Tag: 3BL

New hydrogen testing facility at Florence, Italy, manufacturing site unveiled as part of the company’s strategy to further support the deployment of hydrogen-ready technologies, such as the optimized NovaLT™16 turbine delivered to Air Products’ Net-Zero Hydrogen Energy Complex in EdmontonProgress follows delivery of advanced hydrogen compression technologies for NEOM green hydrogen company in Saudi Arabia, as well as new collaborations in the hydrogen sector with HyET and Green Energy Park

FLORENCE, Italy, February 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), an energy technology company, announced Monday several milestones to support the growth of the hydrogen economy, as part of the company’s broader strategy in new energy. The milestones were announced during the 24th Baker Hughes Annual Meeting held in Florence, Italy, and included advancements in the company’s hydrogen enabling technologies, as well as progress in executing several customers’ hydrogen projects and new collaborations in the sector.

The milestones include:

Baker Hughes unveiled a new Hydrogen Testing Facility for validation of its NovaLT™ industrial turbines to run blends all the way up to 100% hydrogen. The new facility includes a test bench to allow full load testing, with complete fuel flexibility up to 100% hydrogen and features a 300-bar pressure and 2,450 kg storage capacity. This infrastructure, aligned to the highest standards of safety and security – which are particularly crucial when dealing with hydrogen – allows Baker Hughes to test turbines in all project conditions, providing customers with enhanced operational confidence. The new Hydrogen Testing Facility will then serve as a hub for Baker Hughes’ collaboration with customers in the growing hydrogen economy. Baker Hughes recently completed manufacturing and testing of its NovaLT™16 hydrogen turbines for Air Products’ Net-Zero Hydrogen Energy Complex in Edmonton, Canada. The NovaLT™16 turbines underwent full load testing at the newly unveiled Hydrogen Testing Facility. This family of turbines can be deployed for a variety of industrial applications, including combined heat and power, as well as for pipeline and gas storage operations. The company also reported progress on another key Air Products’ hydrogen project, with the delivery of the first two trains of advanced hydrogen compression solutions for the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia, the largest green hydrogen project in the world through the equal joint venture of ACWA Power, Air Products and NEOM. Baker Hughes recently invested in expanding its manufacturing site in Modon, Saudi Arabia, to further support the delivery of projects in the country, including NEOM, with localized testing and packaging solutions. Both projects are part of the two companies’ long-standing collaboration on hydrogen inaugurated in 2021.

“Baker Hughes’ advanced technology and experience are key elements of our collaboration as Air Products continues to execute some of the largest low- and zero-carbon clean hydrogen megaprojects in the world,” said Dr. Samir J. Serhan, chief operation officer, Air Products. “We are delivering tangible progress with a common goal – to drive the energy transition forward and achieve net-zero targets.”

The company also executed a collaboration agreement with HyET – a company that provides technologies for low-cost, distributed power generation and commercially viable hydrogen production at high pressure – for the development, industrialization and commercialization of an advanced hydrogen compression solution. Baker Hughes signed a memorandum of understanding with Green Energy Park, a vertically integrated renewable energy company with ammonia and hydrogen terminals projects worldwide, and part of Green Energy Park Global group. The agreement aims to set out the principles of the envisaged collaboration between the two companies in multiple areas of the green hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, transportation and utilization of green hydrogen and ammonia-based fuels, as well as exploration of possible co-development of related technologies and projects at the giga-watt scale.

“These low-carbon and carbon-free energy advancements illustrate how the urgency of the energy transition has transformed customer relationships into comprehensive partnerships for innovation across several projects,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes. “There is no path to net-zero without innovation and collaboration, and our work with customers and partners, including Air Products, is proving the validity of the hydrogen economy and of our strategy to invest and develop innovative solutions to cover the entire hydrogen value chain.”

Baker Hughes’ advanced technologies and solutions serve the entire hydrogen value chain, from production to transportation and utilization. The company’s experience in hydrogen projects dates back to the 1910s, and its portfolio includes advanced compressors, gas turbines, valves, centrifugal pumps, non-metallic pipes, hydrogen sensors, monitoring and diagnostics including inspection solutions for hydrogen embrittlement in production and storage, as well as clean power solutions to produce power with hydrogen and hydrogen blends.

