Tag: 3BL

Originally published on PSEG NewsRoom

NEWARK, N.J., December 15, 2025 /3BL/ – PSEG Long Island and Public Service Electric & Gas, New Jersey’s largest utility, were the two highest ranked utilities in customer satisfaction among large electric utility business customers in the East, according to the J.D. Power 2025 Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study^SM. PSEG Long Island took the #1 spot, capping off an 11-year rise from the bottom of the survey rankings when PSEG took over operation of the electric grid in 2014, making it the most most-improved electric service provider in the nation. Meanwhile, PSE&G received the #2 ranking, rising from the #5 spot in 2024.

Ralph LaRossa, PSEG chair, president and CEO, congratulated both the PSEG Long Island and PSE&G teams for their recognition by J.D. Power, noting the achievements were earned through collaboration, trust, and shared commitment to serving our customers.

“It’s also a testimony of the power and strength of the PSEG brand, which stands for a proud tradition of providing safe and reliable energy to customers since 1903,” said LaRossa. “A tradition that the workforces on Long Island as well as in New Jersey embody every single day.”

“These collective results reflect the value of PSEG and our continued focus on delivering exceptional customer service,” said Kim Hanemann, PSE&G President and Chief Operating Officer. “We thank our business customers for trusting us to meet their evolving energy needs.”

J.D. Power surveyed 18,132 business customers nationwide. The “Large East” category of the study includes major electric utilities operating in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

“Since we started in 2014, PSEG Long Island has worked nonstop to improve the experience for the 1.2 million electric customers we serve on Long Island and in the Rockaways—including more than 130,000 commercial customers,” said David Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “After a decade of diligent improvements leveraging the expertise of PSE&G, it is a true honor to be ranked highest in business customer satisfaction among utilities in 12 states.”

PSE&G works hard to be a trusted energy advisor for our business customers. This year we launched Business Connect, an initiative that includes webinars, events and door-to door visits.

We know our business customers have unique needs, and we have a dedicated call center of trained professional to respond to their questions and concerns.  We also provide a monthly newsletter with information on saving energy and money, convenient digital customer service options, and our variety of energy efficiency programs.

“At PSE&G, we are committed to putting our customers at the heart of everything we do,” said Dave Johnson, senior vice president, chief customer experience officer at PSE&G. “We work hard to connect with them and provide programs, tools and resources to help manage energy use and costs.”

PSEG Long Island offers many programs and incentives for business customers, including free energy assessments; economic development grants and bill credit programs; energy efficiency rebates, and electric vehicle (EV) and EV charger incentives. PSEG Long Island also launched several economic development initiatives in 2018, providing more than $2.8 million since then to support local business owners through our Business First Program. This Program includes the Main Street Revitalization grants, Vacant Space Revival program, and Community Thrive Program grant. To learn more about the business support offered by PSEG Long Island, visit psegliny.com/businessfirst.

About PSE&G
Public Service Electric & Gas Co. is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation’s largest utilities. PSE&G has won the ReliabilityOne® Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region for 24 consecutive years. For the third consecutive year, PSE&G is the recipient of the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award in the Energy Efficiency Program Delivery category. In addition, in 2024 J.D. Power named PSE&G number one in customer satisfaction with residential electric service and gas service in the east among large utilities. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a predominantly regulated infrastructure company focused on a clean energy future and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 17 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).

PSEG Long Island
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a long-term contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company. (www.psegliny.com)

Originally published on PSEG NewsRoom

NEWARK, N.J., December 15, 2025 /3BL/ – PSEG Long Island and Public Service Electric & Gas, New Jersey’s largest utility, were the two highest ranked utilities in customer satisfaction among large electric utility business customers in the East, according to the J.D. Power 2025 Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study^SM. PSEG Long Island took the #1 spot, capping off an 11-year rise from the bottom of the survey rankings when PSEG took over operation of the electric grid in 2014, making it the most most-improved electric service provider in the nation. Meanwhile, PSE&G received the #2 ranking, rising from the #5 spot in 2024.

Ralph LaRossa, PSEG chair, president and CEO, congratulated both the PSEG Long Island and PSE&G teams for their recognition by J.D. Power, noting the achievements were earned through collaboration, trust, and shared commitment to serving our customers.

