Tag: 3BL

Originally published on NRG Energy Insights

By NRG Editorial Voices

Raising awareness and removing stigma

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Additionally, all areas of our lives are impacted by mental health including our relationships, work, and physical health. Despite its importance, mental health is often misunderstood and viewed as taboo, leading many individuals to suffer in silence or avoid getting help. By highlighting available resources, we hope to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

First aid that’s more than a band-aid

One of the main goals of the Mental Health First Aid at Work program from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is to remove barriers for those seeking help. This is accomplished by increasing awareness and understanding of mental illnesses. Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) learn to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. The goal of the program is to equip aiders with an action plan and other essential tools so that more people can get the support they need.

The courses include details on risk factors, warning signs, information on a variety of mental illnesses, a five-step action plan, and where to turn for help. Each course is formatted with hands-on activities and real-life applications. While MHFAs are ready to support individuals that may be experiencing mental health or substance abuse challenges, they do not diagnose conditions or provide medical treatments.

Mental Health First Aiders at NRG

Safety and well-being are a part of our Power Values; this not only includes physical well-being but also psychological well-being. The MHFA program is essential to putting that into action. It nurtures a positive environment and creates a safe space to talk. MHFAs can encourage colleagues with their training and connect them with appropriate employee or community resources. The program is also beneficial for early intervention or recognizing warning signs in someone who might be struggling.

Currently, over 100 NRG teammates are certified MHFAs and ready to help any colleague that needs it. We interviewed three of NRG’s MHFAs to learn more about why they chose to get certified and how the program has positively affected them.

Kimberly Carpenter, Senior Director of NRG Business Marketing and Customer Experience, joined the program during the COVID-19 pandemic after seeing people experiencing a lot of mental stress. “For me, it was the perfect opportunity to learn and be available to my team and others within the company. I wanted to be a resource because I knew that people were struggling during that time,” she says.

Since joining the MHFA program, Carpenter has been able to use her training at work. When a situation arises, she observes the warning signs a coworker presents and takes action. To her, “knowing the signs to look for and being in tune with your team members to notice nuances and differences” are important skills for everyone to have when identifying that someone needs help.

For Lucas Spangler, Senior Manager of Commercialization, the MHFA program gave him the skills and language to have important conversations about mental health. He thinks MHFAs and EMTs share similarities saying, “EMTs show up at a site, stabilize the person, and get them to a hospital. The Mental Health First Aider is doing the same thing for mental health. They understand and acknowledge that something is going on, then recommend the person to professional resources.”

Approaching the conversation from a non-judgmental way and sharing similar personal experiences are a few ways Spangler connects with a coworker that’s facing mental health challenges. He asks questions like “Is it alright if I follow up with you in a few days?” or “Would you like me to do a bit of research for you?” to gauge the best way to support someone and find them the right care.

Rachel Gessel, a proposal writer for NRG Business, became an MHFA to learn how to react when people share that they’ve been through something difficult. She also joined to practice better care for herself saying, “in order to show up as our best physically, mentally, and emotionally at home and work, we have to take care of ourselves.”

The MHFA program really changed Gessel’s perspective on mental health. “I learned that mental health challenges are just like physical challenges because healing is possible. Prior to receiving the training, I just thought once you were mentally unwell it never went away, but now I know that is incorrect,” she says.

All three MHFAs discussed the importance of finding ways to take breaks and improve your mental well-being daily. They recommend activities such as reading, exercising, gardening, unplugging, meditating, but most importantly doing what works best for you.

Supporting your total well-being 

Much like with physical health, mental health gets better with activities. Set aside time for mindfulness every day and prioritize self-care. Checking on those around you and getting involved with mental health initiatives are other great practices.

We are here to support our employees, customers, and communities with mental health resources. Remember, you are not alone. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, seeking help is the first step and can lend you skills that lead to long-term well-being. “Our best resources are those who see us every day. Find that person you trust enough to be able to say, ‘I’m struggling, can you help me?’,” recommends Spangler.

For more information on how you can become an MHFA, visit the official website.