About Baker Hughes

Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

For more information, please contact:

Media Relations

Chiara Toniato 
+39 3463823419 
chiara.toniato@bakerhughes.com

Investor Relations

Chase Mulvehill 
+1 281-809-9088 
investor.relations@bakerhughes.com

Qualcomm Incorporated released its annual Corporate Responsibility Report today, reporting on the Company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in 2023.

Qualcomm has a long history of transparency to stakeholders around its ESG performance. The report features successes achieved this past year, including progress made on companywide ESG targets, including goals around environmental sustainability, and power efficiency of our Snapdragon products. It also highlights the recognitions received for the Company’s ESG performance, including being listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index and ranked as one of Newsweek’s Most Responsible Companies for the fifth consecutive year.

“Throughout the year, we remained focused on executing our strategy, prioritizing our future growth and setting the pace of innovation, while navigating the challenging macroeconomic environment. Building on our nearly 40-year history of era-defining technology breakthroughs, our proven technologies span across unrivaled connectivity, high-performance, low-power computing, and leading-edge artificial intelligence (AI).” said Cristiano Amon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Qualcomm Incorporated. “Together with our ecosystem partners, we are creating opportunities designed to drive innovation, societal advancement and sustainability.”

Qualcomm’s ESG priorities include three areas of focus where the Company believes it can make the greatest impact — Empowering Digital Transformation, Acting Responsibly and Operating Sustainably.

Key highlights from 2023 include:

The Company continued to invent and develop products that enable customers to make a positive impact. One of Qualcomm’s 2025 goals is to reduce power consumption by 10 percent every year in the Company’s flagship Snapdragon products. Thus far, year over year, the Company achieved a reduction in power consumption by 10 percent in Snapdragon products when averaged across all use cases.The Company’s efforts around sustainable supply chain management maintained with the 2025 goal of auditing 100 percent of primary semiconductor manufacturing suppliers every 2 years for conformance to its Supplier Code of Conduct. As of 2023, 88 percent of our primary semiconductor manufacturing suppliers have received audits.In 2023, the Company achieved its 2025 global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions goal- two years ahead of schedule. It has reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by over 35 percent compared to a 2014 baseline. The Company is also continuing efforts that are helping advance us towards our 2040 net-zero target.In line with the Company’s conviction to address the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change, the Company continued its efforts and has other ambitious climate goals, including reaching net-zero global GHG emissions for Scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2040. The goals have been approved by Science Based Targets Initiative’s (SBTi) Business Ambition for 1.5°C.The Company kept up its work to enrich people’s lives by bringing technology to underserved communities around the world through its Qualcomm® Wireless Reach™ Initiative. During this past year, Wireless Reach reached its 2025 goal to positively impacted the lives of over 27 million people since 2006.The Company remains committed to its goal of inspiring the next generation of inventors by engaging over 1.5 million students and teachers across the globe through strategic STEM initiatives. While we achieved our goal in 2022, we carried on our efforts in STEM around the world. As of 2023, we’ve reached over 4.7 million students and teachers across the globe.

To learn more about Qualcomm’s progress towards their goals and ESG performance in 2023, read the full report here. 

Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

Originally published on LinkedIn

Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ Chief People Officer Heidi Manna recently appeared on an episode of the Future of HR Podcast where she discussed our innovative work model, “Jazz Remix.” Hear her perspective on flexible work environments and how to foster a positive employee experience.

Listen to the discussion of Jazz’s innovative and flexible work model here. 

We can now share the good news that the Northern Trust Ireland team has achieved the Business in the Community Ireland Mark (‘The Mark’), Ireland’s environmental, economic, social and governance standard.

The Mark recognizes that we have gone above and beyond to foster a culture of continuous improvement when it comes to sustainability in our Irish business.