“It’s also a testimony of the power and strength of the PSEG brand, which stands for a proud tradition of providing safe and reliable energy to customers since 1903,” said LaRossa. “A tradition that the workforces on Long Island as well as in New Jersey embody every single day.”

“These collective results reflect the value of PSEG and our continued focus on delivering exceptional customer service,” said Kim Hanemann, PSE&G President and Chief Operating Officer. “We thank our business customers for trusting us to meet their evolving energy needs.”

J.D. Power surveyed 18,132 business customers nationwide. The “Large East” category of the study includes major electric utilities operating in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

“Since we started in 2014, PSEG Long Island has worked nonstop to improve the experience for the 1.2 million electric customers we serve on Long Island and in the Rockaways—including more than 130,000 commercial customers,” said David Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “After a decade of diligent improvements leveraging the expertise of PSE&G, it is a true honor to be ranked highest in business customer satisfaction among utilities in 12 states.”

PSE&G works hard to be a trusted energy advisor for our business customers. This year we launched Business Connect, an initiative that includes webinars, events and door-to door visits.

We know our business customers have unique needs, and we have a dedicated call center of trained professional to respond to their questions and concerns.  We also provide a monthly newsletter with information on saving energy and money, convenient digital customer service options, and our variety of energy efficiency programs.

“At PSE&G, we are committed to putting our customers at the heart of everything we do,” said Dave Johnson, senior vice president, chief customer experience officer at PSE&G. “We work hard to connect with them and provide programs, tools and resources to help manage energy use and costs.”

PSEG Long Island offers many programs and incentives for business customers, including free energy assessments; economic development grants and bill credit programs; energy efficiency rebates, and electric vehicle (EV) and EV charger incentives. PSEG Long Island also launched several economic development initiatives in 2018, providing more than $2.8 million since then to support local business owners through our Business First Program. This Program includes the Main Street Revitalization grants, Vacant Space Revival program, and Community Thrive Program grant. To learn more about the business support offered by PSEG Long Island, visit psegliny.com/businessfirst.

About PSE&G
Public Service Electric & Gas Co. is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation’s largest utilities. PSE&G has won the ReliabilityOne® Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region for 24 consecutive years. For the third consecutive year, PSE&G is the recipient of the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award in the Energy Efficiency Program Delivery category. In addition, in 2024 J.D. Power named PSE&G number one in customer satisfaction with residential electric service and gas service in the east among large utilities. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a predominantly regulated infrastructure company focused on a clean energy future and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 17 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).

PSEG Long Island
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a long-term contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company. (www.psegliny.com)

Originally published on Medium by Mastercard Strive
By Subhashini (Shuba) Chandran, senior vice president, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, and Leena Datwani, senior advisor, She Leads Bharat:Udyam

She Leads Bharat: Udyam (SLB:U), a Mastercard Strive initiative implemented by Frontier Markets in collaboration with Airtel Payments Bank, aims to diversify and elevate the incomes of rural women-owned micro and small enterprises (MSEs) through a technology platform. Between August 2023 and February 2025, the initiative successfully onboarded 15,000 women MSEs onto the Meri Saheli app through which they earn commissions for products and services sold. Ten thousand have also been onboarded as women banking correspondents (BCs) on Airtel Payments Bank’s Mitra app through which they earn commissions for banking transactions conducted for customers at the last mile.

SLB:U sits at the intersection of helping rural women entrepreneurs find stable and diversified income sources while also addressing the significant opportunity for scalable last mile delivery. It strengthens last mile distribution while improving economic mobility for women. Early evidence suggests that user-centric technology coupled with comprehensive training programs and sustained support, diversified products and services, and community networks can enable income elevation and resilience while serving rural communities in a replicable and scalable manner.

Continue reading here.

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

Originally published on Medium by Mastercard Strive
By Subhashini (Shuba) Chandran, senior vice president, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, and Leena Datwani, senior advisor, She Leads Bharat:Udyam

She Leads Bharat: Udyam (SLB:U), a Mastercard Strive initiative implemented by Frontier Markets in collaboration with Airtel Payments Bank, aims to diversify and elevate the incomes of rural women-owned micro and small enterprises (MSEs) through a technology platform. Between August 2023 and February 2025, the initiative successfully onboarded 15,000 women MSEs onto the Meri Saheli app through which they earn commissions for products and services sold. Ten thousand have also been onboarded as women banking correspondents (BCs) on Airtel Payments Bank’s Mitra app through which they earn commissions for banking transactions conducted for customers at the last mile.

