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Taco Bell blog

Black History Month started off as a one-week celebration founded by Carter G. Woodson in February 1926. Fifty years later, the week was extended into a month dedicated to honoring Black American history.

This year’s nationwide Black History Month’s focus is African Americans and the Arts, detailing African American artistic and cultural movements.

To celebrate our Black team members and these communities, we will share some of their stories. Get ready to be inspired, get involved and continue learning and celebrating the culture and achievements of the Black community.

 

Kim E. (She/Her)– Shift Lead, Taco Bell Corp.

Kim knew she wanted to become an educator from the very beginning.

When Kim came to high school, she became a facilitator in her school’s first summer camp program. However, she found herself in some hard situations which made her realize that she was nowhere near becoming a teacher. This made her give up her dream of teaching.

Over the years, Kim worked in several different spaces that she thought would bring her happiness. It wasn’t until she found Taco Bell in 2017 when this became true. During the first couple months, Kim spent time having fun with her team, doing competitions to see who could wrap the best tacos or produce an order the fastest. When October came around, Kim was asked to become a Shift Lead.

“I was wary in the beginning because of the responsibility that came with this position. Working at Taco Bell was supposed to be a job where I could do the work, have fun and then go home. That didn’t last long as I took a leap of faith and became a Shift Lead.”

After becoming a Shift Lead, Kim thought her life was as good as it got. Then came the opportunity to fulfill Kim’s dream of becoming a teacher.

“Last year, I was granted an opportunity to further my education through Guild, the education and skilling program offered as a Taco Bell Benefit to corporate restaurant employees. I will be graduating with my Bachelor’s of Science in Education Studies from Wilmington University in 2024.”

Thanks to Guild, Kim works at Taco Bell and pursues her passion for education at the same time. One thing she loves to do is bring new perspectives into the classroom setting. Especially during Black History Month, Kim encourages her students to research and educate their peers about Black Heritage.

“Black History Month is a time of reflection and to think of what my impact on this earth will be for future generations. I celebrate it in many ways, one being in my classroom where I encourage my students to pick a field and to do research on an African American who had influence in that field. In this process, I learn more about my heritage as well!”

Being enrolled in a program through Guild also gave Kim the opportunity to be part of a corporate mentorship program at The Bell where she was assigned mentor Leslie P., Associate Manager of Menu Operations. Throughout the mentorship program, Leslie helped Kim transform her outlook and find a path moving forward.

“Leslie made me realize that it did not matter what my situation was. If there was a goal in sight, we could achieve it together. She showed me the different areas of growth throughout the company and shared stories of people who were similar to me and still found their own path.”

For Kim, this journey has given her the confidence to do anything she sets her mind to.

“This journey allowed me to see that If I can dream it, I can achieve it. Upon onboarding, we have a training that teaches us the Taco Bell core Brand Values. Leslie showed me that these values are not only applicable to how we act with our customers and team members, but evident in our personal lives too. Live Más is everywhere and with anything.”

Looking to the future, Kim hopes to motivate others to persevere through the tough times and be their authentic self.

“My advice would be to be Authentically YOU. I never thought I’d get to a point where I could envision a future, a brighter future for myself or for my family. However, I am thankful that Taco Bell took a chance on me to show the heart and soul of the Live Más culture.”

SECAUCUS, N.J., February 27, 2024 /3BL/ – Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the nation’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, announced that it has been selected as one of FORTUNE’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2024 for the tenth consecutive year.

Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies recognition is based on nine criteria of corporate reputation, from innovation and quality of management and products, to social responsibility and people management.

“I’m grateful to our dedicated Quest colleagues for making this possible,” said Jim Davis, Chairman, CEO and President. “They are the heart and soul of this company. Every day our colleagues bring our purpose to life, working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time. It is an honor to be named one of Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies for the last decade.”

The annual survey designated Quest as one of only five companies to attain Most Admired status in the “Health Care: Pharmacy and Other Services” industry. The company scored high marks in people management, use of corporate assets and social responsibility.

