Tag: 3BL

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

As Black History Month comes to a close, Aflac shares a key moment in company history by highlighting James Jackson, a distinguished veteran who spent his second career with Aflac, becoming the company’s first-ever African American officer. In this video, Jim reminisces about his time at Aflac, working with company principal founder John Amos, affectionately known as “Mr. John,” and what it meant for him to be a part of Aflac history.

Jim grew up in Florida before moving to Alabama to attend Tuskegee University. A chemistry and math major, Jim soon joined ROTC program and, once commissioned as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Tuskegee University, he went on active duty in Germany for three years. Throughout his military career, Jim moved around to places like Missouri, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, a proving ground in Maryland, and even the Pentagon.

In 1978, after 24 years of active service with the U.S. Army — and, at the time, stationed at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) near Columbus, Georgia — Jim retired and sought out a second career. After some research, he learned more about Aflac and said, “That’s a place where I’d like to work.”

Jim sent in his resume, had a few interviews, and he eventually landed in the Compliance department at Aflac. He quickly rose through the ranks and became Aflac’s first African American officer when he was promoted to assistant vice president of Employee Relations.

Fondly reminiscent of his time with Aflac, Jim said that the founders cared deeply about employees — they always treated them like family.

Watch the video above to hear more from Jim about his time with Aflac.

Aflac’s family of insurers includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York, and/or Continental American Insurance Company and/or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

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A coalition between the United Soybean Board (USB), the National Pork Board, the National Corn Growers Association and other supporters, Farmers for Soil Health was established to advance the use of cover crops to improve soil health, advance sustainability throughout the food value chain and improve farmer profitability.

The coalition seeks to double the amount of corn and soybean farmland using cover crops to improve soil health and resiliency by 2030, using a baseline as reported in the most recent Census of Agriculture published in 2017.

While cover crops have proven to deliver multiple benefits over time, initial start-up challenges can be a barrier to adopting the practice. In May 2022, Farmers for Soil Health was awarded a $95 million grant from the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities to help farmers address these start-up costs, and in May 2023, the organization received $13.6 million in grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to establish personal, on-the-ground technical support for farmers in 20 states who are seeking to adopt cover crops. Crop advisors familiar with each state’s agronomic and production environment will help farmers select cover crops that offer the most soil health benefits, minimize issues during planting and add value to their overall production efforts. 

Beyond this important support in initial implementation of cover crops, Farmers for Soil Health is developing models for cost sharing and financial support for farmers implementing the practice, as well as mechanisms to measure and quantify the value of the practice over time.

For more information, please refer to the 2023 U.S. Soy Sustainability Overview. Titled “Partners for a Better Tomorrow,” the report highlights the partnerships fostered by U.S. Soy to drive innovation both on and off the farm.

NEW YORK, February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – The Tri-State Diversity Council (TSDC) announces Patricia Gomez, Corporate Vice President at New York Life as its 2024 New York Women in Leadership Symposium Woman of the Year awardee. Gomez will be recognized at the annual New York Women in Leadership Symposium (WILS) on Thursday, March 14, 2024 taking place from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET at 185 W Broadway New York, NY 10013. The 2024 Women in Leadership Symposium theme, “Leading with Heart: Empathy, Ethics & Excellence” is a call to action for women to elevate their impact and drive positive change while exploring their identity, leadership and contributions in workplaces and communities.

“We are pleased to announce Patricia Gomez as our 2024 Woman of the Year Awardee,” said Emily Pfister, Event Programmer for the Tri-State Diversity Council. “She embodies the values of service, advocacy for women’s equity and leadership. Patricia is a dynamic trailblazer whose belief in the power of collective action to create meaningful change in the field of DEIB showcases how women can lead with heart, empathy and excellence.”

Currently serving as a Corporate Vice President at New York Life, Gomez leads with empathy and expertise, implementing strategic initiatives that promote DEI in the workplace. Her role involves working with the Chief Diversity Officer to develop and execute innovative DEI programs, design programming to raise awareness and cultivate a culture of inclusivity and collaborate with key stakeholders to continue to drive organizational engagement.

