Tag: 3BL

Generation Change (GenChange) is an audience-inspired, audience-led initiative at Paramount designed to elevate and empower young people who are driving change around the world. Generation Change creates tailored programming in collaboration with our brands and markets by young agents of change who are passionate about improving their communities.

In direct response to some of the overt transgressive and oppressive acts endured by women in recent times, GenChange is producing a new digital campaign focusing in on the ways society polices the bodies of women for Women’s History Month. The campaign titled, “Hands Off [my body, my rights, my future, my choice] includes a video series, PSAs, and a short documentary profiling gender equality change-makers based in the UK.

Watch the featured video for a showcase of Hands Off! The video series aims to give women a spotlight for sharing personal stories of how they have had to navigate societal pressures. Writer and presenter Megan Jayne Crabb shares her views on how the fashion and beauty industries perpetuate problematic notions of what ‘beauty’ is for women while making billions, and the impact that has on indivduals and society.

As part of GenChange’s commitment to provide resources and platforms, the campaign encouraged conversation amongst audiences using the IWD #EmbraceEquity hashtag and signposted people to helplines for information. Additionally, in partnership with our change makers, this campaign will promote local (to the U.K.) organizations for those seeking resources for themselves or others. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, please visit mtv.co.uk/helpline

Whether a first-time buyer or experienced homeowner, many potential homebuyers are anxious about the home lending process— and understandably so. Over the past five years, homebuyers have experienced a turbulent economy, inflation, extreme competitiveness, and uncertainty, making it difficult for many to take the next step from renting to owning. With the chaos and confusion that can come with the purchasing process, buyers might overlook financial opportunities and be unaware of all a bank can do to assist in the homebuying journey. This Fair Housing Month, KeyBank wants to shed light on the importance of bank offerings that make the home lending and buying process more affordable.

According to a KeyBank poll of 1,000 homeowners in households earning less than $75,000 annually, nearly one third (31%) of respondents did not seek out any information or resources on homebuyer assistance programs. This highlights that many individuals, particularly those with lower incomes, could be unaware of the existence of affordable housing offers that could help them access and navigate the home lending process. It also highlights the important role banks can play in helping those individuals and providing those offers to them.

KeyBank is committed to helping our clients achieve their dream of home ownership while making the home lending process easier and more equitable. To further do our part, KeyBank offers Special Purpose Credit Programs* for qualifying properties in eligible communities, such as the new Key Opportunities Home Equity Loan and the expanded Home Buyer Credit, which now offers up to $5,000 for closing costs and certain other costs that may come with financing a new home.

Healthy and thriving communities are those within which all residents have equal access to homeownership, and KeyBank is honored to be a partner to homebuyers in their journey to homeownership.

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 $200 billion at December 31, 2022. 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. Mortgage and Home Equity Lending products offered by KeyBank are not FDIC insured or guaranteed. For the KeyBank Home Buyer Credit and the Key Opportunities Home Equity Loan, geographic restrictions apply. Ask us for details. 
NMLS #399797 CFMA #230411-2015936

**Special Purpose Credit Programs are, generally, programs that are established to meet special social needs or the needs of economically disadvantaged persons by extending credit to persons who would probably be denied credit or would receive it on less favorable terms, under certain conditions. See 15 U.S.C. § 1691(c)(1)-(3); 12 C.F.R. § 1002.8(a).

Copyright © 2023 KeyCorp®. All Rights Reserved

 

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

BOSTON, April 17, 2023 /3BL Media/ – DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced a multi-year partnership, making DICK’S the official retail sponsor of B.A.A. events, beginning with the 2023 Boston Marathon. DICK’S Sporting Goods will also become the presenting sponsor of the Boston Marathon Fan Fest, a three-day festival held in advance of the iconic race.

