Tag: 3BL

Melissa Lystad’s introduction to military service began in an unexpected way. Unbeknownst to her, her fiancé had been talking to recruiters, and an invitation for a pizza dinner was extended. Little did she know that decision would soon lead to a lifelong sense of purpose.

“My now husband and I were barely scraping by, and a free pizza dinner offered during a military pitch sounded fantastic,” she said. “While there, my husband mentioned that I have an affinity to learning languages, as I was already using Spanish in my work at the local clinic, and both recruiters took a hard run at me.” 

Following pizza and paperwork, Lystad’s long and meaningful journey with the U.S. Navy began. She enlisted in 1997 and progressed through a variety of roles as a foreign language analyst. 

“My decision to join the Navy has changed my life, and for that I am forever grateful,” she said. “In my 22-year military career, I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of the most amazing places on earth.” 

Lystad retired from service as a Cryptologic Technician, Interpretive (CTI) Chief Petty Officer in 2019. That same year, she joined CACI as part of a program that provides foreign language services to the customer, seamlessly aligning her Navy expertise with the company’s mission. 

With CACI, Lystad has grown her skills through exposure to new projects and challenges. In her current role as CACI’s only Foreign Language Talent and Tradecraft Manager, she is responsible for anticipating the needs of fellow language analysts and ensuring they have access to the most current tools, training, and insights.

“I’ve worked for CACI for over six years now following my military separation,” she said. “This my third role with the company, and I’m still really happy to be here.”

Lystad’s time in the Navy not only shaped her skills but her mindset and work ethic. She carries these values forward with her as she breaks new ground with CACI. 

“The Navy taught me to document everything, guided by the phrase, ‘if it ain’t on paper, it didn’t happen.’ I also learned the importance of strong communication — always yelling up the chain, not down,” she said. “That mindset, along with the network I’ve built over the years, helps me support our analysts with clarity and confidence.”

CACI’s mission emphasizes the importance of service to the nation. The company’s workforce has maintained a strong military presence that reinforces its mission-first mindset, which Lystad can attest to.

“Our contract is almost exclusively former military language analysts, and there is such joy in being able to offer follow-on careers in the field where they have the most skills,” she said. “The relief when a person is hired is fabulous to see, and it offers the opportunity to continue serving the nation — just in more comfortable clothes!”

Lystad’s journey is a reminder that purpose often appears in ways we never anticipate. What began as a simple decision in a difficult moment ultimately led her to a career and community where her skills, experience, and passion continue to make a real impact.

“I don’t know that I would have ever expected to say, ‘Wow do I love my job,’ but here I am, killing it!” she said.  “I’m so grateful to be doing something that I enjoy so much and helps others with their heavy lift as well.”

CACI offers careers for veterans that are as dynamic as they are. Explore opportunities to continue your mission with CACI.

About CACI

CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) is a national security company with 25,000 talented employees who are Ever Vigilant in expanding the limits of national security. We ensure our customers’ success by delivering differentiated technology and distinctive expertise to accelerate innovation, drive speed and efficiency, and rapidly anticipate and eliminate threats. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World’s Most Admired Company. We are members of the Fortune 500™, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at caci.com.

# # #

Corporate Communications and Media:
Lauren Presti
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
(703) 434-5037, lauren.presti@caci.com

Melissa Lystad’s introduction to military service began in an unexpected way. Unbeknownst to her, her fiancé had been talking to recruiters, and an invitation for a pizza dinner was extended. Little did she know that decision would soon lead to a lifelong sense of purpose.

“My now husband and I were barely scraping by, and a free pizza dinner offered during a military pitch sounded fantastic,” she said. “While there, my husband mentioned that I have an affinity to learning languages, as I was already using Spanish in my work at the local clinic, and both recruiters took a hard run at me.” 

Following pizza and paperwork, Lystad’s long and meaningful journey with the U.S. Navy began. She enlisted in 1997 and progressed through a variety of roles as a foreign language analyst. 

“My decision to join the Navy has changed my life, and for that I am forever grateful,” she said. “In my 22-year military career, I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of the most amazing places on earth.” 