We were assessed on four pillars of sustainability:

1. Economic; our approach to creating a positive and sustainable economic impact on the local community, society, and the environment
2. Environmental; our approach to responsibly managing our total environmental footprint
3. Social; our approach to addressing the needs of key social stakeholders
4. Governance; our structures provide the foundations for economic, environmental, and social pillars

Organizations with The Mark are representative of Ireland’s most mature, ambitious, and innovative organizations. This independently verified accreditation demonstrates our commitment to meeting and delivering the transformation needed to address the sustainability challenge in Ireland.

“I am thrilled that we have been recertified with The Mark. The rigorous process and external audit gives us, our clients and our broader stakeholder group, confidence in our commitment to drive sustainability in our organization.” Melíosa O’Caoimh, Country Manager Northern Trust Ireland.

Banks and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have long been collaborators in the shared pursuit of communities’ economic vitality. As in any enduring partnership, adaptability and resilience are essential and as the landscape of community development evolves, the alliance between banks and CDFIs must continue to grow, innovate and adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the current economic environment.

Despite the complexities of pandemic recovery, Black, Latino and other communities of colorhave shown remarkable resilience. Although CDFIs have historically been a key resource for these communities, the current uncertain economic environment makes it more challenging to provide the innovative capital products community investors are known for.

In times like these, our partnerships as financial institutions in communities are more needed than ever. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, targeted investments during the pandemic, like stimulus payments, kept 1.3 million Latino and 756,000 Black children out of poverty. Data from the Startup Cartography Project highlight a surge in small business formation in communities with a higher percentage of Black residents. Significant bounce-backs from economic challenges occur in communities, particularly communities of color, with targeted investment.

Such progress, however, is fragile and vulnerable to retrenchment. Borrowers have felt the adverse effects of higher interest rates, tighter credit standards and other inflationary pressures. Yet, LIIF’s and PNC’s commitments remain unwavering: PNC’s Community Benefits Plan pledges $88 billion in loans, investments, and other financial support to advance economic opportunities, including $400 million to support CDFIs in underserved communities, and in its first year PNC deployed $35.1 billion to bring this commitment to life. LIIF has committed to driving $5 billion in capital to advance racial equity by 2030, already 43% toward its goal.

As we continue our joint efforts to strategically advance economic prosperity, a key consideration in this evolving landscape is the cost of funds. Patient, flexible and risk tolerant capital is more critical than ever. When this type of catalytic financing is strategically deployed, it stimulates positive social or environmental outcomes, often in situations where traditional market forces alone may not be sufficient to achieve our goals. Catalytic capital routinely attracts additional investments and creates a ripple effect of positive change, ultimately fostering sustainable impact and positive systemic transformation.

Historically, PNC and LIIF have stood at the forefront of such collaborations. Our collective efforts have not only translated into significant financial commitments but have also yielded tangible, transformative outcomes. For instance, we have jointly directed capital toward projects that have made a positive impact on local economies such as Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing, a development group making workforce housing more accessible throughout San Diego and Escondido.

Together, we are pushing our sector to expand access to catalytic capital, leverage federal resources, and pave the way for a future where our collaborations uplift communities, foster innovation, and drive lasting change. We call on our peers to do the same. The call is clear: stronger partnerships today for a more resilient and equitable tomorrow.

In the #HowIGotHere series, you’ll read about the career paths of some of the world-renowned leaders at Yum! Brands. Learn more about Jack Hinchliffe, Chief Marketing Officer at The Habit Burger Grill in this installment.

EDUCATION

de Ferrers High School. 
Burton-upon-Trent, England (1996 –2002)Nottingham University 
B.A., English & Philosophy, Nottingham, England (2002 – 2005)

If we were to interview your teachers, what would they say about you?

Jack was the life and soul of the classroom and endlessly curious. When he discovered something new, his enthusiasm and passion ignited like a flame.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a police officer. I loved police TV dramas and movies. I had the notion that, in real life, the police were a cross between the Michael Mann movie Heat and the Sherlock Holmes stories.

But, when I was 16, I did a week work experience at a police station in Uttoxeter, which is a sleepy rural town in the middle of England. While there, not a single crime was committed, and the only call out was for a tractor fire. It wasn’t quite what I had envisioned, and the dream ended there.

WORK

First Job: My very first job was as a paperboy, followed by a stint as a waiter when I was 15 years old.