In celebration of the 127th running of the Marathon on April 17, DICK’S unveiled a building-length “Sports Change Lives” banner featuring the tagline “Running Boston Changes You” on Boylston Street at the future location of DICK’S House of Sport Boston. Located just a short distance from the Boston Marathon finish line, the store will open in the Prudential Center in Spring 2024. DICK’S House of Sport Boston will be a 100,000+ square foot store that provides athletes with the latest gear for team sports; a broad selection of the hottest footwear; preferred athletic apparel brands; tour-level equipment, apparel, and footwear for the golfer; gear for outdoor adventures; and in-store experiences including a climbing wall, HitTrax batting cages, and golf bays with TrackMan simulators.

“We are honored to join forces with the Boston Athletic Association to support race participants and spectators,” said Mark Rooks, Vice President, Category Marketing & Partnerships, DICK’S Sporting Goods. “We believe in the power of sports to change lives and know that running the Boston Marathon can do just that.”

“At the core of the B.A.A.’s mission and vision is promoting healthy lifestyles through sport, especially running,” said Jack Fleming, B.A.A. President and Chief Executive Officer. “In partnering with DICK’S Sporting Goods, we look forward to bringing to life that mission and vision to even more people, especially along the Boston Marathon finish stretch at the DICK’S House of Sport Boston, which can be truly inspirational to so many throughout the year.”

As part of the sponsorship agreement, DICK’S will be the retail sponsor of all B.A.A. events, including the Boston Marathon, B.A.A. 5K, B.A.A. 10K, and the B.A.A. Half Marathon. DICK’S and the B.A.A. will also work together to develop community engagement initiatives year-round.

Media Contact 
DICK’S Sporting Goods: press@dcsg.com 
Boston Athletic Association: Chris Lotsbom, Director, B.A.A. Race Communications & Media, clotsbom@baa.org

About DICK’S Sporting Goods 
DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, the leading omnichannel retailer serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in more than 850 DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands, Moosejaw, Going Going Gone! and Warehouse Sale stores, online, and through the DICK’S mobile app. DICK’S also owns and operates DICK’S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile app for scheduling, communications, live scorekeeping and video streaming.

Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK’S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK’S business, corporate giving, sustainability efforts and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com, investors.dicks.com, sportsmatter.org, dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION 
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Beginning in 2024, Bank of America will serve as the Presenting Partner of the Boston Marathon. The 127th Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 17, 2023. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.

By Amber Burton, Paolo Confino

Originally published on Fortune

Think about the buzziest tech workplaces. What perks come to mind? Perhaps kombucha fountains and foosball tables. Now think about the corporate benefits of the past. What comes to mind? Perhaps an on-site fitness center or health care clinic. For Aflac, these traditional benefits have been most helpful in attracting, retaining, and engaging new hires who value perks that create ease over splashiness.

The insurance firm has also found that adding more benefits that require its 12,000-person workforce to come into the office to take advantage of them is, well, a great way to entice employees back to the office. It’s a strategy that CHRO Matthew Owenby admits might sound “old school” to some.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Fortune: There’s often a knowledge gap when it comes to benefits. How do you close that for employees?

Matthew Owenby: HR people should do better. It’s one thing for me to say, ‘Hey, I’ve given you a benefits handbook, and I put it online, so my work is done here.’ Wrong. Most people in the workplace spend less than 30 minutes a year determining what their benefits are going to be. They spend far more time searching for a vacation than they do on something that not only affects their financial stability but, in a post-COVID world, can be a financial exposure. It’s the job of the HR organization to ensure that this is as important as getting your taxes right.

You’re missing the point if you’re waiting for annual enrollment in September to talk about benefits. And you’re also not allowing yourself as an employer to use the benefits as another reason to retain your employee base.

Continue reading the full article here.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., April 17, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) today published its 2022 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s enduring commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, corporate governance initiatives, and progress in meeting its sustainability and Inclusion and Diversity goals.