SLB:U sits at the intersection of helping rural women entrepreneurs find stable and diversified income sources while also addressing the significant opportunity for scalable last mile delivery. It strengthens last mile distribution while improving economic mobility for women. Early evidence suggests that user-centric technology coupled with comprehensive training programs and sustained support, diversified products and services, and community networks can enable income elevation and resilience while serving rural communities in a replicable and scalable manner.

Continue reading here.

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

PITTSBURGH, December 15, 2025 /3BL/ – Wesco International (NYSE:WCC), a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, in a joint effort with Liberty Latin America, a leading communications company operating in over 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, are providing support and relief to communities in Jamaica recovering in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

Leveraging a Hurricane Response Plan developed by both organizations after Hurricane Maria in 2017, teams from Wesco and Liberty Latin America quickly mobilized their relief efforts, delivering critical aid and restoring essential communications for thousands of Jamaican residents.

Wesco collaborated with Liberty Latin America to not only supply the products to rebuild damaged communications networks, but also to provide food, water, and humanitarian supplies for their employees and communities.

The relief effort then began to unfold, focusing initially on providing humanitarian supplies. Generators, food, water, baby formula, tarps, and blankets were all shipped to needed areas within 48 hours. Immediately following this priority, emergency and network rebuild materials made their way to facilities to help restore connectivity, including fiber optic cables, closures, scaffolding, wireless equipment, and other outside plant materials.

Hand-in-hand throughout these operations, Liberty Latin America identified all needed products, funneled and streamlined requests through a centralized team, coordinated international transportation (including the chartering of at least one cargo plane), and assisted in product sourcing; while Wesco handled the sourcing, procuring, and acquisition of humanitarian products from local retailers, transportation from store(s) to Wesco’s Miami warehouse, and both onsite deliveries and local humanitarian product acquisition in Jamaica.

“The dedication shown by our teams was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Rick Arsenault, Wesco Vice President and General Manager, Global Service Providers, Broadband and Wireless. “Employees from Wesco and Liberty Latin America worked tirelessly and at incredible speed to ensure critical materials reached those in need. Their commitment to helping communities recover from Hurricane Melissa reflects the very best of what we stand for.”

Nicolas Duffau, VP, Procurement & Global Supply Chain for Liberty Latin America, commented, “Working collaboratively with the Wesco team, we mobilized immediate support to aid the communities most affected by Hurricane Melissa. We’re proud to stand alongside our partners in accelerating recovery efforts and helping our communities in Jamaica rebuild even stronger than before.”

Wesco would like to extend its deepest sympathies to all residents affected by Hurricane Melissa, as well as gratitude to the leaders and business partners that made this a priority. These efforts would not have been possible without their dedication and support. Thoughts and support continue to be with the people and communities of this region as they rebuild.

About Wesco 
Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $22 billion in annual sales in 2024 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, educational institutions, government agencies, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

About Liberty Latin America

Liberty Latin America is a leading communications company operating in over 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean under the consumer brands BTC, Flow, Liberty, and Más Móvil. The communications and entertainment services that we offer to our residential and business customers in the region include digital video, broadband internet, telephony, and mobile services. Our business products and services include enterprise-grade connectivity, data center, hosting and managed solutions, as well as information technology solutions with customers ranging from small and medium enterprises to international companies and governmental agencies. In addition, Liberty Latin America operates a subsea and terrestrial fiber optic cable network that connects more than 30 markets in the region.

Liberty Latin America has three separate classes of common shares, which are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols “LILA” (Class A) and “LILAK” (Class C), and on the OTC link under the symbol “LILAB” (Class B).

For more information, please visit www.lla.com.

Contact Information
Jennifer Sniderman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
jennifer.sniderman@wescodist.com

Michael Coakley
Vice President, Head of Communications and Government Affairs
mcoakley@lla.com

 

PITTSBURGH, December 15, 2025 /3BL/ – Wesco International (NYSE:WCC), a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, in a joint effort with Liberty Latin America, a leading communications company operating in over 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, are providing support and relief to communities in Jamaica recovering in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

Leveraging a Hurricane Response Plan developed by both organizations after Hurricane Maria in 2017, teams from Wesco and Liberty Latin America quickly mobilized their relief efforts, delivering critical aid and restoring essential communications for thousands of Jamaican residents.