If you are experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, please call or text the 24-hour Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988

Schneider Electric

Company will unveil new technologies to tackle energy demand and help industries meet net-zero commitmentsWill showcase new and integrated electrical digital twin platform from ETAP, and cutting-edge industrial software from AVEVA

Hannover, GERMANY /3BL Media/ – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, will unveil an array of new technologies and software solutions at Hannover Messe 2023 to help industries address the global priorities of energy security, resource efficiency, and sustainability.

“We are at a unique moment in history, where the global goal of carbon neutrality is meeting the short-term need to mitigate the energy crisis,” said Barbara Frei, Executive Vice President, Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric. “We have an unprecedented opportunity to tackle these issues, but it requires a mindset shift and the right tools. We must take a holistic view of energy investment, addressing both efficiency and the move to clean-energy generation. The digitalization, automation, and electrification technologies we will showcase at Hannover Messe are proof that solutions to the challenges we face exist here and now.”

Hannover Messe is the world’s premier trade fair for industry, and it takes place in Hannover, Germany, from April 17 to 21 this year. The innovations Schneider Electric is announcing at the event span its IoT-enabled, plug-and-play, open, interoperable architecture and platform, EcoStruxure, to drive efficiency in industries. They include:

Edge control

EcoStruxure Automation Expert V23.0: The world’s first software-centric industrial automation system now delivers software-based redundant automation solutions for the water desalination market. This extends the EcoStruxure Automation Expert portfolio to become the single control software platform that brings convergence across machine, hybrid, and process industrial operations. New features in V23.0 include enhanced integration with AVEVA System Platform to reuse graphics from existing applications for faster system design, and a new graphical editor for procedural automation which improves operational effectiveness. The new release brings multi-OS compatibility with the EcoStruxure Automation Expert HMI and archive now available on Linux, in addition to Windows, which allows users to develop similar objects across all compatible operating systems.

“The combination of EcoStruxure Automation Expert and a PC-based high-availability solution continues the trend of automation becoming more software-based and more hardware-agnostic,” said Alicia Pérez Ballester, Manager of Automation, Systems & Process Optimization at Acciona Water Solutions, a long-term customer and partner of Schneider Electric in this space. “Such an approach can bring concrete benefits to our projects both in the design phase and during operations.”

Connected products

Motor management: The latest release of Schneider Electric’s motor management offers is delivered with new Spacial SFN enclosures that protect equipment in any conditions and enable faster and more flexible panel assembly with more than 1,000 possible configurations. The new enclosures are built with 35% less CO2 emissions than previous iterations, thanks in part to the use of decarbonized steel materials. The new Altivar ATV320 solar drives ensure reliable power supply for the motor management solutions with on- and off-grid compatibility and provide environmentally friendly pumping solutions without producing any CO2 emissions. The updated solution is more robust and can handle more than 50% added static weight to accommodate solutions from across the TeSys range of motor starters and equipment.GM AirSeT Performance: With the new AirSeT, Schneider Electric extends and strengthens its sustainable SF6-free portfolio, which avoids the use of this potent and harmful greenhouse gas[1]. The gas-insulated switchgear helps industrial customers better manage tightening F-gas regulations and eliminates the requirement for gas recycling from their installations. Based on pure air and natively digital connectivity with integrated services, the GM AirSeT Performance is the most powerful and resilient SF6-free medium voltage switchgear in the Schneider Electric portfolio and is suitable for most energy-intensive and critical infrastructure projects.Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular (50-250kW/400V) – Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): This new solution helps to optimize capital expenditure with a pay-as-you-grow model and features that lower the cost of site acceptance testing by eliminating the need for an expensive load bank. The solution is an IEC-certified modular UPS with live swap modules that deliver Class-1 power protection and availability in a compact design, making it ideal for small and medium data centers, as well as business-critical commercial and industrial applications.PowerLogic™ P7 Protection Relay: This next-generation power protection and control platform is designed for the most complex, demanding, and advanced industrial applications to maximize operational efficiency, power availability, and electricity security. It provides an improved digital experience to reduce complexity at all stages of the product lifecycle. Performance and flexibility have been increased to deliver a modular, cybersecure, and future-proof platform which is fully prepared for virtualization. It is adaptable for specific requirements with new application-oriented firmware and added Ethernet communication modules and I/O boards.

