Tag: 3BL

Originally published by Mastercard

By Manu Chopra and Shamina Singh

In India, there is a subtle but tangible shift in the digital economy. In a society of diverse languages and communities, questions of informal work, uneven access to opportunity and who remains unseen come to the fore. That’s why a growing number of organizations are re-thinking their approach to digital solutions. There is momentum around building technologies with inclusion as a foundational principle, which is reshaping how economic growth is achieved and how its benefits are distributed.

This moment is not new. The 2025 Findex shows that hundreds of millions have come online through inexpensive smartphones. Digital systems now sit at the intersection between people, work, welfare and markets.

Technology at the edges of everyday life

At the same time, the rapid rollout of 5G networks across India is beginning to reshape the speed, volume, and intensity with which digital services are delivered—bringing low-latency internet connectivity into sectors, such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and micro and small enterprises (MSEs).

In India, these forces converge with intensity. They bring long-standing inequalities into sharper focus, even as they create new opportunities for participation. Now is the time to shape systems and leverage innovation to incentivize inclusion – something that Indian social enterprises are achieving at scale.

While the digital economy needs to be underpinned by strong infrastructure, trust and usage can be a challenge. Across India, local intermediaries, ranging from field agents to community organizers to self-help groups and small entrepreneurs, play a decisive role in how digital systems are understood and taken up. It is in these relationships that inclusion is worked out in practice at the community – creating jobs and new livelihoods in an era of emerging technologies and bolstered by familiarity and function.

Local actors, local innovation

From this context, a dense and varied ecosystem has emerged. Civil society organizations, cooperatives, and social enterprises are treating digital systems as assets that can be adapted to local conditions. They understand participation in the digital economy as something that hinges on language, dignity, and the ability to earn and learn on terms that feel fair.  Social sector startups, such as Frontier Markets and Haqdarshak center the rural user as agents of change by connecting markets, government schemes, and financial services to typically underserved, rural communities. India has become a hot bed for social and economic innovation that focuses on making technology work for the underserved.

One avenue to economic opportunity for underserved communities is the work being done by Karya, which is leveraging AI to create pathways for people from low-income communities to take part directly in the digital economy. Over a hundred thousand workers across India, equipped with just a smartphone, have found fair work opportunities in contributing to datasets that encompass the linguistic diversity of the country.

Simply said, AI systems and solutions can become more inclusive while providing a pathway to meaningful economic opportunities. In collaboration with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth (CFIG), this model can scale to other regions and countries where there is opportunity to build inclusive digital systems of their own.

As data-driven technologies reshape economies across the world, the stakes of these questions continue to rise. Decisions about who generates value, who becomes visible to systems, and who gains from economic growth are increasingly embedded in the ability to access and engage with the digital economy.

The work unfolding in India points towards a trajectory in which digital ecosystems enable markets, create space for dignified work, and treat contributors with respect. Inclusive innovation, in this sense, will be a vital pathway to creating economic progress for all.

Shamina Singh: founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and the EVP for Sustainability at Mastercard.

Manu Chopra: founder and chief executive officer of Karya

Continue reading here

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

Originally published by Mastercard

By Manu Chopra and Shamina Singh

In India, there is a subtle but tangible shift in the digital economy. In a society of diverse languages and communities, questions of informal work, uneven access to opportunity and who remains unseen come to the fore. That’s why a growing number of organizations are re-thinking their approach to digital solutions. There is momentum around building technologies with inclusion as a foundational principle, which is reshaping how economic growth is achieved and how its benefits are distributed.

This moment is not new. The 2025 Findex shows that hundreds of millions have come online through inexpensive smartphones. Digital systems now sit at the intersection between people, work, welfare and markets.

Technology at the edges of everyday life

At the same time, the rapid rollout of 5G networks across India is beginning to reshape the speed, volume, and intensity with which digital services are delivered—bringing low-latency internet connectivity into sectors, such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and micro and small enterprises (MSEs).

