Tag: 3BL

What does it mean to be your whole self at work? Is it showcasing your allyship button or favorite tattoo? Is it wearing your natural curly hair or dressing more casually? For most, being their authentic self is an expression of their culture, identity, language, experience with power dynamics, and more. Employees feel included, seen, heard, and valued when they are empowered to show up as their authentic selves.

During Global Diversity Awareness Month, it’s important to highlight how authenticity and belonging in the workplace affect employee engagement and well-being. I recently spoke with Dr. Ángel Vélez (He/Him/His), DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Consultant at Cisco. For him, authenticity and belonging are critical to achieving Cisco’s collective purpose of Powering an Inclusive Future for All. With over 12 years of DEI experience, Dr. Vélez intentionally shows up as his full self to serve as a blueprint for others who may not feel empowered to do the same.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Dr. Ángel Vélez (pronounced: Ah-n-hell Veh-lez). I’m a cisgender Afro-Puerto Rican man born and raised in Yauco, Puerto Rico, but currently living in Chicago, Illinois. I take pride in being a first-generation college graduate, which fuels my drive to address the many disparities that prohibit equitable access to quality education. I’ve taught courses in African/African American Studies, Latin/Latin American Studies, and Asian/Asian American Studies and led support programs for first generation underrepresented students of color.

October is Global Diversity Awareness Month. What does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean to you, and what inspired you to work in this field?

DEI concepts represent the cornerstone of a just and fair society where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. My firsthand experiences of growing up low-income, Black, and Puerto Rican have ignited my passion for working in DEI. Having witnessed the profound impact of discrimination and exclusion on myself and others, I am committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive world.

Diversity involves recognizing and celebrating individual differences, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic background, disability, and more.Equity goes beyond equality and acknowledges that everyone has unique needs and challenges to overcome. It aims to create fair and just systems that provide equal opportunities for everyone to succeed. By dismantling the structural and systemic barriers that hinder specific individuals or communities, equity ensures everyone can access resources, support, and representation.Inclusion creates spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. It fosters a culture of respect, openness, and acceptance, where diverse voices are heard, actively sought out, and valued.

How do you show up authentically?

My tagline on LinkedIn is “Skilled at Being Authentic” because I believe I’ve mastered being comfortable in my skin. Although I am here now, that wasn’t always the case. For years, I over-emphasized my appearance to look “less threatening” in professional spaces. Showing up authentically means showing my tattoos, wearing Jordans, speaking in Spanglish, and using urban culture and expression everywhere I go.

I began to flourish once I acknowledged there was nothing inherently wrong with growing up poor and urban. Like Tupac’s poem once said, “I am the rose that grew from concrete.” It serves as a metaphor for individuals who rise above challenging circumstances and succeed against all odds.

Why do you believe there is resistance that prevents folks from showing up authentically in the workplace–especially for historically excluded and underrepresented communities?

Fear of change is one of the primary reasons for resistance to DEI solutions. It can be uncomfortable and threatening for those who benefit from existing systems of privilege and control. Additionally, many people fail to recognize the benefits of diverse perspectives, such as better business outcomes and higher performing teams.

In addition, unconscious biases, deep-seated stereotypes, and prejudices can create obstacles for individuals to express themselves authentically without fear of judgment or discrimination. This includes things like microaggressions, which are subtle yet damaging discriminatory comments or actions that undermine the sense of belonging and authenticity of people with varied identities.

Lastly, the fear of retaliation or reprisal for speaking up about DEI issues can prevent individuals from showing up authentically. This fear may arise due to concerns about job security, professional reputation, or adverse consequences within the workplace.

What advice do you have for people not feeling empowered or welcome to show up as themselves?

Identify communities where you can find support and connect with individuals who share similar experiences, which can provide a sense of belonging and empowerment. Cisco’s Inclusive Communities space is a great place where I am comfortable being myself. As an Afro-Latinx man, I enjoy spending my time with the Connected Black Professionals (CBP) and Conexión.Find allies, mentors, and sponsors who can guide, advise, and advocate for you in the workplace. Having leaders who can use their social capital to help amplify your voice and your career is critical. At Cisco, our sponsorship solution, The Multiplier Effect (TME), holds leaders accountable for sponsoring diverse Cisconians who are different from themselves.Focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and the value you bring to the workplace. Confidence in your values can help you overcome barriers and show up authentically. I am my greatest advocate because I know what I bring to the business.

Be You, With Us

Don’t wait to unlock your full potential. Join over 2,500 Cisconians who have used DEI Events & Programs and accumulated an estimated 34,000 hours of structured DEI learning. Cisco’s Commitment to DEI is designed to help you embrace your authentic voice and be your best self.

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Maximus is proud to be a member of the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and support initiatives like the Prosperity Project, the Chamber-led approach to cutting childhood poverty in half. Roughly 1,700 employees support the Tampa Bay area and more than 4,400 Maximus employees support the state of Florida.