Apps, analytics, and services

ETAP: A new and integrated electrical digital twin platform to manage the complete electrical system lifecycle, from design and engineering to operations and maintenance. It empowers users to increase productivity, collaboration, and efficiency, and enables their energy transition journey.AVEVA: Now fully owned by Schneider Electric and operated as an independent and autonomous business, AVEVA will present its new vision for industrial software: an agnostic and cloud-enabled platform where companies can collaborate, innovate, and share data through the connected industrial economy. Visitors will be able to see how AVEVA’s digital twin (the foundation of the industrial metaverse) will bring this vision to life. From asset design to asset optimization, AVEVA will demonstrate the value of well-managed industrial information to drive efficiency and sustainability.Services: Schneider Electric’s experts and consultants will be on hand to share details about the company’s refreshed services portfolio, including the newly-launched Industrial Digital Transformation Service which helps industrial companies accelerate their digital transformation. They will also discuss strategies for reaching sustainability goals, demonstrate how the company can help industrial customers tackle their key challenges, and showcase the benefits of diverse energy portfolios with greener energy sources.

Schneider Electric sessions for media include:

Monday April 17

1:00 pm CET – Media and analysts conference: Actions to address the energy crisis

Schneider Electric stand (hall 11, stand C46) in the theater

Focusing on both sides of the energy equation – demand and supply – this session will highlight the opportunities created by digitalization, electrification, and automation. Together with AVEVA, Schneider Electric will set out its vision for the Industries of the Future, delving into the industrial metaverse and software-defined solutions.

Tuesday April 18

10:00 am CET – Media and analysts breakfast: Innovation and technology

Schneider Electric stand (hall 11, stand C46) in the hospitality area

The session focuses on the impact of automation on industry: from design and engineering efficiency and automated data continuity leveraging AI to reliable, safe, and cybersecure operations. It will take attendees through EcoStruxure Automation Expert V23.0 and new AVEVA software.

To view the materials for media, please click here.

Schneider Electric sessions for customers and event attendees include:

Monday April 17

1:00 pm CET – Presentation: The real value of AI in industrial automation

Philippe Rambach, Chief AI Officer, will discuss strategies for successful AI at scale and demonstrate key AI use cases for the industrial automation sector from Schneider Electric’s customers and its own operations. Learn how data-based insights can lead to greater efficiency and sustainability.

Throughout the event:

Innovation talks: Subject experts and leading industrial companies discuss the latest trends and technologies that are impacting the industrial market.Smart factory experiences: Tours through Schneider Electric Smart Factories and supply chain with live streams direct from the factory floors.Guided tours: 45-minute sessions that demonstrate how to ensure effective digital transformation, increase energy efficiency, reduce waste, and achieve sustainability and profitability goals. Tours include hands-on demonstrations of the next generation of automation and energy management technologies, software, and IIoT integration.

To view the full event agenda, please click here.

Related resources:

Read Barbara Frei’s views on embracing the power of industrial transformationFollow Industries of the Future on LinkedInLearn more about industrial sustainabilityWatch: EcoStruxure Automation Expert Reinvents Your Industrial Automation SystemUse the new energy savings calculator to get instant insights into CO2 savings and possible ROI for high power industrial motor applications: EcoStruxure Motor Management DesignWatch: Discover the new GM AirSeT Green and Digital Primary MV GISWatch: Discover the new Easy UPS-Phase 3 ModularWatch: Discover the new PowerLogic™ P7 Protection Relay

Footnotes

^[1] Typical primary electrical equipment holds between three and six kilograms of SF6 gas per cubicle, which has a global warming potential (GWP) 25,200 times more than CO2. A typical single industrial installation has upwards of 15 cubicles.

CLEVELAND, June 2, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Lendistry Core SPV I, LLC a newly formed Special Purpose Entity (SPE) established by B.S.D. Capital, Inc. dba Lendistry (Lendistry) to purchase eligible loans originated and sold by Lendistry, has obtained $20 million line of credit (LOC) from KeyBank Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Group.

Lendistry offers small business owners who do not meet traditional lending standards with respect to credit, cash flow, or collateral requirements, a chance to access responsible, affordable capital. The company is headquartered in an Opportunity Zone in downtown Los Angeles.