Lystad retired from service as a Cryptologic Technician, Interpretive (CTI) Chief Petty Officer in 2019. That same year, she joined CACI as part of a program that provides foreign language services to the customer, seamlessly aligning her Navy expertise with the company’s mission. 

With CACI, Lystad has grown her skills through exposure to new projects and challenges. In her current role as CACI’s only Foreign Language Talent and Tradecraft Manager, she is responsible for anticipating the needs of fellow language analysts and ensuring they have access to the most current tools, training, and insights.

“I’ve worked for CACI for over six years now following my military separation,” she said. “This my third role with the company, and I’m still really happy to be here.”

Lystad’s time in the Navy not only shaped her skills but her mindset and work ethic. She carries these values forward with her as she breaks new ground with CACI. 

“The Navy taught me to document everything, guided by the phrase, ‘if it ain’t on paper, it didn’t happen.’ I also learned the importance of strong communication — always yelling up the chain, not down,” she said. “That mindset, along with the network I’ve built over the years, helps me support our analysts with clarity and confidence.”

CACI’s mission emphasizes the importance of service to the nation. The company’s workforce has maintained a strong military presence that reinforces its mission-first mindset, which Lystad can attest to.

“Our contract is almost exclusively former military language analysts, and there is such joy in being able to offer follow-on careers in the field where they have the most skills,” she said. “The relief when a person is hired is fabulous to see, and it offers the opportunity to continue serving the nation — just in more comfortable clothes!”

Lystad’s journey is a reminder that purpose often appears in ways we never anticipate. What began as a simple decision in a difficult moment ultimately led her to a career and community where her skills, experience, and passion continue to make a real impact.

“I don’t know that I would have ever expected to say, ‘Wow do I love my job,’ but here I am, killing it!” she said.  “I’m so grateful to be doing something that I enjoy so much and helps others with their heavy lift as well.”

CACI offers careers for veterans that are as dynamic as they are. Explore opportunities to continue your mission with CACI.

About CACI

CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) is a national security company with 25,000 talented employees who are Ever Vigilant in expanding the limits of national security. We ensure our customers’ success by delivering differentiated technology and distinctive expertise to accelerate innovation, drive speed and efficiency, and rapidly anticipate and eliminate threats. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World’s Most Admired Company. We are members of the Fortune 500™, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at caci.com.

# # #

Corporate Communications and Media:
Lauren Presti
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
(703) 434-5037, lauren.presti@caci.com

Complimentary Webinar:

Avenues for Decarbonizing the Chemicals Industry: An Updated Tour of the SCS Carbon Assured™ Certification

Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 11:00 AM PST (2:00 PM EST)

Register Here

Decarbonization within the chemical manufacturing sector remains one of the key challenges in moving toward net zero goals. In an industry known for high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, many chemical manufacturers are embarking on a new era of eco-conscious production by transitioning to cleaner energy sources, utilizing alternative bio and recycled feedstocks, and implementing technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCUS).

Join SCS Standards and Assurance Systems’ Executive Director, Victoria Norman, and SCS Global Services’ Program Manager, Carbon Assurance, Julia Cockerham, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT, 8:00 p.m. CET) for a comprehensive discussion on the newly updated standard, SCS-115: Certification Standard for Product Carbon Intensity and Reduction for Chemicals and Co-products, with a focus on the latest modules: Module D, Renewable Energy, and Module E, Asset Efficiency Improvement. The standard provides a methodology for third-party certification of the greenhouse gas intensity and reduction of chemicals, solvents, plastics and similar products. During this 45-minute presentation you will learn:

• The core standard’s framework and baseline calculation methodology used
• The five decarbonization levers supported by the standard, with a focus on renewable energy (module D) and asset efficiency improvement (module E)
• Types of products and co-products that can benefit from certification
• Mass balance approach to carbon footprint reduction
• Product intensity and reduction claims that can be made to showcase product decarbonization
• The Carbon Assured™ program based on the SCS 115 standard

A live Question and Answer session will follow the presentation.

Who should attend? Organizations with decarbonization goals along the value chain, including chemical and petrochemical manufacturers, consumer goods companies, and packaging companies.