To determine the rankings, Fortune partnered with global organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry to survey thousands of executives, directors and analysts who rated companies in their industry based on nine criteria. The survey included a total of 660 companies from 29 countries.

Find the full 2024 list of FORTUNE’s World’s Most Admired Companies here.

About Quest Diagnostics 
Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world’s largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors, and improve health care management. Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our nearly 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com.

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics

For further information: For further information: Jennifer Petrella, Quest Diagnostics (Media): 973-520-2800 or mediacontact@QuestDiagnostics.com; Shawn Bevec, Quest Diagnostics (Investors): 973-520-2900

Southern Company

ATLANTA, February 27, 2024 /3BL/ – Southern Company ranks as the No. 1 most-admired electric and gas utility worldwide according to Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for 2024. A ranking of the world’s most respected and reputable companies, the list is based on a survey of more than 3,700 executives, directors and financial analysts.

“It is an honor to be named the most-admired electric and gas utility by Fortune magazine,” said Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. “This ranking is a recognition of the 27,000 Southern Company system employees who provide exceptional service each day as we deliver clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions for the benefit of our customers and communities.”

In determining the list, Fortune collaborated with organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry on this survey of corporate reputation. They began with a universe of an estimated 1,500 candidates: the 1,000 largest U.S. companies by revenue, along with non-U.S. companies in Fortune’s Global 500 database that have revenues of $10 billion or more.

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

More details about the 2024 World’s Most Admired Companies list are available on Fortune’s website.

About Southern Company 
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

CONTACT: Southern Company Media Relations, 404-506-5333 or 1-866-506-5333, www.southerncompany.com

Unveiled at CES 2024, the hyper-realistic avatar preserves the voice and personality of a 24-year-old woman with ALS to enable unprecedented communication and connection, complemented by a personal, on-device AI from Lenovo to optimize text prediction and output

At CES 2024, global technology leader Lenovo, assistive technology non-profit the Scott-Morgan Foundation, and AI-generated video innovator DeepBrain AI revealed a hyper-realistic AI avatar dedicated to preserving the voice, personality, and physical mannerisms of someone with a degenerative disease. The groundbreaking avatar, created with DeepBrain AI technology and spearheaded by Lenovo, opens new pathways for applying generative AI to accessibility challenges and helps advance Lenovo’s vision of AI for all.

As part of an ongoing collaboration with the Scott-Morgan Foundation, Lenovo proposed developing an AI-powered avatar to leap past traditional voice synthesis and transform communication and connection for people with severe disabilities. The Foundation invited Erin Taylor, a 24-year-old woman recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder that typically leads to full-body paralysis, to participate and help pilot a proof of concept for assistive communication.

Lenovo then approached DeepBrain AI, a leader in next-gen avatars and a Lenovo AI Innovator partner, to use its generative AI technology. Sponsored by Lenovo, the DeepBrain AI team captured a detailed full-body video of Taylor in its California studio. The video became the foundational data for her new AI avatar, debuted at CES 2024, and offering 96 percent true-to-life accuracy.

“This is a fantastic example of the untapped potential of generative AI to empower individuals and build a more inclusive future, especially with such visionary collaborators,” said Scott Tease, vice president and general manager of High-Performance Computing and AI at Lenovo. “Leveraging our expansive solutions portfolio and in-house expertise, we love finding these opportunities to reimagine what’s possible and help

Lenovo’s also developed a prototype for a new predictive AI tool to accelerate text input when a traditional keyboard or voice-to-speech technology is not an option—as with advanced ALS. The personal, on-device AI operates entirely offline, leveraging a compressed large language model (LLM) to offer the speed, reliability, and accuracy essential when communicating health information or other urgent needs. This follows Lenovo’s approach to Hybrid AI, operating across public, private, and personal foundation models that the company unveiled at its annual Tech World event in October 2023.

Unlike common predictive text engines that provide a single suggestion, this novel AI solution provides multiple options after each character input to better assist users.

