Tag: 3BL

NEW YORK, August 28, 2023 /3BL/ – Comcast NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal that includes NBC/Telemundo owned stations, announced that 81 nonprofits will receive a combined total of $2.475 million in unrestricted grants to support nonprofit organizations that are helping to improve their local communities with unique and innovative programming in three grant categories including Next Generation Storytellers, Youth Education & Empowerment, and Community Engagement.

The winners include nonprofits that serve individuals in the New York, Southern California, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Boston, Hartford, CT, Washington, D.C., South Florida, San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego DMAs. For a full list of grant winners, please visit NBCUniversal’s Newsroom or click here.

“It’s important that we fund organizations making a significant impact to our local communities and the people that reside within them,” said Jessica Clancy, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal.

This year’s Local Impact Grants are putting the power of giving into the hands of these nonprofits to address the diverse needs of the communities they serve in the areas of youth education and empowerment, the next generation of storytellers, and community engagement.

JESSICA CLANCY

Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal

Since this NBCU grant program was founded six years ago, more than $16 million in grants has been dedicated to 470 nonprofits in 11 communities that are served by NBC and Telemundo owned stations.

Unrestricted grant funding provides an important source of financial flexibility for nonprofits, that in turn, helps to unlock their full potential for creating lasting impact in their communities.

VALARI STAAB

Chairman, NBCUniversal Local

“I’m pleased that our grant program and NBC and Telemundo owned stations can support organizations that are doing incredible work to create opportunities for youth, families and individuals,” said Valari Staab, Chairman, NBCUniversal Local.

Below is a snapshot of 2023 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grant recipients, by market:

New York: Hillside Food Outreach

Hillside Food Outreach delivers high-quality, nutritious food that will help low-income, chronically ill, disabled individuals and those who cannot access a traditional food pantry to achieve a better quality of life. Hillside home delivers healthy groceries, at no cost, to all those in need, regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion and creed.

Southern California: Kids In The Spotlight

Kids In The Spotlight helps youth heal and grow from trauma through the power of storytelling and filmmaking. Through the group’s programs, youth between the ages of 12-24 are trained to write, cast and star in their own short films, telling their stories their way. To date, more than 80 films have been produced and screened at film festivals around the country.

Chicago: Dion’s Dream

Dion’s Chicago Dream identifies and combats food insecurity throughout the Chicagoland area, using nutritional philanthropy as a catalyst to build community and transform lives.

Philadelphia: Rock To The Future

Rock to the Future supports positive youth development and economic empowerment through free, student-driven music programs for Philadelphia youth. Through music, students build skills to unlock their fullest potential to support lifelong well-being. The group serves hundreds of students annually in-school, after school, and during the summer in schools, community locations, and juvenile justice facilities.

Dallas-Fort Worth: GEMS Camp

Founded by an educator to help close the gender and racial gap in STEM studies and careers, GEMS Camp provides Black and Latina girls from North Texas from economically disadvantaged communities with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education focused around five key areas including Academics, Career, Creativity, Leadership, and Service to help them succeed in STEM-related studies and careers.

Boston: Mental Health Collaborative, Inc.

Mental Health Collaborative helps to build resilient communities through mental health education including mental health literacy trainings to schools, organizations, and communities.

Hartford, CT: Children in Placement

Children in Placement Connecticut advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children and secures safe homes, supportive services, and a stable transition into adulthood by assessing and supporting each child’s situation.

Washington, D.C.: Mary House

For more than 40 years, Mary House has provided transitional housing, case-management, and educational services for low-income immigrants and refugees in Washington’s Brookland neighborhood. Currently operating 55 housing units and seeking to add a further 12 units this year, Mary House provides a stable and nurturing environment for more than 280 homeless and war displaced individuals and creates customized support programs aimed at building each family’s independence and self-sufficiency.

South Florida: EatWell Exchange

Founded by three friends who wanted to change the perception of healthy meals by focusing on culture, EatWell Exchange empowers lower socioeconomic communities with the access, knowledge, and confidence they need to eat a nutritious diet within their own food culture to end the generational cycle of negative health outcomes.

San Francisco Bay Area: El Tímpano

Spanish for “eardrum,” El Tímpano surfaces community members’ stories and questions on local and national issues. Stewarded and empowered independent by Independent Arts & Media, El Tímpano helps to foster community and civic participation, and facilitate cultural engagement and free expression.

