Tag: 3BL

HOUSTON, Texas, June 27, 2023 /3BL/ – The National Diversity Council (NDC) provides the following statement in anticipation of the pending U.S. Supreme Court decision that may impact affirmative action in admissions for higher education institutions nationwide and the latest legislation passed in Florida affecting funding for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in higher education.

For more than 40 years, higher education institutions have considered race as one of multiple factors in the admissions process.

“Race-conscious admissions programs have effectively enhanced diversity in colleges and universities across the United States and advanced greater opportunity for all,” said Anika Rahman, CEO of the National Diversity Council. “Any change to this policy will have devastating implications for academia, the corporate sector and our society.”

By the end of June, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue its decisions in the Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. (SFAI) v. President and Fellows of Harvard and the SFAI v. University of North Carolina cases.

“Regardless of the outcome of this decision, the National Diversity Council will continue to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in higher education and beyond,” said Rahman. “DEI is an essential pillar of a just society.”

The NDC and its affiliate, the Florida Diversity Council, have additional concerns about Higher Education Bill SB-266, signed recently by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and due to become effective on July 1st. The law prohibits expenditures by any member of the Florida College System on programs and campus activities that advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We are especially concerned about anti-DEI efforts in Florida, because this state has the third largest Latino population in the nation, with one-third of its public colleges and universities designated as Hispanic-serving institutions,” said Rahman.

“As a nation, we must address and respond to the structural barriers that have systematically impacted marginalized communities, limiting their access to higher education and future opportunities for full participation in the workforce,” said Rahman. “DEI in higher education promotes greater levels of cultural awareness and decreases inequities while enhancing representation, knowledge-sharing and diversity of thought across different backgrounds and lived experiences,” she added.

The work of the National Diversity Council and its various state affiliates is critical to advancing DEI. “We are committed to providing our partners with the resources and tools to move the needle in the evolving DEI landscape,” said Rahman.

About The National Diversity Council

A non-profit organization committed to fostering a learning environment for organizations to grow in their knowledge of diversity. The council affords opportunities for organizations to share best practices and learn from top corporate leaders in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. More information about the National Diversity Council is available at: www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org.

Media Contact:

Kamaria Monmouth

Sr. Communication Specialist

National Diversity Council

kamaria.monmouth@nationaldiversitycouncil.org

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As a Jamaican-Canadian and first-generation law student, entering the legal profession seemed financially insurmountable for Joshua Wallace.

Now poised to graduate next year from the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University, Wallace cites the Enbridge Legal Services group’s financial and mentorship support as instrumental in his academic journey.

“For countless diverse students, including myself, Enbridge has facilitated our process of assimilation to the legal community while fostering a space that valued our unique identities and perspectives,” says Wallace, one of two recipients in 2022 of the Enbridge Award for Black Law Students.

Joshua’s journey reflects the Enbridge view that talent development is a long-term investment starting at the high school and university levels.

In 2021, the Diversity, Equity Inclusion (DE I) council of Enbridge’s Legal Services group developed a mentorship program for Black and Indigenous first-year law students in schools across Ontario.

“It’s a wonderful experience to mentor students who come from humble beginnings, haven’t had a lawyer in their family, don’t have a network,” says Guri Pannu, Senior Legal Counsel at Enbridge, who recently discussed the initiative on CTV’s This Hour program.

“Some of these students are now working at the biggest law firms in the country.”

The Legal Mentorship Program welcomed a cohort of 15 students in its inaugural 2022-23 year. Each was assigned an Enbridge lawyer as a mentor while also receiving group mentorship and guidance throughout their first year of law school.

The program will be expanded to Alberta for the 2023-24 scholastic year.

The program is the brainchild of Luanda Campbell, campus recruitment advisor in Enbridge’s Human Resources and Talent Acquisition team, for whom the initiative is a passion informed by past trauma and the injustice her child experienced at an impressionable age.