The Scott-Morgan Foundation and Lenovo AI experts are working to integrate the predictive AI into the backend of their integrated communication platform showcased at CES. The platform combines the avatar, an original circular keyboard optimized for eye-gaze tracking, and multimodal inputs to support a wide range of physical capabilities.

“Our vision is built on a commitment to ensuring a universal right to thrive through technology,” said Andrew Morgan, chief executive officer of the Scott-Morgan Foundation. “AI is accelerating work we began years ago, and our brilliant collaborators are helping us completely change the accessibility landscape. Collectively, we are lighting a beacon for what’s possible—not just for people with ALS, but for everyone.”

The DeepBrain AI avatar technology was originally developed to power generative AI humans or assistants—such as the one showcased at a recent Lenovo Formula 1 event—or to create versatile “twins” of celebrities, sports figures, or other influencers. Here, DeepBrain recognized a chance to deploy its proprietary technology as assistive tech.

DeepBrain AI gave Taylor complementary access to its AI Studios, empowering her to create a nearly unlimited stream of digital content.

“We are constantly amazed at how our partners and clients think of new ways to use AI-generated video. Lenovo had the foresight to share their vision on how this technology could be implemented as a component of an assistive technology platform,” said Eric Jang, CEO of DeepBrain AI. “Future developments at DeepBrain will enable hyper-realistic avatars for everyone.”

After a brief series of escalating symptoms, Taylor was diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 2023. Her career in botany, forestry, and related work in the wild was abruptly paused as she and her mother faced countless questions about the progression of the disease. The shock was especially potent given the disease primarily affects people over the age of 40.

“Feeling so devastated and lost, we were grateful to the Scott-Morgan Foundation for inviting us to help build something new and shape the future,” said Taylor, who lives outside Los Angeles with her mother, Lily. “The avatar is incredible, but what matters most to me is that this technology could help change the lives of many more people facing ALS or other diseases—a way of showing how bright the future can still be.”

“I have no doubt this pioneering proof of concept will one day help shape even more staggering innovations,” Morgan said. “Our foundation was built on the dream that technology, and AI especially, can break through severe disabilities and ensure a right to create, connect, and live life joyfully. We’re making that happen.”

Learn more about Lenovo’s vision of AI for all, the Scott-Morgan Foundation’s transformational work, and DeepBrain AI’s avatar technology.

About Lenovo 
Lenovo is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #217 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of ‘New IT’ technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovo’s world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992)(ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

About DeepBrain AI 
DeepBrain AI humanizes digital interactions by utilizing real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI) and video synthesis solutions to generate the world’s fastest and most realistic human-like AI avatars. The company’s proprietary, patent-led technology adds a human touch to all digital content and interactions, reducing the cost and time of video production and improving the quality of digital engagement. DeepBrain AI is at the forefront of modern digital experiences and has significantly impacted various industries, such as media, finance, commerce, hospitality, and education.

About the Scott-Morgan Foundation 
The UK-based Scott-Morgan Foundation focuses on pioneering technology-driven solutions to empower people with severe disabilities. The Foundation develops both bold proof-of-concepts to inspire a brighter future and more immediate, scalable solutions. Learn more about the Scott-Morgan Foundation. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Originally published July 14, 2023 by Mastercard.

The Global Inclusive Growth Summit returns on April 18, 2024. As we look forward to coming back together in person and virtually, we offer these highlights from the 2023 event, hosted by Mastercard and the Aspen Institute. The Global Inclusive Growth Summit 2023 brought together private sector, social impact and government leaders to share ways to make economies more equitable.

The 2024 Global Inclusive Growth Summit, hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, advances real solutions to today’s most pressing challenges through collaboration and candid conversation among entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers and emerging changemakers. First held in 2019, the Summit assembles a dynamic group of cross-sector leaders who collectively address topics including financial inclusion, data science for social impact, emerging technology such as artificial intelligence, climate and the environment, women’s economic empowerment and place-based development. After a decade of impact, we’re excited to continue the great dialogue and work focused on driving and creating inclusive growth for all.

