Tag: 3BL

A few years ago, Mississippi celebrated its bicentennial and this year Entergy Mississippi, formerly Mississippi Power & Light, recognizes our 100th anniversary. Our company has been a part of this state’s journey for almost half of its life.

We have been here for some of the most remarkable moments in our state’s – and the world’s – history. Entergy Mississippi has been alongside our state at its very best:

Keeping a fan circulating to cool off B.B. King as he learned to heat up a guitar in the middle of a Mississippi Delta Summer.Powering electrical surgical equipment for the world’s first heart transplant at University Mississippi Medical Center.Energizing stadium lights for Jackson State’s Walter Payton as he launched a Hall of Fame career.Illuminating a desk light for Eudora Welty as she wrote her Pulitzer Prize winner.

We’ve been here during some of the most difficult and tragic times, too. I can imagine that as Medgar and Myrlie Evers were pioneering the civil rights movement in Mississippi, we were there with them. We kept electricity flowing as air conditioning cooled an auditorium where Medgar organized civil rights boycotts and as kitchen appliances in their home produced meals to sustain their bodies and minds while they advocated for their neighbors and worked to change the world.

Because of Medgar Evers

We can’t tell Mississippi’s history – or learn from it – without the Evers family. The National Park Service recently designated their family home as a National Monument during the “Voices of Courage and Justice Festivities” which commemorated the 60th anniversary of Medgar Evers’ assassination at his home on June 12, 1963. Courage and justice indeed. I can think of no one else as courageous and passionate about bringing equality and justice for all Mississippians than Medgar and Myrlie Evers.

Entergy has contributed to this noble undertaking, but our contribution actually originated from Medgar Evers himself.

Because of the work of Medgar Evers, those locked out of the voting booth in Mississippi were able to join the political process and begin changing laws.

Because of the work of Medgar Evers, Mississippi companies began responding to those laws and hiring more people that looked like Medgar Evers.

Because of the work of Medgar Evers, those same people began to influence the policies and practices of Mississippi companies.

And because of the work of Medgar Evers, those Mississippi companies began contributing their resources to more diverse and disadvantaged communities in our state.

I am profoundly humbled that Entergy Mississippi is part of this important and historic project. It’s something that would have been unheard of in this state 60 years ago without the work of Medgar Evers.

Medgar Evers’ life and legacy has come full circle. Yes, just last week we stood on the grounds of what is now a National Monument to dedicate a house. But really, we were honoring the home that Medgar Evers laid the foundation for in this state with his own two hands. It is a beautiful and spacious home, made of equality and justice, that is open to all. For generations to come, may all who walk through its doors take a moment to honor its builder.

Advancing the Evers’ legacy

Over the last century, Entergy and its employees have been here to volunteer, bring jobs to Mississippi, sponsor cultural pursuits, offer a helping hand, provide a strong voice for progress and be leaders in the communities we serve.

We continue to lift up our communities today as a proud partner with the Trust for Public Land and the National Park Service to preserve the legacy of Medgar and Myrlie Evers and honor their contribution to our nation’s continued progress toward racial justice and equity.

Our $100,000 contribution is made possible through Entergy’s Social Justice and Equity Fund, which advances social justice and equity for historically underserved communities across Entergy’s service territory. The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument is the second major grant awarded through the fund and the first in Mississippi.

The fund supports organizations that foster diversity, equity and inclusion through civic engagement and education, as well as support for initiatives that advance economic mobility and equity for individuals from historically underserved communities.

The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home is a landmark of national importance. Its preservation will enable current and future generations to learn about the civil rights movement and its heroes like Medgar and Myrlie Evers who dedicated their lives to creating a more just and equitable society for all.

On behalf of the 2,500 Entergy employees who live and work in Mississippi and all our employees throughout the region, we are honored to support the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home in its mission to “educate, empower and inspire every American to stand up, get involved and join together to create a better life for all.”