During that recent CTV’s This Hour discussion on race and racism, Luanda recounted the racial profiling she experienced when Toronto police mistakenly raided the home she shared with her mother and then-four-year-old daughter.

“They were searching for a suspect in a crime, and we got targeted as the only black family in the neighborhood,” says Campbell, describing the experience as “terrifying.”

Sharing this account with Enbridge colleagues in the wake of the George Floyd tragedy provided the initial spark for Campbell to establish the mentorship program with colleagues Stephanie Lovering and Megan Smith.

“Luanda’s vulnerability has shown me the need for programs like this that actively reach into the community, offer support and find talent,” says Lovering.

“I would say to our students that nobody should have to go through these experiences, or through trauma; but we can use that to help make positive change for others,” says Campbell.

Poignantly, Campbell saw how an ordeal early in life inspired her own daughter to drive positive change and tolerance though pursuing her own legal career.

“In her (law school) application letter she stated the reason she wanted to pursue a career in law was to be a voice and advocate for those who are voiceless and can’t advocate for themselves,” she says.

“It was a powerful moment for me as her mother, to see things coming full circle.”

Our planet continues to face a desperate climate emergency, sparking renewed calls for urgent action from the global population for a greener, more equitable future.

That’s why this year’s theme for Earth Day is no different than the last: “Invest in our Planet.” Now.

It calls on governments, institutions, businesses and communities to reflect on and consider the impact they make on the planet every single day.

It’s no secret that human activity has prompted the loss of biodiversity, depletion of species, a mass of pollution contributing to global warming, loss of trees from agriculture, overconsumption of meat and fish, unsustainable travel, excessive energy use… the list goes on.

Businesses cannot ignore the benefits of investing in the green economy and are adapting to ensure they are more sustainable throughout their entire operations, focusing on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards to align with the climate agenda and ensure a just transition.

You might be thinking, “How can I support Earth Day?”

Earth Day, the world’s largest environmental movement, which first started in 1970, has devised avaried itinerary in which populations are urged to push for:

Climate literacyGrow more treesSupport sustainable fashionBanish plastic pollutionAttend a beach clean upVote to save the earth

There is further information and petitions online to support the above pledges on the Earth Day website.

What else should you know about the climate emergency’s impact on our global population?

Over the past decade, the climate crisis has affected around one in seven people, according to the Red Cross, with 86 per cent of all disasters attributed to extreme weather conditions, from heatwaves to storms.

Hazardous weather and climate-related events during this ten-year period have caused disasters around the globe, including 1,100 deaths in Pakistan due to record-breaking floods and a severe food crisis in parts of Africa.

It has been predicted that by 2050, Britain will be 50 per cent more likely to experience hot summers, which could triple the number of heat-related deaths to approximately 7,000 each year.

Last year, Acre published a blog about Earth Day 2022 and discussed the necessary steps that are needed to be taken by the government, businesses and consumers. Those same steps are still relevant to effect change.

How does all this fit in with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change?

A legally binding agreement was signed by 174 countries and the European Union on Earth Day in 2016. Those who signed the Paris Agreement pledged to develop policies and plans to limit global temperature rises to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

One of its commitments was to ensure developing and climate-vulnerable countries received help to achieve the same goals, via practical and financial help from industrially developed countries.

As many as 93 per cent of people most impacted by climate disasters live in low-resource countries that contribute the least to climate change. 

Progress is monitored by the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COPs) every year, aiming to keep global efforts on track to meet the target. To date, some progress has been made on global emission reduction targets, but despite this small feat, the temperatures are on track to rise above the 2°C target, hence mounting pressure for urgent action and the need for global days to reiterate this.

Earth Day shouldn’t just fall on one day, though, if the planet is to be thrown the lifeline it deserves– collaboration, innovation, solutions, and action need to be dominating the conversations more frequently to ensure sustainability sits at the top of every single agenda.

Without the health of the planet, the human race will, quite simply, be obliterated. Yet ironically, humans are the ones armed with the knowledge and tools to save the world as well as themselves.