Since joining New York Life in 2016, Gomez has navigated through various pivotal roles within the DEI and Talent Acquisition spheres. Prior to her tenure at New York Life, Gomez honed her expertise at NBCUniversal, where she played an instrumental role in fostering talent pipeline programs across seven cable networks, aimed at bolstering diverse talent both on-air and behind the camera. Her diverse background includes positions in human resources, talent acquisition, organizational development, marketing and business operations, all of which have equipped her with a multifaceted understanding of the DEI landscape.

“The Women in Leadership Symposium highlights the legacy of excellence and advocacy for women’s equity in workplaces and communities,” said Anika Rahman, CEO of the National Diversity Council. “We invite you to join us for the New York Women in Leadership Symposium as we lead with heart!”

The conference will feature moderator, Keti Mehta, Senior Vice President, Gallagher and panelists, Tamra Billinghurst-Black, Corporate Vice President – Talent Management Diversity Strategist, New York Life Insurance; Meredith Goodman, Vice President, Global Education, Travel Retail Worldwide, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.;Narges Kakalia, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Mintz; Mariela Orochena, Executive Vice President, Talent Acquisition, IPG Health; Jessica Palacios, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Talent Acquisition, BlackRock; and Jenn Zephirin, Vice President, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Match Group.

The event sponsors include New York Law School and New York Life. To learn more information about the event visit 
https://ndc-wilsymposium.org/locations/2024-symposiums/2024-new-york/ or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Emily Pfister at emily.pfister@nationaldiversitycouncil.org.

About the National Diversity Council

The National Diversity Council (NDC) is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to being both a resource and an advocate for the value of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). Through our nationwide affiliates, events and learning and consulting, the NDC helps organizations create pathways that develop a more inclusive workplace, community and environment. For more information about the National Diversity Council, please visit www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org.

About the Tri-State Diversity Council 

The Tri-State Diversity Council (TSDC), a state affiliate of the National Diversity Council, is committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Through various events and programs, the TSDC serves as a resource for DEIB best practices and leadership development in the Tri-State region. For more information about the Tri-State Diversity Council, please visit https://tristatediversitycouncil.org/.

Media Contact: Kamaria Monmouth 
Sr. Communications Specialist 
National Diversity Council 
kamaria.monmouth@nationaldiversitycouncil.org

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NEWARK, N.J., February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – The Tri-State Diversity Council (TSDC) announces Dr. Ida G. Jackson Woods, AVP and Chief Diversity Officer of ETS, as its 2024 New Jersey Women in Leadership Symposium Woman of the Year awardee. Woods will be recognized at the annual New Jersey Women in Leadership Symposium (WILS) on Thursday, March 7, 2024 taking place from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET at 2 Riverfront Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102. The 2024 Women in Leadership Symposium theme, “Leading with Heart: Empathy, Ethics & Excellence” is a call to action for women to elevate their impact and drive positive change while exploring their identity, leadership and contributions in workplaces and communities. 

“We are pleased to announce Dr. Ida G. Jackson Woods as our 2024 Woman of the Year Awardee,” said Emily Pfister, Event Programmer for the Tri-State Diversity Council. “She embodies the values of service, advocacy for women’s equity and leadership. Dr. Ida’s focus on enhancing employees’ sense of community and belonging through DEIB showcases how women can lead with heart, empathy and excellence.” 

A U.S. Army veteran, Woods earned her doctorate in education from New York University. She also holds an MBA from Rutgers University and a BA degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Mississippi. Woods has also been featured in Essence Magazine, Diverse Woman Magazine’s “Elite 100” list and will be featured in Diverse Issues in Higher Education Magazine, as part of their recognition of the Top 40 leaders impacting the academy. Woods will also receive the Greater United Way of Mercer County, United in Impact Advocate Award for championing equity and inclusion in her daily life.

“The Women in Leadership Symposium highlights the legacy of excellence and advocacy for women’s equity in workplaces and communities,” said Anika Rahman, CEO of the National Diversity Council. “We invite you to join us for the New Jersey Women in Leadership Symposium as we lead with heart!”

