoing enhancements to the customer experience.”

The Entergy service area is home to the largest industrial region in the United States. Our ongoing focus on fostering positive relationships with our customers helps position us as their partner of choice.

To learn about decarbonization solutions available in your region, visit renew.entergy.com. To learn about our electric mobility offerings, visit emobility.entergy.com.