Wesco collaborated with Liberty Latin America to not only supply the products to rebuild damaged communications networks, but also to provide food, water, and humanitarian supplies for their employees and communities.

The relief effort then began to unfold, focusing initially on providing humanitarian supplies. Generators, food, water, baby formula, tarps, and blankets were all shipped to needed areas within 48 hours. Immediately following this priority, emergency and network rebuild materials made their way to facilities to help restore connectivity, including fiber optic cables, closures, scaffolding, wireless equipment, and other outside plant materials.

Hand-in-hand throughout these operations, Liberty Latin America identified all needed products, funneled and streamlined requests through a centralized team, coordinated international transportation (including the chartering of at least one cargo plane), and assisted in product sourcing; while Wesco handled the sourcing, procuring, and acquisition of humanitarian products from local retailers, transportation from store(s) to Wesco’s Miami warehouse, and both onsite deliveries and local humanitarian product acquisition in Jamaica.

“The dedication shown by our teams was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Rick Arsenault, Wesco Vice President and General Manager, Global Service Providers, Broadband and Wireless. “Employees from Wesco and Liberty Latin America worked tirelessly and at incredible speed to ensure critical materials reached those in need. Their commitment to helping communities recover from Hurricane Melissa reflects the very best of what we stand for.”

Nicolas Duffau, VP, Procurement & Global Supply Chain for Liberty Latin America, commented, “Working collaboratively with the Wesco team, we mobilized immediate support to aid the communities most affected by Hurricane Melissa. We’re proud to stand alongside our partners in accelerating recovery efforts and helping our communities in Jamaica rebuild even stronger than before.”

Wesco would like to extend its deepest sympathies to all residents affected by Hurricane Melissa, as well as gratitude to the leaders and business partners that made this a priority. These efforts would not have been possible without their dedication and support. Thoughts and support continue to be with the people and communities of this region as they rebuild.

About Wesco 
Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $22 billion in annual sales in 2024 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, educational institutions, government agencies, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

About Liberty Latin America

Liberty Latin America is a leading communications company operating in over 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean under the consumer brands BTC, Flow, Liberty, and Más Móvil. The communications and entertainment services that we offer to our residential and business customers in the region include digital video, broadband internet, telephony, and mobile services. Our business products and services include enterprise-grade connectivity, data center, hosting and managed solutions, as well as information technology solutions with customers ranging from small and medium enterprises to international companies and governmental agencies. In addition, Liberty Latin America operates a subsea and terrestrial fiber optic cable network that connects more than 30 markets in the region.

Liberty Latin America has three separate classes of common shares, which are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols “LILA” (Class A) and “LILAK” (Class C), and on the OTC link under the symbol “LILAB” (Class B).

For more information, please visit www.lla.com.

Contact Information
Jennifer Sniderman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
jennifer.sniderman@wescodist.com

Michael Coakley
Vice President, Head of Communications and Government Affairs
mcoakley@lla.com

 

Cascale joined brands, manufacturers, chemical formulators, solution providers, and industry stakeholders at the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) South Asia Regional Event in Bengaluru, India under this year’s theme “Accelerating Impact through the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero (RtZ) Program.”

The November event convened more than 250 stakeholders committed to improving chemical management, strengthening ESG performance, and driving consistent progress across the textile, apparel, and footwear value chain. Program themes included responsible management of chemicals and wastewater, exploring actionable insights on chemical decision-making, carbon foot-printing, and more.

Driving ESG performance with ZDHC’s RtZ Program

Cascale’s Prasanth Nandakumar, manager of stakeholder engagement, APAC, participated in a multi-stakeholder panel alongside Padmakar Panday, vice president, corporate sustainability, from Indian fashion and retail company Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), and Aatheeswaran S, national manager – RSL, from global testing company Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS).

The discussion explored how sustainable chemical management — particularly through the RtZ Program — contributes to measurable ESG performance, risk mitigation, and value creation across global supply chains.

Speaking on behalf of Cascale, Nandakumar emphasized the importance of shared frameworks and aligned tools in reducing audit burden and supporting supplier-driven progress.