The conference will feature moderator, Keti Mehta, Senior Vice President, Gallagher and panelists, Joanne Ciulla, Professor of Leadership Ethics and Director of the Institute for Ethical Leadership, Rutgers Business School; Evelyn Espinal, Global Head Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Unilever; Megan Lee, Chairwoman and CEO, Panasonic; Kathleen O’Driscoll, Vice President Human Resources – Global Benefits, Wellbeing and HR Policy, Cognizant; and Diane Waller. Senior Vice President, Bank of America.

The Tri-State Diversity Council will also partner with Dress for Success and attendees are encouraged to donate gently used or new blazers, pantsuits and jewelry at the event. The event sponsors include Panasonic, Brach Eichler, Gibbons P.C., New Jersey Resources, South Jersey Industries (SJI) and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Inc. To learn more information  about the event visit https://ndc-wilsymposium.org/locations/2024-symposiums/2024-new-jersey/ or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Emily Pfister at  emily.pfister@nationaldiversitycouncil.org.

About the National Diversity Council

The National Diversity Council (NDC) is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to being both a resource and an advocate for the value of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). Through our nationwide affiliates, events and learning and consulting, the NDC helps organizations create pathways that develop a more inclusive workplace, community and environment. For more information about the National Diversity Council, please visit www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org.

About the Tri-State Diversity Council 

The Tri-State Diversity Council (TSDC), a state affiliate of the National Diversity Council, is committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Through various events and programs, the TSDC serves as a resource for DEIB best practices and leadership development in the Tri-State region. For more information about the Tri-State Diversity Council, please visit https://tristatediversitycouncil.org/. 

Media Contact: Kamaria Monmouth
Sr. Communications Specialist
National Diversity Council 
kamaria.monmouth@nationaldiversitycouncil.org

###

NEWARK, N.J., February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – The Tri-State Diversity Council (TSDC) announces Dr. Ida G. Jackson Woods, AVP and Chief Diversity Officer of ETS, as its 2024 New Jersey Women in Leadership Symposium Woman of the Year awardee. Woods will be recognized at the annual New Jersey Women in Leadership Symposium (WILS) on Thursday, March 7, 2024 taking place from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET at 2 Riverfront Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102. The 2024 Women in Leadership Symposium theme, “Leading with Heart: Empathy, Ethics & Excellence” is a call to action for women to elevate their impact and drive positive change while exploring their identity, leadership and contributions in workplaces and communities. 

“We are pleased to announce Dr. Ida G. Jackson Woods as our 2024 Woman of the Year Awardee,” said Emily Pfister, Event Programmer for the Tri-State Diversity Council. “She embodies the values of service, advocacy for women’s equity and leadership. Dr. Ida’s focus on enhancing employees’ sense of community and belonging through DEIB showcases how women can lead with heart, empathy and excellence.” 

A U.S. Army veteran, Woods earned her doctorate in education from New York University. She also holds an MBA from Rutgers University and a BA degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Mississippi. Woods has also been featured in Essence Magazine, Diverse Woman Magazine’s “Elite 100” list and will be featured in Diverse Issues in Higher Education Magazine, as part of their recognition of the Top 40 leaders impacting the academy. Woods will also receive the Greater United Way of Mercer County, United in Impact Advocate Award for championing equity and inclusion in her daily life.

“The Women in Leadership Symposium highlights the legacy of excellence and advocacy for women’s equity in workplaces and communities,” said Anika Rahman, CEO of the National Diversity Council. “We invite you to join us for the New Jersey Women in Leadership Symposium as we lead with heart!”

The conference will feature moderator, Keti Mehta, Senior Vice President, Gallagher and panelists, Joanne Ciulla, Professor of Leadership Ethics and Director of the Institute for Ethical Leadership, Rutgers Business School; Evelyn Espinal, Global Head Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Unilever; Megan Lee, Chairwoman and CEO, Panasonic; Kathleen O’Driscoll, Vice President Human Resources – Global Benefits, Wellbeing and HR Policy, Cognizant; and Diane Waller. Senior Vice President, Bank of America.