Register Here

Today, Saint-Gobain celebrates the completion of construction activities and opening of its new administration building in Worcester, Massachusetts. Located on its historic manufacturing campus, where Saint-Gobain’s Norton Abrasives business has operated for over a century, the new administration building marks the company’s continued commitment to the Worcester community, where it is a major employer.

The event featured remarks from Patrick Dwyer, President of Abrasives and Construction Fabrics North America and Abby Marschke, Executive Director of Marketing, Retail and Customer Services for Abrasives North America. They were joined by key community partners including Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, Worcester City Manager Eric Batista, and Timothy P. Murray, President & CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

A partnership built on innovation and collaboration with talented local stakeholders

Developed by Pure Development and under the lead of design-build contractor DPR Construction, the 47,000 square foot building utilizes over thirty of Saint-Gobain’s light and sustainable solutions including CertainTeed gypsum wallboard, roofing, insulation and acoustic ceiling systems, Chryso admixtures for concrete, SageGlass electrochromic glass, GCP waterproofing materials, ADFORS drywall tape, and Solar Gard window film. These solutions all work together in a systems approach to maximize efficiency, resilience, and comfort. In addition, interior and exterior panels manufactured by offsite construction methods helped dramatically reduce build time, by as much as 22 days for exterior installation and 31 days for interior installs.

“Our new, state-of-the-art administration building here in Worcester marks Saint-Gobain Norton Abrasives’s next chapter in Worcester, a city we have called home for over a century,” said Patrick Dwyer, President of Saint-Gobain Abrasives and Construction Fabrics North America. “I want to thank all of our partners including Pure Development, CSO, DPR Construction, Kimley-Horn, Building Engineering Resources, Inc., Creative Office Resources, and GPLA, Inc. for making this building a reality. It is an iconic new building in Worcester that showcases quality, comfort and beauty of design as well as best practices in sustainable construction.”

“DPR’s partnership with Saint-Gobain on its new Abrasives headquarters brings our shared values of sustainability, innovation, and performance to life. Through prefabrication, we enclosed the building in just nine days—less than half the time of traditional methods—even through a New England winter,” said Patrick Cusson, DPR Construction Boston Business Unit Leader. “As a longtime Worcester resident, I’m energized by the investment Saint-Gobain and Pure Development made in the city. Equally meaningful, over 40 percent of our workforce came from the local community – proof that when teams work together with sustainability and people in mind, great things happen.”

The project, first launched in 2024, comes after Saint-Gobain’s 2022 contribution of approximately 51 acres to the Worcester Business Development Corporation as part of its Greendale Revitalization Plan, which included land occupied by its former administration building. As part of construction activities, Saint-Gobain worked toward a Community Benefits Commitment to implement a good faith effort to procure high quality, local and diverse workforce and trade partners. Several of these goals were met through partnerships with local stakeholders such as MassHire Worcester Career Center, with 54% of trade partners local to the greater Worcester area.

Saint-Gobain North America’s continued commitment to growth

Today’s ceremony in Worcester follows several other growth investments taken by Saint-Gobain in North America in recent months:

• In October, Saint-Gobain completed a major expansion of its CertainTeed Gypsum manufacturing facility in Palatka, Florida, doubling production capacity and creating over 100 local jobs;
• In September, Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed Canada celebrated the completion of expansion activities at its gypsum wallboard facility in Sainte-Catherine, Quebec, outside of Montreal. This project included the complete electrification of the facility, making it the first net-zero gypsum wallboard plant (scopes 1 and 2) in North America and the largest in the world;
• In July, Saint-Gobain announced the acquisition of Interstar Materials Inc., a leader in granular pigment manufacturing for all segments of the concrete market including ready mix, stamped concrete, block, pavers, and precast.
• CertainTeed Roofing is nearing completion of two major projects, including a $100 million expansion at its CertainTeed Roofing facility in Peachtree City, Georgia and a new glass mat facility in Oxford, North Carolina, both of which will further support the fast-growing market in the southeast United States.