Originally published by Tampa Bay Chamber in its Member Spotlight

Government agencies have historically been challenged to better serve residents and citizens equitably, fairly and efficiently. That’s where Maximus comes in. “We provide professional expertise in services that help the government operate,” said Krislyn King, Senior Site manager for Maximus. As a strategic partner to federal, state, and local governments, Maximus strives to help move people forward by improving the delivery and efficiency of public services.

A strategic partner in the state of Florida since 1988, Maximus has more than 4,400 employees that live and work in the state, with approximately 1,700 employees right here in the Tampa Bay area. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Maximus operates in all 50 states, Washington DC, and nine countries spanning four continents.

Offering services like contact center operations, data analytics, citizen engagement, technology, and program administration, Maximus provides much needed support to federal, state, and local government programs. “One of the contracts I work on is 1-800-Medicare,” said King. “If you know anybody who is 65 or older, or disabled, chances are they have Medicare or some form of it, and if they need help, they call 1-800-Medicare and speak to one of my employees,” she noted, referring to the contact center established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. According to King, Maximus also has a successful history providing services to 12 state agencies and 22 Florida counties. Nationally, it supported the 2020 Census Questionnaire Assistance from several Florida office locations. In addition, Maximus supports Florida KidCare which is the state’s comprehensive response to the needs of children who lack health insurance.

The commitment of Maximus to clients and the populations served by government, is matched by the company’s dedication to inclusion, diversity, and equity, which is considered to be fundamental to the company mission of moving people forward. Ranked #13 on Forbes Best Employers for Diversity list in 2023, Maximus prioritized the development and implementation of a comprehensive DE&I strategy through a wave of new internal initiatives. “We’ve been expanding a variety of new programs, intentionally trying to reach more and include more people in the company, continue to push the conventional work norms, and integrate more work-related diversity,” King said.

A first-year member of the chamber, Maximus has been drawn to the Chamber’s Prosperity Project. This Chamber-led approach to cutting childhood poverty in half engages businesses in specific zip codes to collectively impact their communities by combating the root causes of poverty. “We were very excited to become involved in the Chamber’s Prosperity project because it really is an opportunity for us to use our expertise while helping to support the lives of Floridians across the state in which we work and live,” King said. In addition to its involvement in the Tampa Bay region, Maximus is also a valued member of the Florida State Chamber Prosperity Project’s Board.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Photos of family and friends adorn the walls and shelves of most homes, and Ambera Pruitt’s house is no different. You’ll find pictures of her two growing daughters, her mom and her sisters. But you’ll also find a photo of Ambera with group of strangers who came together five years ago to, quite literally, help build the house she now calls home.

That home – and 22 others like it – was part of the 2018 Habitat for Humanity Jimmy & Roslynn Carter Work Project in Mishawaka, Indiana. A few months after the home was built, on Oct. 18, Ambera signed her closing documents and officially became a homeowner.

“I can’t believe it’s been five years already,” Pruitt said. “I’m the first in my family to own a home, and it’s a brand new house.”

U.S. Bank employees were among the volunteers working on Pruitt’s home that week in Mishawaka five years ago (as well as the most recent Carter Work Project build a few weeks ago in Charlotte). In addition to sweat equity, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance invested more than $120 million in New Market Tax Credit equity in Habitat affiliates nationwide for affordable homeownership projects, helping to create over 1,250 units.

The pride Pruitt has in her home is palpable, as is the pride she has in her own abilities as a homeowner, the relationships she’s nurtured in her neighborhood and the security owning a home has meant for her family.

“I’ll tell the girls all the time, I built these walls or I put the siding on that house,” said Pruitt, who put in her own sweat equity as a volunteer, helping with construction of her two-story, three-bedroom, colonial-style home.

“If we take down the cabinets, I have all the signatures there,” she said, referencing how the U.S. Bank volunteers wrote notes of support on the unfinished walls before the kitchen cabinets went up.

“Investing in communities is core to who we are and what we do every day, but we don’t always get to see the longer-term impact of our work in such a personal way,” said Bill Carson, senior business development officer with U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance. “Reconnecting with Ambera and hearing about her life today – after working alongside her on her home five years ago – is so gratifying. It reminds me why we do this work.”

An important part of being a Habitat owner is the support provided to new homebuyers – both financial education and home ownership basics.

Pruitt marveled at her own abilities.

“The wind caught our back screen door and it snapped. And I fixed it,” she said. “I fix screen doors now. That’s really what I love about Habitat. They don’t just put you in a house and say ‘Figure it out.’ They teach you how to be a homeowner. Sometimes I really can’t believe this is mine. I love coming home.”

Pruitt’s neighborhood has changed in five years. More homes have been built and a park added. The final blacktop on the street was just laid.

“I remember them telling us we’ll get final blacktop in five years, and now it’s here,” she said. “New neighbors have moved in. When I look at the neighborhood, it’s just beautiful.”