The Tri-State Diversity Council will also partner with Dress for Success and attendees are encouraged to donate gently used or new blazers, pantsuits and jewelry at the event. The event sponsors include Panasonic, Brach Eichler, Gibbons P.C., New Jersey Resources, South Jersey Industries (SJI) and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Inc. To learn more information  about the event visit https://ndc-wilsymposium.org/locations/2024-symposiums/2024-new-jersey/ or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Emily Pfister at  emily.pfister@nationaldiversitycouncil.org.

About the National Diversity Council

The National Diversity Council (NDC) is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to being both a resource and an advocate for the value of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). Through our nationwide affiliates, events and learning and consulting, the NDC helps organizations create pathways that develop a more inclusive workplace, community and environment. For more information about the National Diversity Council, please visit www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org.

About the Tri-State Diversity Council 

The Tri-State Diversity Council (TSDC), a state affiliate of the National Diversity Council, is committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Through various events and programs, the TSDC serves as a resource for DEIB best practices and leadership development in the Tri-State region. For more information about the Tri-State Diversity Council, please visit https://tristatediversitycouncil.org/. 

Media Contact: Kamaria Monmouth
Sr. Communications Specialist
National Diversity Council 
kamaria.monmouth@nationaldiversitycouncil.org

###

February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) announced today the release of its Guiding Principles on Advanced Recycling, marking a significant stride in its ongoing efforts to evaluate applicability and effectiveness of advanced recycling technologies in creating a circular plastics economy for the healthcare industry. The document outlines HPRC’s precepts regarding the use of advanced recycling technologies for healthcare plastics and encompasses topics such as the most efficient use of technology, environment and human health safeguards, claims and chain of custody, complementary relationship with mechanical recycling, and circular enablement.

“While plastics play a pivotal role in modern healthcare, the exponential growth of plastic waste poses environmental challenges,” says Peylina Chu, HPRC Executive Director. “Since 2020, HPRC has been exploring different advanced recycling technologies – including purification, decomposition, and conversion – to educate ourselves and to determine if advanced recycling can assist in creating a circular economy for healthcare plastics, namely flexible and multi-laminate plastics that are not ideal for mechanical recycling processes.”

The document delineates five guiding principles when considering the use of advanced recycling technologies for healthcare plastics:

Utilize the Most Efficient Technology with Reduced Carbon Footprint: Prioritize technologies that minimize greenhouse gas emissions and enhance sustainability throughout the plastic lifecycle.Prioritize Human Safety and Safeguard Nature: Ensure that advanced recycling processes uphold the highest standards of safety for healthcare workers, patients, adjacent communities, and the environment.Ensure Truthful Claims Supported by a Chain of Custody: Uphold integrity and transparency by substantiating claims with robust data and adhering to rigorous tracking and verification protocols.Complement Mechanical Recycling: Advanced recycling should complement existing mechanical recycling systems, focusing on plastics that pose challenges for traditional recycling methods.Promote Material-to-Material Recycling for Circularity: Advocate for material-to-material recycling processes to foster circularity in healthcare plastics and reduce reliance on virgin resources.

“Based on where we are today with our research and testing, we see transformative potential for advanced recycling to offer a viable solution for recycling healthcare plastics that would otherwise be destined for landfills or incineration. Additionally, these advanced recycling technologies present an opportunity to support a circular economy for healthcare plastics, reduce reliance on virgin plastic made from fossil fuels, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions,” concludes Peylina Chu, HPRC Executive Director.

For more information and to access the full guiding principles document, visit: https://www.hprc.org/advanced-recycling-guiding-principles

About HPRC

HPRC is a private technical coalition of industry peers across manufacturing, healthcare, and recycling industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products within healthcare. Made up of brand-leading and globally recognized members, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling in support of a circular plastics economy. HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and participating in industry events and forums. For more information, visit www.hprc.org and follow HPRC on LinkedIn.