O-I Glass is transforming glass manufacturing by working to increase our recycled content to an average of 50 percent across its global footprint. At O-I, glass is never trash and it is 100 percent recyclable, infinitely, making it an ideal package for the circular economy. In fact, about 80 percent of recycled glass containers are made into new glass packaging—in as little as 30 days. 

Glass packaging is made from four simple ingredients: limestone, soda ash, silica sand, and recycled glass – often called cullet. Cullet melts at a lower temperature. So, when the recycled content – or levels of cullet – used in glass production is increased, the furnaces require less energy, resulting in fewer emissions. 

Every ton of glass recycled saves more than a ton of raw material, and every 10% of recycled glass used in the manufacturing process reduces energy consumption by about 3% and carbon emissions by 5%. In short, increased recycled content improves the sustainability of glass packaging.

Globally, glass packaging produced by O-I contains an average of 38 percent cullet by tons packed. In Europe, O-I has produced glass packaging made of up to 100 percent recycled glass and the company holds a patent on a bottle made from 100 percent cullet. 

In pursuit of its goal to increase recycled content to an average of 50 percent, the company is working across its network of customers, suppliers, and communities to creatively find innovative solutions to capture glass and put it right back into the production of new glass packaging. 

Recycled content plays a vital role in maximizing the potential of the circular economy for glass packaging and O-I’s vision to be the most innovative, sustainable, and chosen supplier of brand-building packaging solutions. 

Learn more about O-I’s holistic approach to sustainability by downloading the company’s 2023 sustainability report update at: http://o-i.com/sustainability/ 

Originally published on bloomberg.com

Gender identity should be celebrated, not challenged.

Imagine a world where your identity subjected you to frequent discrimination and violence, and, should your mental health suffer because of either, your access to care is limited.

Despite progress over the years, these scenarios are still common occurrences for LGBTQ+ individuals across the globe. If recent news reports aren’t any indication, the data and stories we’ve collected are.

As gender identity continues to be challenged worldwide, we’re stepping up our support at Bloomberg to stand with LGBTQ+ communities, and we invite you to join us – not only during Pride Month, but every day by activating allyship.

Take the first step by educating yourself on gender identity and how LGBTQ+ identities are under threat as you start your journey to be a better ally and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. The learning never ends.

Because everyone should have equal access to thrive – regardless of gender identity.

What is gender identity?

GLAAD defines gender identity as “one’s internal sense of self and their gender, whether that is man, woman, neither or both.” Gender identity and gender expression (how one presents their gender outwardly) are fundamental aspects of human identity and can take many different forms.

(For a comprehensive guide to gender identity, see here.)

A global look at what comes with owning your gender identity

Since the Stonewall Uprising, we’ve seen a lot of progress for LGBTQ+ rights. However, we’ve also seen regression, especially in the last year. To authentically support the global LGBTQ+ community, there must be an understanding of what they’re experiencing.

Discrimination

Discrimination is all too common for LGBTQ+ individuals. Plus, in many countries – including the U.S. – the reports of discrimination rise among LGBTQ+ people of color.

More than one in three trans people (34%) reported being discriminated against due to their gender identity when visiting a café, restaurant, bar, or nightclub in the last year. (EMEA)The ACLU issued a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans following 75+ state-level anti-LGBTQ+ bills signed into law in 2023. (The Americas)Japan approved a bill on ‘promoting understanding’ of the LGBTQ+ community, but critics of the bill condemn the watered-down version that passed. (APAC)Half of LGBTQ+ workers report experiencing workplace discrimination or harassment over the last year because of their gender identity. (The Americas)

Violence

LGBTQ+ communities have seen an uptick in violence against the backdrop of charged anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. 

LGBTQ+ individuals are 9x more likely than non-LGBTQ+ individuals to be victims of violent hate crimes. (The Americas)40% of LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced gender-based violence (APAC)An overwhelming majority of transgender individuals in the UK (88%) did not report hate crimes, despite being the most targeted group. (EMEA)

Mental health

Around the world, LGBTQ+ individuals have an increased risk in mental health challenges due to stigma-based discrimination, according to an NIH study of 13 countries. Unfortunately, even access to mental healthcare also comes with added barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals.