“Whirlpool Corporation has established a series of goals and commitments that shape our approach to environmental stewardship, employee and community support and product sustainability,” said Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “The progress made against these commitments is a testament to the work of every single Whirlpool employee, because we all have a role to play in improving life at home for our consumers.”

The 2022 Whirlpool Corporation Sustainability Report highlights progress across the company’s commitments to sustainable products and operations, support for employees, communities, and corporate governance, including:

Sustainable Products and Operations 

Whirlpool Corp. reached its commitment to be Zero Waste to Landfill Gold or Platinum status (a greater than 95 percent diversion rate) at 29 of 29 large manufacturing sites worldwide1.The company activated two virtual power purchasing agreements (VPPAs) that are expected to yield renewable energy to match 100 percent of Whirlpool Corp.’s electricity consumption by its U.S. manufacturing plants.In 2022, the company achieved approximately 25 percent GHG emissions reduction in scopes 1 and 2 compared to the prior year.The company continued towards its goal to reduce emissions from its products in use (scope 3 category 11) by 20 percent by 2030 from a 2016 baseline.Further enhanced efforts to thoughtfully design and deliver products for consumers that make the best use of materials, have a sustainable operating life, and that can be responsibly managed at the end of life.

Supporting Our Employees

As part of its ongoing commitment made in the company’s 2020 Pledge for Racial Equality and Fairness, Whirlpool Corp. engaged over 1,300 U.S.-based people leaders with Unconscious Bias and Empathy training.As a signatory on the Catalyst CEO Champions For Change Pledge, Whirlpool Corp. has delivered increased women’s representation at the director level by 18 percent in the last five years.Began the formal roll-out of its global and holistic well-being strategy, Be*well, with continued education and additional resources for employees.Reduced employee safety incident rates across the company’s global operations.

Supporting Our Communities

Committed to expanding its work with Habitat for Humanity to double the number of people impacted by 2025. Last year, the company donated $2 million with more than 3,200 home appliances donated to new Habitat homeowners.Through the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program, the company committed to work with Habitat for Humanity to build at least 250 climate-resilient and energy-efficient homes by 2024. At the end of 2022, 143 out of 250 builds were in progress.Whirlpool Corp. has committed to installing 500 Feel Good Fridges in the U.S. by 2025. At the end of 2022, more than 300 refrigerators had already been donated and stocked with easily accessible food in underserved communities.The 2022 United Way campaign raised $4.5 million from employee giving and a Whirlpool Foundation match for education, income, health and basic needs.

“Back in 1969, Whirlpool Corporation CEO Elisha Gray wrote a letter to shareholders, explaining the importance of environmental consciousness, as well as taking care of the communities where we work and live, ensuring they can thrive,” said Pam Klyn, Whirlpool Corporation’s senior vice president of corporate relations and sustainability. “We continue to operate with these same principles in mind while driving progress and making a positive impact across environmental, social and governance aspects of sustainability.”

Corporate Governance

As a result of these efforts, Whirlpool Corporation continues to be recognized for its accomplishments in environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance initiatives. In 2022, the company was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI), as well as the Forbes’ World’s Best Employers list, Fortune’s Most Admired Companies, and Just Capital’s America’s Most JUST Companies.

To learn more about Whirlpool Corporation’s 2022 Sustainability Report and sustainability commitments, please visit here.

1 Zero Waste to Landfill goal reached for all large global manufacturing facilities owned by Whirlpool at December 31, 2022 with the exception of a new manufacturing facility in Argentina that opened Oct. 28, 2022 and the InSinkErator business which was acquired on Oct. 31, 2022.