February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) announced today the release of its Guiding Principles on Advanced Recycling, marking a significant stride in its ongoing efforts to evaluate applicability and effectiveness of advanced recycling technologies in creating a circular plastics economy for the healthcare industry. The document outlines HPRC’s precepts regarding the use of advanced recycling technologies for healthcare plastics and encompasses topics such as the most efficient use of technology, environment and human health safeguards, claims and chain of custody, complementary relationship with mechanical recycling, and circular enablement.

“While plastics play a pivotal role in modern healthcare, the exponential growth of plastic waste poses environmental challenges,” says Peylina Chu, HPRC Executive Director. “Since 2020, HPRC has been exploring different advanced recycling technologies – including purification, decomposition, and conversion – to educate ourselves and to determine if advanced recycling can assist in creating a circular economy for healthcare plastics, namely flexible and multi-laminate plastics that are not ideal for mechanical recycling processes.”

The document delineates five guiding principles when considering the use of advanced recycling technologies for healthcare plastics:

Utilize the Most Efficient Technology with Reduced Carbon Footprint: Prioritize technologies that minimize greenhouse gas emissions and enhance sustainability throughout the plastic lifecycle.Prioritize Human Safety and Safeguard Nature: Ensure that advanced recycling processes uphold the highest standards of safety for healthcare workers, patients, adjacent communities, and the environment.Ensure Truthful Claims Supported by a Chain of Custody: Uphold integrity and transparency by substantiating claims with robust data and adhering to rigorous tracking and verification protocols.Complement Mechanical Recycling: Advanced recycling should complement existing mechanical recycling systems, focusing on plastics that pose challenges for traditional recycling methods.Promote Material-to-Material Recycling for Circularity: Advocate for material-to-material recycling processes to foster circularity in healthcare plastics and reduce reliance on virgin resources.

“Based on where we are today with our research and testing, we see transformative potential for advanced recycling to offer a viable solution for recycling healthcare plastics that would otherwise be destined for landfills or incineration. Additionally, these advanced recycling technologies present an opportunity to support a circular economy for healthcare plastics, reduce reliance on virgin plastic made from fossil fuels, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions,” concludes Peylina Chu, HPRC Executive Director.

For more information and to access the full guiding principles document, visit: https://www.hprc.org/advanced-recycling-guiding-principles

About HPRC

HPRC is a private technical coalition of industry peers across manufacturing, healthcare, and recycling industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products within healthcare. Made up of brand-leading and globally recognized members, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling in support of a circular plastics economy. HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and participating in industry events and forums. For more information, visit www.hprc.org and follow HPRC on LinkedIn.

AUSTIN, Texas, February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – PNC Bank announced a commitment to invest $10 million in the Austin Housing Conservancy fund, an innovative solution to address Austin’s housing crisis through a collaboration between investors, nonprofit and community partners. The fund invests and preserves multifamily properties currently affordable to moderate and middle-income individuals.

“PNC is focused on making a real impact in Austin communities, and as a longtime resident, I know that among the most critical issues facing our region is housing affordability,” said Steven Gonzalez, PNC regional president for Austin. ” This investment will help create meaningful change by offering a path forward to help middle-income families, especially those who work in essential services, remain in Austin despite steep increases in cost of living.”

PNC’s direct equity investment in the fund, which is sponsored and managed by Affordable Central Texas (ACT), will help fund the purchase and preservation of multifamily properties and in doing so maintain affordable rental rates for middle-income Austin residents.

“Austin is in an affordability crisis, and we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to ensure that everyone in our community is able to share in our current success,” said Kirk Watson, Austin mayor. “PNC’s investment in the Austin Housing Conservancy will help do that by making a substantial difference in housing for our workforce today and in the future.”

PNC Bank’s investment brings the fund to over $41 million making ACT’s initial goal of $50 million within reach by the end of 2024.

“PNC’s vision and willingness to invest in moderate-income housing with the Austin Housing Conservancy Fund will preserve affordable rental housing for families and individuals for generations to come, allowing us to accelerate our acquisition timeline and reach our 10,000-apartment goal sooner,” said Monica Medina, president and CEO for Austin Housing Conservancy. “We are grateful for the leadership of the PNC team to make this a reality.”