56% of LGBTQ+ young people (ages 13 to 24) who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it. (The Americas)Over one in eight LGBTQ+ people have experienced unequal treatment from healthcare staff because of their gender identity. (EMEA)Gender and sexuality in mental health: perspectives on lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender (LGBT) rights and mental health in the ASEAN region (APAC)

With gender identity rights under threat worldwide, what can you do to help?

Activate allyship

Support the LGBTQ+ community by being an authentic ally.

What is allyship? Allyship is a way to encourage inclusivity in the places we all live and work. While an ally isn’t necessarily a member of an underrepresented group, they take positive action to support diverse groups.

This Pride Month, celebrate progress for LGBTQ+ rights and continue to advocate for progress so individuals worldwide feel empowered – and safe – in their gender identity.

10 ways to practice allyship

Be an activist: Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in legislation and policy.Avoid making assumptions about one’s gender identity or asking intrusive questions.Stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ by centering their voices in and out of the workplace.Expand your reading list to better understand and empathize with LGBTQ+ experiences.Learn and use inclusive language, including terms related to gender – and include pronouns in your email signatures, social media profiles, and virtual events profiles.Invest in supporting transgender, gender non-conforming, and nonbinary communities that address basic needs such as poverty, unemployment, and health care.A large percentage of the LGBTQ+ community has experienced homelessness. Prioritize supporting organizations that enable access to safe and affordable housing.Hold yourself accountable for mistakes like forgetting one’s pronouns, chosen name, or gender identity.Stay committed and ask yourself and others “what are my next steps” and “how will I keep myself on track” so your allyship is active and avoids being performative.Have humility by accepting that, even as you continue to listen and understand, you may make mistakes.

Bloomberg’s commitment to allyship

At Bloomberg, we’re committed to affirming LGBTQ+ identity and tackling issues these communities face so our employees feel safe, know they’re valued, and are empowered to shape our culture of inclusion.

We hold ourselves accountable for being part of the solution through action and open dialogue. Bloomberg is among the more than 75 large U.S. companies that signed on to the Count Us In Pledge to stand proudly and publicly as LGBTQ+ allies, while calling on lawmakers to end all discriminatory attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. Some steps we’ve taken at Bloomberg include hosting global LGBTQ+ programming focused on inequality, advocacy, and intersectionality year-round. We also provide access to our enhanced allyship training program, which consists of an internal transgender allyship module (developed in partnership with the Bloomberg LGBT and Ally Community). We also made it easy for employees to add their pronouns to their profiles on the Bloomberg Terminal.

Furthermore, to complement our unwavering commitment to inclusion, our employees have access to world-class benefits, including gender-neutral parental leave, an inclusive definition of “dependents,” and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) focused on mental health and wellness that provides access to confidential counseling and specialized resources.

At Bloomberg, we believe that dialogue leads to understanding – and understanding can lead to change in our workplaces and beyond.

To continue the conversation with us, discover more about Bloomberg’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and allyship.

Covia is the responsible steward of approximately 75,000 acres of land across our global footprint. Planning for responsible land use is embedded throughout the life cycle of our operations – from our careful approach to early development and operational planning, to our production phase, all the way through our collaborative reclamation process aimed at protecting, restoring and nurturing the land and biodiversity. Over the decades, we have helped restore a wide variety of diverse ecosystems including wetlands, forests, ranch lands, shorelines and more.

One example is the reclamation of Covia’s mine and plant site in Huntingburg, Indiana. In 2017, we began our work to reclaim a former clay pit spanning approximately seven acres at this site. We solicited feedback from the local community, and together determined that the best use for the land would be agriculture, which required elimination of steep slopes and removal of all water features. In 2022, Team Members backfilled and graded the land, applied soils to replicate the original horizon and layers, implemented vegetation and erosion control measures, and safely sprayed for invasive species. In 2023, the site will be assessed for improvement opportunities, and a water control structure will be constructed to help mitigate erosion. Approximately five miles south of this site, Huntingburg Team Members also cleaned out the sedimentation pond, which will be stocked with several fish species. In addition, the area was seeded with winter grasses and habitat structures have been placed around the pond, including bird boxes. The pond and surrounding area will become the center of the plant’s 2023 WHC-certified site. “I am very pleased to work for a company that listens to its communities and prioritizes addressing their needs and wishes. I am proud of this property, as it is a clear example of Covia doing the right thing for our neighboring communities.” – Kevin Heckel, Plant Manager, Huntingburg, IN.