In India, these forces converge with intensity. They bring long-standing inequalities into sharper focus, even as they create new opportunities for participation. Now is the time to shape systems and leverage innovation to incentivize inclusion – something that Indian social enterprises are achieving at scale.

While the digital economy needs to be underpinned by strong infrastructure, trust and usage can be a challenge. Across India, local intermediaries, ranging from field agents to community organizers to self-help groups and small entrepreneurs, play a decisive role in how digital systems are understood and taken up. It is in these relationships that inclusion is worked out in practice at the community – creating jobs and new livelihoods in an era of emerging technologies and bolstered by familiarity and function.

Local actors, local innovation

From this context, a dense and varied ecosystem has emerged. Civil society organizations, cooperatives, and social enterprises are treating digital systems as assets that can be adapted to local conditions. They understand participation in the digital economy as something that hinges on language, dignity, and the ability to earn and learn on terms that feel fair.  Social sector startups, such as Frontier Markets and Haqdarshak center the rural user as agents of change by connecting markets, government schemes, and financial services to typically underserved, rural communities. India has become a hot bed for social and economic innovation that focuses on making technology work for the underserved.

One avenue to economic opportunity for underserved communities is the work being done by Karya, which is leveraging AI to create pathways for people from low-income communities to take part directly in the digital economy. Over a hundred thousand workers across India, equipped with just a smartphone, have found fair work opportunities in contributing to datasets that encompass the linguistic diversity of the country.

Simply said, AI systems and solutions can become more inclusive while providing a pathway to meaningful economic opportunities. In collaboration with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth (CFIG), this model can scale to other regions and countries where there is opportunity to build inclusive digital systems of their own.

As data-driven technologies reshape economies across the world, the stakes of these questions continue to rise. Decisions about who generates value, who becomes visible to systems, and who gains from economic growth are increasingly embedded in the ability to access and engage with the digital economy.

The work unfolding in India points towards a trajectory in which digital ecosystems enable markets, create space for dignified work, and treat contributors with respect. Inclusive innovation, in this sense, will be a vital pathway to creating economic progress for all.

Shamina Singh: founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and the EVP for Sustainability at Mastercard.

Manu Chopra: founder and chief executive officer of Karya

Continue reading here

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

WOONSOCKET, R.I., CVS Pharmacy® customers donated more than $3 million last year to support local food banks across the country, and CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is boosting the overall contribution to support Feeding America. The in-store campaign, hosted at CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide, gave customers a simple and impactful way to contribute to the movement to end hunger in their own communities. CVS Health and its Foundation has also committed over $2 million in 2025 to address food insecurity, continuing a long history of supporting community access to nutritious food.

“Food insecurity is a complex issue that looks different in every community—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” said Jenny McColloch, VP of Sustainability and Community Impact at CVS Health. “Thanks to our customers, we’re able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of people in America through our in-store fundraising campaign. Beyond that, we continue to support organizations that are working every day to increase access to nutritious food – investing in local solutions that meet people where they are and help address the unique needs of each community.”

With 9,000 pharmacies across the country, CVS Health is committed to helping friends, families, and neighbors by improving health and simplifying care. In addition, the company’s philanthropic actions help strengthen American communities.

Every dollar raised by CVS Pharmacy customers goes directly to a local food bank in the Feeding America network. The success of this initiative is a testament to the generosity and commitment of CVS Pharmacy customers, who continue to play a vital role in helping neighbors access the nutritious food they need. Since 2020, in-store fundraising campaigns have raised and donated more than $60 million for Feeding America.

“Hunger is a challenge we can overcome by working together,” said Lauren Biedron, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Feeding America. “At a time when many families across the country are facing uncertainty and managing tough choices such as balancing food with other essentials, we are grateful for long-standing partners like CVS Health who understand this urgent need to address the hunger crisis. Together, we can ensure stability for our neighbors facing hunger, so they have access to the food and resources they need to thrive.”