San Diego: Arms Wide Open

Arms Wide Open, the largest music, theatre and arts program in San Diego for individuals with special needs and disabilities, enriches the lives of children and adults with special needs by fostering caring social environments and creating opportunities for recreation and participation in the arts.

For more information, visit LocalImpactGrants.com. For information in Spanish, visit BecasdeImpactoLocal.com.

Follow on social @NBCUFoundation and #LocalImpactGrants.

Quest Diagnostics supported the Health Empowerment and Wellness event hosted by Sisters on the Vineyard in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, on August 10.

This session coincided with the annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, a 9-day festival promoting emerging talent showcasing and honoring films produced by and starring African Americans from across the world.

The event featured panelist speakers and engaging one-on-one conversations for women of color. Panelists spoke about the realities of health disparities and provided insights around seeking care, diagnosis, and treatment plans that are unique to Black women. Attendees were empowered with knowledge, resources, and tools to support them in living healthier lives.

The inspiring panel was hosted by Dr. Kordai DeCoteau, board-certified podiatrist, Neighborhood Health, and was joined by:

Dr Tamara Beckford, CEO of Ur Caring Docs;Ricki Fairley, CEO of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance.Kyira A Harris, CEO of Keys to Abundant Life Inc.;Dr Renee Matthews, writer and radio show host; andDr Janet Taylor, Community Psychiatrist and Executive Coach.

Accomplished Black female physicians and health providers led an interactive roundtable discussion about breast cancer, mental well-being, nutrition and more. Physicians from across the country met with attendees during breakout sessions to address their health questions, connect them to providers through referrals and share guidance for how to advocate for their care.

“The connection and support in the room was palpable,” said Desyra Highsmith-Holcomb, Director, Inclusion and Diversity. “The stories and transparent guidance provided by the physician panel was like nothing I’ve ever heard.”

Also representing Quest at the event were:

Trudyann Jack, Senior Manager, Patient Services & Chair, PRIDE EBN;Barbara Nicolas, Supervisor, Patient Services; andMaribel Rodriguez, Manager, Inclusion and Diversity.

Quest Diagnostics supported the Health Empowerment and Wellness event hosted by Sisters on the Vineyard in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, on August 10.

This session coincided with the annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, a 9-day festival promoting emerging talent showcasing and honoring films produced by and starring African Americans from across the world.

The event featured panelist speakers and engaging one-on-one conversations for women of color. Panelists spoke about the realities of health disparities and provided insights around seeking care, diagnosis, and treatment plans that are unique to Black women. Attendees were empowered with knowledge, resources, and tools to support them in living healthier lives.

The inspiring panel was hosted by Dr. Kordai DeCoteau, board-certified podiatrist, Neighborhood Health, and was joined by:

Dr Tamara Beckford, CEO of Ur Caring Docs;Ricki Fairley, CEO of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance.Kyira A Harris, CEO of Keys to Abundant Life Inc.;Dr Renee Matthews, writer and radio show host; andDr Janet Taylor, Community Psychiatrist and Executive Coach.

Accomplished Black female physicians and health providers led an interactive roundtable discussion about breast cancer, mental well-being, nutrition and more. Physicians from across the country met with attendees during breakout sessions to address their health questions, connect them to providers through referrals and share guidance for how to advocate for their care.

“The connection and support in the room was palpable,” said Desyra Highsmith-Holcomb, Director, Inclusion and Diversity. “The stories and transparent guidance provided by the physician panel was like nothing I’ve ever heard.”

Also representing Quest at the event were:

Trudyann Jack, Senior Manager, Patient Services & Chair, PRIDE EBN;Barbara Nicolas, Supervisor, Patient Services; andMaribel Rodriguez, Manager, Inclusion and Diversity.

Equality for women matters every day, and at Alkermes we’re proud to empower our female colleagues across the organization. In the life sciences industry, striving for gender equality means envisioning a future where the upcoming generations of women scientists, researchers, and innovators have equitable access to learning, growth and advancement opportunities, are listened to and recognized for their unique talents and expertise, and are celebrated for their contributions across the full spectrum of the drug discovery and development process.

The women who came before us, both professionally and those setting examples in our lives outside of school and work, served as role models and mentors who broke barriers. Today’s observance of Women’s Equality Day in the United States gives us an opportunity to reflect on the ways they shaped us – from having the right to an education, to voting based on our own priorities, and to forging independent personal and professional paths that brought us here today. Now, as leaders ourselves, we’re keenly aware of this platform from which we can make a difference. How do we want to shape the future for all the women who come next?