Kraft Foods 
2005 – 2007: Field Sales Executive; Nottingham, England 
2007 – 2008: National Account Manager; Nottingham, England 
2008 – 2009: Senior National Account Manager; Cheltenham, EnglandMondelēz International 
2009 – 2011: Senior National Account Manager; Cheltenham, England 
2011 – 2013: Revenue Planning Manager; Uxbridge, England 
2013 – 2015: Senior Brand Manager; Uxbridge, EnglandKFC UK & Ireland 
2015: Senior Marketing Manager; Woking, England 
2015 – 2016: Head of Innovation; Woking, England 
2016 – 2019: Innovation Director; Woking, England 
2019 – 2021: Marketing Director; Woking, England 
2021 – 2023: Chief Marketing Officer; Woking, EnglandThe Habit Burger Grill 
2023 – Present: Chief Marketing Officer; Irvine, California, United States

Do you believe in work/life balance?

I enjoy being all-in. For me, I find the healthiest blance when I’m committed to the moment, whether it be at work or outside. I don’t create rules or divisions between the two; I just try to be present in the moment.

Because of this, I’ve really enjoyed being back in the office. For me the physical environment makes it easier to stay present and avoid tinkering with things that aren’t urgent.

What moments, or who, in your life influenced the way you work?

Learning to Be My True Self

Growing up as a gay kid in the ‘90s in an industrial town, I felt like I didn’t belong. Those feelings stayed with me, and I spent the first 10 years of my career concealing that part of myself at work. Joining KFC brought about a significant transformation in my life, primarily due to my choices and actions, but the people and the environment at KFC also played a pivotal role. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong at work and in the world. That’s why I strive to play my part in creating a space where people can bring their whole selves, openly share their thoughts and have a seat at the table.

Trusting My Gut

Seven years into my Kraft Foods career, I faced a crucial decision: a desired sales team promotion or a lateral move into marketing. I followed my gut, made the move to marketing, and it paid off. This experience taught me the value of encouraging others to venture into new opportunities, challenging oneself to embrace change, understanding the importance of having a plan but being open to adjustments, and realizing that when faced with choices without a clear “wrong” decision, go with the choice that burns that little bit brighter in your heart.

Long Job Tenure

At KFC UK&I, I was fortunate to spend eight years in the same business unit within the same division. During this time, I truly grasped the significant influence that consistency and long-term commitment can have, both on business performance and personal growth.

What do people think you do versus what you actually do?

A lot of people will mistake marketing for advertising, so people often mistake my job as making adverts, which is a small part of the job. Even when I am involved in advertising, I don’t direct, produce or write, so it’s quite hard to explain the role I play in the process.

Most of what I do is in the pursuit of creating value for the customer – that the food we serve, the experience we offer and the things we stand for that come together in the form of a brand promise that we make to our customers.

What is the best piece of advice that you’ve been given?

As a leader at any level, it’s easy to underestimate the impact your words and actions can have. When you speak and act, imagine you’re doing so through a megaphone. You think it’s only at a 6, but it’s actually at a 10.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

It doesn’t take much. I’m mostly happy.

Being with my dog makes me pretty happy.

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

Nine months ago, my husband Sean and I embarked on a major life transition, relocating from London to California. This journey required changing brands, starting a new job and moving to a different country. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without Sean’s support and partnership. Together, we navigated through a multitude of logistical challenges, from setting up a bank account and acquiring a car to securing a place to call home.

Having a diverse and inclusive workplace makes good business sense, but the truth is that we’re stuck at an impasse. Companies are so focused on how many people from different backgrounds they employ that they’re missing the point. It’s not about the numbers. It’s about ensuring that every individual is equitably woven into the fabric of the organization and has opportunities to advance and thrive.

We invited Margaret Spence, an advocate for transformative change in the DEI landscape, to elaborate on where companies currently stand with DEI and what needs to change. With a commitment to challenging the status quo, questioning barriers, and leading inclusively, Margaret offers a compelling vision. Her expertise extends beyond rhetoric, by proving that DEI is not just a checkbox but an ongoing commitment.