When it comes to tool alignment, ZDHC and Cascale are frequently and deeply collaborating. For one, the Cascale’s Higg Brand and Retail Module (Higg BRM) supports ZDHC’s Brands to Zero reporting. Likewise, ZDHC and Cascale work towards continued alignment on the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM). The Higg FEM has evolved to help users stay aligned with the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero by adjusting questions across the sections evaluating wastewater, air, and chemicals management with refinements informed by ZDHC guidance.

Nandakumar shared that Cascale’s collaboration with ZDHC reflects a shared vision: aligning credible, science-based tools that help the industry measure, manage, and reduce its impact. When systems like the Higg Index and the RtZ Program work in concert, industry stakeholders can unlock better comparability and clearer pathways for improvement.

Ahead of the panel discussion, Cascale’s Nandakumar, Dhawall Mane, director of verification, training and insights, and Manjula Trigunait, manager verification projects, joined a technical side meeting on aligning Higg FEM Verification and ZDHC’s Supplier to Zero (StZ).

Committing to Chemical Management 

The APAC region’s centrality in global consumer goods production means it is a driving force in chemical compliance with unique regional expertise.

Across programming, attendees learned they have a clear role to play in prioritizing chemical management best practices with broader ESG expectations. For suppliers, the availability of training, guidance, and practical tools enable them to take ownership of performance improvements from the start. For governments and brands as well, sustainability criteria needs to be embedded into frameworks.

In line with the event’s theme, Cascale’s close collaboration with ZDHC and supply chain players across the region continues with capacity building, data transparency, and meaningful support on chemical management as it relates to broader sustainability goals.

Cascale joined brands, manufacturers, chemical formulators, solution providers, and industry stakeholders at the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) South Asia Regional Event in Bengaluru, India under this year’s theme “Accelerating Impact through the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero (RtZ) Program.”

The November event convened more than 250 stakeholders committed to improving chemical management, strengthening ESG performance, and driving consistent progress across the textile, apparel, and footwear value chain. Program themes included responsible management of chemicals and wastewater, exploring actionable insights on chemical decision-making, carbon foot-printing, and more.

Driving ESG performance with ZDHC’s RtZ Program

Cascale’s Prasanth Nandakumar, manager of stakeholder engagement, APAC, participated in a multi-stakeholder panel alongside Padmakar Panday, vice president, corporate sustainability, from Indian fashion and retail company Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), and Aatheeswaran S, national manager – RSL, from global testing company Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS).

The discussion explored how sustainable chemical management — particularly through the RtZ Program — contributes to measurable ESG performance, risk mitigation, and value creation across global supply chains.

Speaking on behalf of Cascale, Nandakumar emphasized the importance of shared frameworks and aligned tools in reducing audit burden and supporting supplier-driven progress.

When it comes to tool alignment, ZDHC and Cascale are frequently and deeply collaborating. For one, the Cascale’s Higg Brand and Retail Module (Higg BRM) supports ZDHC’s Brands to Zero reporting. Likewise, ZDHC and Cascale work towards continued alignment on the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM). The Higg FEM has evolved to help users stay aligned with the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero by adjusting questions across the sections evaluating wastewater, air, and chemicals management with refinements informed by ZDHC guidance.

Nandakumar shared that Cascale’s collaboration with ZDHC reflects a shared vision: aligning credible, science-based tools that help the industry measure, manage, and reduce its impact. When systems like the Higg Index and the RtZ Program work in concert, industry stakeholders can unlock better comparability and clearer pathways for improvement.

Ahead of the panel discussion, Cascale’s Nandakumar, Dhawall Mane, director of verification, training and insights, and Manjula Trigunait, manager verification projects, joined a technical side meeting on aligning Higg FEM Verification and ZDHC’s Supplier to Zero (StZ).

Committing to Chemical Management 

The APAC region’s centrality in global consumer goods production means it is a driving force in chemical compliance with unique regional expertise.

Across programming, attendees learned they have a clear role to play in prioritizing chemical management best practices with broader ESG expectations. For suppliers, the availability of training, guidance, and practical tools enable them to take ownership of performance improvements from the start. For governments and brands as well, sustainability criteria needs to be embedded into frameworks.

In line with the event’s theme, Cascale’s close collaboration with ZDHC and supply chain players across the region continues with capacity building, data transparency, and meaningful support on chemical management as it relates to broader sustainability goals.