In addition to the fundraising opportunity provided by CVS Pharmacy, since 2024, CVS Health and its Foundation has also awarded over $4 million in local grants to support organizations nationwide that address food insecurity, improve access to nutritious food and expand medically tailored meal services. These grants are designed to strengthen and scale solutions that go beyond addressing hunger alone – tackling the broader social and health-related drivers of food insecurity. A few recent grants include:

• $500,000 to Feeding America to enhance Meal Connect, its food rescue platform that reduces waste and increases access to nutritious food by connecting donors with local food banks and agencies.
• $235,000 over two years to Community Servings for the Food is Medicine Accelerator program, a national initiative led by the Food is Medicine Coalition and partners to refine, replicate, and scale the medically tailored meal (MTM) model in communities.
• $100,000 to Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, NJ, providing general operating support to help the organization better meet the evolving needs of the individuals and communities it serves.
• $100,000 to Keep Growing Detroit, supporting its Garden Resource Program, which promotes urban gardening and provides tools and resources to family, school and community gardens.

Explore CVS Health’s work to combat food insecurity and improve health outcomes.

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About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

About Feeding America

Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase fair access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living, and employment.

We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit www.FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.

Complimentary Webinar:

Scaling Tech‑Enabled Rainwater Harvesting for Verified Water Positive Outcomes

Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 8:30 AM PST (11:30 AM EST)

Register Here

Join SCS Global Services for an in-depth look at how rainwater harvesting has evolved from a niche sustainability initiative into a scalable water stewardship solution. Rainwater is a renewable resource, and harvesting it turns a variable local flow into a usable supply when designed with adequate storage, demand matching, digital tech, and basin context in mind. When designed effectively, these systems reduce reliance on stressed water sources, mitigate runoff and flooding, and create climate-resilient local supply.

Deployed strategically across portfolios, rainwater harvesting becomes a repeatable tool for managing water risk and strengthening basin resilience. Through the partnership of rainwater implementation experts, Heart Water and water project development platform, Aqua Positive, companies can design high-impact projects that deliver shared value, benefiting both business operations and surrounding communities.

As scrutiny of these water claims increases, impact must be measurable and defensible. Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting (VWBA) provides a transparent, standardized method to quantify, attribute, and compare water benefits across projects and geographies. Independent verification by SCS Global Services transforms water stewardship investments into credible, disclosure-ready evidence that supports robust, auditable water-positive claims.

Featured Speakers:

• William Sarni (Earth Finance) 
  An expert on the evolving water finance and disclosure landscape
   
• Alejandro Sturniolo (Aqua Positive)
  Discussing water project development and VWBA methodology
   
• Belal Elbanna (Heart Water) 
  Highlighting tech-enabled rainwater harvesting at a portfolio scale
   
• Lauren Enright (SCS Global Services) 
  Providing insights into the necessity of third-party verification for disclosure-ready evidence

Why Attend?

Rainwater harvesting is no longer a niche initiative; it is a repeatable solution for climate resilience. Through collaboration between implementation experts and project developers, companies can now design high-impact projects that deliver shared value. This webinar will provide a clear path from project design to credible, audit-ready water-positive claims.

Join us to explore how rainwater harvesting, VWBA, and third-party verification work together to turn water ambition into verified impact.

REGISTER HERE

By registering, you will get access to the webinar recording.

For inquiries, contact:

Shyama Devarajan 
Senior Marketing Analyst, SCS Global Services 
sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com

SANTIAGO, Chile, March 10, 2026 /3BL/ – This strategic acquisition strengthens market trust, amplifies impact, and expands influence across our Latin American region. With Geobiota, SLR enhances its technical consultancy practice by combining nearly 400 highly skilled specialists with real-world experience and creating one of the largest pure-play environmental consulting firms in Chile. This acquisition reinforces SLR’s long‑term commitment to Latin America and to clients operating across the region’s most critical mining markets, including Chile, Peru, Brazil, and Mexico – building a dedicated, end‑to‑end sustainability centre of excellence in the region, uniting strategic advisory, technical expertise, and data-driven foresight into an integrated experience that empowers clients to make informed decisions, de‑risk operations, and seize emerging opportunities across the value chain.