Listen for insights on:

Recommended data points for tracking DEI success and impactHow being entrenched in the status quo can obstruct inclusionNavigating bias and inclusion challenges as a person of color

Listen to this and other episodes of Purpose 360 Podcast here.

Purpose 360 Podcast is a masterclass in unlocking the potential of purpose to ignite business and social impact. Hosted by Carol Cone, CEO of Carol Cone ON PURPOSE, Purpose 360 illuminates the impact of purpose, from engaging employees and fostering deeper consumer loyalty to inspiring product innovation and increasing market share.

Carol Cone ON PURPOSE (CCOP) is a pioneering social impact consultancy helping companies, brands, and nonprofits harness the power of purpose to advance their business and societal impact. CCOP’s proven approach, developed over decades and hundreds of purpose assignments, meets clients at any point on their purpose journey to unlock opportunities to build reputation, inspire and engage employees, ignite organizational culture for innovation and growth, while supporting the greater good.

To call it “time-tested” would be an understatement. Though fermentation is one of the world’s oldest preservation techniques, it’s finding new life as an exciting catalyst for food innovation.

Fermentation can be used to extend the life of seasonal, local ingredients while introducing consumers to globally inspired flavors. These foods offer the intriguing possibility of wellness benefits, as many contain live probiotics that can be beneficial for digestive health and may contain more bioactive or bioavailable end products such as vitamins or other compounds.

Foodservice operators use fermented foods to add complexity and depth to their dishes. Miso, umeboshi, pickled vegetables, sourdough and fruit vinegars are just a few of the ingredients making their way onto menus around the world. Dosa, a South Indian pancake made from fermented lentils and rice, is also growing globally.

ON THE MENU:

Plant-based “lamb” burger made with seasoned fermented vegetables, from a delivery-only brand (UK)Kimchi-filled hand pie in a flaky pastry shell, at a major QSR chain (Singapore)A fast food chain claiming the world’s largest dosa menu, with over 100 varieties available (India)

Fermentation is also revamping the protein industry, especially when it comes to meat, seafood and egg alternatives that are more sustainable and tastier than ever. Precision, traditional and biomass fermentation processes are being explored as efficient and scalable ways to feed the world.

IN THE PROTEIN SPACE:

Vegan eggs made using precision fermentation, helping to protect from issues like avian flu while using less water, land and energy (US)Mycoprotein chicken substitutes as high-protein, high-fiber and low saturated fat alternatives (UK)Green pea tempeh, a naturally fermented protein- and nutrient-rich plant-based food for many culinary applications (Thailand)

In the snack category, we’re seeing interesting trends around flavor and format. Many classic snacks, such as crisps, crackers and nuts, are being revamped with popular fermented flavor profiles like kimchi and sauerkraut. On the sweet side, chocolates made through microbial fermentation are claiming to be both climate- and gut-friendly alternatives.

ON RETAIL SHELVES:

Cocoa product substitutes from fermented oats and precision fermentation processes to create sustainable chocolate bars (Germany)Korean kimchi found as a popular flavor profile for instant ramen (Saudi Arabia, India, UAE)Nattō, made from fermented soybeans, reimagined as a freeze-dried snack or jerky (Japan)Panettone cake made with a natural fermentation process that results in a fluffy, moist texture (Brazil)

Fermented ingredients deliver sour, umami and tangy notes that make foods both memorable and balanced. From crave-worthy snacks to menu items that may support digestive health, fermentation presents an exciting opportunity to move the food industry forward.

FLAVOR FROM FERMENTATION

Watch Chef Ryan Flick incorporate fermented ingredients into his Plant-based Ravioli, featuring Griffith Foods Plant-Based Vegan Beef Seasoning and Custom Culinary® Brown Gravy Mix. The ravioli are filled with textured plant protein, slow-cooked in upcycled fermented red wine pomace, then finished with butternut squash and miso butter foam.

CREATE AND INNOVATE

THE INSIDE SCOOP ON INJERA

Injera is a fermented pancake-like flatbread traditionally made from teff flour. It’s a staple of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, used both as a plate and as a utensil to scoop up stews and salads.