About Acre

At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on the journey to crafting a legacy.

Our 18 years’ experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change.

Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact. We can develop these qualities within your existing teams too.

We find talented people and develop their skills to ensure they make a true impact in ambitious, progressive organisations.

Acre. Making companies ready for tomorrow.

Lenovo has increased its investment in renewable energy, tripling its solar energy generation since FY 2018/19.Lenovo’s early adoption of science-based targets resulted in its inclusion in the first group of companies to have both its near-term 2030 targets and 2050 net-zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.Lenovo’s global philanthropy efforts have grown again this year, resulting in more than US$30M in charitable impact for communities around the world (investments of funds, product, and estimate of volunteer time) and impacting more than 16 million lives.Lenovo’s global supply chain increased its ranking this year, reaching #8 in Gartner’s Top 25 Global Supply Chains. 

June 27, 2023 /3BL/ – Today, Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) published its 17th annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, further demonstrating its commitment to being a responsible corporation around the world with a focus on building a sustainable planet, promoting inclusion, and closing the digital divide. In the new report, the global technology powerhouse reported its increased investment in solar energy, tripling generation since FY 2018/19 driven by solar energy installations at factories and offices around the world. The company also increased its philanthropic investment, measuring nearly US$30M in philanthropic investments resulting in more than 16 million people impacted through global programs and partnerships.

“As a global company, we have seen the impact of climate change on our stakeholders and feel the urgency to combat it together” said Yuanqing Yang, Lenovo’s CEO and Chairman. “In the last fiscal year, we were proud to affirm our commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 with net-zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and their first-of-its-kind Net-Zero Standard.”

Click to launch and explore an interactive map of Lenovo’s global ESG impacts.

Lenovo’s leadership in sustainability was bolstered this year when it became one of the first group of companies to have net-zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. The company is on-track to meet its near-term emissions reduction targets for 2030, including reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions intensities by 66.5% from purchased goods and services, 35% from sold products, and 25% from upstream transportation and distribution. Lenovo is collaborating with suppliers to reduce its Scope 3 (value chain) emissions, traditionally the largest category of emissions and the most difficult to track in a complex, global supply chain.

Lenovo is building on its tradition of holistic innovations that increase the sustainability of its products and services. In FY 2022/23 Lenovo continued its transition to a circular economy by continually increasing the number of products that integrate ‘closed loop’ recycled content that comes from end-of-life IT and electronics. Lenovo reported nearly 300 products (298) that included recycled plastic content from end-of-life IT and electronics. As an example, the ThinkPad X1 laptops launched at CES 2023 include up to 97% Post Consumer Content (PCC) plastic in the battery enclosure and up to 95% PCC plastic in the speaker enclosures and AC adapter.

Lenovo’s workforce is industry-leading1 in gender inclusion, with 37% women in its overall population and 28% women in technical roles. Lenovo’s efforts to advance women have been recognized through inclusion in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fourth time as the company pursues its goal to reach 27% women executive representation by 2025 (current 21%). Lenovo’s values of diversity and inclusion are practiced through 17 employee-led resource groups in offices and regions around the world. The groups are customized for the unique needs across a location’s diversity segments, with specific groups for today’s workforce, from early career talents (Rising Employees At Lenovo) to groups supporting parents in the workplace and career development for people from underrepresented backgrounds. Lenovo’s workforce inclusion initiatives have been recognized by Forbes, the Disability Inclusion Index, and the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

In FY 2022/23, Lenovo’s global philanthropy efforts driven by the Lenovo Foundation grew year-on-year, resulting in more than US$30M in charitable impact for communities around the world (investments of funds, product, and estimate of volunteer time). The Foundation’s focus has been on empowering underrepresented populations by helping them access technology and STEM education through strategic partnerships, programs like the TransforMe Skilling Grant Round, and employee volunteerism like the Love on Month of Service.