About Whirlpool Corporation 
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit, Yummly and InSinkErator. In 2022, the company reported approximately $20 billion in annual sales, 61,000 employees and 56 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

Whirlpool Corporation Additional Information 
This press release contains forward-looking statements about Whirlpool Corporation that speak only as of this date. Whirlpool disclaims any obligation to update these statements. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, but are not limited to: statements regarding Whirlpool Corporation’s external ESG commitments and goals, VPPA-related energy generation expectations, and community support efforts. Actual performance may differ materially from that expressed or implied in such statements. Reference should be made to the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in Whirlpool Corporation’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what are believed to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, Whirlpool Corporation assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

Contact: Whirlpool Corporation 
Media: 269-923-7405 
Media@Whirlpool.com

Originally published by the “Talk Green to Me” podcast

Over the years, plastic has become more complicated with many layered and blended materials becoming more popular, especially in the packaging world. And with these developments, plastic recycling has needed to evolve beyond mechanical shredding.

In this episode, we interview Myra Foster, Vice President of Sustainability Innovation & Strategy at Sealed Air. Sealed Air invented Bubble Wrap in the 1960s and has led the way in plastic packaging for food and product protection. Myra tells us how Sealed Air is working on advanced recycling techniques to recycle blended and complicated plastics. She also discusses various sustainability pledges and challenges that come up for companies working with plastic. We learn that eliminating plastic is not the solution in every situation and how companies like Sealed Air are working on advanced recycling to improve sustainability and circularity as a whole. Learn more about Sealed Air’s sustainability efforts in the company’s Global Impact Report.

Continue reading here.

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud

At Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, our sustainability efforts are centered around three critical goals: achieving human progress for more than one billion people through sustainable science and technology, integrating sustainability into all of our company’s value chains, and becoming climate neutral while reducing resource consumption. Our 2022 Sustainability Report details how we are tracking our progress towards meeting these goals with an ambitious timeline.

Moving forward
Our continuing efforts to minimize our climate impacts are yielding positive results. For example, we reduced our direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by almost 10% in 2022. We achieved this by lowering our process-related emissions, implementing new energy efficiency measures, and increasing the share of purchased energy we use from renewable sources from 30% in 2021 to 47% in 2022.

We also aspire to foster diversity and equity and create a genuinely inclusive culture for all employees. We increased the percentage of women in leadership positions from 36% in 2021 to 38% in 2022 and are on track to achieve gender parity by 2030. Additionally, we encourage our leaders to reflect on how they can lead more inclusively. By the end of 2022, 64% of our leaders participated in training programs that foster inclusivity.

Our company advanced from eighth to fifth place in the 2022 Access to Medicine Index, a benchmarking report on the 20 largest research-based pharmaceutical companies published by the independent Access to Medicine Foundation. This improvement was primarily due to our strong performance in R&D, intellectual property waivers and local capacity building efforts.

Rethinking R&D
In 2022, we implemented a new project that coordinates and aligns our three business sectors on core sustainability criteria and makes the contribution of R&D to sustainability more transparent. For example, we introduced our Design for Sustainability framework across all business sectors, enabling them to integrate sustainability criteria in the early stages of product development.

We also launched several initiatives to investigate and develop product packaging with a lower environmental impact. One example is a new packaging solution for cosmetics and skincare products which we created in collaboration with five other companies. This packaging consists of new lightweight tubes that require 37% less material and is produced with mono-materials that simplify waste separation and recycling. Our pigment-based laser marking technology ensures durable labelling on this new type of packaging.

Steering towards sustainability
Our newly formed Sustainability Board steers and monitors the Group-wide implementation of our global sustainability strategy. It aligns the strategy with the individual business strategies, defines priorities and specifies globally applicable sustainability guidelines. It also recommends corresponding initiatives to the Executive Board. Our Sustainability Advisory Panel comprises six renowned independent international experts on sustainability-related topics. It provides strategic advice on selected issues and assesses the sustainability of our company’s business models.

Advancing society
As of the end of 2022, we had partnered with more than 100 organizations to develop Covid-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic solutions. While this challenge to society is becoming increasingly controllable, we are also working to create solutions for other threats to public health. For example, we continue to fight schistosomiasis, the world’s second-most devastating tropical disease in terms of public health burden and economic impact. By providing more than 1.7 billion tablets of our medicine to WHO over the last 15 years and creating new ways to prevent and treat the disease, we expect to eliminate it as a public health problem by 2030.