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

If you’ve ever wondered who keeps things running seamlessly at the very top, look no further than Barbara Podbelsek, Senior Executive Assistant to our CEO Ryan Rogers – and now, the proud recipient of Mary Kay’s Employee Go Give Award. Barbara is far more than an exceptional executive assistant. She is a guardian of Mary Kay Ash’s legacy, a steward of the company culture, and a driving force behind projects that preserve the heart of the iconic brand.

At the Mary Kay Museum in Addison,Texas she plays a vital role in curating the meaningful collections of the trailblazing female entrepreneur, focusing on the stories behind the objects while establishing cultural and historical significance. From archiving rare documents and photographs to preserving handwritten notes and treasured artifacts, Barbara ensures that Next Gen can experience the rich heritage that shaped the timeless Mary Kay brand and iconic company.

Beyond her role as a culture-keeper, “Barb” is also recognized for her impact, connecting the dots and getting the job done while staying calm under pressure. It is her quiet leadership, and her ability to anticipate needs, connect people, and strengthen the foundation of the company that truly set her apart.

Barb is also dedicated to serve the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^®, spending countless hours, making the dream work, with a commitment to making a difference in the community we serve.

The Go Give award honors employees and Independent Sales Force members who consistently go above and beyond to support, uplift, and serve others. Whether it’s through everyday acts of kindness, mentoring teammates, or quietly making a difference behind the scenes, Go Give recipients are known for:

• Living with integrity and heart.
• Putting others first without seeking recognition.
• Inspiring those around them with positivity and generosity.
• Helping preserve the core values Mary Kay Ash built the company on.

This award honors not only the excellence of Barb’s work, but the depth of her character. Genuine, generous, and endlessly dedicated, Barbara embodies the spirit of Mary Kay Ash in every detail, every project, and every act of service. We’re proud to celebrate this incredible milestone and to share a little more about the woman behind the award.

Barb, how did you begin working at Mary Kay, or what made you want to work here?

Back in the “old days” – 1990, to be exact – I submitted a paper resume through an employment agency that happened to represent Mary Kay. At first, they didn’t disclose the name of the company, but once they did, I was genuinely thrilled. I had already been familiar with Mary Kay’s products before moving to Texas, and I had a lot of admiration for the brand. The idea of working for a company that not only offered great products but also upheld strong values and empowered women was incredibly appealing to me – and it still is.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to know about you?

Most people don’t guess this, but I grew up on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin. Long before I ever got behind the wheel of a car, I was driving a tractor! It was just part of everyday life on the farm. It taught me a lot about responsibility and hard work from a young age… but let’s just keep that early tractor driving between us and not share it with the Department of Public Safety.

What’s one item on your desk or in your office that you can’t live without?

Back in the 1990s, the must-have item on my desk was definitely my Rolodex – it was my lifeline to people and information. Fast forward to 2025, and that role has long been taken over by my cell phone. It’s where our lives are kept. It’s essentially my modern-day Rolodex, but with a few more bells and whistles.

Who outside of Mary Kay has most influenced your life and how?

Without a doubt, my parents. My mother always encouraged me to treat everyone with kindness, no matter who they are or where they come from. My dad added another layer to that life lesson; he taught me to approach life with a bit of sass and humor. Together, they instilled in me the values of compassion, resilience, and authenticity, and I carry those lessons with me every day.

What advice would you give others at Mary Kay (whether they’re new or tenured)?

Never underestimate the impact of your work here. Whether you’ve just started or have been here for decades, always remember that we are all part of a team working to keep Mary Kay Ash’s dream alive. That legacy isn’t just a nice tagline – it’s a call to action and a reflection of the purpose behind what we do. So give your best, support each other, and keep the heart of the business strong. Let that sense of purpose be your guide in your professional life.

Did You Know?

• The annual Go Give Award was originally created in 1978 to celebrate and recognize Mary Kay’s Independent Beauty Consultants who embody the true spirit of Mary Kay Ash’s “Go-Give” philosophy – a principle she held dear throughout her life and leadership. Mary Kay Ash believed in the idea that success isn’t just about what you achieve personally; it is about what you give to others. The “Go-Give” mindset encourages selflessness, generosity, encouragement, and kindness, especially when there’s no expectation of anything in return.