While Lenovo continues its journey to net-zero and works toward more inclusive workplaces and communities, the company is focused on governing its global operations with the highest standards of ethics and compliance. Lenovo’s global supply chain increased its ranking this year, reaching #8 in Gartner’s Top 25 Global Supply Chains. Furthermore, Lenovo’s ESG programs have been recognized by CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International), and the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

This is Lenovo’s 17th annual ESG Report, covering the Fiscal Year 2022/23 (April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023).

To find out more about Lenovo’s ESG global and local impacts, explore the interactive map here.

About Lenovo:

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #171 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of ‘New IT’ technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovo’s world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

1As determined by internal competitive benchmarking within the technology industry.

They are increasingly aware of the impact of their own purchasing decisions, and are calling for radical transparency on the value chains of the companies they support, the products they buy, and the events they attend.

As a result, businesses face pressure to transparently communicate the climate impact of their products and events, but also their own corporate climate journey. But with the right strategy, companies can address the needs of their most important stakeholders, their clients, protect their reputation, and unlock a host of other business benefits.

Putting true climate impact front and centre for all to see

One powerful way for companies to communicate about their climate action is through the use of climate labels. Credible labels provide instant and full transparency to the customer, spelling out the steps that the company has taken to reduce their emissions and the global climate action projects they have supported. Solutions like these provide customers with the relevant details they need to make more informed decisions, and to utilise their purchasing power to make a difference.

While the consumer push for transparency around corporate climate efforts is clear, many companies are still failing to prioritise sustainability. However, the businesses that do address their customers’ expectations can benefit from:

Enhanced consumer trust
Instant and full transparency can enhance consumer trust and lead to customer loyalty and customer referrals. Consumer research on the Funding Climate Action label by South Pole found that 78% of respondents trusted that credible climate-preservation efforts had been taken when viewing the label (conducted in December 2022 with 1,500 participants across Europe and the US).Differentiating themselves from competitors
Climate labels can help companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors by showcasing their commitment to sustainability – beyond compliance. A visible commitment to climate action can attract new customers who actively look for companies who share their values.Boosted engagement and sales
Companies can embed climate action into their brand image and reputation which in turn boosts engagement and sales. In a recent survey it was reported that 69% of companies captured more financial value than expected from climate initiatives alone.

The call for a new claim: funding climate action

The rise in the number of green claims of climate action, the lack of universally accepted definitions, and in some cases, poor substantiation have made it difficult for customers to understand what ‘green’ claims really mean. Despite the term “climate neutral” having inspired thousands of companies to act for the climate as part of a 20-year global success story, the category has been misused by certain actors and led to allegations of greenwashing and widespread consumer confusion and mistrust. Consumer protection agencies are now calling for viable alternatives as well as more increased transparency around green claims more generally.

To effectively respond to the evolving landscape while maintaining the highest standards of credibility, South Pole has developed a new actionable vision of a climate funding claim that is aligned with the Paris Agreement, and that builds on the SBTi’s beyond value chain mitigation guidance. The claim “Funding Climate Action” can be used by companies to demonstrate that they are contributing to climate action beyond their value chain through high-quality certified mitigation contributions, in line with their residual carbon emissions.

The Funding Climate Action label
To empower companies to communicate their ‘Funding Climate Action’ claim effectively, with maximum transparency, South Pole has developed The Funding Climate Action label. The label indicates that an organisation has successfully passed a comprehensive, verified process to ensure credible climate action. Organisations display this climate action directly to their stakeholders via a bespoke QR code and personalised landing page that provides detailed information on the organisation’s climate action within and beyond their value chain. This level of detail and transparency enables companies to communicate their sustainability goals and related progress more effectively.

The Funding Climate Action label by South Pole has passed consumer tests on transparency and desirability* with flying colours:

84% of consumers are more likely to purchase a product with the Funding Climate Action label83% feel well informed by the label’s landing page82% understand the label’s meaning immediately

Transparency in corporate climate action is critical in tracking our collective progress towards global net zero emissions and a world where climate change is no longer a threat to life on earth. When corporate emission reduction plans are under scrutiny, it pushes corporate sustainability teams to pursue the best possible solutions for reducing a company’s overall emissions.