Pruitt said she knows everyone in the neighborhood, crediting their shared Habitat connection. She’s the leader of their neighborhood watch group. And because Mishawaka doesn’t have school bus transportation for the district, Pruitt bought a minivan to help with the neighborhood school carpool.

“I love it because I know them all. I’ve never had that – I never spoke to my neighbors before, we never had a chance to know each other,” Pruitt said, adding that renting often means moving a lot and never being in one place long enough to put down roots. Now her neighbors also keep an eye on her place if she’s away.

“That’s something new – we have money to visit and go places,” she said. “Before Habitat, as a renter, rent was always going up. My mortgage has never been even close to how much my rent was. It’s a financial relief.”

Pruitt beams with pride for what this home means for her family and the security homeownership has provided. Five years ago, when construction was underway, she hoped to be able to move in by Thanksgiving.

“With U.S. Bank’s help, we had an awesome first Thanksgiving in our home,” said Pruitt, who has hosted all the family Thanksgiving dinners since, sometimes with up to 20 people.

“We have a big family, lots of nieces and nephews. There’s space for dad, me, my mom, my sisters. And I have two bathrooms,” she said with a laugh. “No one else in the family has two bathrooms, so we host it.”

The security of homeownership meant not having to worry when her job as a graphic artist went remote during the COVID-19 pandemic. It meant having space to add two dogs to the family. It means her youngest daughter Azaylia, 9, can stay in one school and school district without moving around. And it means Pruitt was ready with an answer when her oldest daughter Charity, 12, asked if she could come back and live in the house after college.

“I said, ‘You can live here forever.’”

Pruitt began marking a wall in the basement to measure the height of her daughters several times a year. Seeing the growth spurts sometimes takes her by surprise.

“My youngest grew five inches from March to August, and I was showing her, ‘This was you, Azaylia.’ We’ll always have that,” Pruitt said. “These are memories that we’ll have forever because this our forever home.”

Originally published by Walgreens Boots Alliance

By Elyse Russo, Walgreens Stories

The pharmacy students graduating today are better prepared and more ready to practice at an advanced level than ever before.

That’s according to Glen Schumock, College of Pharmacy Dean at University of Illinois, Chicago.

But preparedness isn’t the problem—it’s the lack of people applying. From fall 2011 to fall 2021, pharmacy school applications decreased by more than 60%, data from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy shows.

“So how do we inspire the next generation of people to move into the profession?” Schumock says.

One way is by hearing from actual pharmacists who are passionate about their job. That’s why Schumock recently joined a live discussion on LinkedIn with three Walgreens pharmacists, so they could share what their jobs are really like. Helping Schumock moderate the discussion was UIC alumnae Rina Shah, PharmD, Walgreens SVP, Pharmacy of the Future and Transformation. Shah, a second-generation pharmacist, recently marked 25 years with the company.

The full video of the discussion is above, but future pharmacists should know these three things about the profession:

1. Community pharmacists DO have time for personal interactions with patients and can really make an impact.

“I think the biggest assumption about retail pharmacy is that it’s very transactional,” says Darshana Patel, registered pharmacy manager at the Walgreens specialty pharmacy in Fountain Valley, California. “But it’s more than just wearing a white coat. We’re educating our patients about vaccines, providing adherence counseling, and at our specialty site, we’re discussing copay assistance, connecting patients to advocacy groups and providing that continuity of care.”

Patel, who has worked at Walgreens for 28 years, says her location manages more than 3,000 patients living with diseases like HIV, Hepatitis C or cancer, among other things. Patel shared a story of how she helped a young, scared patient navigate a STD diagnosis, providing her medication counseling and connecting her with support. She says the patient still visits her specialty site today.

“I love having a career where I can have face-to-face impact with patients,” Patel says, explaining how the retail or community pharmacist role needs to break away from the stigma of being transactional. It’s more about building patient relationships, she says.

2. New technology has created efficiencies in the pharmacy profession, meaning less administrative tasks and more time for patients.

Walgreens Healthcare Supervisor Brad Lawson, PharmD, lights up whenever there’s talk about innovation in the pharmacy industry. For example, the work done by micro-fulfillment centers, which are dedicated exclusively to filling prescriptions, is a major advantage when recruiting pharmacists in Arkansas, where he is based.

“The great part is we’re not taking that labor out of our stores, just repurposing that labor into tangible, meaningful face-to-face interactions with patients, digging into what barriers to care they might have so they can ultimately have longer, healthier lives,” Lawson says.

Technological advancement in the industry is a key area that Shah is focused on in her work at Walgreens.

“Our efforts with micro-fulfillment, automation and even centralization to remove calls from the store, is what we’re focused on, so that our team members can engage with more patients,” Shah says.

3. There are multiple opportunities for furthering your education and career growth.

Rebecca Persaud, registered manager at the Walgreens specialty pharmacy in The Villages, Florida, has discovered a passion in supporting pharmacy students and new pharmacists. She works as a preceptor at four different pharmacy schools and assists with the onboarding of new pharmacists at Walgreens.

