Tag: 3BL

Verizon

For some teens, a blank computer screen isn’t very daunting; but for these diverse learners — struggling with dyslexia, ADHD and other executive functioning skills — even writing one sentence can be tough.

Graff knows that feeling. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia at a young age, she remembers the sting of being written off. 

“As a student, I felt I had to work 10 times harder than everybody else,” she recalls. “Things just didn’t come easily to me.”

Now a special education teacher at Chicago’s Lake View High School, Graff wants to be the teacher she never had: one who can adapt the curriculum to her students’ strengths and help them find the path to becoming independent, confident adults.

Assistive technology is central to that approach. For one student, it’s dictating ideas through speech-to-text instead of struggling at the keyboard. For another, it’s breaking down complex assignments into smaller, achievable goals.

“Technology helps make content accessible for diverse learners,” she says. “As a teacher, we have to teach very rigorous skills like finding main ideas and writing claims,” she says. “If we didn’t have online tools like AI, spellcheck and text-to-speech, our diverse learners wouldn’t be able to access the content.”

Through Verizon Innovative Learning HQ’s professional development resources, Graff has refined how she blends tech and traditional teaching methods. “With the Verizon model, you’re not using technology every single day. You’re gradually building technology into your classroom so that students who need a blend of using technology and using paper-based materials can have that,” she says.

“It’s all about meeting students where they are,” she explains. “Utilizing supports such as graphic organizers, sentence starters and visuals paired with text that help reach all learners no matter if they have a disability or not.” 

That morning, essays took shape. One student explored the role of religion in her life; another explained how taking care of her siblings impacted her childhood.

“Do you want to use speech to text?” Graff asks Sheily Avelino-Gomez, one of her students who is more comfortable talking out her ideas rather than typing them. “Yes,” replies Sheily with a smile.

By the end of class, the students were much closer to having a complete essay than at the start. A couple of them used assistive technology; others shared their ideas with Graff by their side.

“The Verizon Innovative Learning resources have helped me become more flexible in my teaching,” says Graff. “That flexibility and patience helps students understand I don’t just value the content they’re learning; I value them as humans and that I’m meeting their learning needs in the classroom.”

Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all. As part of the plan, Verizon has an ambitious goal of providing 10 million youth with digital skills training by 2030. Educators can access free lessons, professional development and immersive learning experiences to help bring new ways of learning into the classroom by visiting Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. 

This blog is part of our focus on Cisco employees who are “Striving for Sustainability” by finding opportunities to integrate sustainability in their day-to-day work.

At Cisco, we are designing our products and packaging with circularity in mind, aligning them to our Circular Design Principles. Circular design means designing products and systems that enable reuse, minimize environmental impacts, drive innovation, and realize value for our stakeholders.

That’s where Tom Jackson comes in. Tom is the Senior Director of Supply Chain, Computing Systems, & Product Packaging, and Executive Sponsor of Circular Design at Cisco. His passion for sustainability is rooted in a lifelong love of the outdoors and shaped by visits to nearly 45 U.S. national parks. Learn more about how this has led to a career in advancing circular design:

How have your previous roles influenced your interest and involvement in circular design?

Tom: I think my previous roles really prepared me for this by giving me an outsider’s perspective. I’ve had around eleven different careers here at Cisco over my 25 years. I started early on in test development engineering, then moved into broadband cable routing, fixed microwave wireless systems, and later worked as a program manager. So I’ve had experience across a huge variety of businesses and operating models.

I brought deep experience in taking products from ideation to mass production, which proved valuable in sustainability because I understood how things get done at Cisco. Our sustainability experts taught me the principles and priorities, and my role was to systematically embed circular design into Cisco’s product development process, using my network to build the initial team and launch circular design. Changing 30 years of “how we’ve always done it” was no small feat, but we made progress — and this work will never truly end, as we’ll always be looking for what’s next.

Why is circular design important at Cisco?

Tom: What’s different about Cisco’s approach to circular design is that we’ve built a complete system. We have a process, guiding principles, training, a scoring methodology — and, most importantly, full buy-in from the design, new product introduction (NPI), and supply chain communities. It’s truly embedded into our business and is now just part of how we release every product.

This isn’t something we want to keep to ourselves. We’re all on the same planet, and progress on circularity only matters if everyone moves forward together. That’s why we’re transparent about our approach, openly sharing details about where we’re headed next.