Companies working to transition to net zero emissions have a responsibility to communicate their plan to the public with honesty and clarity, and a strong incentive to address the growing consumer demand on transparency and more informed purchase decisions. South Pole’s new Funding Climate Action label allows them to do exactly that.

* Research conducted in December 2022 with 1,500 participants across Europe and the US

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 27, 2023 /3BL/ – Katie Ireland, an industry-leading packaging expert with more than two decades of experience across iconic global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg, Ford Motor Company, Unilever, and Hershey has joined CRB as a senior packaging engineer. For CRB – one of the world’s top providers of engineering, architecture, construction and consulting solutions for food and beverage clients – Ireland’s arrival bolsters clients seeking holistic packaging, equipment and line design that maximizes a product’s shelf life, safety, ease of use and marketing appeal.

“In an intensely competitive environment, manufacturers are more focused than ever on product packaging that’s safe, simple to use and can capture consumer attention,” said Jason Robertson, CRB’s Vice President of Food and Beverage. “No one is more locked in on those goals than CRB, and few in this industry can match Katie’s deep packaging credentials and impact. We can’t wait to see what she’ll do for clients.”

Before CRB, Ireland spent more than 10 years at Starbucks, where she led numerous global packaging solution and innovation efforts that streamlined the coffee giant’s packaging lines. She led a center of excellence (CoE) equipment group that oversaw standards, specifications and governance, and she helped set asset management strategy for the company’s aging plants.

Before Starbucks, Ireland performed lead packaging roles at ConAgra, Kellogg Company, Ford Motor Company and Unilever. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Engineering from Michigan State University – one of the nation’s leading institutions in the discipline – before earning her MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.

“Smart and sustainable package design can retain customer loyalty while reducing the amount of material used and making products easier to manufacture and designed with consumer use in mind,” Ireland said. “I’ve spent my career tackling these critical challenges on the client side, and I’m excited to bring that unique perspective to CRB, whose culture of collaboration, client focus and technical excellence are unmatched.”

About CRB: 

CRB is a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our innovative ONEsolution™ service provides successful integrated project delivery for clients demanding high-quality solutions — on time and on budget. Across 22 offices in North America and Europe, the company’s nearly 1,700 employees provide world-class, technically preeminent solutions that drive success and positive change for clients and communities. See our work at crbgroup.com, and connect with us on social media here.

CONTACT:

Clarity Quest Marketing: 
877-887-7611 
Bonnie Quintanilla, bonnie@clarityqst.com

CRB: 
816-200-5234 
Chris Clark, chris.clark@crbgroup.com

Most higher education institutions are embracing digital transformation programs and building on the rapid progress that took place during the Covid-19 pandemic. There are many drivers for this activity, often linked to enhancing student experiences and delivering the consumer-grade standard of service their students expect.

How can institutions ensure they achieve the success they seek?

The key lies in taking a step back.

When you think of digital transformation, it’s easy to think first of user-facing systems (i.e., systems of engagement). But there are likely already a multitude of systems and applications in use across your institution (i.e., systems of record).

Adding more systems will add more complexity – and more opportunity for things to go wrong. Considering how every system will interface and interact will be essential if you are to achieve a successful digital transformation.

This, in turn, will depend on having a robust quality assurance and software testing program in place to test both systems of record and systems of engagement. Tools such as Keysight’s Eggplant are essential in a world where doing more with less is the daily reality.

Keysight’s Eggplant is an AI-powered automated software testing solution that allows you to continuously test on any platform, at any scale, and for any location.

It’s used by institutions and organizations worldwide and was named by research and advisory company Forrester as a Leader in Continuous Automation Testing Platforms.