To hear more from Kevin Heckel about this reclamation project, please watch this video.

AUSTIN, Minn., June 27, 2023 /3BL/ – Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, is one of the best companies to work for in America, according to a list compiled by U.S. News & World Report. 

The publication measured workplace factors —including quality of pay and benefits, work-life balance and flexibility, job and company stability, physical and psychological comfort, belongingness and esteem, and career opportunities and professional development.— in determining its inaugural list of 200 companies.

“We are honored to be counted among the best companies to work for in America,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods. “This recognition serves as a testament to the enduring values and strong culture that have shaped our organization over our 132 year history. At Hormel Foods, we have always believed that our success stems from the passion and commitment of our remarkable team members, and our dedication to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous growth. Our team members are the bedrock of our company, and we take immense pride in creating an atmosphere that nurtures their talents, empowers their voices, and supports their overall well-being.”

Already considered one of the most trusted and admired companies in the world, Hormel Foods places a great importance on the growth, development and engagement of its team members, providing competitive pay and benefits while also ensuring a safe, inclusive workspace for everyone.

“This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, fostering a collaborative culture, and prioritizing the overall well-being of our team members,” said Katie Larson, senior vice president of human resources for Hormel Foods. “We understand the significance of attracting and retaining top talent in today’s competitive landscape, and our focus is on how we will continue to build a workplace that not only attracts top talent but also fosters a sense of fulfillment, belonging, and shared success. We are proud of this recognition and excited for the future as we continue to prioritize our employees’ satisfaction and well-being.”

Hormel Foods has a long-standing reputation as one of the most successful food companies in the world and has received numerous honors and accolades in that regard. The company has been named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune, America’s Most Responsible Companies for a fourth consecutive year by Newsweek, one of the World’s Top Female-Friendly companies by Forbes, and one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek for the second straight year.

To view the full list of U.S. News’ best companies to work for, visit https://www.usnews.com/.

The Good Stuff Podcast delves into inspiring stories of success and perseverance. Through well-crafted story monologues, we showcase individuals who have made a positive impact through their acts of kindness, successful careers, businesses, and military service. Hosted by Jacob and Ashley Schick.

“Believe the Unbelievable with Jon Freier,” is a podcast episode featuring T-Mobile president of Consumer Group, Jon Freier. Jon’s story is about how a challenging childhood shaped him not only as a person, but the leader he is today. He talks about his personal tragedies and struggles and ties them to the culture at T-Mobile … and how he tries to help others break out of their own difficult cycles to be successful.

Jon joins Jacob and Ashley Schick of One Tribe Foundation for the conversation on their new podcast, The Good Stuff, airing on iHeart as of June 27, 2023.

Listen to Jon’s full episode here.

June 27, 2023 /3BL/ – The Ray, in partnership with the Biomimicry Institute, today published an innovative regenerative-design study addressing some of the most critical challenges in the U.S. transportation and mobility sector, including safety, congestion, emissions, and waste streams. Biomimicry on The Ray findings suggest that solutions to these
challenges can be improved upon and informed by designs that are observable in nature.

Biomimicry leverages nature’s “big picture” design frameworks and processes to influence human engineering and design. Biomimicry on The Ray identifies biomimetic and bio-inspired technologies that have not yet scaled in use or funding in infrastructure, and provides regenerative design solutions that align with The Ray’s goal of achieving net-zero in transportation. By mimicking the resilient capabilities of natural systems, The Ray can consider new infrastructure concepts and projects that minimize environmental impact and promote efficient, sustainable technologies within transportation.