To me personally, I think we all have that intrinsic drive — when we see the misuse of materials, or products not being made with recycled or recyclable materials. I love the movie Wall-E, and I don’t want my kids or grandkids to end up living on Wall-E’s trash planet. But honestly, that’s the direction the world was heading with its old linear cycle of “design, make, dispose.”

There were also some real “aha” moments. For example, we were doing a Cisco building refresh, which included updating the networking equipment in one of the labs. The amount of packaging waste that came from installing hundreds of Cisco products in a single day was eye-opening. That was a real catalyst for me — thinking about the thousands of customers who experience this as well.

Another big catalyst has been the way the market and our customer base are evolving. Brand value is often tied to sustainability now — being seen as a circular company really matters. When we’re responding to a request for quotation (RFQ) and can show we’re more sustainable than our competitors, that can be a real differentiator. In places like Europe, it’s becoming table stakes for customers and a focus of policymakers to emphasize recycled IT products and recycled material origins. So, it’s just good business, in my opinion.

How have engineers at Cisco responded to this type of initiative?

Tom: We’ve really altered our DNA — we’re different now in how we design things. When we first started this journey, there was a massive amount of reluctance and skepticism.

Training was key to overcoming that reluctance. We didn’t want it to be just another mandatory training. We knew it had to be interactive and engaging, something that would really draw people in and help them understand the principles. I loved choose-your-own-adventure books as a kid, so we modeled the training after them. Your choices reveal downstream effects, helping designers see how their decisions — like including every possible accessory — can create waste.

Then we introduced a scoring methodology, so every new product and packaging at Cisco could be scored against these principles. A product needs at least 75 points to be released. That really gamified the process. Our engineers and designers are competitive people, so it sparked this energy. We even added an innovation section where you could earn bonus points for coming up with new circular design ideas.

The design community’s creativity has been extraordinary — from making accessories opt-in to reduce waste, to eliminating paint and single-use plastic, using recycled materials, and rethinking packaging. We’ve seen big strides in power management, modularity, and product longevity. Once Cisco’s design engineers and architects understood the principles and what was at stake, they took off, delivering innovative ideas that exceeded our expectations. All credit goes to them — they’ve truly made it happen.

What is the most rewarding aspect about working in circular design?

Tom: Besides the amazing work from Cisco’s people, it’s about seeing the tangible outcomes. It’s one thing to score your products and have the data, but it’s another to look at the downstream impact these efforts are having. We continue to work on reducing plastics in our products. We used to include foam with many products’ packaging, but we’ve made good progress on our goal to reduce foam in product packaging by 75% (by weight) by FY25. We’ve also seen a 90%+ reduction in single-use plastic bags on accessories as well as changed default accessory options based on customer feedback, eliminating a ton of unnecessary waste.

There are real bottom-line benefits, too. Eliminating waste, unnecessary accessories, and cosmetic features has saved costs while improving sustainability. For example, eliminating oil-based wet paint from products not only reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but also cut out extra logistics, labor, and waste. Most of our products live in racks in data centers — no one sees them — so there’s no need for unnecessary paint or decorative features.

Overall, it’s been an evolution. Five years ago, a lot of these goals felt daunting. We didn’t know how we’d move away from certain packaging, but with trial and error, we figured it out. And we’re seeing the industry follow. When we started, we had to create our own recycled plastic supply, but now there are plenty of vendors. Now the industry is moving in this direction and we’re proud to be leading the charge.

Read more about Cisco’s Circular Transformation on our Purpose Reporting Hub.

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One initiative connected to Henkel’s partnership with U.S. Soccer is hosting American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) clinics to help bring soccer to communities where long-term youth sports programming is limited. Henkel’s ongoing investment in AYSO supports their mission and vision to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives. Read on for more details.

Henkel teamed up with U.S. Soccer and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) to host free youth soccer clinics near Henkel offices in Bridgewater, NJ and Stamford, CT.  Through the dedication of AYSO coaches and Henkel volunteers, these events were much more than an afternoon of drills and games — they were celebrations of community, inclusion, and opportunity.

AYSO clinics are part of a growing initiative to expand access to soccer in communities where long-term youth sports programming is limited. Henkel believes in the power of youth sports to provide well-rounded benefits in physical health, academic performance, and important social skills like teamwork and confidence. By breaking down barriers to participation such as cost, equipment, and transportation, Henkel, U.S. Soccer, and AYSO aim to ensure that every child has the chance to play, grow, and thrive through sport.