****

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

# # #

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

If you’ve ever wondered who keeps things running seamlessly at the very top, look no further than Barbara Podbelsek, Senior Executive Assistant to our CEO Ryan Rogers – and now, the proud recipient of Mary Kay’s Employee Go Give Award. Barbara is far more than an exceptional executive assistant. She is a guardian of Mary Kay Ash’s legacy, a steward of the company culture, and a driving force behind projects that preserve the heart of the iconic brand.

At the Mary Kay Museum in Addison,Texas she plays a vital role in curating the meaningful collections of the trailblazing female entrepreneur, focusing on the stories behind the objects while establishing cultural and historical significance. From archiving rare documents and photographs to preserving handwritten notes and treasured artifacts, Barbara ensures that Next Gen can experience the rich heritage that shaped the timeless Mary Kay brand and iconic company.

Beyond her role as a culture-keeper, “Barb” is also recognized for her impact, connecting the dots and getting the job done while staying calm under pressure. It is her quiet leadership, and her ability to anticipate needs, connect people, and strengthen the foundation of the company that truly set her apart.

Barb is also dedicated to serve the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^®, spending countless hours, making the dream work, with a commitment to making a difference in the community we serve.

The Go Give award honors employees and Independent Sales Force members who consistently go above and beyond to support, uplift, and serve others. Whether it’s through everyday acts of kindness, mentoring teammates, or quietly making a difference behind the scenes, Go Give recipients are known for:

• Living with integrity and heart.
• Putting others first without seeking recognition.
• Inspiring those around them with positivity and generosity.
• Helping preserve the core values Mary Kay Ash built the company on.

This award honors not only the excellence of Barb’s work, but the depth of her character. Genuine, generous, and endlessly dedicated, Barbara embodies the spirit of Mary Kay Ash in every detail, every project, and every act of service. We’re proud to celebrate this incredible milestone and to share a little more about the woman behind the award.

Barb, how did you begin working at Mary Kay, or what made you want to work here?

Back in the “old days” – 1990, to be exact – I submitted a paper resume through an employment agency that happened to represent Mary Kay. At first, they didn’t disclose the name of the company, but once they did, I was genuinely thrilled. I had already been familiar with Mary Kay’s products before moving to Texas, and I had a lot of admiration for the brand. The idea of working for a company that not only offered great products but also upheld strong values and empowered women was incredibly appealing to me – and it still is.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to know about you?

Most people don’t guess this, but I grew up on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin. Long before I ever got behind the wheel of a car, I was driving a tractor! It was just part of everyday life on the farm. It taught me a lot about responsibility and hard work from a young age… but let’s just keep that early tractor driving between us and not share it with the Department of Public Safety.

What’s one item on your desk or in your office that you can’t live without?

Back in the 1990s, the must-have item on my desk was definitely my Rolodex – it was my lifeline to people and information. Fast forward to 2025, and that role has long been taken over by my cell phone. It’s where our lives are kept. It’s essentially my modern-day Rolodex, but with a few more bells and whistles.

Who outside of Mary Kay has most influenced your life and how?

Without a doubt, my parents. My mother always encouraged me to treat everyone with kindness, no matter who they are or where they come from. My dad added another layer to that life lesson; he taught me to approach life with a bit of sass and humor. Together, they instilled in me the values of compassion, resilience, and authenticity, and I carry those lessons with me every day.

What advice would you give others at Mary Kay (whether they’re new or tenured)?

Never underestimate the impact of your work here. Whether you’ve just started or have been here for decades, always remember that we are all part of a team working to keep Mary Kay Ash’s dream alive. That legacy isn’t just a nice tagline – it’s a call to action and a reflection of the purpose behind what we do. So give your best, support each other, and keep the heart of the business strong. Let that sense of purpose be your guide in your professional life.

Did You Know?

• The annual Go Give Award was originally created in 1978 to celebrate and recognize Mary Kay’s Independent Beauty Consultants who embody the true spirit of Mary Kay Ash’s “Go-Give” philosophy – a principle she held dear throughout her life and leadership. Mary Kay Ash believed in the idea that success isn’t just about what you achieve personally; it is about what you give to others. The “Go-Give” mindset encourages selflessness, generosity, encouragement, and kindness, especially when there’s no expectation of anything in return.

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About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

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