Get more information about the 2024 Global Inclusive Growth Summit here.

To learn more, visit: globalinclusivegrowthsummit.com

YouTube influencer and philanthropist Lilly Singh and Mastercard’s Shamina Singh took the stage in a packed room in Washington, D.C., to share how we can all encourage greater gender equity.

“We can’t change the issue of gender equality with just money … it’s culture,” Lilly Singh said. “Culture determines how we treat women, how we view women. What is the patriarchy if not just a story that’s been told for a really long time? I believe if you change the stories, you can change the world. We can change culture.”

The topic was just one of many big, thorny issues discussed Thursday at the Global Inclusive Growth Summit, which brought together private-sector and social-sector leaders, government officials, economists, and academics to spark conversation and drive change on the environment, digital inclusion and much more.

A core sentiment of the daylong event, hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and the Aspen Institute, was that of urgency: There’s no more time left to kick the can down the road on climate — we need to address it now. The same with gender equality and financial inclusion.

And if we all manage to drive greater inclusion, many of the speakers said, we could unlock far greater economic prosperity for everyone and build significantly more resilience in communities so they can withstand future challenges.

Here are three takeaways from the event.

01 
There’s no one way to define financial inclusion and inclusive growth: Financial inclusion is, quite simply, the work of bringing more people into the formal financial system, whether that’s giving people access to a bank account, insurance, working capital for their business or the ability to safely send money to family overseas. Inclusive growth, meanwhile, is all about encouraging economic growth that more people can benefit from, not just those at the top of the ladder.

Many speakers at the event shared their takes on both ideas.

Comedian and author Trevor Noah challenged the notion that inclusive growth and financial inclusion are primarily about charity. He said that people being left out of markets is a failing of those markets. When more people are included, that’s not inclusive growth, but really “complete growth,” he said.

Building on that idea, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said during a separate presentation that her administration sees inclusive growth as a balance.

“Yes, we want to grow our population. Yes, we want more businesses. Yes, we want more development,” she said. “Well, we want the people who have lived here in good times and bad times to be able to afford to live. So what that has meant for us is: How do we grow wages? And how do we build more affordable housing?”

In a speech capping the event, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands said a focus on fostering financial health — encouraging people to save money and avoid excessive debt — was essential to true financial inclusion. “Without financial health we will not be able to do it.”

02 
Technology directed in the right way can have a big impact on inclusion: A number of speakers mentioned the potentially negative impacts of artificial intelligence, noting the rapid developments of generative AI models like ChatGPT.

But Microsoft Vice Chairman Brad Smith, whose company has invested in OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, and provides ChatGPT in its products, shared a much more optimistic view of how AI could be used. He said it could unlock huge benefits for nonprofits, allowing them to deliver programs and measure their impacts much more effectively and at a much lower cost.

During another presentation, Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach said companies need to consider three factors when developing new technology: Does it solve a problem for people? Is it inclusive? Is it trustworthy?

“If it’s not inclusive, it doesn’t scale. If it doesn’t scale, it doesn’t matter,” he added.

Samantha Power, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, shared how the Ukrainian government created an app that’s grown to include more than 200 government services. That app, called Diia, helped cut down on corruption by increasing government transparency and enabled people to let the government know if they’ve been displaced during the war.

Potential legislation is shared on the platform, and citizens can share positive or negative sentiments with their leaders — not wait for an election to hold them accountable. “It’s the digital and democracy coming together,” she said.

03 
Find ways to make the world work for more people: BBC journalist and Paralympian Ade Adepitan, who uses a wheelchair, asked the audience, somewhat jokingly, “What’s this fixation you able-bodied people have with stairs!”

The idea of adding more ramps and other means of access helps not just people like him, but many others, as well.

Chetna Sinha, founder of the Mann Deshi Foundation, which helps women in rural India access credit and build up their business skills, said that as the pandemic eased she worked with many women who had to start making money after their spouses lost their jobs.