With over 145 manufacturing locations in the United States and Canada, every current and future member of the company’s team plays a vital role in achieving its goals. A current list of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations, including in Worcester, can be found on the company’s career website.

About Saint-Gobain Abrasives

Saint-Gobain Abrasives offers powerful, precise, user-friendly solutions, which enable customers to cut, shape and finish all materials in the most complex and challenging applications. By working closely with end-users and grinding expert partners, Saint-Gobain Abrasives designs and provides customized solutions to secure the best option for performance, cost and safety. Leveraging its global manufacturing presence, Saint-Gobain Abrasives serves its customers locally through its structured sales operations in over 27 countries, employing over 10,000 people.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries 
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

December 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Jenny Liu, has been named Managing Director of Corporate Engagement for The Nature Conservancy (TNC). For 25 years, Jenny has worked at the intersection of business, environment and society providing strategic vision and leadership for sustainability, advocacy, and change management. Jenny will join TNC on January 30 from The Chemours Company where she serves as Global Sustainability Senior Director for Advanced Performance Materials. Previously, she held senior leadership positions at Salesforce, Momentive Performance Materials, and DuPont.

As Managing Director of Corporate Engagement, Jenny will oversee a team of professionals responsible for working with industry-leading companies around the globe to identify opportunities to integrate sustainability into business models, create more resilient supply chains, and ultimately change how companies value nature. TNC works with many of the largest companies in the agrifood sector and beyond along with multi-stakeholder groups to create new standards and accelerate private sector action with a goal of transforming markets.

“For years – as a volunteer, supporter, and collaborator – I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous work TNC does around the world to achieve impact at scale,” said Jenny. “Global climate and nature goals cannot be achieved without systemic change in how businesses interact with nature. TNC’s reputation combined with scientific authority, field-tested credibility, and institutional neutrality delivers results that few other organizations can. I’m honored to join the corporate engagement team at this critical time as TNC works to reshape practices, influence markets, and drive investment toward conservation outcomes.”

“As TNC continues our work with the private sector to protect, restore, and regenerate nature, I’m confident Jenny is the right person at the right time to lead the team,” said Matt Arnold, Global Head of Impact Finance and Markets at The Nature Conservancy. “Jenny will provide the strategic vision and leadership needed to support our work to make the business case for nature, advise companies on nature-positive strategies, help launch and scale innovative new business models, and double-down on fostering long-term collaborations in core sectors.”

Jenny holds a BA in Economics from Wellesley College and a MA in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Columbia University. She has served as a volunteer with TNC’s Adirondack Chapter in New York, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, and FlowRiders Youth Mountain Biking.

For media enquiries or further information about TNC’s projects and impact, please contact media@tnc.org.

 

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.

 

About The Nature Conservancy & Corporate Engagement

The Nature Conservancy’s Corporate Engagement team collaborates with businesses to integrate nature into their operations and strategies. By leveraging our scientific expertise and on-the-ground presence, we work with companies to transform practices, scale conservation solutions, and drive measurable outcomes for nature and people. Our engagements are guided by TNC’s Principles of Corporate Engagement, ensuring that each collaboration advances our mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., December 3, 2025 /3BL/ – DP World announces that Glen Clark, CEO of DP World in the U.S. and Mexico, has been named a Gold winner in the “Executive of the Year – Large Companies” category in Best in Biz Awards 2025, one of North America’s most respected independent business awards programs.

Now in its 13th year, Best in Biz Awards International is the only global business awards program judged exclusively by members of the press. The competition honors excellence in business performance, leadership, innovation, and social responsibility, drawing entries from organizations around the world.

Clark earned top honors for his leadership in expanding DP World’s logistics footprint across the U.S. and Mexico, accelerating the company’s strategy to deliver fully integrated, end-to-end supply chain solutions across the region.