Mauricio Venturin, SLR’s Regional Managing Director for LATAM, commented “The acquisition of Geobiota is a strategic move that enables us to deliver more comprehensive and specialized solutions. Together, we strengthen our ability to support clients in meeting ESG challenges and advancing toward sustainable projects, consolidating SLR as the leader in integrated environmental consulting in the region.”

Geobiota brings a multidisciplinary team of environmental engineers, ecologists, agronomists, sociologists, and forestry specialists. The company’s strong track record of long-standing client relationships and technical excellence is fully complementary to SLR’s existing business in LATAM. This synergy has already been proven through major projects, such as Conexión Kimal–Lo Aguirre, Chile’s first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line, which showcased technical alignment and strong, shared delivery culture, scientific rigor, and client engagement.

Carlos Prado, Geobiota’s General Manager and owner, said: “Joining SLR allows us to combine our expertise in biodiversity and ecological restoration with the global reach and technical strength of a leading firm. This alliance will enable us to continue delivering value to complex projects and contribute to sustainability in key sectors such as mining and energy.”

– Ends –

 

For further information please contact: Gonzalo Huerta, Head of Marketing (LATAM), SLR: gonzalo.huerta@slrconsulting.com

 

Notes to editors:

About SLR

SLR is a leading global environmental and advisory consultancy, with a team of 4,500+ talented professionals operating from a network of offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

Our purpose – Making Sustainability Happen – means delivering outcomes that are grounded in evidence, shaped by experience, and built to last. Our team of scientists, engineers, economists, data modellers, and technicians work across our clients’ full sustainability journeys, from strategy through to on-the-ground project planning, execution and ongoing operations, all supported by robust data and science-based modelling.

Guided by our philosophy of Rational Sustainability, SLR specialises in the energy, mining, finance, industry & technology, government & infrastructure, and built environment sectors. Operating across more than 50+ technical disciplines, we’re helping a growing base of business, regulatory and government clients navigate the ever-shifting context of sustainable business.

Find out more: www.slrconsulting.com

 

About Geobiota

Geobiota provides specialized consulting services and solutions in the areas of Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources. Geobiota’s experience is based on the design and implementation of environmental technologies for the development of energy, mining, industrial, forestry, infrastructure projects, and wildlife management.

Find out more: www.geobiota.com

On Feb. 25, 2026, Entergy joined customers, community action agencies, and national advocates in Washington, D.C., for LIHEAP Action Day. In partnership with the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition, or NEUAC, our delegation met with members of Congress to deliver a unified message — access to affordable energy is essential to health, safety and economic stability.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is a federally funded block grant that helps low-income households pay electric bills, address energy crises and improve home efficiency through weatherization. In 2024, nearly six million households nationwide received assistance.

“For many families, energy assistance can mean the difference between stability and crisis,” said Sandra Miller-Diggs, vice president of consumer and advocacy programs at Entergy. “That’s why it’s always important for us to put our advocacy into action and work alongside community partners and policymakers to strengthen programs like LIHEAP. Our presence on Capitol Hill reflects our commitment to making sure customers across our service area have access to the energy assistance they need for generations to come.”

Highlighting customer impact

The need for energy assistance is significant across Entergy’s service territory. In Louisiana alone, more than 551,311 households are eligible for LIHEAP support, yet only one in six receive assistance. In total, 93,645 Louisiana households within Entergy’s service territory were served through the program in 2025.

During the visit, Entergy’s delegation conducted 28 meetings with congressional offices representing Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The meetings featured bipartisan participation and strong support for LIHEAP, with lawmakers acknowledging that while the program is vital, current funding levels do not meet growing demand.