They asked to be armed with smartphones, not feature phones, saying they had better services, especially voice SMS, which could matter because many of them didn’t read or write.

“They said, ‘Never give poor solutions to poor people. We are smart.’”

Philanthropist Melinda French Gates reinforced the point about empowering women.

“Make sure they have a great education. Make sure they can plan and space the first of their children. Make sure they have networks to get into a great job and be part of the banking system to save money,” she told the audience. “You will absolutely accelerate their growth. And guess what? They’re going to accelerate your economy.”

Originally published by Mastercard

Check out more content from The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Black History Month is a time when people in the United States both celebrate and reflect on the many accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans to the country. As a company driven by a commitment to creating a better world through the power of our chemistry, this month we celebrate the important contributions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) make – they’re responsible for 40% of the bachelor’s degrees awarded to Black students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields – and how attending HBCUs helped shape some of our talented Chemourians career journeys.

Jasmine Smith, Marketing Leader in our Titanium Technologies business segment attended Delaware State University, where she had the opportunity to be mentored by Black leaders in her field. Jasmine is now providing that mentorship to the next generation of leaders.

“I was fortunate enough to have the mentorship of Black professors like Dr. Hayward and Dr. Winstead who helped me seek out unique research opportunities. With their guidance and encouragement, I had the support to get through the rigorous course load and prepare for a career afterwards.” – Jasmine Smith 

Joel Wallace, Associate Chemist in our Advanced Performance Materials business, credits his time at Fisk University for his in-depth knowledge of scientific principles and the hands-on research experience that shaped his career today.

“Fisk played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of scientific principles, providing not only hands-on research experience but also laying a robust foundation for my future scientific pursuits.” – Joel Wallace 

Another Fisk University alum, Qutell Adderley, Associate Chemist in our Advanced Performance Materials business, was able to explore her passion for STEM while giving and receiving mentorship that has allowed her to thrive in her career today.

“Attending an HBCU provided me with the motivation and supportive environment to explore my scientific innovations, while receiving mentorship and providing mentorship to others.” – Qutell Adderly

The future of Chemours and delivering the innovative solutions society needs depends on a talented workforce that is representative of the diversity of the communities in which we operate. As Black History Month comes to a close, Chemours continues to celebrate our team members who attended HBCUs and how their educational experience continues to shape their professional lives.

Taking a break from the MLS pre-season Coachella Valley Invitational game exhibitions, LA Galaxy midfielder Diego Fagúndez and the club’s sports broadcaster Joe Tutino stopped by Cahuilla Desert Academy to inspire the next generation of athletes enrolled in Coachella Valley Unified School District’s (CVUSD) Migrant Program on Feb. 12.

The purpose of the event was to provide kids from migrant families with a unique opportunity to learn directly from professionals. Fagúndez, who has played for multiple MLS teams, and Tutino, who has worked with the Galaxy for more than 27 years, wanted to fuel the self-confidence of the youths and encourage them to dream big.

The intimate conversation between Fagúndez and Tutino focused on the diverse career opportunities available in soccer and delved into their personal backgrounds and the paths that led them to professional sports. They shared their Hispanic heritage with the students encouraging them to embrace their roots and pursue their dreams with passion and resilience. As role models who have overcome obstacles on their journey to success, the professionals exposed the kids to authentic narratives and invaluable insights that added a layer of cultural significance to the dialogue.

“It was a privilege and an honor to share my story with these children,” said Fagúndez. “Being an athlete is all about focus, confidence and practice, traits everyone can benefit from and I hope that my story can help inspire confidence in these kids to be the best versions of themselves.”

The Coachella Valley is home to one of the largest farm and migrant worker communities in California, and many of the residents face economic challenges and hardships. All students in the CVUSD’s program have parents or families that had to move in and out of the area to follow seasonal agricultural work.

