Tag: 3BL

Originally published on Verite News

Twenty years after hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall, the Gulf South carries stories of strength, recovery and renewal. For Entergy, the mission has never been just about restoring power, it has been about rebuilding lives, supporting families, and helping communities prepare for the future. At the heart of this work is Entergy’s vision: “We Power Life.” From the earliest days of disaster response to long-term support in areas like education and housing, Entergy’s investments and partnerships across the region have transformed recovery into resilience and lasting prosperity.

For Entergy, rebuilding a better future post-storm meant investing in the next generation and the schools that shape them. Since Katrina, Entergy has contributed more than $30 million to education in Orleans Parish, working with partners like New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO) to ensure that students, teachers, and families have the tools they need to thrive. These grants have supported everything from technology upgrades and tutoring programs to teacher training and classroom resources, ultimately impacting more than 100,000 students. Such investments are designed to open doors, create opportunities, and give every child an opportunity to succeed. 

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans public schools ranked as the second-lowest performing school district in Louisiana, which was the second-lowest performing state at the time.  Eighty-three percent of students in Orleans Parish attended failing schools 20 years ago, and today there are ZERO failing schools in Orleans Parish.  Entergy’s partners have been at the forefront, leading a transformation that is unprecedented among urban school districts, including New Schools for New Orleans, Teach for America, KIPP New Orleans, Posse, College Beyond, College Track, First Line Schools and Start the Adventures in Reading.  

“By co-funding solar infrastructure in schools, Entergy not only reduced energy costs but also turned sustainability into a teaching tool. It’s education and resilience all in one effort,” said Dana Peterson, CEO of New Schools for New Orleans.

Through partnerships with organizations like YouthForce NOLA, students are also receiving hands-on experience in internships, earning stipends, and gaining exposure to high-paying energy careers. For many graduates, it means leaving high school with more than just a diploma; it means stepping into a pathway to living-wage jobs and careers with long-term stability. As students thrive, so do the communities around them.

But strong schools require strong neighborhoods, and for Entergy, that meant helping families rebuild the foundations of home and community after Katrina, too. Entergy worked alongside organizations like SBP, Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together New Orleans and United Way of Southeast Louisiana to repair homes, stabilize neighborhoods, and reimagine what affordable, energy-efficient housing could look like. In fact, 1,300 single and multi-family homes were built for low and moderate-income families in the Greater New Orleans area post-Katrina.

“After Katrina, Entergy wasn’t just a utility; it was a lifeline,” said Michael Williamson, CEO of United Way SELA. “They funded and mobilized volunteers to repair schools, restore homes and stabilize neighborhoods.”

“So much of our work at United Way, especially since Katrina, has been supported by Entergy. We’ve seen what inequitable recoveries can look like; many don’t have resources,” added Williamson.

That continued commitment led to the creation of the HandsOn Entergy Volunteer Center, managed by United Way SELA, which remains a hub for community service and disaster response today. Thousands of volunteers have contributed to rebuilding efforts, underscoring the power of collective action in transforming communities. Entergy also continues to support families through initiatives like The Power to Care, which provides utility bill assistance for low-income seniors and residents with disabilities. By helping families avoid unexpected financial hardships, Entergy ensures that housing stability isn’t threatened by temporary crises.

Entergy’s commitment to its communities continues twenty years later. 

In 2024, United Way named Entergy the top “Most Generous Workplace” in Southeast Louisiana for the 10th consecutive year, acknowledging more than $1.1 million raised via employee and shareholder contributions in 2023, bolstered by dollar-for-dollar matches. And in 2024, Entergy employees contributed more than 21,000 hours of volunteer service valued at more than $700,000 in Orleans parish.

On the anniversary of Katrina last week, Aug. 29, United Way SELA and Rebuilding Together New Orleans, held their grand opening of The Resiliency Center. Entergy employees in New Orleans came together and participated in a citywide Day of Service with the organizations, helping to renovate five homes across the city, one in each city council district.

“The recovery this city has experienced would never have happened without Entergy’s support.”
Michael Williamson, CEO of United Way SELA.

From classrooms filled with new technology to neighborhoods restored through collaboration and care, Entergy’s story in education and housing is one of hope, resilience and renewal. 

Every student given the tools to succeed, every home rebuilt, and every family supported tells a larger story: when communities have the resources to recover, they gain the power to thrive.