Gearing Up for Success 

The clinics welcomed nearly 100 young athletes into vibrant hubs of energy, teamwork, and support.

• Children of all skill levels participated in coach-led drills and team-based activities designed to introduce them to the sport in a fun and accessible way.
• Henkel employees on-site acted as volunteers on the field and behind the scenes, guiding and cheering on the athletes, encouraging teamwork, and helping to make the day unforgettable.
• Each child left with their own soccer ball and t-shirt, a bag filled with samples from Henkel’s trusted family of brands, and a boxed meal — but more importantly, they left with a sense of belonging and the spark of possibility.

Following the clinics, AYSO provides opportunities for participants to continue engaging with soccer, ensuring that a spark has the ability to turn into a long-term love of the game.

Community Impact Matters

In addition to these sponsored clinics, Henkel’s multi-year partnership with U.S. Soccer and ongoing investment in AYSO supports their mission and vision to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives. In addition to traditional on-field programming, AYSO provides online education, community outreach, tournaments, special events, management training, and more across the country.

The lifelong connections to soccer that are foundational to AYSO and these clinics foster unity, pride, and engagement not only for participants and their families but for the Henkel employees who are able to give back. With Henkel and U.S. Soccer committed to expanding these efforts, more communities will soon experience the empowerment that comes from learning a new skill, making a friend, and being part of a team.
 

DALLAS, October 9, 2025 /3BL/ – Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ: KMB) is deepening its commitment to advancing essential care for women and girls through four enhanced strategic, charitable partnerships. Through new programs with Baby2Baby, Plan International, Project HOPE, and UNICEF, Kimberly-Clark aims to expand access to life-changing care in Brazil, Peru, China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the United States. Taken together, these partnerships will work to improve the lives of an estimated 24 million women and girls over the next three years. 

This announcement is a direct result of the Kimberly-Clark Foundation’s recent sharpening of its strategic focus: to advance essential care for women and girls on their journeys through puberty and motherhood. The foundation will fund this three-year, $28.7 million commitment, which focuses on menstrual care and maternal & infant care. 

Women’s Health Remains an Urgent Issue around the World 
Every seven seconds, a woman or infant dies during or shortly after childbirth, according to the World Health Organization. Furthermore, approximately 500 million women and girls lack access to resources to manage menstruation, as reported by the World Bank. Despite the difficult landscape, opportunities to uplift women and in turn—entire communities—abound: according to the World Economic Forum, “Investment in women’s [health] is unrivaled in its return on the investment for the health of all of society.”

“We envision a world where women and girls everywhere can receive equal access to the fundamental care they need to thrive,” said Mike Hsu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kimberly-Clark and President of the Kimberly-Clark Foundation. “Kimberly-Clark invented the feminine care category in 1921, and we’ve remained committed to advancing care for women and girls ever since. From developing innovations that meet our consumers’ unmet needs to deploying strategic social impact programming, we take great pride in our responsibility to work to improve the lives of the communities we serve. Now, we’re aiming to accelerate our impact because we know Better Can’t Wait.” 

The programs funded will focus on supporting underserved communities. Key initiatives will include menstrual hygiene and stigma-breaking educational programs for adolescents; programs to expand access to safe sanitation solutions; comprehensive perinatal and newborn care services; maternal mental health supports; and programs aimed at strengthening health systems to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable. 

Transformational Partnerships to Deliver Better Care for a Better World
Kimberly-Clark’s alliance with Baby2Baby to provide essential baby items for families living in poverty began in 2011 as the nonprofit organization’s first corporate partner. In 2024, the company’s Huggies® brand deepened this commitment by supporting Baby2Baby’s initiative to address rising maternal mortality rates in the U.S., in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Through the distribution of Maternal Health & Newborn Supply Kits, the program addresses the critical intersection of diaper need, newborn health and maternal mental health. 

“We are deeply thankful to our longtime partners at Kimberly-Clark and their Huggies brand for their unwavering support. Thanks to their extraordinary donation and three-year commitment, we will make a greater impact in the fight against maternal mortality,” said Baby2Baby Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof. “With their help, we are expanding our efforts to deliver supplies to new mothers across 15 states, ensuring they have the basic essentials they need for themselves and their babies, especially during the often overwhelming postpartum period.”