A customer from Entergy’s Mississippi service area and LIHEAP recipient attended the meetings and shared her personal experience. Due to unexpected medical expenses, she was unable to pay her electric bill. LIHEAP funding bridged the gap and provided stability during a time of urgent need. Her testimony highlighted the direct connection between energy security and public health.

Representatives from community agencies throughout our service territories also participated in the meetings, offering a frontline perspective on the program’s impact.

Federal funding allocations

Federal funding developments this year reflect growing recognition of LIHEAP’s importance. Congress recently approved an appropriations package that includes a $20 million increase for LIHEAP, the first increase in funding since 2024.

Despite earlier proposals to eliminate LIHEAP funding for fiscal year 2026, bipartisan support remains strong due to consistent advocacy efforts. Lawmakers across the political spectrum recognize that energy affordability impacts families in every district.

Building on our advocacy efforts

Entergy also supports vulnerable customers through programs like The Power to Care, which provides bill payment assistance to seniors and customers with disabilities, and Beat the Heat, which helps distribute fans to low-income households during the summer. The company also hosts Super Tax Day events that offer free tax preparation and assistance in claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit

LIHEAP Action Day reinforces the powerful message that energy assistance protects health, stabilizes families, and strengthens communities. Advocacy is not a single event, but an ongoing commitment. Entergy will continue to engage policymakers and partners to protect and strengthen this vital program.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) generates, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for more than 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re focused on keeping costs for our customers as low as possible while providing reliable energy that our communities count on. We’re also investing in growth for the future with a more resilient, cleaner energy system that includes modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy generation. As a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at Entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media.

View original content here.

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games get underway, Comcast is helping keep American flags flying proudly in communities across the country through Operation Old Glory.

In January, U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist and military veteran Jen Lee joined Comcast employee volunteers for a flag replacement ceremony in Centennial, Colorado. Together, they lowered a worn American flag, folded it with care, and raised a new one in its place, creating a meaningful moment for student athletes from the Vista Hockey Club and members of the American Legion who gathered to witness the tribute.

“The American flag is so much more than a symbol. It represents the people who serve, the families who support them, and the values that connect us as Americans,” Lee said.

“It was an honor to participate in Operation Old Glory and to see the pride and purpose Comcast’s veteran employees bring to their communities.” 
— Jen Lee, U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist and U.S. Army veteran

Born in Taiwan, Lee moved with his family to San Francisco when he was eight. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as an aircraft mechanic in Hawaii before deploying to Iraq. His service also opened the door to U.S. citizenship, and he was sworn in following his deployment.

In 2009, while stationed stateside, a motorcycle accident resulted in the loss of his left leg above the knee. During his recovery, Lee was introduced to sled hockey through Operation Comfort at Brooke Army Medical Center, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to Team USA.

“What Jen Lee has accomplished, both in uniform and on the ice, is inspiring. As he prepares to represent Team USA on the world’s biggest stage, we’re grateful he took time to help us honor the flag here at home. His presence made this ceremony truly special for everyone who attended.”
— Mona Dexter, Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs, Comcast

Created and led by military-connected employees at Comcast, Operation Old Glory mobilizes volunteers—called Flag Ambassadors—to replace worn or damaged American flags at no cost to homeowners or businesses. There’s no catch, no fine print, and no requirement to be an Xfinity customer.

Since the program’s launch, our Flag Ambassadors have replaced thousands of flags nationwide. Every new flag we provide is American-made and sourced from a veteran-owned business, and every replacement follows proper customs and ceremony.

“Operation Old Glory is my way of continuing to serve. I’ve replaced hundreds of flags, and I still feel the same pride every time we raise a new one. Doing this alongside Jen Lee made it even more meaningful.”
— Jonathan Robertson, Comcast Flag Ambassador and U.S. Army veteran

Supporting the military community is a year-round commitment at Comcast. We are proud to create special experiences for military customers, hire military-connected talent, and partner with organizations that serve veterans and their families.

Service members and veterans worldwide can enjoy free access to NBCUniversal’s full coverage of the Winter Paralympics, courtesy of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Comcast NBCUniversal. Visit the Exchange’s Olympic Hub to learn more.