To learn more, explore our series:  Powering Life: Recovery to Renewal

Community Resilience
Power of Hope

View original content here.

By Eric Best

There’s a precarious point in the life of many small businesses when they must grow or risk failure. For founders facing this position, a loan is a solution, but it may come with terms that bind their business.

That’s why a new kind of loan was the fix for Onigiri Kororin, the rice balls startup Yuta Katsuyama started as a school project that has brought the grab-and-go Japanese street food to dozens of Chicago neighborhoods, likely for the first time.

“The more you grow the business, the more money you need,” said Katsuyama, the cofounder and CEO of Onigiri Kororin. “It’s really difficult to balance the speed of your growth and take care of the cash flow at the same time.”

Last year, that infusion of about $210,000 was made possible through a Wells Fargo corporate grant to Allies for Community Business, a Chicago nonprofit that created financing with unique repayment terms fixed to a company’s revenue. It allowed Katsuyama to keep much-needed cash while he moved to a new production space and boost production.

This grant was among the first of a $20 million Open for Business Growth program designed for growth-ready small businesses that are on the “brink of expansion,” said Kimelyn Harris, head of small business growth philanthropy at Wells Fargo.

The program is primed to make a big impact locally by working with nonprofit lenders and investors to target businesses in their community with a proven track record of growth.

“This focus on growth-ready small businesses will drive job creation and help local economic development. Without this support, these businesses may remain stagnant,” Harris said. “In some cases, they may fail before they reach their full potential.”

Grants for small business communities

Lashon Burrell had a dream of having her own kitchen to cook up the Southern classics like shrimp and grits and crab cakes she learned in her grandparent’s East St. Louis home. Now, as the chef behind her catering company Cajun Café Chicago, she’s achieved that at The Hatchery, the same Chicago food and beverage startup incubator that helped launch Onigiri Kororin.

“Every day I get a chance to meet somebody new. Every day I get a chance to make somebody happy. Every day I get a chance to make sure people have great food that not only tastes good but looks good,” she said.

Burrell has turned to Allies for Community Business (A4CB) several times to support her small business journey. She graduated from A4CB’s Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Lab accelerator and received her first loan through A4CB, a community organization that benefited from Wells Fargo’s original Open for Business Fund. Most recently, Cajun Café Chicago was able to borrow $200,000 through A4CB’s revenue-based financing, which was supported by the Open for Business Growth program.

“So, when I take on larger events, I’m able to have the money to float those things, or to get the equipment or team that’s needed,” Burrell said.

Open for Business Growth works by giving grants to nonprofit organizations like Allies for Community Business. These organizations expand access to financial services and products in the communities they serve.

These grants allow organizations to invest in their relationships with local businesses by giving them advanced financial guidance through advisory services. This can be crucial for growing businesses navigating taxes, laws, and regulations, Harris said. As an example, Burrell turned to A4CB to break down the pros and cons of contracts.

“[Nonprofits] have their finger on the pulse of what’s happening in a local community. They know what businesses could benefit the most from new products, and we see a role for Wells Fargo to play in using philanthropy as a catalyst to seed innovation” Harris said.

Making new kinds of financing for small businesses

The goal of this initiative is not only to support small business expansion but also to accelerate innovation in financing solutions, specifically targeting the “missing middle,” where small businesses are too large for microloans yet too small to qualify for traditional financing

“We’re making grants to nonprofit lenders and community organizations to create greater access to capital and free up capacity so they can do more,” she said. “The goal is [for them to be able to] test and learn with little to no risk, which benefits growth-ready small businesses searching for solutions.”

One example of this innovation is the loan with revenue-based repayment offered by A4CB, which provides a flexible payback plan that ebbs and flows with the business and its needs. In other industries and markets, the Open for Business Growth program will lead to other types of capital and coaching.

“I’m so grateful for these nontraditional options. When you start a business, you don’t have that many options, but you need money to grow the business,” Katsuyama said. “It’s been amazing for us.”

Key takeaways

• Making loans easier to access: The $20 million Open for Business Growth initiative helps growing small businesses by making grants to local nonprofits that can then offer them innovative capital.
• A gap in business financing: Many of these businesses require more capital than micro-loans but may not qualify for traditional financing. The program targets this gap.
• Amplifying local impact: These grants amplify the impact nonprofits have in their communities and help them create new loan programs and other financial products tailored to the local small businesses they serve.
• Smarter small business philanthropy: Open for Business Growth builds on the impact of the Open for Business Fund, Wells Fargo’s $420 million program that boosted the small business community by working with community organizations.