Since 2020, Plan International and Kimberly-Clark, alongside its Kotex® brand, have reached an estimated 11 million people through programs that support girls’ menstrual health. This evolved partnership serving the U.S., Brazil, China and Peru will create period-friendly community and school environments by ensuring access to supplies, bathroom facilities, and education that empowers girls to manage their periods with confidence and dignity.

“With over 80 years of experience championing opportunity for girls, Plan International knows that menstrual health is key to unlocking girls’ potential,” said Kate Ezzes, Vice President of Program Development at Plan International USA. “We also know lasting change happens when boys are engaged as allies. Our partnership with Kimberly-Clark helps dismantle harmful taboos and ensures every child can learn, lead, decide and thrive.”

Kimberly-Clark’s partnership with Project HOPE will expand access to menstrual and maternal health for women and girls in China and Indonesia. The initiative focuses on menstrual hygiene education, respectful maternity care, and mental health support. Through a life-cycle approach, the program empowers individuals from adolescence through pregnancy and early motherhood with education, digital tools, and compassionate care. 

“Kimberly-Clark and Project HOPE share a deep commitment to a world where women and girls have access to the care, dignity, and opportunities they deserve,” said Dr. Uche Ralph-Opara, Chief Health Officer at Project HOPE. “Kimberly-Clark has long been part of our journey, supporting our work through product donations and core mission support that have helped expand access to essential health services for women and girls across the globe. This next phase of our partnership takes that impact even further through a holistic approach that supports women and girls at every stage—from a girl’s first period, to pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. Together, we’re investing in education, mental health, capacity-building, and advocacy to drive sustainable, systemic change.”

Over the course of an almost 25-year relationship, Kimberly-Clark and UNICEF have worked together to improve the health and well-being of babies, girls, and women in 26 countries. Now, that legacy continues through a new multi-region initiative focused on menstrual hygiene education and access for girls and maternal health for young mothers across Brazil, India, Indonesia, Peru, and Vietnam. 

“Since 2001, our partnership with Kimberly-Clark has empowered close to 14 million children and adults through the provision of neonatal healthcare, early childhood development, clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and lifesaving services during emergencies,” said Kitty van der Heijden, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Partnerships. “We are grateful that this transformative partnership for girls and women is now deepening to save even more lives, deliver services that promote dignity and create lasting impact for future generations.”

While some of these charitable partners are long-standing collaborators with Kimberly-Clark, this marks a new chapter in how these organizations work with the foundation. By aligning around two critical impact areas—menstrual care and maternal & infant care—as part of the foundation’s new strategic focus, these partnerships address interconnected challenges that are often treated in isolation.

This integrated approach reflects the full continuum of care, recognizing the deep links between menstrual health, maternal wellbeing, and infant development. As a company whose brands already serve these populations with essential products like diapers and feminine hygiene solutions in each of these regions, Kimberly-Clark is strategically positioned to make a meaningful impact, at scale, through these partnerships.

“We seek to lead with care in everything we do,” said Russ Torres, President and Chief Operating Officer of Kimberly-Clark. “‘We Care’ is, in fact, one of our three core values. Whether it’s caring for our people, our customers, our consumers, or the communities in which we live and operate, care is at the heart of Kimberly-Clark. These strategic partnerships enable us to extend this value even further as we work to ensure women and girls around the world receive the essential support they deserve.”

The Kimberly-Clark Foundation’s enhanced focus on caring for women and girls is one of the many ways the company works to live its purpose of Better Care for a Better World. It is also aligned to the company’s Powering Care business strategy and will directly contribute to delivering on Kimberly-Clark’s global ambition to positively impact 1 billion lives by 2030.

To learn more about Kimberly-Clark’s 2030 ambition and the work of the Kimberly-Clark Foundation, visit https://www.kimberly-clark.com/en-us/sustainability/2030-ambition.

About Kimberly-Clark 
Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries and territories. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, Goodnites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. Our company’s purpose is to deliver Better Care for a Better World. We are committed to using sustainable practices designed to support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and enable our business to thrive for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and learn more about the company’s more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website. 

About the Kimberly-Clark Foundation 
Established in 1952, the Kimberly-Clark Foundation is the charitable arm of Kimberly-Clark Corporation and is dedicated to supporting global causes that create lasting social change. Funded by the corporation, the foundation’s primary focus is on social impact investments that help advance essential care for women and girls on their journeys through puberty and motherhood. 