Injera Platter

Spongy flatbread served with atkilt wot (sautéed cabbage, potatoes and carrots), azifa (lentil salad), chermoula (herb sauce), blatjang (apricot chutney) and labneh (yogurt).

TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Fermentation preserves seasonality and can transform mundane flavors into something extraordinary. Contact your Griffith Foods representative to learn how our versatile products can enhance your culinary creations.

Seasonings

Our topical seasonings, marinades and brines deliver deep umami notes and fermented flavors, highlighted by fermented garlic, aged vinegars, warming spices and more.

Black Garlic and Balsamic Vinegar Snack SeasoningWinter Fruit BrinePepperoni Cure and Seasoning

Sauces and Dressings

Ingredients such as fermented red miso, rice wine, tamari and pungent fish sauce bring complexity to salads and dipping sauce applications.

Miso-Mirin and Ponzu GlazeNước Chấm (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce)

Textures and Coatings

Tart, fermented notes of a classic “starter” combined with butter notes can be used in both sweet and savory applications.

Sourdough Chickpea Pancake Batter

FUTURE BITES

Innovative products using fermentation techniques are popping up across the food industry. What’s coming next?

EDUCATION:

Fermented protein products will move from experimentation to a wider audience, and an important challenge will be educating consumers on the benefits of precision fermentation and similar processes.

THE HEALTH CONNECTION:

For fermentation-focused snack brands, more claims will be made between fermented items (e.g. pre- and probiotic-rich skyr and kombucha) and a broader range of possible health benefits beyond gut health, which will require substantiation through ongoing research in this space.

CHANNEL EXPANSION:

In foodservice, fermented meat and dairy alternatives are often found in fine dining. QSR and fast casual operations will further adopt plant-based fermented foods as the processes become more mainstream.

Sources:
Good Food Institute, “Fermentation for Alternative Proteins 101: Resource Guide,” 2023.
Mintel, 2024 FlavorIQ® Food and Flavor Outlook Report, January 2024.

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January 24 is the International Day of Education, celebrating what the United Nations describes as a “fundamental human right” and “the bedrock of societies, economies, and every person’s potential.”

The purpose of Cisco Networking Academy is to empower all people with career possibilities, helping them achieve their potential. There are currently 3.7 million people in 190 countries learning with Cisco Networking Academy.

In our 11,700 Academies, 29,700 instructors are dedicated to inspiring learners with IT and digital skills education.

Many of those instructors were inspired by their own teachers and are now paying it forward. An enthusiastic teacher makes learning fun. And studies show that teacher enthusiasm can enhance student learning outcomes.

On International Day of Education, we’d like to thank all of our dedicated instructors, and we are proud to share some of their inspiring stories.

Thank you for partnering with us!

Johannes Pule Khutsoane, South Africa

Johannes Pule Khutsoane, from South Africa, overcame financial hardship to complete his Cisco Networking Academy studies. Being taken under his instructor’s wing helped. He was so impressed with the course he went on to become an instructor himself.

“I underwent training to become a certified instructor which allowed me to give back to my community. I have been training Networking Academy programs for the past five years,” he says.

“Seeing the positive impact on their lives and witnessing their growth and success in the tech industry is incredibly inspiring,” he says. “It motivates me to continue my efforts and find new ways to contribute to my community’s development.”

Dr Gabriella Arellano, United States

Dr Gabriella Arellano is the Cybersecurity Faculty and Continuing Education Coordinator at Sitting Bull College on Standing Rock Reservation in the United States. Gabriella became an instructor after already having attained a master’s degree in education, curriculum, assessment, and instruction.

“It was just such a life saver to be able to transition and teach all these courses. I’m amazed by the level of support that Cisco has provided to me as an instructor,” she says.

“Students are very engaged,” she says. “For their midterms, for their finals, even the assignments, the Cisco Packet Tracer assignments that they do…they’re always emailing me: ‘Hey, did you see how I did here?’ Students get very engaged with the material, which is very nice.”

Neil Hines, Australia

Neil Hines in Australia was struggling after losing 35% of his vision, but after completing a Cisco Networking Academy IT Essentials course, his instructor pulled him aside and asked whether he’d like to become an instructor at Cisco Academy for the Vision Impaired (CAVI) in Perth.