As a certified Community Development Financial Institution, Lendistry provides credit and other financial services to small businesses throughout the U.S. To minimize risk and help overcome common shortfalls that cause underserved business owners to struggle to access traditional financing, the company participates in several loan guarantee programs and credit enhancements, including State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) programs.

Everett K. Sands, CEO and founder of Lendistry, has leveraged his more than 20 years of experience in banking to change the game for traditionally underserved small business owners who need access to responsible capital to reach the next level.

“We’re grateful for KeyBank’s support as we work to eradicate the word ‘underserved,’” says Everett K. Sands, CEO of Lendistry. “KeyBank’s leadership recognized in us a CDFI partner that shares an intentional desire to deploy capital equitably to entrepreneurs who need it most. Their commitment will increase our impact in small business communities, including those that have lacked access to the responsible funds they need and deserve.”

“Lendistry plays an important role in delivering small business capital from coast to coast. We are excited to use our capital to promote small businesses growth and expansion in marginalized communities,” said Brian Maddox, National Team Leader for KeyBank Community Development Financial Institutions group. “Our $20 million investment is part of the bank’s commitment to increase access to capital and bring greater equity for marginalized communities.”

About Lendistry

B.S.D. Capital, Inc. dba Lendistry (lendistry.com) is a minority-led fintech that provides innovative lending products and access to grant programs for small businesses nationwide. Headquartered in a Los Angeles Opportunity Zone, Lendistry uses technology and community partnerships to overcome systemic gaps that inhibit access to capital, and to empower its customers with responsible financing options. Based on its reputation for deploying funds efficiently and equitably, Lendistry’s leadership is often called upon to share their expertise with both government and private organizations. Lendistry has both Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Entity (CDE) certifications and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. Lendistry SBLC, LLC is the nation’s only African American-led SBA designated Small Business Lending Company. In collaboration with The Center by Lendistry, a nonprofit business education organization, Lendistry dedicates itself to providing economic opportunities and progressive growth for underserved urban and rural small business borrowers and their communities.

About KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment

KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) finances projects that stabilize and revitalize communities across all 50 states. As one of the top affordable housing capital providers in the country, KeyBank’s platform brings together construction, acquisition, bridge-to-re-syndication, and preservation loans, as well as lines of credit, Agency and HUD permanent mortgage executions, and equity investments for low-income housing projects, especially Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing. KeyBank has earned 10 consecutive “Outstanding” ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, making it the first U.S. national bank among the 25 largest to do so since the Act’s passage in 1977.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $198 billion at March 31, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications, and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

It’s hard to get excited for a new baseball season when your field is described as “awful” and “neglected.” Unfortunately, that was the reality for Jefferson County Little League in New Market, Tennessee, about 25 miles outside of Knoxville.

DICK’S Sporting Goods Community Marketing Manager Brian Johnson first connected with Jefferson County Little League after the organization submitted a donation request for balls and catchers’ equipment ahead of the 2023 season. As discussions continued, Brian realized that the group needed help with something much bigger.

“There was a huge drainage issue on one of their fields which caused water to funnel rocks into the infield and made playing conditions unsafe,” Brian said. “Over the years, kids left the league to play elsewhere because the field was in such bad shape.”

The program, which once touted nearly 500 players, dwindled down to just a third of that. The league didn’t have the money to make the repairs itself, and New Market is a small, rural town with limited funds; however, Brian knew the group met all the requirements to receive a grant from The DICK’S Foundation. Both stores and community marketing managers receive an annual budget for Sports Matter Community Grants.

“I knew our support would go a long way for the future of this program,” Brian said. He presented a proposal to The DICK’S Foundation approval committee, and the committee approved the $25,000 grant.

Brian told the league it was approved for the grant, but the amount was a surprise for all the players, families and coaches. It was announced during a ceremony on the ballfield in March. Brian invited local store manager Suzanne Long and other DICK’S teammates to help present the check. Suzanne called the donation the proudest moment of her 34-year career in retail.