Supporting Chile’s Clean Energy Transition

DP World’s terminal at the Port of  Lirquén has achieved a new milestone in renewable energy logistics, successfully unloading the largest wind turbines ever to arrive in Chile. This landmark operation highlights DP World’s expertise in handling oversized cargo and reinforces the company’s commitment to enabling sustainable infrastructure projects across the Americas.

The first shipment, arriving aboard G2 Ocean’s MN Star Luster on a direct voyage from China, included six of 22 turbines destined for Goldwind’s wind farm in Pemuco, Ñuble Region. Goldwind, one of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers, is leading the project as part of Chile’s broader push to expand renewable energy capacity. Over the coming months, five vessels will deliver the full set of turbines.

Engineering Feat: Record-Breaking Cargo

Each turbine features 90-meter blades – the longest ever handled in Chile – and segmented tower sections weighing more than 130 tons. These are also the first segmented towers of this scale to enter the country, requiring advanced lifting equipment, specialized planning, and seamless coordination with inland transportation networks.

The turbines will be transported from DP World’s Lirquén terminal to the new wind farm under development in the Ñuble Region, expanding the country’s renewable power capacity and reinforcing its long-term decarbonization goals.

Chile’s Expanding Wind Energy Market

Chile is a regional leader in renewable energy, with more than 60% of its electricity currently generated from clean sources – wind energy is now the country’s second most developed renewable energy source. Chile aims to generate 70% of its power from renewables by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The Ñuble wind farm project is part of this national push, designed to provide reliable, emissions-free power for thousands of homes while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Each turbine unloaded at Lirquén contributes directly to expanding that clean energy footprint.

DP World’s Role in Renewable Energy Logistics

The Lirquén terminal is uniquely equipped for projects of this scale. Its multipurpose design, deepwater berths, and heavy-lift handling capabilities enable safe and efficient operations for oversized cargo, while its direct connectivity to Chile’s Route 5 ensures reliable inland transport to project sites.

This operation reflects DP World’s broader commitment to advancing sustainable trade and infrastructure across the Americas. From pioneering hydrogen-powered cranes in Vancouver to facilitating the arrival of more than 1,800 electric buses in Santiago and Copiapó, DP World is delivering end-to-end logistics solutions that support national decarbonization strategies.

Driving Economic and Environmental Impact

The arrival of these turbines underscores the vital role ports play in accelerating renewable energy adoption. Beyond logistics, the project contributes to job creation, energy independence, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions – key benefits for Chile’s economy and environment.

With this milestone, DP World Lirquén demonstrates how global trade infrastructure can directly enable the clean energy transition – making trade flow while powering a greener future.

Learn more about DP World’s commitment to sustainability here.

 

 

Duke Energy Foundation took home the Corporate Social Impact Team of the Year award this week at the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals Annual Conference in Atlanta. The honor recognizes Duke Energy Foundation’s collaborative and innovative approach to social impact — one that delivered measurable results for both the business and the communities we serve.

This recognition reflects the Foundation’s swift and strategic response to the 2024 storm season, including Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and Debby which impacted all seven of the states we serve. The team quickly adapted grant programs to deliver critical support, reinforcing our commitment to being a reliable partner in times of need.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. 

 Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. 

 More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

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Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com 

DALLAS, October 9, 2025 /3BL/ – On Saturday, October 4^th, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® painted the town of Addison pink for the 21^st Annual MK5K^® event. The pink movement spread from coast to coast through Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants who held their own fundraising events in communities and cities representing nearly every state and territory across the U.S.

Participants could run, walk, bike, or get creative to compete in the annual event that has raised over $250,000 for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® with fundraising efforts running through October 31^st. The Foundation^® raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research and clinical trials to find a cure for women-related cancers and also provides annual grants to nonprofits dedicated to ending domestic violence. 

Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® has contributed more than $98 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, it supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. 

“Each year, we race to help improve the health and safety of all women, and I’m ecstatic to see the growth in participation and the financial impact we make year after year. The annual MK5K was created to raise funds that support all women – not just those who work tirelessly to carry on my great-grandmother’s dream of empowering women around the world,” said Jessica Bair, great-granddaughter of founder Mary Kay Ash. “It’s amazing to see the support from our sponsors and donors, corporate volunteers and runners, and all the virtual runners who participate in this event across the U.S.”

In recent years, the rise of virtual “runners” who participate in the event has made a huge impact to the amount of funds raised each year. 