“I love being able to connect my students to any opportunities they’re intrigued in as well as making sure they have the foundation they need to succeed in whichever field of pharmacy they choose,” she says, adding that sharing the range of her experiences helps students understand the breadth of what pharmacists can do.

Persaud, along with Patel, also mentor Walgreens community pharmacists.

“We’re giving our staff pharmacists and managers exposure to specialty and what else Walgreens can offer,” Patel says. “They learn about what we do at a specialty level and how they can also utilize those things at a retail level. So, mentorship is great, externally and internally, and I feel like we do that well as a company.”

Watch the full LinkedIn Live discussion above.

WASHINGTON, October 31, 2023 /3BL/ – This Halloween, Pepco is providing tips to help customers put a stake in vampire energy and stop appliances and electronics from using unnecessary energy.

Vampire energy, also known as phantom power or standby energy, occurs when a device or appliance continues to use energy, even when it is turned off. Many electronics and office equipment, including mobile phone chargers, computer cords, printers, coffee pots, game consoles and other devices, continue to draw energy while plugged in. Vampire energy can account for up to 20 percent of the total energy used by these devices leading to higher energy bills that could cause a fright.

The following tips can help slash energy usage and prevent higher energy bills:

Use a power strip with an on/off switch to completely power down electronics around your home when not in use.Unplug your mobile phone charger, laptop or other electronic devices once they are fully charged.When preparing for out-of-town travel, always unplug all non-essential devices like televisions and other electronics. These lurking vampires sit in stand-by mode and continue to draw energy.Turn off all lights when leaving a room and use timers for indoor and outdoor lights, including electric holiday decorations and lights.Scare away ghosts with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which last longer and use up to 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs.Trap escaping air from windows and doors by using caulking or weather-stripping around leaky areas and close chimney flues.Keep blinds up during the day to capture the radiant heating benefits of the sun. Close blinds and curtains after the sun goes down to keep the cold air out and the heat in.Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances, electronics, and other products. ENERGY STAR® products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.Manage your bill on My Account. Online energy management tools show you how much energy you are using. The bill to date feature lets you know what your bill costs are to date at any time during the month. You can also get tips based on your energy saving goals.

All Pepco customers can learn more about becoming energy efficient and saving money on their energy bills by going to pepco.com/WaysToSave. Pepco Maryland customers can also get assistance from Zoe, the Good Energy Guide, by visiting pepco.com/goodenergy. Zoe walks customers through Pepco’s energy efficiency offerings to help customers in Maryland save energy and money.

To learn more about Pepco, visit The Source, Pepco’s online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting pepco.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/PepcoConnect on Twitter at twitter.com/PepcoConnect. Pepco’s mobile app is available at pepco.com/MobileApp.

Pepco is a unit of Exelon (Nasdaq: EXC), a Fortune 250 company and the nation’s largest utility company, serving more than 10 million customers. Pepco provides safe and reliable energy service to approximately 919,000 customers in the District of Columbia and Maryland.

A.S.K. – Acknowledge, Support, Keep-In-Touch – is a digital-first multimedia campaign that gives young people the tools to simply and effectively help someone and is part of MTVE’s ‘Mental Health is Health’ initiative

New research from MTVE shows that young adults are most likely to turn to a friend first when struggling with their mental health, but nearly 70% do not feel prepared to provide support

NEW YORK, October 31, 2023 /3BL/ – MTV Entertainment Studios (MTVE) has partnered with leading young adult mental health non-profit Active Minds to spearhead an innovative mental health campaign this fall that empowers youth and young adults to simply and effectively help people in their lives through emotional challenges. Called A.S.K. – an acronym for Acknowledge, Support, and Keep-In-Touch – the new highly memorable, multi-media campaign will roll out via digital-first marketing and at key cultural events and on campuses nationwide this fall, combining Active Minds’ two decades of expertise championing peer-to-peer mental health programs for youth and young adults with the global platform of MTVE’s Mental Health is Health initiative.

“MTV Entertainment is committed to driving meaningful change in youth mental health through powerful storytelling, insights, and tools that move people from awareness toward action,” said Chris McCarthy, President and CEO, SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks. “We are excited to partner with Active Minds to recruit an army of peer health allies to empower young people to support their friends, families and communities.”

MTVE research shows that young people are more likely to seek help from their friends than a mental health care provider – and while they want to support their friends, nearly 70% do not feel prepared to do so. A.S.K. provides a memorable framework for effective peer support and promotes conversation by encouraging people to ask questions to better support their friends and loved ones:

Acknowledge: Let them know their feelings and experiences are valid, that you believe them and recognize the courage it took to come to you.Support: Show up and ask how you can help. Offer options and resources for coping methods and/or professional help if needed.Keep-In-Touch: Actions speak louder – checking back in regularly shows you really care about and hear them.