The league immediately went to work on renovations and added a French Drain System around the infield and in front of the dugouts, expanded the dugouts, added new turf and the grading of home plate, the batter’s box and the dirt infield.

Not only did the grant give the kids a safe place to play, but it gave them pride in their field for the first time in their young lives and ultimately, more confidence in themselves.

Over the last several weeks, many of the players and their families have come into the store to thank the DICK’S team. “Parents have thanked me and hugged me,” Suzanne said. “I think it’s beautiful what we do, and I’m just grateful to be a part of DICK’S Sporting Goods.”

Looking forward, Jefferson County Little League hopes to one day add another ballpark or two, but for right now, it’s taking things one swing at a time and enjoying the brand-new field.

Contact: Hilary Totin, DICK’S Sporting Goods

Allyson Anderson Book, chief sustainability officer at Baker Hughes, joins Mandi McReynolds to share how her team has transformed the company’s annual sustainability report and advocated for transparency over perfection. They explore how acknowledging shortcomings, engaging the board, and navigating regulatory change contribute to ESG.

Listen Now

Looking for more? Subscribe to the ESG Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, and YouTube.

The Transformational Tech series highlights Cisco’s grant recipients that use technology to help transform the lives of individuals and communities.

An estimated 37% of the world’s population – or 2.9 billion people – have still never used the internet and are missing out on the wealth of learning opportunities available online.

In addition, when reflecting on the past three years, the effects from pandemic school closures remain and have had a lasting impact on teacher wellbeing, and student learning proficiency levels globally. This situation was particularly true in communities without reliable access to the internet or technologies to aid teachers and families with remote instruction. More is needed to help this population of learners accelerate learning to meet minimum learning proficiency levels country by country. And more needs to be done to inclusively connect these communities and their students to trained teachers and quality classroom resources.

World Possible is a Cisco nonprofit partner who bridges these gaps and connects offline learners to the world’s knowledge with an educational server called RACHEL (Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning). RACHEL is an innovative learning tool for teachers to engage their students and bridge the digital divide and help scale teacher productivity while working with diverse classrooms.

In appreciation of educators everywhere, we want to shine a light on World Possible technology being used by teachers and students in Oceania, Asia and Latin America. In these examples, RACHEL is used to build teacher capacity, increase student engagement, and improve overall classroom performance while helping students living in remote and disconnected communities build digital skills.

Oceania – Kiribati:  

Kiribati is an island country composed of over 30 atolls with over 17,500 students attending 110 schools. These students and their teachers are spread over 3.5 million square kilometers in the central Pacific Ocean. With such a dispersed and distributed population, education officials address the challenge of providing access to trained teachers with current curriculum in programs like the Kiribati Education Improvement Program.

Kiribati Education officials use RACHEL server devices to store digital media within key training schools. These servers have the flexibility to be solar powered with battery backup support to reach even the most remote areas of this island country. With the high cost of internet, which is primarily only available through mobile phone data plans, access to these resources at scale isn’t sustainable for these communities. But a RACHEL content device changes this dynamic, making professional training and receiving updated content easier.

Asia – Cambodia:

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies and is committed to connecting all the world’s people. Through their work, ITU Data Hub reports indicate that 60% of individuals in Cambodia  are using the internet compared with the world average of 66%. This gap in access to the internet within Cambodia increases in rural and remote populations. World Possible serves as a bridge for this digital divide for teachers and students in rural Cambodia.

At Doris Dillon School, the World Possible RACHEL server is used directly by students in classrooms to learn English, improve numeracy skills and build digital skills using computers. The RACHEL device also acts as a community digital library, used by families for gardening, health education and computer classes.

Latin America – Guatemala

Within Latin America, access to the internet and technology for use in schools can be challenging. In Guatemala, the same ITU Data Hub reports indicate that 51% of individuals in the country are using the internet compared with the world average of 66%. With a beautiful and rugged landscape, Guatemala has high mountain ranges dotted with volcanos, jungle regions and large urban cities such as Guatemala City or Quetzaltenango in the northern highlands. Within this diverse geography is a school using RACHEL located in Sacsiguán Monte Mercedes, a small village from Sololá, in the western highlands of Guatemala. In this remote and rural area, Elvia Patricia Julajuj Cuxulic, who is an accountant by profession, teaches in the Monte Mercedes Secondary School leads seven classes of students every week in the afternoons serving 87 students from grades 7 to 9.