To learn more, please visit Wells Fargo Stories.

Covia’s Ahuazotepec, Mexico, site exemplifies a strong commitment to environmental, social, and community responsibility, as demonstrated by its Community Action Plan. The facility’s outstanding programs have fostered partnerships and initiatives to enhance local biodiversity and conservation efforts. As part of a multi-year collaboration with the Zacatlán Municipal Government, the State Government of Puebla, the National Forestry Commission, and the Drinking Water Operating System, the site has donated 30,000 trees to local communities and participated in 60 reforestation events. Donating trees means a lot to the team at Planta Ahuazotepec, and we see the difference it makes in the community. For me, it’s a special way that we give back to help the environment and the people around us. 

-Andrea Camacho, Environmental Coordinator (Ahuazotepec)

For more information about Covia’s Corporate Responsibility efforts, please visit us today.

At kate spade new york, mental health is recognized as a cornerstone of empowering women and girls around the world. In alignment with this belief, over the summer, the brand hosted its annual Women’s Mental Health event in Kigali, Rwanda, and – with its signature kate spade joyful twist – brought together over 350 attendees to celebrate the powerful intersection of women’s mental health, sport, and fashion.

On Purpose is the brand’s social enterprise initiative. As part of On Purpose, kate spade has been funding women’s empowerment work in Masoro, Rwanda since 2013 in collaboration with Abahizi CBC, a local handbag production facility. As the partnership began, and as the program grew, the need for empowerment and mental health resources within the community became increasingly clear.

Its mission is to use the On Purpose supply chain to empower the women who make these collections, and in turn invest in the communities they call home. Through this work, kate spade has seen that investing in a woman’s mental health positively impacts her voice, choice, and power.

Hosted in partnership with Abahizi Rwanda and Issoko Community Development, this year’s Women’s Mental Health event titled “Her Mind. Her Game. Her Style.”, took place at the newly constructed sports and entertainment venue, Zaria Court Kigali. The gathering featured a powerful lineup of speakers:

• The Honorable Nelly Mukazayire, Minister of Sport​, Government of Rwanda
• Clare Akamanzi, CEO, NBA Africa ​
• Norette Turimuci, Kate Spade Social Impact Council​
• Stacy Charlène Usanase, APR Women’s BBC
• Taryn Bird, Executive Director, Social Impact, Kate Spade New York

kate spade new york has set a global goal to give 250,000 women and girls access to mental health resources by 2030. The brand will host its annual Global Summit on Women’s Mental Health in New York City on Friday, October 10^th, aligning with World Mental Health Day.

Learn more about kate spade’s social impact work here.

On August 15^th, Paramount welcomed early career professionals from the following two organizations as part of the Unlimited Potential (UP) program, which helps build pathways into media and entertainment:

• LaunchPad – A nonprofit organization dedicated to creating life-changing career opportunities in entertainment, sports and finance for young adults facing barriers.
• Don’t Follow the Wave (DFTW)- A foundation started by NBA star Anthony Edwards with the mission to inspire, empower and uplift youth by providing educational, athletic and social programs.

Participants from Atlanta, Minnesota and New York gathered for a full day of career exploration. The day began with opening remarks by Makeda Green, SVP, Paramount Cultural & Digital Consumer Insights, who shared “Collaborating with community partners to inspire a new generation of industry professionals is impact in action.”

Additional remarks were provided by Jon Winkel, President of Launchpad: “LaunchPad is honored to be part of such a meaningful and impactful day. The young adults in our program were lifted in a way that would never be possible without the combined efforts of an iconic institution in Paramount and two high-profile impact organizations all joining forces.” Justin Holland, co-founder of Don’t Stop the Wave, introduced a video from Anthony Edwards himself! Anthony gave thanks to all of those who helped create this opportunity and drummed up excitement for the day ahead.

The program opened with a powerhouse career panel moderated by Harold Anderson of Paramount’s Corporate Social Responsibility team. Panelists provided an overview of their day-to-day responsibilities, career journey, and advice on how to find your own path and more.