Currently, the fund portfolio has preserved 2,150 units in 14 properties, with a capacity to serve 4,000 residents and a total fund value in excess of $413 million.

PNC’s investment stems from its $88 billion Community Benefits Plan, which provides loans, investments and other financial support to bolster economic opportunity for low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals, communities and people of color over a four-year period that began Jan. 1, 2022. As part of the Plan, PNC expects to provide at least $14.5 billion in community development loans and investments across all markets, including at least $400 million for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that help meet the banking and financial service needs of traditionally underserved communities.

PNC Bank, N.A., is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

CONTACT: 
Cari Hensley 
(214) 890-8683 
cari.hensley@pnc.com

AUSTIN, Texas, February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – PNC Bank announced a commitment to invest $10 million in the Austin Housing Conservancy fund, an innovative solution to address Austin’s housing crisis through a collaboration between investors, nonprofit and community partners. The fund invests and preserves multifamily properties currently affordable to moderate and middle-income individuals.

“PNC is focused on making a real impact in Austin communities, and as a longtime resident, I know that among the most critical issues facing our region is housing affordability,” said Steven Gonzalez, PNC regional president for Austin. ” This investment will help create meaningful change by offering a path forward to help middle-income families, especially those who work in essential services, remain in Austin despite steep increases in cost of living.”

PNC’s direct equity investment in the fund, which is sponsored and managed by Affordable Central Texas (ACT), will help fund the purchase and preservation of multifamily properties and in doing so maintain affordable rental rates for middle-income Austin residents.

“Austin is in an affordability crisis, and we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to ensure that everyone in our community is able to share in our current success,” said Kirk Watson, Austin mayor. “PNC’s investment in the Austin Housing Conservancy will help do that by making a substantial difference in housing for our workforce today and in the future.”

PNC Bank’s investment brings the fund to over $41 million making ACT’s initial goal of $50 million within reach by the end of 2024.

“PNC’s vision and willingness to invest in moderate-income housing with the Austin Housing Conservancy Fund will preserve affordable rental housing for families and individuals for generations to come, allowing us to accelerate our acquisition timeline and reach our 10,000-apartment goal sooner,” said Monica Medina, president and CEO for Austin Housing Conservancy. “We are grateful for the leadership of the PNC team to make this a reality.”

Currently, the fund portfolio has preserved 2,150 units in 14 properties, with a capacity to serve 4,000 residents and a total fund value in excess of $413 million.

PNC’s investment stems from its $88 billion Community Benefits Plan, which provides loans, investments and other financial support to bolster economic opportunity for low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals, communities and people of color over a four-year period that began Jan. 1, 2022. As part of the Plan, PNC expects to provide at least $14.5 billion in community development loans and investments across all markets, including at least $400 million for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that help meet the banking and financial service needs of traditionally underserved communities.

PNC Bank, N.A., is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

CONTACT: 
Cari Hensley 
(214) 890-8683 
cari.hensley@pnc.com

In celebration of Black History Month, Bath & Body Works sponsored a special associate visit to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Associates traveled from Columbus, Ohio and New York and were met by local D.C. colleagues for a full day of learning and exploration.

For Chief Diversity Officer Kelie Charles, the visit represented a unique opportunity for the team to connect and grow.

“Bath & Body Works is doing something I think other companies aren’t doing,” says Charles. “It’s a really great way to celebrate Black History Month but it’s also a really great way for associates to come together and learn and get to know each other better.” 

The museum experience was coordinated by the brand’s Inclusion Resource Group (IRG) MOSAIC and office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. MOSAIC is one of eight Inclusion Resource Groups established by Bath & Body Works which allow associates to connect with one another and to collaborate on ways to cultivate an inclusive workplace. MOSAIC’s mission is to help recruit, retain and empower Black associates at Bath & Body Works.

In the video above, hear from Bath & Body Works associates as they share their insights and perspectives on the experience and how it impacted them.