Earlier this year her school received a RACHEL server that is now being used by students who previously had little access to the internet. As a teacher, Elvia has been actively using the device with her students and reports to the Ministry of Education show over 130,000 logged events, and 66,900 pages visited. As one of four teachers in Monte Mercedes Secondary School, she hopes that her students and her community will all have the chance of having a better life through education.

More to come

Cisco inclusively invests using a portfolio approach in nonprofits to further STEM Education student outcomes, inspire youth to regenerate our climate and develop trained teacher capacity globally. Through investment partners like World Possible we aim to strengthen human capital, inclusively connect people to resources and services with quality platforms informed by education proven practice.

This fall, World Possible will release an upgraded RACHEL server with increased capacity for concurrent device connections, improved device storage, and will leverage a new processor. Through a new server, coupled with the cloud update service called DataPost, education officials can use Android devices to update RACHEL servers in remote locations around the world.  To learn more about RACHEL visit WorldPossible.org.

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The celebration of National Black History Month in February provided a nice setting to talk about diversity and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The growing need for STEM expertise in today’s job market means that society cannot afford to overlook any talented STEM graduates, such as those attending HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).

HBCUs represent just 3 percent of all higher-education institutions in the United States, yet they produce 25 percent of African American graduates in STEM fields. This is significant because African Americans continue to make up a lower share of STEM graduates relative to their share of the adult population, according to the Pew Research Center, despite the growing knowledge that diversity is an important attribute for job candidates.

“The old ways of doing things won’t be enough to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving and technical workplace,” said Al Mitchell, President of Bayer Fund. “Having graduates from diverse backgrounds bring their perspectives and new ideas to the table is what drives innovation, and Bayer Fund is pleased to play a role in helping to cultivate that diversity.”

One such initiative that seeks to nurture great STEM minds is the Bayer Fund STEM Scholarship Program, launched by Bayer Fund and UNCF (United Negro College Fund) in 2021 to support students majoring in STEM fields at HBCUs. Through the STEM Scholarship program, bright and hard-working underserved students of color in the STEM field are provided with opportunity to complete college and pursue a career in STEM.

In 2022, 10 Bayer Fund STEM Scholarships were awarded to students at HBCUs – including students like Edward Cotton V, a junior biology major attending Tuskegee University. “After graduation, my goal is to complete medical school and to become a cardiologist,” Edward said. “As an ambassador of the Bayer Fund Scholarship, I will continue to demonstrate my commitment to excellence in education and the values and goals of a leader serving my community.”

Sustaining an impact among high potential students

Unfortunately for every scholarship awarded to a student like Edward, UNCF turns away nine other applicants who need help and are poised to achieve success.

“Funding continues to be an issue,” noted Ngozi Emenyeonu, UNCF Area Development Director. “The Bayer Fund grant has enabled UNCF to expand its STEM footprint for underserved students, which alleviates financial obstacles for the recipients and is also a direct benefit to future/potential employers who then have immediate access to minority talent in the STEM disciplines.”

Because college graduates earn higher incomes than non-graduates, supporting underserved students also benefits the economies of the communities and regions to which they return after graduation.

HBCUs are powerful engines of social mobility, according to a 2021 UNCF Fredrick Patterson Research Institute study. More than twice as many HBCU students come from low-income backgrounds compared to the national average of 4-year institutions (51% vs. 23%) and more than five times as many compared to Ivy Plus institutions (9%), according to the report. Additionally, more than twice as many HBCU students moved into the middle class or higher compared to the national average of 4-year institutions (34% vs. 16%) and almost five times as many compared to Ivy Plus institutions (7%).

It’s a win-win for the students, their communities, and employers. “We are honored to be able to help students gain access to educational opportunities, so that they may one day impact lives and communities through STEM innovations,” Al said.

Cultivating diverse talent and nurturing minds that are proficient in STEM benefits people and our planet, and it ensures a superior workforce of tomorrow to solve the challenges we face today.