“There is something profoundly moving about witnessing thousands of women and their families unite, both in person and virtually, for the MK5K,” said Anne Crews, Vice President of Public Affairs at Mary Kay Inc. and Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board Member. “This event is more than a race; it’s a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope. Every step taken reflects the Mary Kay Ash Foundation’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives through groundbreaking research in women’s cancers and vital support for survivors of domestic violence.”

The Foundation is tickled pink with the success of this year’s event, and the race is on for the next MK5K, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026. Here are the impressive results from this year’s event:

• $258,700 raised
• 2,656 participants
• 378 fundraising teams
• 7,942 miles logged
• 147 miles (1-mile fun run)
• 7,795 miles (5K)
• 2,149 generous donors
• 16 corporate sponsors

Did You Know? 

• The Mary Kay Ash Foundation® announced partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline (“The Hotline”) – the nation’s leading resource for survivors and those seeking to support them – to create a nationwide initiative focused on trauma-informed education, community engagement, and life-saving tools to help individuals recognize and respond to abuse. The partnership provides training webinars, downloadable resources, and a series of short videos.
• The Mary Kay Ash Foundation® awarded a $100,000 grant to the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Amy Selkirk Breast Cancer Research Fund to further support the second year of a first of its kind clinical trial conducted by Joyce O’Shaughnessy, MD, Celebrating Women Chair in Breast Cancer Research. This trial explores weight loss inhibitors to prevent breast cancer recurrence in overweight patients.
• The Mary Kay Ash Foundation® awarded a $400,000 multi-year grant in support of the newly established Texas Cancer Interception Institute, a first of its kind program utilizing cutting edge biomarker technology, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood-based assays offered on a huge scale to improve cancer care with an emphasis on early detection.
• The Mary Kay Ash Foundation® awarded nearly $3 million in cancer research and domestic violence shelter grants around the country in 2025.
• The Mary Kay Ash Foundation® has awarded more than $98 million to women’s shelters and domestic violence service providers, as well as cancer research programs and related causes throughout the U.S. For more information, visit marykayashfoundation.org  

***

About Mary Kay Ash Foundation® 

Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $98 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer, donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

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by Howard Kwong, senior manager, Public Affairs, APAC at Cascale

At Cascale’s Annual Meeting 2025 in Hong Kong, one theme rose above all others: the power of collaboration. From shifting regulations in Europe to emerging opportunities across the Asia-Pacific, our members face a complex and rapidly evolving policy landscape. No single company can navigate these challenges alone; no single government can rewrite the global sustainability story.

Through policy workshops, panels, and roundtables, our policy and public affairs team brought together policymakers, brands, manufacturers, and industry experts to exchange perspectives, share practical needs, and identify opportunities for joint action. These sessions captured member insights, created alignment on political priorities, and laid the groundwork for collective next steps.

In today’s complex trade environment, policy matters. Timely, authoritative, and practical policy matters even more, as is consistently proven by our members who tell us of the importance of our team and the work we do. I valued all connected dots along this policy-shaping journey, including a US manufacturer who shared his vision on brand engagement at the Manufacturer Interview Group then spoke again at our policy roundtable, a Cambodia-based regional industry association who inspired to drive policy advocacy together and invited me to join their Annual Meeting in November, a South Korean manufacturer shared his sustainability progress since we last met at the Cascale Forum in Ho Chi Minh City in May. As senior manager of public affairs for the APAC region, I’ve seen firsthand the growing involvement in the green transition by APAC members (also representing our largest membership growth from 2024 to 2025). We witnessed this enthusiasm in Hong Kong when we met for the Annual Meeting 2025. So without further delay, here are our team’s top insights and expectations from our four policy sessions.

The Green Deal’s New Chapter: Implications for Global Supply Chains

The session opened with a welcome video from Harvey Rouse, Ambassador and Head of Office of the European Union Delegation to Hong Kong and Macao, who outlined the latest EU sustainability policy developments and emphasized that “maintaining the drive to foster sustainability must remain a top priority of the EU.”

During the interactive discussion that followed, participants shared their reactions to the latest developments in sustainability policies. The major keywords were “confusing,” “unrealistic,” and “complex.” A live poll revealed that over 57 percent of participants view the  Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and Digital Product Passport (ESPR/DPP) as the most relevant Green Deal Policy, followed by the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Moderated by GIZ’s Felicia Hoeer, the panelists, Li & Fung’s Jonathan Salmon, Marina Prados Espinola of Policy Hub, Sally Peng from FTI Consulting and AmCham, explored how recent adjustments to the EU Green Deal, such as strategic delays and the shelving of initiatives like green claims, are shaping the global sustainability landscape. The session unpacked the ripple effects of these regulatory shifts, including the growing influence and readiness of manufacturers and suppliers, especially in the APAC region.