“Friends and companions are often the first people others turn to during their moments of distress,” said Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director, Active Minds. “However, the desire to help is often accompanied by uncertainty about how to best provide that support. A.S.K. provides a clear roadmap, allowing us to show up for our friends and loved ones effectively and genuinely. With MTVE’s reach in combination with the heavy presence of Active Minds on high school and college campuses across the nation, the campaign creates a growing environment of open dialogue and support.”

MTVE debuted A.S.K. at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in September, where audiences around the country viewed multiple PSAs throughout the broadcast, introducing the campaign and highlighting ways that young viewers can get involved. An interactive, large-scale woven friendship bracelet created by renowned fiber artist Katrina Sánchez appeared in lower Manhattan ahead of the event, and the bracelet will pop up in cities across the country this fall as a visual and interactive symbol of the power of peer support.

“I am thrilled to continue working with MTVE and Active Minds, two organizations that value the mental health and well being of marginalized youth and young adults,” said Morgann Noble, youth advisor. “We hope that A.S.K. will become as easy to remember as Stop, Drop, and Roll for anyone who wants to provide emotional support to the people in their lives.”

More than 40 Active Minds chapters across the country have been selected to host ASKtivations on campuses, including:

Albany State University – Albany, GeorgiaAlbion College – Albion, MichiganBoston College – Chestnut Hill, MassachusettsBradley University – Peoria, IllinoisBryant University – Smithfield, Rhode IslandCollege of Southern Nevada – Las Vegas, NevadaColorado State University – Fort Collins, ColoradoColumbia University – New York City, New YorkDe Anza Active Minds – Cupertino, CaliforniaDelta State University – Cleveland, MississippiDominican University of California – San Rafael, CaliforniaFlorida State University – Tallahassee, FloridaIndiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, IUPUI – Indianapolis, IndianaKenyon College – Gambier, OhioLouisiana State University-Shreveport – Shreveport, LouisianaMiller Middle School – Santa Maria, CaliforniaMississippi State University – Starkville, MississippiMorgan State University – Baltimore, MarylandNorth Carolina State University – Raleigh, North CarolinaNortheast Community College – Norfolk, NebraskaNew York University – New York City, New YorkPenn State Behrend – Erie, PennsylvaniaRockhurst University – Kansas City, MissouriSan Francisco State University – San Francisco, CaliforniaSomerset Community College – Somerset, KentuckyState University of New York at Plattsburgh – Plattsburgh, New YorkStockton University – Galloway, New JerseyTemple University – Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaThe University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Edinburg, TexasThe University of Arizona – Tucson, AZThiel College – Greenville, PennsylvaniaThomas College – Waterville, MaineTufts University – Medford, MassachusettsUniversity of Connecticut – Storrs, ConnecticutUMass Amherst (University of Massachusetts Amherst) – Amherst, MassachusettsUniversity of Arizona, Tucson, ArizonaUniversity of Alberta – Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaUniversity of Central Florida – Orlando, FloridaUniversity of Dayton – Dayton, OhioUniversity of Houston Downtown – Houston, TexasUniversity of Illinois at Springfield – Springfield, IllinoisUniversity of Manitoba – Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, North CarolinaUniversity of Northern Iowa – Cedar Falls, IowaUniversity of Washington – Seattle, WashingtonThe University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TexasWaukesha County Technical College – Pewaukee, Wisconsin

A.S.K. was created in partnership with Active Minds, building on the non-profit’s successful V-A-R campaign advancing peer support and centering the youth-led approach that has been a core element of Active Minds’ strategy and programming since its founding. In keeping with a shared focus on young BIPOC and LGBTQ+ adults, Active Minds and MTV brought together ten young mental health advocates and activists from diverse backgrounds — some of whom participated in MTVE’s first-ever Mental Health Youth Action Forum in coordination with the Biden-Harris Administration in Spring 2022 — to provide input on the most pressing mental health concerns and needs directly from the youth this campaign aims to serve:

Jorge Alvarez, Social Impact Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, Creator & Mental Health Youth Action Forum participant (New York, NY)Brandon Bond, Mental Health & Well-Being Student Advocate Consultant at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)Kaitlin Chau, Middle School Counselor (San Jose, CA)Alyssa Garza, Counseling Graduate Student, Counseling Intern at LSU-Shreveport, Mental Health Advocate, Active Minds Chapter Founder (Shreveport, LA)Anushka Gupta, President of Active Minds’ National Student Advisory Committee (New York, NY)Tre Moss, Social Work Student (Davenport, IA)Morgann Noble, Model, Mental Health Advocate, Motivational Speaker and Consultant (Washington, DC)Jaiden Singh, Active Minds Chapter Leader and Student Ambassador (Tucson, AZ)Trace Terrell, Peer Educator and Mental Health Advocate (La Pine, OR)Meera Varma, Mental Health Activist & Mental Health Youth Action Forum participant (Los Angeles, CA)

The campaign is part of MTVE’s broader Mental Health is Health initiative, launched in 2021 to tackle the nation’s growing mental health crisis, particularly among youth, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. The initiative underscores that mental health is part of overall health and aims to move people from awareness to action with powerful storytelling and groundbreaking tools.