The panelists were:

• Genisha Metcalf, Partnership Lead, NBA
• Adam Robinson, VP, Corporate Social Responsibility, Paramount
• Garrett Beltis, Senior Producer, Nickelodeon Digital Studios
• Luke Kwon, Senior Financial Analyst, Paramount Tech Finance

Gianni Wong from Paramount’s Emerging Talent team later joined and offered best practices, tips and advice for aspiring young professionals searching for job/internship opportunities.

Over lunch, participants networked with panelists and Paramount employees before touring the CBS Mornings studio. And in the afternoon, participants created 30-second ads for Paramount+, mapping out their innovative ideas on large storyboards.

The day concluded with a fireside chat with CJ Miles, a retired 17-year NBA star now capturing all that life (and the NBA) has to offer as a photographer. Moderated by Jay Ross, SVP of Growth at Professional Athlete Community, CJ reflected on life after basketball. “I think my favorite part was the access given [to the professionals] which allowed [for] beautiful conversations face to face. The event [was] great because of its creative and forward thinking but it does not overlook [providing] the traditional and foundational skills needed.”

Participants ended their day at Wheelhouse NY for additional networking as the sun set. It was clear the day opened long-term pathways for participants to envision careers in media entertainment. Paramount looks forward to continuing to support community partners through workforce development programming.

Uploaded by Action Against Hunger.

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries.

School Feeding and Nutrition in Uganda: How Students Are Leading Change 

At just 17 years old, Patience Namuju is already changing lives in her community. She lives in Uganda’s Karamoja region, known for its harsh, unpredictable weather and widespread food insecurity. People living there face a difficult reality: 45% of the population is facing crisis levels of food insecurity, and over 112,000 children under five were malnourished last year, according to an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report. But Patience is not sitting back—she’s leading a movement to turn things around.

Patience is the chair of the Health and Nutrition Club at Lolachat Seed Secondary School. The club established a school garden where they grow vegetables, cassava, and eggplant. In a region where food can be scarce, this is a lifeline. Students benefit from access to fresh produce, as well as learning why diversified, nutritious diets are important and how to make good food choices. “The garden supplements our school meals,” Patience says, her pride evident. “It’s making a real difference.”

In places like Karamoja, school lunch might be the only meal a child eats in a day. It is a crucial opportunity to help kids stay nourished and instill strong dietary habits. School feeding programs have been found to improve the height and weight of students in low- and middle-income countries, as shown in a recent study (Wang et al., 2021), as well as leading to better school attendance. With a healthy meal to sustain them, children can concentrate on their studies and fully engage in the school day, rather than being distracted by hunger.

Patience’s club does more than provide nutritious food at school; it also empowers students with the ability to make sound dietary decisions on their own. Nutrition education is especially critical in places like Karamoja, where food is scarce and families face difficult choices about what to eat. Without the right knowledge, many struggle to meet their dietary needs even when some food is available. Research in eastern Uganda confirms this, showing that a lack of nutritional knowledge is one of the leading causes of malnutrition (Filipponi et al., 2024).

Educated club members are able to act as agents of change in their local food systems, helping their friends and families make dietary decisions with confidence. As nutritional information is shared, it can create a ripple effect throughout the community that will last long after graduation. In this way, Health and Nutrition Clubs “build a new culture that will improve nutrition outcomes in this region while enhancing food security in the long run,” says Michael Ngiro, Food Security & Livelihood Extension Officer with Action Against Hunger.

Climate Resilience in Karamoja: Tackling Hunger in a Changing Environment 

As stated by the Food and Agriculture Organization, school offers a unique opportunity to teach children about good nutrition and shape healthier food patterns. Health and Nutrition Clubs established by Action Against Hunger take this one step further, teaching students not only what healthy foods are, but also how to grow them.

Patience and her fellow club members are growing produce in their garden using climate-smart agriculture techniques. They plant drought-resistant crop varieties that will have a better chance at surviving Karamoja’s lengthening dry spells. They also learn about crop rotation and using manure as an organic fertilizer, two agroecological practices that preserve soil health and boost crop yields. With this hands-on experience, students gain an understanding of nutrition, sustainability, and food system resilience.

Improving Uganda’s climate resilience is of primary importance. The World Bank recently published the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for Uganda, which warns that climate change could cut Uganda’s economic growth by up to 3.1% by 2050 unless strong action is taken. If this were to happen, it would push more than 613,000 people into poverty and displace 12 million more. By equipping students with knowledge of climate-resilient practices, Action Against Hunger is not only strengthening their capacity to adapt but also investing in a generation prepared to safeguard Uganda’s future.