Sharing sustainability insights
Our 2022 Sustainability Report engages users on an interactive level with a variety of innovative digital formats. In a unique story section of the report, we highlight a broad range of hands-on topics and projects on issues such as animal welfare, CO2 reduction and access to health that illustrate our commitment to sustainable progress.

We have prepared our 2022 Sustainability Report in accordance with the 2021 GRI Standards. The report also reflects the requirements of the SASB standards and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Our non-financial statement in accordance with the German Commercial Code (HGB) as well as the pertinent EU Taxonomy Regulation disclosures form part of our 2022 Annual Report.

Media Contacts:

Timo Breiner:
+49 151 1454 2512

Judith Rahner:
+49 6151 72 7694

Earth Day is on April 22, and it’s a natural time to think about one of the biggest threats – and opportunities for action – facing the world today: climate change. It’s a global issue with big implications, including impacts on our health, our access to food, and the future of flora and fauna that support and sustain our planet.

Points of Light’s research shows that 40% of people are concerned about climate change when compared to other issue areas, and 43% of people are concerned about the environment when compared to other issue areas. This difference is likely due to the politization of climate change in recent years.

It’s clear that climate change is going to require large-scale, systemic change. Every individual has the opportunity to make a difference and affect positive change. Here are some tips for how you can leverage strategies for sustainability, tackle climate change and work toward a healthier environment.

Learn About the Issue of Climate Change 

Did you know that 73% of people said they took time to learn about the issue of climate change? Listening and learning is a crucial first step to tackling any social issue or cause area and is one of the nine elements of the Points of Light Civic Circle®.

When we learn about an issue before jumping into finding solutions, we can more effectively combat the challenges and remain sensitive to the communities impacted by it. If we don’t have the foundational knowledge surrounding what is going on, what work is currently being done and how best to help, we may even unintentionally cause further harm trying to solve the issue.

Start by reading books and blogs, listening to experts and examining research to get educated on the current state of things. You can check out TED Talks focused on climate change, add some books on the issue to your library and listen to podcasts from knowledgeable experts in the field.

Volunteer With an Environmentally-focused Organization 

Volunteering your time and talent is another element of the Civic Circle, and this is an excellent way to lend hands-on support to the causes you care about, including environmental issues and climate change. Volunteers provide critical support in the form of pro-bono labor, saving organizations valuable funds, increasing people power and maximizing resources.

You’ll want to make sure you find credible organizations that are working to solve the issues in sustainable ways. You’ll also want to be mindful of your schedule and capacity and choose an organization that can allow you to volunteer when you’re able – whether that’s once a week, once a month or during a special event with a team.

See how New Jersey teenager Jashmitha Sappa is working to keep batteries out of landfills.

Donate to a Nonprofit Taking on Climate Change 

Don’t feel you have the time or capacity to volunteer? You can always make a difference with your dollar. As you research organizations working to tackle climate change, consider donating to these causes. Besides helping these organizations to thrive, you can also support ongoing research on climate change and the environment through your donations. Check our Points of Light’s free digital magazine, Civic Life Today: Donate, to learn more about how to vet each organization you consider to ensure that donor money is being spent wisely and the organization is actively working to advance the cause.

Whether you provide a one-time or recurring donation, your funds can help make a huge impact on the issues. Nonprofits in particular rely on donations to sustain their mission. Donors are what help these organizations pay their staff, resource their volunteer projects and keep moving forward with their crucial work. Through contributing money, services or goods, you can support the welfare of others and help advocate for a more sustainable, environmentally friendly future.

Contact Your Representatives to Voice Your Concerns 

How else can you combat climate change and work towards a healthier, brighter future for the planet? Since many of the sources causing environmental harm today come from large corporations and well-established systems, changes in political leadership and agendas are necessary to see large-scale improvements.