In this blog, we’ll consider how Eggplant’s functionality can help you secure successful digital transformation so you can:

enhance teaching and learningstreamline administrative processesensure robust infrastructure and application performancedrive continuous improvement and innovation in education

Enhancing Teaching and Learning through Digital Transformation

The pandemic showed educators a new way of teaching. Although initially forced by necessity, institutions are now seeing that digital technologies offer huge opportunities to make education more accessible and open up new revenue streams.

It’s an exciting new frontier, but there are risks too.

The world of digital teaching and learning tools is vast, with many different options. Educators will – rightly – want to use the tools that best suit their needs. However, careful thought is needed to ensure new digital learning tools work with existing infrastructure and deliver the consumer-grade user experience that today’s students expect.

Eggplant’s software test automation capabilities can give you this assurance. The system allows you to test and validate e-learning platforms, conduct usability testing, and assess accessibility compliance.

Moving beyond the basics, it can help you seamlessly integrate legacy systems with new technologies and software applications to create the rich digital learning environment you want. Above all, it enables you to ensure a user-friendly and intuitive experience for both students and faculty.

Streamlining Administrative Processes with Digital Transformation

Administrative process automation gives non-teaching staff the solutions they need to drive efficiency.

More effective systems also play a role in better student experiences – 92% of students believe that a good digital experience outside learning can help them to manage their wider student life, and 86% say it can help them maintain mental wellbeing.

Eggplant’s testing capabilities allow you to optimize admissions, enrollment, student records management systems, and alum systems, driving continuous improvement in these areas. Plus, automated data validation and verification processes allow you to ensure data accuracy and security, delivering enhanced governance processes.

Ensuring Robust Infrastructure and Application Performance as an Essential Component of Digital Transformation

In its Framework for digital transformation in higher education, JISC highlights the importance of planning, investing, and maintaining a comprehensive, secure, and reliable system of technology and equipment that supports efficient operation and growth.

Eggplant can underpin this infrastructure performance testing. It can help you identify bottlenecks and optimize system performance to ensure uninterrupted access to online resources.

Its performance testing capabilities give you the tools to assess the reliability of critical applications and infrastructure. You can also assess the scalability of applications and their ability to meet performance requirements during peak usage periods.

What’s more, it can test on any platform, at any scale, and for any location, helping you consolidate multiple testing tools into one platform and cut costs.

Driving Continuous Improvement and Innovation in Digital Transformation

Digital transformation necessarily requires new systems and processes, but it also requires a culture shift. Because digital transformation isn’t a ‘once-and-done’ activity. It’s a circular and iterative process that drives continuous improvement.

Underpinning such a process is a proactive software testing program that harnesses the power of platforms such as Keysight’s Eggplant.

Eggplant’s analytics and reporting features give you actionable insights into user behavior and system performance. You also gain the information you need to make data-driven decisions that enhance student outcomes and drive innovation in teaching and learning practices.

The Transformative Potential of Eggplant in Supporting Digital Transformation Efforts

It’s clear that digital transformation is the means to drive innovation in higher education. But to achieve a successful transformation, it’s vital to consider the back-end software testing tools as well as the user-facing systems.

In Keysight’s Eggplant you have a platform to help you drive the quality, responsiveness, and performance of software applications across different interfaces, platforms, browsers, and devices.

You also have the support of a strategic partner with the expertise to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital education.

On June 19, 1865, roughly a quarter-million enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were finally set free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This moment in time released the shackles of oppression and provided a glimpse of hope for a promising future. For many, this day elicits so many emotions worthy of acknowledgement: contemplation, reflection, liberation, and celebration.

We thank Opal Lee, also known as the grandmother of Juneteenth, for leading the charge toward making Juneteenth an official holiday. We relish in the progress experienced from then, through the Civil Rights Movement to present day, and recognize the need for intentional work and efforts ahead to truly achieve a nation that consistently upholds inclusion, diversity, and equity for all, as espoused from our very formation.