Karamoja is among the regions most vulnerable to climate change. For generations, pastoralism has been the backbone of life, with families relying heavily on rainfall patterns and natural resources for food and income. But in an era of increasing climate volatility, this dependence has become increasingly difficult. Between 2018 and 2023, the region endured repeated droughts that decimated resources and fueled rising conflict. Climate shocks, conflict, and hunger form a self-reinforcing cycle, and once it begins, it is difficult to break. Strengthening Karamoja’s climate resilience is urgent, before dwindling resources trigger even deeper crises in the years ahead.

Patience cares deeply about climate resilience and its role in improving food security. In 2024, she represented her school at the Karamoja Green School regional climate-change debate competition, an event that empowers young people to engage with climate change issues. Competing against peers from across the region, Patience and her team took home first place – a testament to their passion for the cause and the impact of their school’s climate-smart garden.

The Future of Nutrition in Uganda 

Since the Health & Nutrition club started in 2023, Patience has grown its membership to over 30 students, all excited to spread the word about healthy eating. Now, the club is looking ahead with ambitious plans to expand its garden. As Patience explains, “We hope to increase the size of our gardens to grow more nutritious foods for school use and sell the rest to generate income for the club.” With this new initiative, students can gain an introduction to business planning, equipping them with valuable financial management and entrepreneurial skills that will serve them long after graduation.

Action Against Hunger is also expanding its garden program. Since 2023, the organization has supported 18 schools across Karamoja in establishing school gardens and Health and Nutrition Clubs, with another 32 clubs soon to launch in primary schools across the region. At the national level, Action Against Hunger is drawing on its expertise in school feeding and nutrition to advocate for a standardized school feeding program. The program is aimed at combating malnutrition and improving academic performance for students across Uganda.

Patience’s story is a powerful reminder of what these efforts can achieve. “Once I finish secondary school, I look forward to studying a course related to nutrition and food security and coming up with innovative ways to enhance food security in my community,” she says. Her commitment demonstrates the power of young leaders to drive change at the grassroots, making a hunger-free future in Uganda look more achievable than ever.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 26.5 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,500+ dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Originally published on U.S. company blog

On Sept. 17, the Federal Reserve announced a quarter point interest rate cut, it’s first of the year. To understand how this rate reduction may impact both homebuyers and homeowners, we sat down with John Hummel, head of retail home lending at U.S. Bank.

Let’s start with the homeowners. What does this interest rate cut mean for homeowners looking to borrow against their home equity?

Home equity has been in the headlines lately as increased home price appreciation over the last several years has resulted in record levels of home equity. For homeowners, this equity can be borrowed using a or to fund major expenses such as home improvements or repairs, college tuition or to consolidate debt.

With the prime rate now reduced, home equity borrowers may see lower interest rates available to them, depending on the home equity solution they chose. HELOCs, for example, allow borrowers to make multiple draws at a variable rate up to their pre-determined limit. New and existing HELOC borrowers may see a small reduction in interest rates on new draws.

For home equity loans, which allow you to borrow a lump sum at a fixed rate, new applicants may see a slight reduction in the interest rate being offered.

What about aspiring home buyers. Does the recent interest rate cut mean mortgage rates will come down? 

In early September we experienced our highest daily applications for the year. That’s because even before the Federal rate cut, we have seen some pockets of easing mortgage rates over the last few months. This has already provided some relief to buyers actively house hunting and making offers. For homeowners who bought a home in the last few years, this also presented an opportunity to refinance, especially for larger balance loans where a slight drop in rates can have an impact.

The recent gradual decline is in large part because mortgage rates are more closely tied to bond markets and the 10-year treasury yield than the prime rate. This correlation means that in many cases, future interest rate cuts are baked into current mortgage rates. That’s why when the Fed reduces the prime rate, we often don’t see any immediate movement on mortgage rates.

What’s your best advice right now for homebuyers?

If you are in a position to buy a home or plan to be in the months ahead, meet with a knowledgeable mortgage loan originator first. A mortgage professional can help you understand what you can afford, what potential payments could look like inclusive of taxes and insurance and any special programs you might qualify for, such as downpayment assistance.