For example, insect sensing and self-organization functions can inform efficiencies in connected vehicle (V2X) technology by creating mathematical optimization processes that provide drivers with real-time information on the best resources available for battery charging, fuel, or other services. Incorporating synthetically biomineralized materials into infrastructure projects, mimicking the design patterns of stony coral, can capture and sequester transportation carbon emissions as well as reduce the waste streams of carbon dioxide that come from the production of traditional cement. In fact, the nation’s newest advanced research program, ARPA-I, has identified bio-inspired road materials as a promising area of infrastructure research, development and investment, and highlighted North Carolina-based Biomason during its White House launch event this month.

To prevent erosion, reduce flood risk, and filter particulates, The Ray can take inspiration from the North American Beaver to create self-renewing processes for filtering and recapturing tire particles and other toxic materials from roadway runoff.

“The Ray’s three primary goals are zero deaths, zero waste, and zero carbon,” said Harriet Langford, founder of The Ray. “What better example do we have than nature to mimic? Biomimicry provides a lens of how we can use nature’s solutions to work in harmony with the built environment.”

The study also includes an inventory of regenerative advancements and social innovation initiatives that can be made using biomimicry.

“Nature is the only model we have for designing regeneratively and has been conducting R&D for billions of years,” said Deborah Bidwell, the Biomimicry Team’s education manager and biology research facilitator with the College of Charleston. “We want to encourage the growing community of biomimicry practitioners – as well as communities, corporations, and local and state governments – to consider the role that living laboratories like The Ray play as amplifiers of nature-based regenerative innovations and holistic sustainable design solutions.”

The Biomimicry Research Process
Biomimicry on The Ray was an 18-month study that used a multi-phase approach to support the net-zero mission of The Ray. The study started with a three-month scoping initiative that involved interviewing internal and external stakeholders, and reviewing The Ray’s publications, articles, and strategic planning documents to identify areas of focus. The Ray’s staff and Board completed a 15-week professional biomimicry training to understand the biomimicry design methodology in-depth. As a result, The Ray is now uniquely positioned to engage with and implement high-level biomimetic practices.

“Biomimicry offers us the ultimate source of hope for the future, by drawing upon the natural world’s boundless innovations and limitless possibilities,” said Asha Singhal, Co-founder of the Futuring Collective, Lead Designer and Researcher of Hybrid Futures. “It is through the lens of nature’s wisdom that we can envision a world where our technological advancements are in harmony with the planet, and where hope is not just a distant dream, but a tangible reality.”

Read the full report here.

About The Ray
The Ray is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity and net-zero highway testbed, located on 18 miles of Interstate 85 between Lagrange, Georgia and the Georgia-Alabama state line. This stretch of interstate is named in memory of Ray C. Anderson (1934-2011), a Georgia native recognized as a leader in green business when he challenged his company, Interface, Inc., to pursue a zero environmental footprint. Our mission is to reimagine how we connect our communities, our lives and the world in a way that is safer, more responsive to the climate, more regenerative to the
environment, and more capable of creating economic opportunity through innovative ideas and technologies that will transform transportation infrastructure. The Ray Highway is paving the way for a zero carbon, zero waste, zero deaths highway system that will build a safer and more prosperous future for us all. Learn more at www.TheRay.org.

About the Biomimicry Institute
The Biomimicry Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2006 that empowers people to seek nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. To advance the solution process, the Institute offers AskNature.org, a free online tool that contains strategies found in nature and examples of ways they are used in design. It also hosts a Biomimicry Global Design Challenge and Youth Design Challenge to support project-based education; a Biomimicry
Launchpad startup accelerator program; a Ray of Hope Prize® for developing companies to bring designs to market; and a Biomimicry Global Network that connects innovators across the world. Learn more at https://biomimicry.org.