President Biden stated, “On Juneteenth, we remember our extraordinary capacity to heal, to hope, and to emerge from our worst moments as a stronger, freer, and more just Nation. It is also a day to celebrate the power and resilience of Black Americans who have endured generations of oppression in the ongoing journey toward equal justice, equal dignity, equal rights, and equal opportunity in America.”

As a company, we continue to make progress on transforming awareness into meaningful actions.  I encourage all of you to be open to learning new perspectives, celebrating the wonder of diversity that exists among all of us, and to be intentional in the ways we can embrace and practice respect and inclusion. Together, we can acknowledge the complicated history of our nation and collectively be the change we want to see in our workplace, communities, and world.

On Juneteenth and beyond, we will continue to demonstrate empathy, respect, and understanding. Happy Juneteenth!

Inclusion is all of us. Everyone. Every day.

Originally published in Henkel’s Sustainability Report 2022

We do everything we can to help people live better lives. Our social responsibility is to promote equity, strengthen diversity and respect human rights. We offer our employees lifelong learning opportunities, and an attractive and healthy working environment. We advocate for social progress and access to education worldwide, and we provide assistance in emergency situations.

Equity

Reduce inequities and leave nobody behind – that is the key to meaningful social progress. This progress has been seriously challenged in the last few years. Global events have increased exclusion, intensified structural discrimination, and hindered social development in the world around us.

We know that equity is at the heart of the solutions that can move us forward in times of crisis. This guides our agenda for the transformational impact of our actions. Equity is the link between different topics and the driving force behind a wide range of our activities.

Building a sense of belonging for people – with all of our differences – in our society and at our workplace, is critical to fostering creativity and innovation. We all have to listen to different voices, and understand different perspectives and ways of thinking. Our shared path is to build a corporate culture based on trust where employees are encouraged to show initiative, think proactively and be open to sharing new ideas.

We embrace the role that companies can have as key players in reducing adverse impacts and promoting positive effects. This chapter presents the ways we are working to achieve both of these elements, and how we are making equity even more of a priority in shaping our decisions.

Education

Education is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to enabling positive change. Education enables people to acquire the knowledge and skills to lift themselves out of poverty, level inequalities, and stay healthy. Education and lifelong learning, as inherent rights and as a means of realizing other rights, are key elements that guide our strategy.

Continuous learning inspires innovation and creativity. Learning and development are critical elements of our daily work, but so is the opportunity to develop through learning outside of our core responsibilities. In contrast to traditional learning methods, we focus on innovative programs that take a holistic, engaged approach to learning, and that place a strong focus on knowledge, skills, and mindset.

This key approach to learning starts with our employees, but goes further, to our customers and the communities we operate in. Our activities are designed to empower people with the skills and competencies needed to develop innovative ideas, sustainable behaviors, and new digital solutions that will allow them to master future challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Wellbeing

Global events like the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the need to rethink wellbeing, including in the workplace. Wellbeing is becoming increasingly viewed from a holistic perspective that sees the physical, mental and social aspects as inextricably linked – and that is how we understand it at Henkel.

Translating what wellbeing means for an increasingly fast-paced and digital work environment comes with the expectation that we rethink our approach and adapt to these circumstances. An inclusive and collaborative approach is essential to sustaining a culture of wellbeing. Understanding how the physical workplace determines wellbeing is becoming pivotal in a time where the places we work have shifted. Creating an optimal work environment that fosters creativity and supports resilience includes revitalizing our workplaces to better meet the needs of our employees.

Mental health measures continue to be an important consideration in the implementation of our wellbeing strategy. Another key area to drive positive change in this area was understanding the benefits of digital tools as a key to promoting employee wellbeing.

As our understanding of employee wellbeing continues to grow, we remain committed to a holistic approach to integrating wellbeing into our corporate culture.

Learn more in Henkel’s Sustainability Report 2022

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.

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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.

Contacts 
Robert Brittain 
3M 
Email: rbrittain@mmm.com

Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com