There are nearly 2,500 downpayment assistance programs available throughout the U.S., including programs offered by state and local agencies, as well as mortgage lenders. For example, U.S. Bank offers the in 31 states and the in 10 markets.

Any advice for homeowners?

It may be a good time to explore your home equity lending options for upcoming expenses. Talking to a mortgage loan professional can help you understand your options and borrowing power using your home equity.

If you are nearing retirement, applying now for a HELOC can be a smart financial move. With U.S. Bank there is no fee to apply and doing so pre-retirement allows you to factor in your current employment income, which can impact your application outcome.

To learn more about U.S. Bank home lending solutions, visit usbank.com/homeloans

This article is authored by Riaz Raihan, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Trane Technologies

Despite breakthrough innovation over the last several years, buildings still can’t speak to us. They do, however, constantly give us non-verbal cues through technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous controls.

These solutions for digitalization of the built environment can significantly reduce a building’s operating cost and its carbon footprint by allowing you to listen to its cues.

Thinking beyond trends

AI and autonomous controls are enhancing productivity, efficiency and decision making across every sector. Considering their applications in the built environment, it is easy to get excited about them.

As I’ve seen in my role as chief digital officer at Trane Technologies, AI and automation are being practically applied in HVAC systems to support outcome-based performance. And for good reason, as more than 50% of a building’s operating cost can be attributed to its heating, ventilation and cooling.

Implementing AI tools because they’re trendy is faulty logic, though. Digital technologies require significant power and increase strain on our energy grids. They must be used thoughtfully and efficiently.

The true allure of digitalization and AI in the built environment lies in their ability to deliver operational cost savings, emissions reductions and optimal performance, which I see as their most discreet cool factor.

Listening to your building

Buildings can’t speak, but they can send nonverbal cues, and “listening” to them is crucial.

AI technologies, like autonomous control systems, allow us to look at structured data (building layout, indoor temperatures, equipment specifications) and unstructured data (weather patterns and forecasts, pollution data, occupancy patterns) to optimize buildings’ energy performance.

AI-enabled building controls learn to respond to changing conditions, such as energy pricing fluctuations, to automatically optimize energy performance and enable cost-effective predictive maintenance.

Consider the analogy of streaming platforms, which regularly show new and interesting content, proving the value of monthly subscription fees. When we are satisfied with the programming, we may set them to auto-renew. But if the content becomes stale, we might start doubting its value and consider canceling. We need consistent performance to feel we’re getting our money’s worth.

The same mindset can be true for the built environment, but that’s also where digital enablement drives significant value—by reading and acting on a building’s non-verbal cues. Building automation systems and autonomous controls capture real-time data and advanced analytics and use them to optimize performance.

Leveraging these solutions can help building owners and operators understand their building operations while enabling energy and cost savings, demonstrating their ROI and economic viability.

Creating successful outcomes from potential challenges

A comprehensive approach is required to implement digital solutions. To create your building’s digital twin (a virtual representation of it), data requirements, computing capabilities and internal skills are factors to consider.

Data and information necessary to create a digital twin:

• Historical energy use
• Operational HVAC systems
• The building’s architectural plans and layouts

You also need a robust cloud infrastructure to process large volumes of data, along with reliable and secure communication protocols for data transmission and storage.

More important than these elements, though, is a skilled talent pipeline that knows how to analyze data and machine learning techniques to find actionable insights and reduce latency. While innovative digitization technologies are changing the game for reducing energy demand and emissions across the built environment, prioritizing the talent to advance them is vital.

Of course, implementation can still bring challenges, including data integration and system interoperability. Integrating data from a variety of sources (sensors, historical records, occupancy and weather patterns) into a unified system can be complex and time-consuming. Different systems may also use varying formats, making it harder to standardize and harmonize data for analysis.

But these potential challenges can be turned into successful outcomes. Having a centralized platform capable of aggregating data into a single repository, where it is more easily accessed, managed and analyzed, is a critical component.

Transitioning from equipment to outcomes

Fifty years ago, the only thing customers cared about was the capital investment needed to install a high-quality HVAC system. Eventually, that progressed to high-quality and well-maintained systems, with good indoor air quality.

Today, things look drastically different. Customers demand outcomes, not just equipment that meets their day-to-day heating and cooling needs. They require high-quality, well-maintained, smart and adaptable machines that help reduce emissions, cut costs and optimize energy consumption.