“CAVI had a very profound effect on my life considering where I was going. I didn’t really have a pathway, as opposed to now. Having a career and a pathway, that certainly wasn’t there when I lost part of my vision,” he says.

Arnaud Burlion, France

Arnaud Burlion from France, says he wasn’t a “model schoolboy” because school didn’t motivate him. Arnaud dropped out of high school and enrolled in the army, serving for five years in the Chasseurs Alpins regiment.

“I wanted to resume my studies, but in something that I was passionate about,” he says. “At Paris-Saclay University I was guided by an instructor at the best networking school: Cisco Networking Academy.”

After going on to become a Cisco Networking Academy instructor, Arnaud realized how much he could have achieved at school. “When I saw the first reaction of my students, the first year I taught, when they understood how computer communications really worked, I realized how much I enjoyed teaching. Especially with the Cisco Networking Academy program. I was happy to convey knowledge the way I would have liked when I was at school,” he says.

Jim Elkins, United States

Jim Elkins of North Tech Missouri, in the U.S., fell into IT education and went on to become an advocate—and a popular one too, if the sheer numbers of students praising his teaching methods are any indication.

His own Cisco Networking Academy instructor inspired Jim. The “instructor was incredible, and he really got me interested,” he says. “I’d never had anything like that in college and I’d never even thought that there was that kind of material out there, so it really opened my eyes a lot.”

Jim’s students are so engaged that even after graduation and entering the workforce, many come back to talk to current students. “That’s what makes it more amazing and why we continue to have success,” he says, “because the current students are looking at the graduates that are coming in, and they’re like, ‘they were me five years ago!’”

Gloria Castro, Chile

Despite being raised in a rural area in Chile and economic challenges, Gloria Castro qualified as an Electronic Engineer, a role she says “was not well regarded for a woman at that time.”

“My goal was to study,” she says. “My teachers encouraged and motivated me to continue advancing.”

After she had earned a job with the University of Tarapacá as a laboratory instructor, in 2003 Gloria was sent to the US to study to become a Cisco Networking Academy instructor—Chile’s first female instructor. “To have the opportunity to be a Cisco Networking Academy instructor, motivating and teaching students who open new doors in their professional lives,” is something that Gloria says is a defining moment in her life.

These are just some of our amazing Cisco Networking Academy instructor stories.

Find out more on how to teach with us

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According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), employees of restaurants and hotels (the two major branches of the hospitality industry) have the highest rates of substance use out of the entire American workforce. Service occupations, such as those in the food and hospitality industries, had the second highest proportion of workers with substance use disorders — 15.6%. A substance use disorder doesn’t just affect employees themselves and their families; businesses lose enormous sums every year as a result of the issue in the form of higher health care costs, absenteeism and presenteeism (when employees are at work, but not fully productive).

Gary Mendell, a former hotelier and Chairman of HEI Hotels & Resorts, founded the national nonprofit Shatterproof following his son Brian’s death due to addiction. His purpose for founding Shatterproof was to improve the way that our healthcare system prevents and treats treatment quality, addressing the shame and stigma associated with substance use disorders, and advancing evidence-based policies.

Recognizing the connection between the hospitality industry and addiction, Mendell established the Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award to unite and acknowledge hospitality executives who take an active role in ending the addiction crisis. The Award is presented each year at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS). This year’s recipient was Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO, Hyatt, who is the fifth recipient to receive the award. Hoplamazian has been an integral voice on the issue of addiction.

“Hyatt is proud to collaborate with Shatterproof as they lead the way in advocating for people with substance use disorders, their families and the communities this disease impacts,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO, Hyatt.

More than 60 hospitality companies raised $2 million during the event to advance the important work Shatterproof is doing and to support Mendell.

“I continue to be inspired by the incredible support of the hotel industry,” said Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of Shatterproof. “Substance use disorder is a largely preventable disease, and it is through the generous support and awareness efforts of the hospitality industry that we will be able to reduce stigma and increase the number of policy changes and treatment resources to end this crisis.”