“We know that professional athletes can be very powerful role models for kids,” said Mariah Rodriguez, Community Relations Specialist at the LA Galaxy. “Inspiring the next generation of youth goes beyond the field and through initiatives like this, we can connect and give back to the community while also motivating these kids by exposing them to the journeys of these sports professionals. We hope that they will realize that no obstacle is too great to overcome if they believe in themselves and pursue their passions with unwavering determination.”

Following the discussion, the students received LA Galaxy-branded shirts, tickets to an upcoming regular season and participated in a 60-minute soccer clinic led by Fagúndez. CVUSD’s Migrant Program also received a check donation from the LA Galaxy Foundation in the amount of $5,000.

CVUSD’s Migrant Program seeks to ensure that students from the Coachella Valley’s migrant families reach academic excellence and graduate with a high school diploma. To learn more about the program, please click here.

The LA Galaxy Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Los Angeles Galaxy, whose mission is to advance the game of soccer and use it as a vehicle for positive change throughout Southern California communities. To learn more about the LA Galaxy Foundation, please click here.

PHOENIX, February 27, 2024 /3BL/ – The Arizona Diversity Council (AZDC) announces Mary Mitchell, Co-CEO of Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) as its 2024 Women in Leadership Symposium Woman of the Year awardee. Mitchell will be recognized at the annual Arizona Women in Leadership Symposium (WILS) on Thursday, March 7, 2024 taking place from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. PT at 4035 S. Riverpoint Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85040. 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 Mary Mitchell as our 2024 Woman of the Year Awardee,” said Onjalai Brown, Senior Partnership Development & Event Programmer for the Arizona Diversity Council. “She embodies the values of service, advocacy for women’s equity and leadership. Mary’s expertise in community building, collaborative practices and team-oriented design showcases how women can lead with heart, empathy and excellence.”

Mitchell has served the Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council for more than 25 years and has held various roles in fund development, finance, volunteer services, membership and community engagement. Before becoming Co-CEO and previously Interim Co-CEO, Mitchell served three years as Deputy Director and co-lead of the council’s senior leadership team.

“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 Arizona Women in Leadership Symposium as we lead with heart!”

The conference will feature moderator, Tram Mai, Anchor/Reporter, 12 News and panelists, Jamie Boggs, Vice President-Athletics, Grand Canyon University; Cheryl Brown, Chief People Officer, Credit Union West; Wendy Ferrill, Vice PResident | Worldwide Sales, BWH Hotels; Jackie McCormick, Chief People and Culture Officer, OneAZ Credit Union; and Silvana Soares, VP of Talent, Discount Tire.

The host sponsor of the event is the University of Phoenix. Additional event sponsors include Carlisle, Discount Tire and Fennemore. To learn more information about the event visit https://ndc-wilsymposium.org/locations/2024-symposiums/2024-arizona/ or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Onjalai Brown at onjalai.brown@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 Arizona Diversity Council 

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

Media Contact: Kamaria Monmouth

Sr. Communications Specialist
National Diversity Council
kamaria.monmouth@nationaldiversitycouncil.org

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VANCOUVER, CANADA, February 27, 2024 /3BL/ – As the global supply chain grapples with increasingly complex challenges – rising costs, port congestion, and geopolitical unrest in shipping routes like the Red Sea – DP World is leveraging its global network of ports and terminals to ensure that customer supply chains remain resilient against disruption. 

This includes routing customers through Canada’s Port of Prince Rupert, which boasts several strategic advantages for North American customers seeking efficiency and reliability in their supply chain operations. Located on the west coast of British Columbia, the DP World Prince Rupert Terminal is serviced by all three Alliances, enabling marine reach throughout Asia, and positioning the port as a key gateway for trade across North America.

With swift cargo movement, reliable transit times, and comprehensive rail service, the DP World Prince Rupert Terminal connects directly to major markets in the Midwest U.S. and Canada. Plus, with the recently completed expansion of the Fairview Container Terminal, the port can accommodate growing global demand for shipping capacity, while also aligning with environmental stewardship efforts.

