Tag: 3BL

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.

****

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.

# # #

December 15, 2025 /3BL/ – Southwire is proud to announce that four of its manufacturing facilities have been awarded The Copper Mark for responsible production.

The Copper Rod Plant and Building Wire Plant in Carrollton, GA; the Douglas Plant in Douglas, GA; and the Starkville Plant in Starkville, MS all received The Copper Mark award.

The Copper Mark is the leading assurance framework promoting responsible practices across the copper value chain. To achieve these awards, each site underwent a rigorous independent assessment covering climate action, community health and safety, business integrity, responsible supply chains and inclusive employee experience.

“Our team’s commitment to doing things the right way – not just the easy way – has turned sustainability into a true competitive strength for Southwire,” said Veronica Braker, EVP, Operations at Southwire. “This honor is a reflection of our team’s leadership, discipline and the belief that progress and responsibility go hand in hand.”

These newly awarded sites join three Southwire facilities (Bremen, IN; Lafayette, IN; and Denton, TX) that were previously awarded The Copper Mark in 2023.

“Achieving The Copper Mark is an external recognition of our commitment to being an Extraordinary Place to Work and a leader in sustainable practices for generations to come,” said Burt Fealing, EVP, General Counsel and Chief Sustainability Officer at Southwire.

“At the Copper Mark, we understand the importance of fabricators in the copper value chain. The wire and cable produced at midstream sites is critical for energy grids and key components for downstream manufacturing,” said Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director at the Copper Mark. “It’s heartening to see sites like Southwire’s successfully using our standards and assurance for responsible production.”

Southwire remains committed to advancing sustainability and responsible production across its operations, reinforcing its role as an industry leader in environmental stewardship and ethical manufacturing. 

About Southwire 
Southwire Company, LLC is North America’s leading wire and cable company. The $8.4B organization is made up of more than 9,000 team members across the globe who unite as ONE Southwire each and every day to serve each other, their customers and their communities. Southwire and its subsidiaries provide solutions including building wire and cable, metal-clad cable, utility products, portable and electronic cord products and OEM wire products. In addition, Southwire offers electrical products, engineered solutions and a variety of field support services. For more on Southwire, its products and solutions, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit www.southwire.com. 

About The Copper Mark 
The Copper Mark is the leading assurance framework to promote responsible practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc value chains. The Copper Mark assurance framework is available to all producers of the covered metals, including mines, smelters, refineries and metal manufacturers. Globally, more than 100 sites have completed the Copper Mark’s assurance process. To learn more about the Copper Mark, visit www.coppermark.org.

December 15, 2025 /3BL/ – Southwire is proud to announce that four of its manufacturing facilities have been awarded The Copper Mark for responsible production.

The Copper Rod Plant and Building Wire Plant in Carrollton, GA; the Douglas Plant in Douglas, GA; and the Starkville Plant in Starkville, MS all received The Copper Mark award.

The Copper Mark is the leading assurance framework promoting responsible practices across the copper value chain. To achieve these awards, each site underwent a rigorous independent assessment covering climate action, community health and safety, business integrity, responsible supply chains and inclusive employee experience.

“Our team’s commitment to doing things the right way – not just the easy way – has turned sustainability into a true competitive strength for Southwire,” said Veronica Braker, EVP, Operations at Southwire. “This honor is a reflection of our team’s leadership, discipline and the belief that progress and responsibility go hand in hand.”

These newly awarded sites join three Southwire facilities (Bremen, IN; Lafayette, IN; and Denton, TX) that were previously awarded The Copper Mark in 2023.

“Achieving The Copper Mark is an external recognition of our commitment to being an Extraordinary Place to Work and a leader in sustainable practices for generations to come,” said Burt Fealing, EVP, General Counsel and Chief Sustainability Officer at Southwire.

“At the Copper Mark, we understand the importance of fabricators in the copper value chain. The wire and cable produced at midstream sites is critical for energy grids and key components for downstream manufacturing,” said Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director at the Copper Mark. “It’s heartening to see sites like Southwire’s successfully using our standards and assurance for responsible production.”

Southwire remains committed to advancing sustainability and responsible production across its operations, reinforcing its role as an industry leader in environmental stewardship and ethical manufacturing. 

About Southwire 
Southwire Company, LLC is North America’s leading wire and cable company. The $8.4B organization is made up of more than 9,000 team members across the globe who unite as ONE Southwire each and every day to serve each other, their customers and their communities. Southwire and its subsidiaries provide solutions including building wire and cable, metal-clad cable, utility products, portable and electronic cord products and OEM wire products. In addition, Southwire offers electrical products, engineered solutions and a variety of field support services. For more on Southwire, its products and solutions, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit www.southwire.com. 

About The Copper Mark 
The Copper Mark is the leading assurance framework to promote responsible practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc value chains. The Copper Mark assurance framework is available to all producers of the covered metals, including mines, smelters, refineries and metal manufacturers. Globally, more than 100 sites have completed the Copper Mark’s assurance process. To learn more about the Copper Mark, visit www.coppermark.org.

Direct Relief has been ranked as the fifth-largest charity in the United States and recognized as one of the most effective stewards of private donations, according to Forbes’ 2025 annual list of the 100 Top U.S. Charities, which ranks organizations by private donations.

Forbes awarded Direct Relief a 100% rating for fundraising efficiency, highlighting the organization’s minimal fundraising costs relative to private donations, and a 99% score for charitable commitment, reflecting the proportion of expenses allocated directly to its charitable mission.
 