Major Network Expansions Across the U.S. and Mexico 

Under Clark’s leadership, DP World in the U.S. and Mexico has undertaken one of its most significant periods of expansion to date, including:

• Mexico City Freight Forwarding Office: Opened DP World’s new freight forwarding hub in Mexico City, enhancing cross-border and intra-regional supply chain capabilities and directly supporting major industries including automotive, industrial manufacturing, and technology.
• New Multi-Customer Warehouses in California and Pennsylvania: DP World’s Perris, California warehouse expands contract logistics capacity in one of the country’s most critical distribution corridors. The company’s Middletown, Pennsylvania warehouse strengthens DP World’s East Coast warehousing and value-added logistics offerings for retail, e-commerce, and consumer goods customers.
• Strengthening U.S. Contract Logistics Network: Broadened DP World’s North American 3PL operations through investments in automation, value-added services, and sector-specific solutions for high-growth industries including e-commerce, automotive, and technology.
• Scaling Integrated Solutions: Advanced the company’s “factory floor to customer door” strategy by integrating warehousing, transportation, and freight forwarding to provide customers with more agile, transparent, and resilient supply chain solutions.

These collective achievements reflect Clark’s strategic focus on building a seamless logistics network that enhances trade flows between the U.S., Mexico, and global markets.

Glen Clark, CEO of DP World in the U.S. and Mexico, said: “It’s an honor to be recognized among such a distinguished group of leaders. This award reflects the dedication of our teams across the region who innovate every day to support customers and strengthen supply chains. Whether it’s expanding our freight forwarding footprint in Mexico City or opening new multi-customer warehouses in Perris and Middletown, we’re committed to building smarter, more connected logistics solutions across North America.”

Best in Biz Awards judges remarked: “Over the past 15 years, Best in Biz Awards has received entries from companies of every size and sector across the United States and Canada — from AI and logistics to retail, software, and consumer goods. Whether in periods of rapid economic growth or during the most challenging years of the pandemic, we have seen remarkable innovation and resilience. As we mark our 15th annual edition, we are especially proud of winners who have gone on to grow exponentially, go public or be acquired, but even more proud of the lasting, positive impact they create for their employees, customers, and communities.”

– END –

DP World Americas Media Contact:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications 
M: (+1) 704-605-6159 
E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

About DP World 

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 100,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW.

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com

About Best in Biz Awards 

Since 2011, Best in Biz Awards has been one of the most prestigious awards in North America and globally, and it remains the only independent business awards program judged only by well-known writers and editors from a wide spectrum of top-tier publications. Over the years, judges in the prestigious awards program have ranged from Associated Press to the Wall Street Journal and winners have spanned the spectrum, from some of the world’s most innovative start-ups and nimble local companies to blue-chip companies that form the bedrock of the global economy. Each year, Best in Biz Awards honors are conferred in two separate programs: North America and International, and in more than 100 categories, including company, team, executive leadership, product innovation, CSR, media, PR and other categories. For more information, visit: http://www.bestinbizawards.com.

On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we dive into one of the most urgent challenges facing our industry — our workforce. From shortages across clinical roles to the growing demand for skilled digital and technical talent, the strength of our future healthcare system truly depends on the people who power it.

To help us unpack the issue, we welcome Dr. Sally Saba, president of the Medtronic Foundation and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at Medtronic.

Listen to the full episode on The Medical Alley Podcast.

LINCOLN, Neb., December 3, 2025 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation is continuing its long-standing partnership with NBCUniversal to help replant forestlands impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“Restoring forests is a critical part of helping communities rebuild for the long term. In the wake of disaster, they help bring hope, healing, and stability,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive officer of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We’re grateful NBCUniversal has chosen to stand with us as we seek to accelerate recovery in meaningful ways and strengthen the landscapes that need it most.”

The Arbor Day Foundation and NBCUniversal have partnered for 17 years and in total have helped plant 275,000 trees in U.S. forests of greatest need. This year, the partnership will aid in reforestation in South Carolina after it was impacted by Hurricane Helene in 2024.

The Arbor Day Foundation is currently working toward its pledge to plant 10 million new trees in the six states impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The nonprofit has already started collaborating with public agencies, private partners, and local planting organizations to bring new trees to the region. The Arbor Day Foundation has been involved in tree recovery efforts since 2005 and has helped plant millions of trees in communities and forestlands affected by natural disaster.

To learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation or donate to help restore areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, visit arborday.org.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.  