The Biomimicry Team
Asha Singhal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asha-singhal/
McCall Langford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccalllangfordbmy/
Deborah Bidwell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-bidwell-76219b11/
Rich Altherr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richaltherr/

MEDIA CONTACT
Dallen McLemore, Communications Specialist, The Ray
229.449.6168 | dallen@theray.org | @TheRayHighway

By Applied Blog

Applied Materials has earned the exclusive Intel EPIC Program Outstanding Supplier Award with Supplier Diversity Distinction for 2023. This award recognizes the absolute top performers in the Intel supply chain for their dedication to continuous quality improvement, performance, collaboration and inclusion over the past year.

“Congratulations to Applied Materials on receiving the EPIC Outstanding Supplier Award, Intel’s highest supplier recognition,” said Keyvan Esfarjani, chief global operations officer at Intel. “Their unwavering commitment to quality, drive for excellence, and dedication to technology innovation make them vital to our success. We greatly appreciate their long-term collaboration and continued focus on results. As one of only six companies recognized in 2023, they are truly one of the best in the world.”

The Intel EPIC Outstanding Supplier Award recognizes the highest level of achievement in the Intel global supply chain and is an ongoing realization of continuous improvement within the high-performing Intel supplier ecosystem. Of the thousands of Intel suppliers around the world, only a few hundred qualify to participate in the EPIC Supplier Program. In 2023, only six suppliers across the Intel supply chain earned an Intel Outstanding Supplier Award, making them truly the best of the best.

To qualify for an Intel EPIC Outstanding Supplier Award, suppliers must exceed the highest expectations, meet aggressive performance goals and score 95 percent or higher on performance assessments throughout the year. Suppliers must also meet 90 percent or more of their improvement plan deliverables and demonstrate formidable quality and business systems.

Get more information about the Intel EPIC Supplier Awards

Find the latest at the Intel Newsroom

Visit the Intel EPIC Supplier Awards page

Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

By Evelyn Mitchell

When Regions introduced benefits for those struggling with infertility, Alana, an associate in the Human Resources division, turned to Regions Bank partners Ovia Health and WINFertility to support her and her husband in their family building journey.

“I immediately downloaded the Ovia app and connected with a nurse to chat about suggested treatments and just ask questions.” Alana explained. “After that, I signed up for WINFertility and conducted an intake call. We discussed my history and experience and was assigned a care advocate to work with throughout the process.”

World Infertility Awareness Month

June is World Infertility Awareness Month, which recognizes infertility issues – defined as the inability to conceive after trying for one year, or the inability of a woman to carry a pregnancy to a live birth – faced by people around the globe.

Everyone has been very encouraging and thoughtful. It’s so nice to know that someone out there has the answers and is going to help me with what I need.

Alana, an associate in the Human Resources division

Even with statistics in the millions, people facing infertility often feel they’re alone in their struggles. That’s why Regions chose to begin offering fertility benefits in 2022.

“Everyone has been very encouraging and thoughtful. It’s so nice to know that someone out there has the answers and is going to help me with what I need,” Alana shared.

Support from Regions

Regions has partnered with leading providers Ovia Health and WINFertility to provide personalized and confidential family-building benefits for associates. With these programs, fertility care managers help navigate participants through unfamiliar infertility, pregnancy and parenting territory by providing education, guidance and emotional support. It’s another example of how the company is investing in associate wellbeing.

“You’re Not Alone”

The struggle to conceive can have a lasting effect on every aspect of a person’s life. This makes having the right support crucial when embarking on an infertility journey. Alana says she is grateful for the support she has received as her journey continues and shared a word of encouragement for others.

“Infertility is not easy or for the faint of heart. There are so many times when you feel like you are suffering through this alone. But I want everyone to know that there are so many communities you can join for support, whether it’s through social media or your fertility clinic or even the social network in the Ovia app,” Alana shared. “It’s just nice to know that I can call either my care advocate at WINFertility or chat with a nurse or coach through Ovia and get solid answers from a clinical provider.”

WINFertility Insights and Education

In support of ongoing education about infertility, WINFertility recently introduced a series of webinars featuring world-renowned fertility specialists. The recorded webinars are available on demand on the WINFertility site at the following link:

Three Things To Know Webinar Series

Regions provides a variety of benefits to support the wellbeing of associates and their families.