2025 Top 10 Charities

Rank	Organization	Private Donations	Fundraising Efficiency (%)	Charitable Commitment (%)
1	Feeding America	$4.961B	99	98
2	Good 360	$3.236B	100	100
3	St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital	$2.776B	84	71
4	United Way Worldwide	$2.482B	88	84
5	Direct Relief	$2.389B	100	99
6	Salvation Army	$2.344B	89	83
7	Habitat for Humanity International	$2.002B	90	82
8	Americares	$1.987B	99	98
9	Samaritan’s Purse	$1.706B	94	85
10	Goodwill Industries International	$1.411B	98	77

_{Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2025, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/.}
 

Globally, Direct Relief is ranked as the second-largest charity in the “International Needs” category.

While Forbes noted that cuts in U.S. government funding have forced many international organizations to scale back operations, Direct Relief’s policy of declining to take government funding has enabled the organization to expand its global response efforts in 2025.
 

2025 Top International Charities

Int’l Rank	Overall	Organization	Private Donations	Fundraising Efficiency
1	2	Good 360	$3.236 B	100%
2	5	Direct Relief	$2.389 B	100%
3	7	Habitat for Humanity International	$2.002 B	90%
4	8	Americares	$1.987 B	99%
5	11	Compassion International	$1.312 B	88%
6	15	World Vision	$932 M	85%
7	16	MAP International	$931 M	99%
8	19	Task Force for Global Health	$830 M	100%
9	23	Doctors Without Borders USA	$756 M	85%
10	27	Convoy of Hope	$685 M	95%

_{Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2025, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/.}

Beyond its Forbes ranking, Charity Navigator, the nation’s leading nonprofit evaluator, awarded Direct Relief an overall 100% charity rating for 2025, marking its 15th consecutive Four-Star rating. This distinction underscores the organization’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and measurable impact.

In addition, Charity Navigator named Direct Relief one of the Best Humanitarian Relief Charities for 2025, highlighting responses to Hurricane Melissa, the Los Angeles fires, and the humanitarian crises in Sudan and Ukraine. The designation recognizes organizations Charity Navigator deems “extraordinarily effective at what they do.”
 

Humanitarian Impact in 2025

In 2025, Direct Relief made significant strides in advancing its global humanitarian mission, including:

• Delivering Lifesaving Medicines: In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Direct Relief distributed 308 million defined daily doses of medicine to more than 2,636 healthcare facilities across 91 countries and all 50 U.S. states. In total, Direct Relief donated pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and supplies with a wholesale value of $1.9 billion and provided $69 million in grants to healthcare providers around the world.
   
• Hurricane Responses: Following Hurricane Melissa, Direct Relief dispatched a 757 charter plane carrying 16 tons of medicine and medical supplies to Jamaica, adding to the large quantities of medical supplies already prepositioned in the region prior to landfall, which helped ensure health providers were equipped immediately after the storm.
   
• Los Angeles Wildfire Response: Direct Relief’s response began within hours of the first spark, with an initial focus on lifesaving support, including deploying prescription medications to shelters, field medic backpacks to first responders, and more than 140,000 N95 respirators to protect residents and emergency personnel from smoke.
   
• Aid to Ukraine:  Direct Relief has surpassed more than $2 billion in medical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the war began in 2022, making it one of the largest private philanthropic supporters of the country’s health system.
   
• Largest Charitable Medicine Program in the U.S.: To help address the lack of affordable prescription medicine in the United States, Direct Relief provides needed medications to nonprofit health centers and clinics that collectively serve about one in 11 people in the country. In its 2025 fiscal year, Direct Relief’s assistance to the U.S. exceeded $300 million.
   
• Supporting Healthy Mothers: Direct Relief supports health organizations worldwide that provide critically needed maternal and neonatal services throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. In its 2025 fiscal year, Direct Relief’s support of midwives helped enable more than 45,000 safe births in 17 countries.
   

Stewardship and Financial Transparency

Direct Relief is committed to maximizing the impact of every donation, ensuring funds are used responsibly and effectively to support those in need:

• 100% Allocation of Donor-Designated Funds: Every contribution earmarked for specific programs or emergencies is applied exclusively to those purposes, giving donors full assurance that their intent is honored.
   
• Independently Funded Operations:  Direct Relief operates solely on private charitable contributions, declining government funding to maintain independence and focus on its mission.
   
• Leveraging In-Kind Contributions: Strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations amplify the impact of donations. Contributions of medicine and medical supplies, valued at their wholesale cost, constitute the majority of Direct Relief’s revenue, allowing cash donations to reach further and support more people.
   

Additional Nonprofit Recognition

In 2025, Direct Relief received additional independent recognition for humanitarian impact, transparency, and financial stewardship, including:

• TIME Dreamer of the Year: The distinction, presented annually by TIME Magazine in collaboration with American Family Insurance, celebrates individuals and organizations who protect, restore, and champion their communities in the face of adversity.
   
• Seoul Peace Prize: One of the world’s most distinguished honors for humanitarian achievement, awarded in recognition of Direct Relief’s role in advancing global health and supporting communities affected by disasters and conflict.
   
• Platinum Transparency Seal from Candid: Signaling the highest level of openness about finances, programs, and results, and enabling donors to see clearly how resources are used.
   
• A+ Rating from CharityWatch: Along with inclusion on its list of top charities, reflecting exceptional program efficiency, low overhead, and disciplined use of donor funds.