At Alkermes, our five employee-led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) reflect much of our culture. As a key component of our broader Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) efforts, which spans our entire organization and business, our ERGs bring colleagues together around causes and communities we believe in. The three of us are all members of and advocates for Alkermes’ Women Inspired Network (WIN) ERG, which shines light on the impact the women of our team have on our collective efforts towards making a difference in the lives of patients and communities we serve. A core focus for WIN is promoting ways of working – including how we build our corporate policies, practices, and benefits – that create an equitable environment to support all our colleagues, regardless of gender. WIN also organizes regular learning and development opportunities geared towards empowering women at every stage in their careers.

Additionally, through our Alkermes employee mentorship program, we’re each proud to give our time to helping foster our colleagues as they carve out their own paths in the industry. It truly is a two-way exchange, as we’re continually inspired by the new thinking and ideas brought by these future leaders.

Read more about Alkermes’ commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

Co-Authored by:

Heather Faulds, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs Anne Giovanoni, Senior Vice President, Corporate Counsel and SecretaryKanchan Relwani, Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs

Original article appeared on LinkedIn.com. 

Equality for women matters every day, and at Alkermes we’re proud to empower our female colleagues across the organization. In the life sciences industry, striving for gender equality means envisioning a future where the upcoming generations of women scientists, researchers, and innovators have equitable access to learning, growth and advancement opportunities, are listened to and recognized for their unique talents and expertise, and are celebrated for their contributions across the full spectrum of the drug discovery and development process.

The women who came before us, both professionally and those setting examples in our lives outside of school and work, served as role models and mentors who broke barriers. Today’s observance of Women’s Equality Day in the United States gives us an opportunity to reflect on the ways they shaped us – from having the right to an education, to voting based on our own priorities, and to forging independent personal and professional paths that brought us here today. Now, as leaders ourselves, we’re keenly aware of this platform from which we can make a difference. How do we want to shape the future for all the women who come next?

At Alkermes, our five employee-led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) reflect much of our culture. As a key component of our broader Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) efforts, which spans our entire organization and business, our ERGs bring colleagues together around causes and communities we believe in. The three of us are all members of and advocates for Alkermes’ Women Inspired Network (WIN) ERG, which shines light on the impact the women of our team have on our collective efforts towards making a difference in the lives of patients and communities we serve. A core focus for WIN is promoting ways of working – including how we build our corporate policies, practices, and benefits – that create an equitable environment to support all our colleagues, regardless of gender. WIN also organizes regular learning and development opportunities geared towards empowering women at every stage in their careers.

Additionally, through our Alkermes employee mentorship program, we’re each proud to give our time to helping foster our colleagues as they carve out their own paths in the industry. It truly is a two-way exchange, as we’re continually inspired by the new thinking and ideas brought by these future leaders.

Read more about Alkermes’ commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

Co-Authored by:

Heather Faulds, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs Anne Giovanoni, Senior Vice President, Corporate Counsel and SecretaryKanchan Relwani, Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs

Original article appeared on LinkedIn.com. 

by Paul Hilton, Trillium Asset Management 

Trillium’s Sustainable Opportunities thematic public equity strategy aims to address global sustainability challenges in three core areas: climate solutions, economic inclusion, and healthy living. While many of Trillium’s equity strategies have exposure to renewable energy, the Sustainable Opportunities strategy has a more specific, thematic focus, and generally a greater level of exposure to companies benefiting from the shift to a more sustainable economy.

Within climate solutions, a primary focus is renewable energy and energy conservation, particularly exposure to companies involved in: • Electrification and Grid Modernization, including storage • Energy Efficiency • Geothermal • Renewable Energy Financing • Solar Energy • Wind Energy

In our view, climate change is the top existential issue facing the planet. Long-term impacts from climate change are well documented by the IPCC, and include more extreme weather events including heatwaves, droughts, and floods. These impacts will lead to food and water insecurity as well as public health and biodiversity threats.

We believe climate change also represents an investment opportunity, given the level of investment required to meet global goals such as the 1.5 degree C global warming target of the Paris Agreement in 2015. For example, the International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that meeting global energy transformation goals will require an additional $47 trillion in cumulative investment from 2023-2050, plus roughly $1 trillion in annual investment in fossil fuel technologies redirected towards energy transition solutions. This would result in annual investments in energy transition technologies more than quadrupling from current levels to meet the 1.5 degree C pathway.