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

###

LINCOLN, Neb., December 3, 2025 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation is continuing its long-standing partnership with NBCUniversal to help replant forestlands impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“Restoring forests is a critical part of helping communities rebuild for the long term. In the wake of disaster, they help bring hope, healing, and stability,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive officer of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We’re grateful NBCUniversal has chosen to stand with us as we seek to accelerate recovery in meaningful ways and strengthen the landscapes that need it most.”

The Arbor Day Foundation and NBCUniversal have partnered for 17 years and in total have helped plant 275,000 trees in U.S. forests of greatest need. This year, the partnership will aid in reforestation in South Carolina after it was impacted by Hurricane Helene in 2024.

The Arbor Day Foundation is currently working toward its pledge to plant 10 million new trees in the six states impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The nonprofit has already started collaborating with public agencies, private partners, and local planting organizations to bring new trees to the region. The Arbor Day Foundation has been involved in tree recovery efforts since 2005 and has helped plant millions of trees in communities and forestlands affected by natural disaster.

To learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation or donate to help restore areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, visit arborday.org.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.  

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

###

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration Between Comcast, Xfinity, Universal Pictures, Universal Destinations & Experiences, and the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Immerses 250+ Students in the Wonders of STEAM
• Xfinity and Google Team Up to Provide Students with One Year of Xfinity Mobile Service and a Free Google Pixel Pro XL

ORLANDO, Fla., December 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Comcast, Xfinity, Universal Pictures, Universal Destinations & Experiences, and the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), a nonprofit organization that promotes college access, proudly announced the return of the STEAM Symposium. Now in its fourth year, this transformative four-day experience – focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics – is designed to ignite curiosity and career ambition in more than 250 first-generation college-bound students.

Hosted at Universal Orlando Resort, the STEAM serves as a launchpad for future leaders, creators, and changemakers. Through hands-on learning, behind-the-scenes access, and direct engagement with industry professionals, the event empowers students to envision and pursue futures in STEAM.

“The STEAM Symposium is Xfinity’s premier experience designed to inspire and connect first-generation, college-bound students, from low-income households, with the careers and technologies of the future,” said Kohposh Kuda, SVP and GM, Xfinity Mobile.

“Every year, the students get a behind-the-scenes look into the dynamic world that drives our company forward—sparking their imaginations and empowering them to pursue their own careers in STEAM.”
Kohposh Kuda
SVP and GM,
Xfinity Mobile

This year, students from across the country convened from Nov. 6-9 to hear from a wide range of Comcast NBCUniversal engineers, creatives, journalists, and executives. Through a bespoke STEAM curriculum, these industry experts shared insights into the intricate blend of creativity and technical expertise behind Universal’s biggest franchises, offering students valuable real-world perspectives.

“The Council for Opportunity in Education is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders,” said Kimberly Jones, President of COE. “We’re proud to partner with Comcast NBCUniversal to bring the STEAM Symposium to life and reach students who might not otherwise have access to these kinds of transformative experiences. We hope this opportunity ignites a passion for STEAM and encourages them to explore careers they may not have considered before.”

Professionals from the participating companies and organizations shared their own career journeys during the event, offering powerful insights and valuable advice while reflecting on the challenges they have overcome and the mentorships that guided them.

Throughout the 4-day event, students also got the opportunity to network with colleges, universities, and leading STEAM organizations. They engaged in hands-on demonstrations and explored the STEAM programs these institutions offer.

This year, Xfinity also surprised all 250 students with:

• Free Year of Xfinity Mobile
  Every student attendee with Xfinity Internet service received a free year of Xfinity Mobile service.
• Google Pixel Pro XL Giveaway
  In partnership with Google, each student received a premium Google Pixel Pro XL device, along with their free year of service. This $420,000+ investment reflects Xfinity’s deep commitment to digital opportunity.
• Laptop Distribution
  More than $100,000 in laptops were distributed to students, ensuring they left the Symposium equipped with the tools to thrive in STEAM fields.

For more information Xfinity products and services, including Xfinity Internet’s new 5-year price guarantee, please visit Xfinity.com.

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