Family Building Benefits – Ovia Health and WINFertility: The Ovia suite of health apps offers support for milestones such as planning and starting a family, navigating pregnancy and balancing life as a working parent. WINFertility offers compassionate support to families facing fertility challenges. From guidance in selecting providers to valuable financing and discount options, WIN offers a variety of resources.Parental Leave: Regions provides 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for eligible birth mothers, 6 weeks of maternity leave and 6 weeks of bonding leave. Eligible birth fathers and adoptive parents can take 6 weeks of bonding leave.Baby Yourself Prenatal Program: Regions provides associates with a prenatal wellness program. The service provides expectant mothers with support and educational materials, including access to a personal nurse that they can call with any questions or concerns throughout their pregnancy.Adoption Assistance: Regions provides adoption assistance to help associates cover certain costs not covered by state or private agencies.Wellness@Regions: Regions offers corporate wellness programs and incentives that encourage healthy choices. Wellness@Regions, gives associates access to multiple options for improving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The program includes initiatives in overall-wellbeing, physical health, mental wellness, and chronic condition support.

Originally published on 3M News Center

ST. PAUL, Minn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 27, 2023 /3BL/ — 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist) top 10 finalists. As the nation’s premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

This year’s finalists – fourteen students ranging in age from 11-14 – identified an everyday problem in their community or the world and submitted a one- to two-minute video communicating the science behind their solution. An esteemed and diverse group of judges, including 3M scientists and leaders in education from across the country, evaluated entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness. The competition event will take place from October 9-10, 2023, at the 3M Innovation Center in Minneapolis.

“For 16 years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has exemplified our belief in harnessing the power of people, ideas, and science to reimagine what’s possible. The remarkable young innovators of this competition share our determination to help shape a brighter future.” said John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility. “By asking students to think creatively and apply the power of science to everyday problems, incredible solutions and leaders arise.”

The top 10 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists include students from public and private schools across the U.S. Each finalist will be evaluated on a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation. Each challenge will be scored independently by a panel of judges. The grand prize winner will receive $25,000, a unique destination trip, and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist.

The top 10 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists are as follows in alphabetical order by last name:

Heman Bekele, Annandale, Va., Frost Middle School, Fairfax County Public SchoolsAnisha Dhoot, Portland, Ore., Stoller Middle School, Beaverton School District 48JIshaan Iyer, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Perdew Elementary, Etiwanda School DistrictSean Jiang, Baltimore, Md., Gilman School, PrivateShripriya Kalbhavi, San Jose, Calif., Joaquin Miller Middle School, Cupertino Union School DistrictAnnie Katz, New Rochelle, N.Y., Leffell School, PrivateAnish Kosaraju, Saratoga, Calif., The Harker School, Campbell Union High School DistrictAdhip Maitra, Oviedo, Fla., Jackson Heights Middle School, Seminole County School DistrictShruti Sivaraman, Austin, Texas, Canyon Vista Middle School, Round Rock Independent School DistrictSarah Wang, Andover, Mass., The Pike School, Independent

To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the 2023 finalists, visit YoungScientistLab.com.

“What a delight it is to see these incredible young innovators recognized for their hard work. The 2023 finalists showcase the power of innovation with projects spanning an array of fascinating scientific topics like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. We cannot wait to see your ideas come to life!” said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Social Impact at Discovery Education.

America’s Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named Time Magazine’s first Kid of the Year, featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider, and have appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and more. In addition, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network began fall 2022 and welcomed more than 100 former challenge finalists and winners for networking and grant opportunities.

The award-winning 3M Young Scientist Challenge supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program – Young Scientist Lab – which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available through the Young Scientist Lab Channel and in the Social Impact Partnerships channel on Discovery Education’s recently enhanced K-12 learning platform.

For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.

About 3M 
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what’s possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3M.com/news or on Twitter at @3M or @3MNews.

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

SOURCE 3M