Read Paul’s full article here

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by Paul Hilton, Trillium Asset Management 

Trillium’s Sustainable Opportunities thematic public equity strategy aims to address global sustainability challenges in three core areas: climate solutions, economic inclusion, and healthy living. While many of Trillium’s equity strategies have exposure to renewable energy, the Sustainable Opportunities strategy has a more specific, thematic focus, and generally a greater level of exposure to companies benefiting from the shift to a more sustainable economy.

Within climate solutions, a primary focus is renewable energy and energy conservation, particularly exposure to companies involved in: • Electrification and Grid Modernization, including storage • Energy Efficiency • Geothermal • Renewable Energy Financing • Solar Energy • Wind Energy

In our view, climate change is the top existential issue facing the planet. Long-term impacts from climate change are well documented by the IPCC, and include more extreme weather events including heatwaves, droughts, and floods. These impacts will lead to food and water insecurity as well as public health and biodiversity threats.

We believe climate change also represents an investment opportunity, given the level of investment required to meet global goals such as the 1.5 degree C global warming target of the Paris Agreement in 2015. For example, the International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that meeting global energy transformation goals will require an additional $47 trillion in cumulative investment from 2023-2050, plus roughly $1 trillion in annual investment in fossil fuel technologies redirected towards energy transition solutions. This would result in annual investments in energy transition technologies more than quadrupling from current levels to meet the 1.5 degree C pathway.

Read Paul’s full article here

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Jeremy Lardeau, Vice President of the Higg Index at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, joined the CEO Dialogue at a recent Net Zero Pakistan event to engage with industry leaders and share insight on how the industry can collectively work together to enable a net zero future for Pakistan’s textile sector.

Lardeau spoke on the “Positioning Pakistan as a Sustainable Textile Export Hub – Learning from Global Manufacturing Nations” panel with Laila Petrie, CEO of 2050.cloud, climate journalist Afia Salam, and Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, former State Bank Governor and Trustee of PET. The goal of the discussion was to provide insights on Pakistan’s decarbonization progress as compared to other manufacturing countries, share examples of large-scale global decarbonization interventions, and discuss the role of media in shaping the narrative around sustainability initiatives.

Lardeau highlighted the fact that, on a macro level, Pakistan faces significant challenges in transitioning to net zero as the economy and its GDP is heavily dependent on fossil fuels: Currently, 64% of electricity comes from fossil fuels, 27% from hydropower, and 9% from nuclear and renewable energy sources. He noted that it is one of the top 10 countries where it is critical to support collective action on decarbonization.

In 2021, the country committed to reduce GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that are critical to the Paris Agreement. To achieve this goal, the Pakistan Government plans to increase its renewable energy in its electricity mix to 60% compared to the current level of 4% — a transition that will require significant investment in infrastructure and advanced technology.

Prior to attending the conference, Lardeau’s team analyzed data from the SAC’s Higg Facility Environment Module (FEM) and found that of the nearly 300 facilities in Pakistan that use the tool, 75% have been verified. The facilities are heavily reliant on fossil fuels — 58.3% of energy comes from burning natural gas and 22.7% comes from burning coal — and their total emissions are 4.15 megatons CO2e annually.

In response to a discussion of PET’s exploration of a biomass supply chain project that could help phase out coal, Lardeau referenced huge opportunities to scale renewables at Pakistan’s facilities, which currently have a .19% adoption rate. He also referenced the upcoming Higg FEM 4.0 release, which will better support collaborative efforts to drive change.

Jeremy Lardeau, Vice President of the Higg Index at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, joined the CEO Dialogue at a recent Net Zero Pakistan event to engage with industry leaders and share insight on how the industry can collectively work together to enable a net zero future for Pakistan’s textile sector.

Lardeau spoke on the “Positioning Pakistan as a Sustainable Textile Export Hub – Learning from Global Manufacturing Nations” panel with Laila Petrie, CEO of 2050.cloud, climate journalist Afia Salam, and Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, former State Bank Governor and Trustee of PET. The goal of the discussion was to provide insights on Pakistan’s decarbonization progress as compared to other manufacturing countries, share examples of large-scale global decarbonization interventions, and discuss the role of media in shaping the narrative around sustainability initiatives.