About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

• Celebrating Henkel’s commitment to Soccer, Alex Morgan’s passionate ‘Letter to a Soccer Nation’ reveals her excitement for the U.S. hosting a major tournament on home soil in 2026
• As a proud parent, Alex Morgan shares how soccer has shaped her life, teaching life lessons on the importance of everyday rituals to ensure that Winning Starts at Home

As one of the sport’s greatest ever players, Alex Morgan has released an inspiring ‘Letter to a Soccer Nation‘, a powerful statement of what the sport means to her and how it has shaped who she is as a person and as a mother.

As a proud Official Partner of U.S. Soccer, Henkel’s partnership with Alex Morgan is celebrating this exciting year of soccer across all generations and levels of fandom. Henkel empowers fans, players, and communities to win both on and off the field, through its well-known consumer brand portfolio, including Dial® soap, all® free clear and Persil® laundry detergents, Snuggle® fabric softeners, göt2b® hair products and Loctite® adhesives.

2026 is a pivotal year for soccer, with North America hosting the biggest major global tournament for the Beautiful Game. The release of ‘Letter to a Soccer Nation‘ is timed to inspire fans, players, coaches and families during SheBelieves Cup, where Alex Morgan starred for the U.S. Women’s National team, winning six winner’s medals for the competition during her career. The campaign will be followed with additional programming this Spring with Henkel’s all® free clear laundry brand, the Official Laundry Partner of U.S. Soccer.

Being a two-time World Champion, and with 224 appearances and 123 goals for her country, Alex Morgan enthusiastically shares the importance of home rituals driving teams to victory: “Every cheer, every chant, every early-morning wake-up and late-night celebration starts right here – at home. In the routines we repeat. In the care we put into the everyday. And as someone who’s worn the crest and felt the power of a home crowd behind me, I can tell you this: Winning doesn’t begin at kickoff, Winning Starts at Home,“ said Alex Morgan, U.S. Soccer Legend and Henkel Ambassador.

The emotive letter and video provide reflections from Alex Morgan on life beyond the field, detailing the impact the sport had on her from childhood, to today, as a soccer icon. This journey includes the positive relationships forged with her parents, friends, family, teammates and now her children, as they become the next generation of fans. Revealing her positive and real outlook, Alex shares her belief that winning is more than the moment everyone sees – it is the habits, care and consistency that lead to the winning moment.

“I’ve been inspired by Soccer from the age of 5. It made me who I am today and it gave me lessons that I’ll always carry with me. I proudly learned about the rituals at home that shape you, from taking care of yourself and your soccer gear, to having the support of my parents as a family. The game may be played on the field, but it’s won in the everyday, and that does not always involve a soccer ball or crossing the white line. Winning for me today is about my relationships, my joy in life and shaping my children‘s lives to be the best they can be“, said Alex Morgan. 

“As a wife and mother who uses Henkel products at home, and a former player dedicated to advocating for the game and celebrating the fans, teammates and community who have played such a special role in my career and life, I am proud to team up with a purpose-driven company leading up to this summer’s excitement and through many more celebrations to come for our Soccer Nation,“ added Alex Morgan.

“We are excited and inspired to partner with Alex Morgan. Her passion to win and her commitment to expand access to the sport for the next generations reflects Henkel‘s future ready strategy, and our committment to performance, respect and diversity,“ said Jenny Schiavone, Vice President Corporate Communications, Americas at Henkel. “From her first moments in soccer to becoming a legend, her story mirrors the bond we have with fans. Because while the game is played on the field, it’s won in the everyday – and our products proudly stand beside fans as trusted teammates at home.“

Please watch and enjoy Alex Morgan’s ‘Letter to a Soccer Nation‘ Video here:

Incorporating in-person appearances, signed merchandise for fans and energetic social content to Alex Morgan’s 13 million+ followers, Henkel’s multi-year partnership with Alex is designed to celebrate the impact of the game and compliments Henkel’s existing programs that underpin its U.S. Soccer partnership, with a focus to improve access to the game of soccer by creating moments of community, inclusion and opportunity:

• Henkel is working with U.S. Soccer and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) to expand access to the game through free youth clinics. Alongside Henkel’s community equipment drives that provide needed gear and the Dial® Clean Sheet program supporting classrooms nationwide – these efforts create opportunities for kids to play, grow and thrive on and off the field
• In support of the future generations of soccer, a portion of Henkel’s U.S. Soccer partnership investment directly supports resources at the new state-of-the-art Arthur M. Blank National Training Center. Located just outside of Atlanta, the facility will open this Spring and will be the Federation’s new headquarters and home to its 27 National Teams

Henkel’s partnership with U.S. Soccer is its first-ever portfolio partnership, where a range of its more than 30 popular brands in North America, promote the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, as well as the Youth and Extended National Teams.

Medtronic welcomed 200 fifth-grade students to its campus for a half-day, immersive learning experience powered by Medtronic Spark and led by employee volunteers. Through hands-on activities and real-world challenges, students explored healthcare technology, collaborated with peers, and connected classroom learning to potential careers in STEM. The experience is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students see themselves as future innovators in health tech.

Watch the video to learn more about the experience and its impact:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVLVbGhKh4g

The KeyBank Foundation is investing $400,000 to support the strategic expansion of workforce development efforts in rural areas of 6 counties in Central New York through On Point for College, Inc.

This funding will help support On Point’s “Rural Workforce Development Initiative”, which will provide the support, advising and upskilling that young people need to become the next generation of producers and leaders in our communities.

Meeting a Critical Workforce Need in Central New York

“Central New York has experienced unprecedented economic growth in recent years, with forecasts predicting continued expansion as the manufacturing sector thrives. On Point’s robust service offerings meet a critical need in our region by equipping students with the resources they need to pursue an education, enter the workforce and put down roots in CNY—helping drive our region’s economic growth,” said Stephen Fournier, KeyBank Syracuse Market President. “KeyBank is proud to partner with On Point to invest in this program and support its work to create brighter futures for young people in our communities.”

On Point’s mission is to break down barriers that prevent young, underserved individuals from achieving education and career success. The non-profit helps students apply to, prepare for and enroll in college. On Point then offers success services to students that ensure that they remain enrolled through graduation.

Throughout the journey, On Point helps students understand the pathway toward their chosen career and build skills to compete successfully in the job market. On Point builds relationships with trade unions, apprenticeship programs and other training opportunities that could prepare students for jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, energy and other growing industries.

Strengthening Communities Through Education and Workforce Alignment

“Key Bank’s extraordinary $400,000 investment is more than a donation—it is a powerful affirmation of the potential that exists within our rural communities,” said Tiffany C. Rush, Director of Rural Initiatives for On Point for College, Inc. “This support will allow On Point for College to reach more students who often face the greatest barriers to postsecondary options, providing them with guidance, resources, and opportunities that can change the course of their lives. We are deeply grateful for KeyBank’s partnership and their belief in our mission to ensure that every student, no matter where they live, has a pathway to success.”

“The Rural Workforce Development Initiative will have a transformational impact on the students On Point serves through its programming. On Point is championing education and support services to close the gap between schooling and entering the workforce for young people in Central New York, meeting them where they are and helping them overcome adversity with a solid foundation for education and a successful career,” said Tamika Otis, KeyBank Syracuse Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations Officer.

Shaping the Future of Central New York

This latest investment builds on KeyBank’s broader history of community-driven philanthropy, economic mobility initiatives, and inclusive banking investments. Since 2017, KeyBank has invested more than $821.8 million in Syracuse and Central New York, supporting affordable housing, small business and home lending, and transformational philanthropic initiatives.

• Learn more about how KeyBank helps clients, teammates, and communities thrive by making meaningful investments in the places it’s proud to call home.