As an individual, you can use your voice to make your concerns known to your local and national leaders. Contact your legislative representatives, be mindful of who you’re voting for and what their stances are on environmental issues, sign petitions for action on climate change and even consider reaching out to local officials or leaders in your schools or workplaces to introduce green solutions to these spaces.

Read about Bank of America employee Beth Hartnett’s sustainability journey, including cultivation of a community garden in her coastal New England town.

Take Steps Toward Sustainability in Your Own Life 

With a little effort, you can take steps to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute toward solving climate change. Start by assessing your own carbon footprint with a helpful calculator. Then find ways to cut back on activities that are contributing to harmful emissions.

Perhaps you make a plan with your family or roommates to be more mindful of water usage and energy consumption. Maybe you opt for walking, biking or public transit instead of driving everywhere – or consider carpooling with coworkers and friends. Purchase sustainable goods and be mindful of waste. Set up recycling or composting protocols in your home or workplace. Reduce your use of single-use plastics. There are myriad ways you can take small, daily actions to begin reducing your own carbon footprint.

Generation Change (GenChange) is an audience-inspired, audience-led initiative at Paramount designed to elevate and empower young people who are driving change around the world. Generation Change creates tailored programming in collaboration with our brands and markets by young agents of change who are passionate about improving their communities.

In direct response to some of the overt transgressive and oppressive acts endured by women in recent times, GenChange is producing a new digital campaign focusing in on the ways society polices the bodies of women for Women’s History Month. The campaign titled, “Hands Off [my body, my rights, my future, my choice] includes a video series, PSAs, and a short documentary profiling gender equality change-makers based in the UK.

Watch the featured video for a showcase of Hands Off! The video series aims to give women a spotlight for sharing personal stories of how they have had to navigate societal pressures. In this video, Actress and content creator Bel Priestley opens up about how online trolls attacked her for her weight while she was transitioning, and reminds us that we are all fighting for the same thing.

As part of GenChange’s commitment to provide resources and platforms, this campaign will spotlight a global organization focused on achieving gender equality where our audience can find more information. Additionally, in partnership with our change makers, we will promote local (to the U.K.) organizations for those seeking resources for themselves or others. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, please visit mtv.co.uk/helpline

The CNH Industrial Foundation – the company’s US-based charitable arm – has provided major funding to help launch a new tool for promoting student awareness of career opportunities in agriculture.

It’s called AGNITOR. And it’s been developed for the Illinois Agri-Food Alliance (ILAFA) – a collaborative network organization building an integrated, innovative, and transformative agri-food system in the US state.

AGNITOR digitally connects real-world agriculture professionals to classrooms for virtual chats about the range of job opportunities available in food, agriculture, and natural resources (AFNR). The tool also provides students with resources to help them explore those opportunities and career paths independently.

The goal is to help cultivate a more diverse talent pipeline for the industry’s future.

“At CNH Industrial, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for driving innovation and supporting sustainable growth in the AFNR sector,” said Michelle Javaherian, Community Impact Manager, Global Sustainability. “We are excited to share our expertise and insights with the next generation of leaders through AGNITOR and showcase that all paths can lead to a high-quality, high-valued career.”

“Launching AGNITOR is a major milestone for the Illinois Agri-Food Alliance and its partners,” said Tyler Strom, Managing Director of the Alliance. “The agri-food industry is constantly evolving, and it is crucial that we cultivate a diverse and talented workforce to meet the needs of the changing industry. This platform will provide students the opportunity to authentically engage with professionals and explore the many career options available to them.”

CNH Industrial employees have been volunteering their support for the program. George Alvarez, Onboard Vehicle Security Architect, recently paid a virtual visit to Epic Academy in Chicago to discuss his role at CNH Industrial. There were 18 students present for the conversation and, according to Shanell Rainey from the ILAFA, George was an inspiration.

“More than half the class stated that they were interested in learning more about how to become a security architect!”