Lardeau highlighted the fact that, on a macro level, Pakistan faces significant challenges in transitioning to net zero as the economy and its GDP is heavily dependent on fossil fuels: Currently, 64% of electricity comes from fossil fuels, 27% from hydropower, and 9% from nuclear and renewable energy sources. He noted that it is one of the top 10 countries where it is critical to support collective action on decarbonization.

In 2021, the country committed to reduce GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that are critical to the Paris Agreement. To achieve this goal, the Pakistan Government plans to increase its renewable energy in its electricity mix to 60% compared to the current level of 4% — a transition that will require significant investment in infrastructure and advanced technology.

Prior to attending the conference, Lardeau’s team analyzed data from the SAC’s Higg Facility Environment Module (FEM) and found that of the nearly 300 facilities in Pakistan that use the tool, 75% have been verified. The facilities are heavily reliant on fossil fuels — 58.3% of energy comes from burning natural gas and 22.7% comes from burning coal — and their total emissions are 4.15 megatons CO2e annually.

In response to a discussion of PET’s exploration of a biomass supply chain project that could help phase out coal, Lardeau referenced huge opportunities to scale renewables at Pakistan’s facilities, which currently have a .19% adoption rate. He also referenced the upcoming Higg FEM 4.0 release, which will better support collaborative efforts to drive change.

CINCINNATI, August 28, 2023 /3BL/ – Currently, only 23 states require a personal finance course in high school, according to Next Gen Personal Finance. That means the responsibility of teaching recent high school graduates may be on parents’ shoulders. And, according to a consumer survey1 from Fifth Third Bank, only 1 in 10 surveyed believe students are well-prepared with financial education for the real world.

If you have a high schooler who is heading off to college, it’s time for some real talk about money. Be open and transparent about the cost of college and how that is being funded. It is important for students to understand how to stay on budget to limit the calls home for money. And consider what surveyed consumers wish they had been taught earlier: savings. Specifically, the importance of savings, starting to save sooner and how to build savings into their budgets.

Budget time

Regardless of whether a young adult is going to school or work, you can help them get on the right financial path by providing detailed information on budgeting and asking them for a plan. Having them create the plan with your guidance will instill a sense of ownership. Agree together on the budget and then monitor progress on it once a quarter or semi-annually. If there are missteps, talk about them and work together to identify a solution.

Tools like a college savings calculator can help your child understand how much college could cost and potential savings needed. Fifth Third also offers a student budget calculator and tips on why you need a budget.

Finding and knowing your banker

Before your child heads off to college, research banks with branches closest to their campus. Go with them to meet the bankers, open an account if they don’t already have one, and talk about their financial goals.

This also is a good time to discuss bank accounts if you haven’t already. Introduce information such as ATMs and related fees that might be associated with them, balancing their accounts, overdraft fees, budgeting and “smart” savings programs.

Establishing and managing credit

Establishing credit is an important rite of passage toward adulthood, and it’s something that can have a big impact on your children’s quality of life. Some ways to build credit would be for your child to co-sign on a car loan or opening a credit card.

A safety net would be to open a secured credit card with them. A secured card requires a cash deposit and items can only be charged up to the limit of the cash deposit. These cards are generally more accessible than a traditional card and they do work to establish credit. Be on guard against high fees, though, and remind your children to only charge what they can afford to pay off every month. Carrying a balance is not the lesson you want to teach.

Understanding smart apps and digital tools

Smart savings apps or functionality on traditional mobile banking apps are easy ways for young adults to set goals, save toward them, see progress and celebrate successes. It’s a user-friendly tool to help them budget for the things that matter to them.

Credit scores and monitoring

While you’re talking with your children about credit, help them understand what a credit score is: a three-digit number that represents credit history and helps lenders decide whether they’re willing to give them a loan for a car, house or another large purchase.

Credit monitoring and identity protection tools are extremely important to have in place. Most banks and credit cards now have services that monitor and alert customers to any suspicious behavior.

Parents want what’s best for their kids – at every age and stage – and a financially healthy future is part of that. Talking about money early and often, providing safe opportunities for students to learn and introducing them to resources that can help, are the steppingstones to good habits and smart choices. There’s never a better time to start than now.

1Survey conducted by Fifth Third Bank in July 2023 among 800 adult consumers residing in one of 11 states in the Midwest and Southeast.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Member FDIC.