This change in mindset affirms the growing demand for purpose-driven, sustainable technology that drives energy efficiency and decarbonization.

AI and digital technologies have the potential to harness the information provided by a building and its surroundings to achieve desired outcomes. This underscores the crucial need to pay attention and respond to the signals it’s sending.

Taco Bell

2025 Live Más Scholar and Team Member Arturo M., is a first-generation student who had big dreams of working in healthcare, especially after he saw his own family go through language barriers in the hospital setting.

“Growing up in Carbondale, Illinois, I spent a lot of time helping my parents with English, navigating so many different situations as they didn’t know the language. One of the ways I did this was by translating what doctors and nurses said during their appointments. I ended up translating for many others too because I wanted to help those who shared a background with me. This, in combination with summer internships at the clinic, only contributed to my passion for nursing.”

This past year, Arturo applied, and ended up receiving a $10,000 Live Más Scholarship, bringing him one step closer to carrying out his dreams of helping others.

“After joining Taco Bell, the Live Más Scholarship went live and my General Manager (GM) told me to apply. I had never applied for a big scholarship like this before, so I was skeptical at first because I felt discouraged since it was such a big opportunity. I ended up applying anyway! Then, one day, I got a phone call from my GM, asking me to come in after school to do a Team Member core activity. Turns out, it was a surprise party for me with all my friends, family and coworkers announcing that I received the scholarship! It was a once in a lifetime experience.”

So, what does Action Over Words, one of Taco Bell’s core brand principles, mean to Arturo?

“Action Over Words is being an advocate for others who can’t speak for themselves, especially where I come from. I’ve seen the hard times my parents had to face while navigating a country where they didn’t know the primary language. So, to me, it’s doing something that closes that barrier even more.”

Looking to the future, Arturo hopes that he can make a difference in people’s lives and the healthcare space by being their voice and giving them proper care. And finally, for those who have similar experiences to him, he encourages them to take that risk and pursue what they believe in, because bravery requires proof.

The Baker Tilly Foundation is thrilled to announce this year’s recipients of the Stewardship Week Extra Impact Grant. 

Launched in 2022, the foundation created the grant program to extend the spirit of Stewardship Week — when team members across the firm join together to make a difference in their communities. 

Each of the ten organizations below was nominated by team members who volunteered with them during Stewardship Week. Each organization will receive a $5,000 grant. 

Extra Impact Grant recipients

• Frisco Fastpacs – Frisco, Texas
  • This organization provides a weekend backpack of food to children who are in need. Feeding over 1,000 children (K-12) each week of the school year, Frisco Fastpacs has made an impact on the lives of children by giving out over 1.5 million meals since their inception in 2013.
• School on Wheels – Tewksbury, Massachusetts
  • The mission of School on Wheels of Massachusetts is to educate children impacted by homelessness by providing academic support, individualized school supplies, and one-on-one mentoring so children can reach their full potential.
• One House at a Time Beds for Kids – Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
  • OHAAT’s Beds for Kids program partners with social service agencies across the region who refer families in need. Each child receives a bed, a bag of bedding, several books and a toothbrush.
• Madison Reading Project – Madison, Wisconsin
  • Madison Reading Project connects communities with free books and literacy resources that ignite a love for reading and affirm and reflect the diversity of young readers.
• YMCA Urban Advisory – Tampa, Florida
  • The YMCA Urban Advisory works together with volunteers to identify critical social needs within the Tampa Bay community and develops programs and initiatives that address those needs.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Milwaukee – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • This organization provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better.
• Milwaukee Diaper Mission – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Milwaukee Diaper Mission empowers families in need by providing a reliable source of free diapers and period products.
• Brothers Redevelopment – Denver, Colorado
  • Brothers Redevelopment was established in 1971 to provide home repairs for low-income households in South Denver using neighborhood volunteers. It’s now grown to become an affordable housing developer and operates many different housing programs and services in communities across the state of Colorado.
• Upshur County Parish House – Buckhannon, West Virginia
  • The Upshur Cooperative Parish House serves Upshur County (WV) residents by assisting low-income families in meeting their basic needs and working to increase their quality of life.
• Spooner House – Shelton, Connecticut
  • Spooner House provides food, shelter and support services to people in need. They are devoted to helping clients establish a self-sufficient living situation.

Learn more about Baker Tilly.