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MTV Entertainment Studios 
MTV Entertainment Studios produces 120+ series annually, including some of today’s biggest hits such as Yellowstone, Emily in Paris, 1923, 1883, George and Tammy, South Park, Tulsa King, The Daily Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Challenge and Jersey Shore, to name a few, as well as Award-winning documentaries through its acclaimed MTV Documentary Films. MTV Entertainment uses its reach for social impact, spearheading broad change-driven coalitions through mental health and civic engagement campaigns.

Active Minds 
Active Minds is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing resources for mental health support, particularly among young adults. With a mission to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations, Active Minds has been a pivotal force in fostering a supportive mental health community.

SOURCE MTV Entertainment Studios

We held our second annual Latina Leadership Summit at Expedia Group organized by our Inclusion Business Group – Latinx at Expedia & Allies for Development (LEAD) in partnership with L500 Inc. to close out Hispanic Heritage Month in Austin. It was an event I will always remember with fondness, warmth but more importantly leaving the day inspired!

I am inspired and motivated to be part of the positive influence and change to move the numbers for Latinas. Today the number of Latinas in STEM roles is 2% and at leadership roles it’s even smaller at around 1%. As a mother, I feel a big weight on my shoulders to not only open the door for those behind us (my daughter and nieces included), but ensure we are providing instructions to get into STEM and leadership roles! We Latinas are masters of dealing with ambiguity and adapting and thriving in any environment because our mothers, abuelas, tias and so many overcame various challenges to get many of us to where we are today. It is our responsibility to continue the legacy left behind by our mothers, abuelas and others by supporting and encouraging each other.

This year our Latina Leadership Summit held several different panel topics from a great list of phenomenal women and allies. It’s vital we include allies into the conversation as we can only drive change and influence if we have their support and receive their sponsorship when we (Latinas) are not in the rooms. We had the fabulous Salwa Yordi as our Master of Ceremonies providing us with her passion and energy to keep the day on track. We also had Karla Rendon (DJ Kickit) back for the second year to liven up our day with amazing Latin music.

Our first panel discussion covered: Defining Leadership: Key Traits of a Strong Leader with Claudia Valecillos as our moderator and our panelists: Kathy Martinez, Christina Corona and Marisela Rylander

It was an engaging panel showcasing different styles of leadership and uncovering common themes. My key takeaways from the discussion were:

Key traits of a strong leader: respecting others, listening, observing what needs to be done, establishing trust while growing and mentoring people and adaptability (Latina’s superpower!).Defining moments as a leader: becoming a people leader and recognizing how others benefit from your stories and your presence.Invite others to collaborate especially around inclusion. This establishes the psychological safety at work and opens the door to innovation. Innovation comes from learning, evolving and making mistakes.

Next there was a fireside chat on the topic of Breaking the Glass Ceiling moderated by Gretel Perera and featuring Francesca Parodi.

I related to so many of the great insights and knowledge Francesca shared during the discussion. My key takeaways from the discussion were:

Success stems from being true to yourself and aligning your values and purpose to what matters to you.Have a growth mindset and continue to learn. Be resilient and ok with failures or set backs because they taught you something.Believe in your skills and capacity because you got yourself to where you are today and where you will go. Manifest your destiny and say what you want.

I want to acknowledge and thank the leaders who conducted the in-person and virtual roundtable discussions on Leading with Purpose, Leading with Resilience or Leading through Uncertainty. Thank you to: Erika Sanchez, Carolina Barcenas, Monica May, Laura (Lala) Elizondo, Leticia Schmaedecke, Clarissa Price, Venus Piñeyro De Hoyos, Lourdes G. Zuniga, Patricia Manley, Daniela Corrente, Franchesca Sanabria

The last panel of the day covered: Working with Allies to Further Latinas Careers. I enjoyed seeing Aline Rodrigues de Almeida moderate the discussion with the panelists: Pascal Collet , Alexandra (Ally) Legend Siegel, Jacob Rosales, Gabriela Kane Guardia

I know I wouldn’t be where I am had it not been for my mentors, allies who sponsored and coached me throughout my career.

Some of the biggest takeaways from the discussion were:

Allies can influence and encourage other allies to be active and recognize their privilege to help others.You can be an ally and sponsor others within your own community especially those early in their careers.There are benefits to both allies and those being coached/mentored/sponsored as it impacts both of their career paths and helps them move up the corporate ladder

We ended the day with a very energetic and inspiring fireside chat on the topic of The intersection of Tech and Community moderated by Michael Davis Velasco and featuring our keynote Claudia Romo Edelman

Claudia has worked for 25 years with internationally recognized institutions including the United Nations, UNICEF, the Global Fund, and the World Economic Forum. She is the founder of We Are All Human.