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Lori Shaffer, Kimberly-Clark’s vice president of global nonwovens, recently spoke at Reuters Supply Chain USA in Chicago during a fireside chat with moderator Juli Lassow, where she shared her insights on how the company is embedding purpose and customer centricity into its supply chain along with her advice for improving collaboration through innovative relationship building.

“What excites me about the future of supply chain is that data availability, technology convergence and an end-to-end view of the value chain has the potential to transform the consumer experience, making the impossible possible,” said Lori.

Learn more about Reuters Supply Chain USA.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies(R) by Ethisphere for the fifth year in a row. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com.

June 1, 2023 /3BL Media/ – PRWeek, a leading source of news and insights for the public relations industry, recognized Sandy Skees, EVP, Global Purpose and Impact Practice Lead at Porter Novelli, as a recipient of this year’s prestigious Women of Distinction award. This achievement further highlights Porter Novelli’s commitment to doing business better with a breadth of industry leading talent.

Sandy Skees’ outstanding contributions to the field of strategic communications and management consulting span over 25 years. Throughout her impressive career, she has partnered with renowned brands across diverse sectors, including Visa, Abercrombie & Fitch, Keurig, Dr Pepper, CVSHealth, and Samsung. Skees’ ability to drive purposeful and impactful campaigns has earned her recognition as PRWeek’s Most Purposeful Agency Pro of 2021, solidifying her position as a leader in the industry.

In addition to her role at Porter Novelli, Skees serves as the Chair of Sustainable Brands and holds an advisory board position at The Diversity Center. Her expertise as a speaker on brand, messaging, sustainability/ESG, and DEI strategy has been sought after by various industry forums. Skees has shared her insights in reputable publications such as Campaign US, Forbes, and PR News. Her latest book, ‘Purposeful Brands: How purpose and sustainability drive brand value and positive change’, showcases her thought leadership in leveraging purpose to create brand value.

“PRWeek’s Women of Distinction award is an inspiration for every professional in the communications industry, highlighting the achievements and impact of exceptional women like Sandy,” says Conroy Boxhill, U.S. President, Porter Novelli. “Her dedication, passion, and remarkable accomplishments have made a mark on the public relations landscape, our clients, and our company. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized alongside this talented group of women,” said Skees. “I’m incredibly proud of the work we do at Porter Novelli and look forward to continuing to help our clients create value through positive impact.”

Porter Novelli remains committed to doing business better by decoding change and navigating culture, driven by professionals like Sandy Skees, who embody the company’s core values and deliver exceptional results for their clients. As a leading global communications consultancy, Porter Novelli continues to empower brands to make a meaningful and lasting impact on society, guided by purpose and driven by the expertise of their exceptional team.

Women at CNH Industrial brand Raven are integral to its success. The brand continues to grow its operations with the diverse and forward-thinking ideas brought by women at Raven.

IT Software Developer Samiah Ford helps the company succeed by leading various development projects and helping team members Grow Together. Her primary focus is HR integrations.

Following CNH Industrial’s 2022 acquisition of Raven, Samiah has played a key role in uniting their two separate HR systems. She has managed the integrations of the systems used for benefits, learning and development, and timesheets. Her work ensures that team members correctly receive crucial HR information.

Brent Schavee, Software Development Lead at Raven, said: “Samiah manages integrations and enhances our systems to ensure that everything operates smoothly. She is a leader on projects and has great ideas for the success of our long-term strategy and technology.”

Samiah discovered a passion for coding when she was in high school. She took a cybersecurity class in which she learned to code. She saw the way it impacts systems – and realized just how fun it can be.

After graduating college, Samiah started at Raven. She said that working there immediately gave her opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Samiah added: “Working at Raven has taught me how to manage myself and be self-motivated. Working alongside women in STEM has motivated me to continue to grow.”

Samiah has visited code camps and seen more girls and women pursuing STEM careers. She said that has been exciting to witness. She expressed her hope that future STEM events will become even more popular. And she wants these girls and women to keep investing in themselves.

She said: “Don’t get discouraged by how hard it seems because you can do anything you want if you’re willing to work for it.”

The work Samiah does enhances Raven’s systems so the company can Help Farmers Serve the World.