Speed and Agility: To minimize delays throughout the entire value chain, DP World Prince Rupert emphasizes reduced dwell times and swift cargo movement. This, combined with faster sailing times to Asia (11 days), enables significant time savings throughout the entire supply chain. As a result, transit times are reduced by three to eight days.Global Connectivity: Marine access from DP World Prince Rupert to Asia through three major alliances – Ocean Alliance, 2M Alliance, and T.H.E. Alliance – ensures seamless connectivity and international trade operations. Efficiency and Reliability: With an extensive rail network that services key markets in the U.S. and Canada, combined with the fast and efficient turnover of cargo, DP World Prince Rupert ensures the timely delivery of goods to the Midwest U.S. and Canada, even against turbulent market conditions. Capacity and Sustainability: The recent expansion of the Fairview Container Terminal to 1.6 million TEUs means that the port can handle significant capacity while ensuring the quick, efficient turnover of cargo.

Cargo directed through the port can take advantage of DP World’s Expedited Rail Service (ERS), an express service offering that prioritizes container-to-rail transfers for quicker transit times. In partnership with CN Rail, ERS enhances planning and logistics by providing customers with real-time updates on shipping schedules and provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional routes. 

Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority, underscored the port’s strategic advantages: “The Port of Prince Rupert provides fast and reliable supply chain solutions for trans-Pacific trade. To further anchor our Gateway’s advantages, over $1 billion expansion of import and export logistics capacities is underway to enable greater supply chain agility and efficiency. This investment will complement terminal capacity to create a truly integrated port – North America’s only closed-loop intermodal trade ecosystem.”

Doug Smith, CEO, DP World in Canada, highlighted the critical importance of innovative supply chain solutions in overcoming market challenges: “The global supply chain is increasingly influenced by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Thanks to our end-to-end capabilities and global network, we remain committed to working alongside our customers to advance their supply chain strategies in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”

Learn more about how the DP World Prince Rupert Terminal can benefit your business. 

– END –

DP World Americas Media Contact:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications
M: (+1) 704-605-6159
E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

About DP World 

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally. 

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 108,100 employees from 161 nationalities, spanning 74 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future. 

We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses — Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.

What’s more, we’re reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door. 

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW 
TO CHANGE WHAT’S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE.

See original post on PR Newswire.

News provided by Kellanova.

For the fourth year in a row, Kellanova and Albertsons Companies, one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, are teaming up to show love to the communities they serve and address the ongoing issue of hunger and food insecurity.

Kellanova is donating $50,000 to Albertsons Cos. Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors charitable program benefiting the hunger-relief efforts of food banks, pantries and hunger-relief charities in communities served by the Albertsons Cos. family of stores including Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, ACME and Shaw’s.

The donation is part of Albertsons Cos. Foundation’s “Feed the Love” in-store promotional campaign during the month of February and will enable partner charities to provide approximately 200,000 meals to those in need.1

“Kellanova is incredibly proud to continue this important and impactful partnership with Albertsons Cos. for the fourth consecutive year,” said Carrie Sander, North America chief customer officer, Kellanova. “Our customers are some of our strongest allies in our efforts to fulfil our Better Days Promise to tackle sustainable and equitable access to food.”

Food insecurity exists in every county in the United States, affecting more than 44 million people, including 13 million children. In 2022, 49 million Americans relied on food assistance.2

“Albertsons Cos. and Kellanova share the belief that everyone, especially children, should have access to nutritious food every day,” said Christy Duncan Anderson, president and executive director, Albertsons Cos. Foundation. “We’re proud to be one of the largest contributors to food banks and hunger-relief programs in the neighborhoods we serve3, thanks to our generous customers like Kellanova.”

Kellanova’s donation is part of its Kellanova Better Days™ Promise social and environmental strategy, which aims to create #BetterDays for 4 billion people by 2030.

See original post on PR Newswire.

[1] Albertsons Companies Foundations uses the conversion of 1 meal = $0.25
[2] https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america
[3] https://www.feedingamerica.org/partners/food-and-fund-partners