Claudia captivated me and the audience with her insights, stats on our demographic – we are the youngest and growing at a rapid pace. She set things straight on how we should identify ourselves (Hispanic, Latina, Latinx, etc. – whatever we prefer!) while also inspiring us to push the boundaries and encouraging our community to unite and move forward together. Her podcast a La Latina is definitely something I highly recommend along with her many books such as Hispanic Stars Rising and Hispanic Star featuring Ellen Ochoa, Roberto Clemente, Sonia Sotomayor, Selena Gomez and many others.

The events massive success is due to the amazing team at Expedia for their heart and shared mission to power travel for everyone and investing in our communities.

I am forever grateful for my LEAD Global Board Aline Rodrigues de Almeida, Claudia Valecillos, Federico Fornara, Luis J Perez, Luis Rodriguez, Monica May, Samantha Rae Lopez who worked tirelessly to plan, facilitate and push the envelope to make this years event an even bigger success than last year.

A special recognition to Gretel Perera. Gretel is one of my biggest heroes. Her leadership, passion, energy and drive are beyond inspiring and motivating. Without her none of this would have been possible. She exemplifies what it takes to go get what’s next and push forward.

To the entire community at EG – from our Inclusion and Diversity team, leadership, facilities, recruiting, LEAD members volunteering, to our tech team, photographers and so many others. I am thrilled to work with every single one of you. It was a lot of work but we came together like we always do, and it was a day and experience I will always remember.

Join our Career Network

We’re looking for outstanding talent to join us on our mission to power global travel for everyone, everywhere. By joining our career network, you’ll have exclusive access to our latest opportunities, events, interview advice, and global insights from our Expedia Group leaders. Sign up now! 

Cynthia doesn’t even want to think about what could’ve happened if she didn’t go in for that check-up.

It was 2020, and Cynthia was at an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon who was scheduled to perform a disc replacement in her cervical spine. She’d been dealing with debilitating neck pain for years, and the combination of physical therapy and pain medication that had previously been helping her manage her constant discomfort wasn’t working anymore.

The week before Cynthia’s surgery, her doctor recommended she have a cardiology workup.

“I brushed it off at first, telling my surgeon that I thought it was unnecessary,” says the office manager for Boston Scientific in Singapore. “I was just 49 years old at the time and felt fine!” Cynthia’s surgeon nudged her to make the appointment anyway, adding that the cardiologist was just downstairs from him and could likely sneak her in for a visit that day.

“My husband was with me and said, ‘Let’s go,’” says Cynthia. “So, I went.”

A surprising – and life-saving – diagnosis

The cardiologist ran bloodwork and did an electrocardiogram (EKG), a test used to measure electrical rhythms and detect heart problems. Cynthia could tell something was wrong immediately.

“The doctor looked at me and asked, ‘Are you feeling OK?’” she says. “I told him I was feeling fine.” But before she knew it, she was being scheduled for an emergency computed tomography (CT) scan of her heart, which uses x-rays to create a detailed picture of the heart and its blood vessels.

The results weren’t good. Three of her heart’s arteries were more than 60 percent blocked, and one was 97 percent blocked – a situation that put her at high risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Cynthia wouldn’t be having neck surgery as planned.

Instead, she’d need a cardiac catheterization, a procedure in which a cardiologist would insert a thin, flexible tube into an artery in her wrist and guide it into the artery in her heart that was almost fully blocked. Once at the site of this blockage, the surgeon would place a drug-eluting stent – a medical device that slowly releases a medication into the artery to prevent blood clots.

“When the doctor explained the procedure to me, I told him I work at Boston Scientific and insisted he use a Boston Scientific stent,” says Cynthia. “I believe in our products, and knowing I would receive our stent gave me more confidence going into that procedure.”

The heart of the matter

As Cynthia was rolled out of the operating room with her new stent in place, she was overwhelmed with gratitude. She thought back to the cardiologist check-up she almost didn’t go to and felt as though there had been some sort of divine intervention.

“I have two daughters who were 18 and 20 at the time, and I thought about how much they still needed me,” says Cynthia.

After a short two-week medical leave, Cynthia was back at work and focused on a massive project at the time: overseeing the renovation of Boston Scientific’s regional headquarters in Singapore. A year later, she was back in the same hospital, this time to get that neck surgery to replace a disc in her cervical spine.

These days, Cynthia feels better than ever. And she’s still filled with gratitude not only for how her story played out but also for Boston Scientific, a company dedicated to developing life-saving procedures and advancing technology to improve heart health.

“As both an employee at Boston Scientific and now a patient who received one of our products, I see firsthand how all of the company’s innovation is helping people,” says Cynthia.

“It’s one thing to say you work at an organization that saves lives. But to think that a device your company created saved your life? It’s amazing.”

Watch this video to learn more about Cynthia’s story.

View original content here.