Key Takeaways

• EU regulatory changes create uncertainty, but also opportunities for APAC to lead
• Collaboration, data readiness, and proactive industry engagement are critical for compliance and progress
• Voluntary action and innovation remain essential complements to policy frameworks

What’s next: To address the uncertainty many members are facing, Cascale will continue essential knowledge-sharing initiatives to guide members on upcoming regulations. In order to advance on the Green Deal’s ambitions, Cascale works closely with Policy Hub to engage with policymakers.

APAC Policy Priorities Workshop: Energy and Opportunity

We kicked off with a brief panel discussion with Eric Jen from Ren Energy and Trimco’s Mayko Tatsuyama Mathisen, an APAC Policy Member Expert Team (MET) member. They examined the evolving policy and legislative landscape across Asia-Pacific, focusing on energy transitions and Cascale’s strategic pillars: combating climate change and ensuring decent work for all. Members of the newly formed APAC Policy MET joined industry experts to identify opportunities, gaps, and pathways for collaboration.

Key Takeaways

• Policy alignment is essential to accelerate renewable energy adoption
• Regional collaboration strengthens industry influence on APAC legislation
• Supporting energy transitions is critical to both climate and decent work priorities

What’s next: We will consolidate those valuable insights to facilitate the upcoming APAC Policy MET discussions and inform the development of Cascale’s regional policy priorities.

Aligning Policy and Practice: Responsible Business Conduct

We aimed to bridge global policy and practical business conduct, focusing on how due diligence legislation, such as the CS3D, can drive fairer purchasing practices. Moderated by Solidaridad’s Tamar Hoek, with PDS Limited’s Buddhi Paranamana and Good Business Lab’s Renukaprasad B on the panel, the discussion explored how aligning tools like the Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) with regulatory frameworks can support implementation. Speakers shared concrete steps brands can take to close gaps between commitments and action, and encouraged continued engagement through follow-up tools, reports, and policy collaboration.

Key Takeaways

• Due diligence laws are accelerating purchasing reform
• Aligning the Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) with CS3D can help close industry gaps
• Practical, near-term actions support legal and ethical compliance

What’s Next: Cascale keeps elevating the suppliers’ voice in the policymaking process to unlock transformative change and leverage the Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) in the due diligence legislation to close industry gaps.

CSRD in Practice: From Reporting Pain Points to Practical Solutions

This invite-only roundtable brought together key Cascale members to discuss the practical realities of complying with the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), supported by industry experts, Cascale’s Maravillas Rodriguez Zarco, SLCP’s Tom Mason, and Policy Hub’s Marina Prados Espinola. Members identified common CSRD pain points and reporting challenges. These will now be turned into recommendations for policymakers that will be helpful in providing greater clarity and support.

Key Takeaways

• Simplification is essential to translate lengthy reports into concrete, actionable steps
• Clear and timely guidance can help to avoid inconsistent auditing standards,  including the Double Materiality Assessment (DMA)
• Phased implementation to adopt a staged approach to streamline data collection and verification

What’s next: In the coming months, Cascale aims to share these results with policymakers through appropriate channels, such as targeted briefings or stakeholder dialogues. For more insights, read the full Annual Meeting Executive Summary 2025.

Reflections and Next Steps

The power of collaboration sparked in Hong Kong is driving our companies and governments to advance sustainable policies every day. Cascale remains committed to achieving our global public affairs strategic goals and policy priorities — through advocacy, knowledge sharing, and alignment of regulatory tools and industry positions. We will integrate valuable insights from this year’s Annual Meeting into our daily work, engaging closely with members — including the Public Affairs Strategic Council and the Policy Member Experts Terms in APAC and the U.S. —  as well as Policy Hub and other key policy stakeholders.