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) began its transition period on October 1, 2023, and global producers and EU importers of aluminum, cement, electricity, fertilizer, hydrogen, iron, and steel must quickly prepare to meet the initial January 31, 2024 reporting deadline.

With complex emissions accounting guidelines from the EU Commission offering multiple variations per sector, there is an urgent need for expert knowledge on emissions methodologies and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with the CBAM regulation.

Join SCS Global Services on Thursday November 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. ET for a complimentary webinar on CBAM and how creating accurate Product Carbon Footprints are a prerequisite to satisfy CBAM reporting requirements.

During this 45-minute discussion, followed by Q&A, SCS carbon accounting experts will walk you through:

Where to begin: A quick overview of the CBAM regulationUnderstanding what products are covered under the CBAM regulationAn explanation of Product Carbon Footprints and how they provide the data producers and importers need in order to fulfill CBAM reporting requirementsThe methodologies that will be used to develop CBAM-compliant Product Carbon Footprints for each industryHow the SCS CBAM Reporting Tool can support compliance by automatically generating Product Carbon Footprints and CBAM reports

REGISTER FOR WEBINAR NOW

For inquiries, please contact: 

Tom Ehart 
Corporate Marketing Director, SCS Global Services 
tehart@scsglobalservices.com

HARTFORD, Conn., October 31, 2023 /3BL/ – Engage for Good, the leading company empowering corporate and nonprofit professionals to create mutually beneficial social impact partnerships, announced today that it was acquired by Muneer Panjwani, an expert in corporate-nonprofit partnerships, from Cause Marketing Forum, Inc. Panjwani will serve as the company’s CEO.

“Corporations and nonprofits can play a critical role in addressing society’s biggest challenges, and expanding Engage for Good’s programs is the perfect opportunity to support leaders working in both sectors,” said Panjwani. “I am excited to build on Engage for Good’s loyal community of leaders and empower them to take risks, have hard conversations, and move the needle on national and global issues.”

According to the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, businesses and NGOs are the most trusted institutions compared to government and media. A 2022 Special Report by Edelman shows that consumers are 4-4.5 times more likely to buy or use a brand if it demonstrates a commitment to social causes. For nonprofits, corporate partnerships present a key opportunity to reach new audiences, and increase funding that sustains their current programs and enables them to invest in new ones.

Engage for Good’s portfolio includes its flagship conference, which is one of the nation’s largest annual gatherings of nonprofit and corporate professionals dedicated to corporate social impact. Each year at the conference the company presents the Halo Awards, the highest honor for corporate social impact initiatives. Throughout the year, the company equips industry experts with tools and resources to succeed, including educational webinars and a podcast featuring topical experts, a monthly newsletter, educational guides, a job board, and more. Engage For Good also fosters a community of thousands of social impact leaders spanning hundreds of organizations via a paid annual membership program.

Through this acquisition, which was supported by Berkshire Bank, Panjwani is committed to equipping social impact leaders with the expertise to build effective corporate-nonprofit partnerships and campaigns in a noisy and evolving landscape. In addition to its national conference, Engage For Good will offer events that bring together focused groups of leaders – such as roundtable discussions, expert panels, and tactical training – to learn from diverse experts from a variety of causes. The company will create more educational content for its members, with a focus on timely and topical issues. Panjwani plans to expand the company’s Halo Awards to celebrate a wider range of social impact activities, and provide strategic guidance to organizations navigating the nuances of social impact partnerships.

David Hessekiel, Founder and Outgoing President of Engage For Good, will serve as an Advisor to Muneer Panjwani through Engage For Good’s May 2024 conference in Minneapolis. Hessekiel will continue to own and operate the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum.

“This exciting transition allows me to pass the torch to an industry expert who is very familiar with Engage For Good’s work and the unique dynamic between corporations and nonprofits,” said Hessekiel. “As our professional paths crossed over the last decade, I got to know Muneer well, and I have every confidence that he will build on Engage For Good’s 22 years of success to take the company to the next level.”

Panjwani continued, “I first attended the Engage for Good conference in 2013 and have gone almost every year since. I credit David and Engage for Good for consistently inspiring me to become a better social impact leader. Over the last decade, Engage For Good offered me access to accomplished leaders who helped me maximize my potential. In many ways, this acquisition is a homecoming.”

**EDITOR’S NOTE**

For editorial purposes, access headshots, bios, and the Engage For Good logo here.

Engage For Good

Engage for Good is the leading company empowering corporate and nonprofit professionals to create mutually beneficial social impact partnerships. The company’s portfolio of offerings include: a national conference, the Halo Awards, a series of educational webinars and a podcast featuring topical experts, as well as a monthly newsletter, educational guides, a job board, and membership program.

The company was established in 2002 as the Cause Marketing Forum, and rebranded in 2018 as Engage for Good to reflect the evolving landscape of corporate social impact that engages a multitude of stakeholders including consumers, employees, nonprofit supporters, and more.

CONTACT 
Press@EngageForGood.com