Even though the road ahead is challenging, I’m excited by the opportunity for us to dive even further to build greater alignment, inclusion, and clarity into our collective policy work. The commitment I’ve witnessed from members at our Annual Meeting sent a strong signal of what’s to come. As a marathon runner, there are no shortcuts, but what makes me thrilled is that we can run further, because we run together. We may not address all challenges at once, but we can run mile by mile. We are not only a partner, but part of each other. So let’s continue our Movement for All, the theme of the 2025 Cascale Annual Meeting, until we meet again: in Sri Lanka for the next Cascale Forum, as well as in Athens, Greece, for the next Annual Meeting, or in the many smaller gatherings that Cascale’s Public Affairs team will lead around the world.

SWORDS, Ireland, October 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, proudly announces its inclusion in Forbes’ annual list of the World’s Best Employers. This prestigious recognition, compiled in collaboration with market research firm Statista, honors the leading global companies based on surveys of over 300,000 employees who evaluate their employers on criteria such as salary, talent development, and workplace atmosphere.

“Our people are the foundation of our work to challenge what’s possible, and we strive to create a work environment where our people uplift each other, make an impact on our planet, and thrive at work and at home,” said Dave Regnery, Chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “We’re honored to be included on the Forbes list of the World’s Best Employers and it’s a testament to the dedication and passion of our team members worldwide.”

Through its strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, along with its innovative portfolio of solutions, Trane Technologies delivers sustainable and efficient heating and cooling solutions and services for buildings, industries, homes, and transportation globally. The company’s advanced technologies, as well as purpose-built digital solutions and AI, enable our customers to optimize performance while reducing energy use, carbon emissions and operational costs.

Trane Technologies is widely recognized as a leader in sustainability, integrating sustainable practices into the company’s core strategy and throughout its global operations as it progresses toward its 2030 Sustainability Commitments. Since 2019, Trane Technologies has reduced customer carbon emissions by 237 million metric tons, on track to meet its Gigaton Challenge goal of reducing one gigaton (or one billion metric tons) of customer carbon emissions by 2030.

The company is consistently celebrated as a top employer globally. In the past month, Trane Technologies was named to TIME’s World’s Best Companies list for the third consecutive year, Fortune’s list of the Best Workplaces in Manufacturing and Production for the second consecutive year and Forbes’ inaugural list of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture 2025.

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About Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. Visit tranetechnologies.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our sustainability commitments, and the anticipated impact of these commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company.  We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 8, 2025 /3BL/ – The Truist Championship, Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC) and Quail Hollow Club today announced a series of community-focused initiatives that will launch alongside the tournament’s return to Charlotte in 2026, reinforcing the event’s commitment to making a lasting impact on the region during tournament week and beyond. One of nine Signature Events on the PGA TOUR schedule, the Truist Championship returns to Quail Hollow Club, May 5-10, 2026.

The announcement was held at the Foundation For the Carolinas, next to Truist’s headquarters in Charlotte, with Truist Chairman and CEO Bill Rogers, Truist Championship Executive Director Adam Sperling, Quail Hollow Club President Johnny Harris, Truist Chief Consumer and Small Business Officer Dontá L. Wilson, Truist North Carolina West regional President Travis Rhodes and was emceed by lead voice of CBS Sports Jim Nantz. Plans were unveiled that highlight the tournament’s focus on honoring Charlotte’s history, empowering youth, strengthening community connections and supporting local businesses.

Key announcements included:

• Truist Tuesday – The Truist Championship will debut Truist Tuesday, a new monthly spotlight series designed to support and promote local organizations aiming to improve the community. The inaugural Truist Tuesday will take place on Tuesday of tournament week (May 5, 2026) and will honor Charlotte native and golf pioneer Charles Sifford through a matching grant in partnership with the Trail of History, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, culminating in the unveiling of a statue dedicated to his legacy.
   
• Birdies for Better – As a new charitable initiative tied to tournament play, beginning on November 12, 2025 Birdies for Better invites fans and donors to support area nonprofits by making a contribution to the charity of their choice leading into the Truist Championship. In addition, individuals will submit a guess for the total number of birdies recorded during the tournament for a chance to win exclusive prizes* Non-profit organizations are encouraged to register and will receive 100% of all funds raised through Birdies for Better Program, and may be eligible to receive a portion of funds from the tournament’s $100,000 bonus pool. (Charity Registration Link: https://registrations.pgatourhq.com/forms/bfbtruist/ )
   
• Access, Opportunity and Development Summit – Launching in fall 2026, this three-day event will bring together community partners, amateur golf programs, and local institutions for mentoring, networking, golf exhibitions, and professional development programming designed to expand access and opportunities through the game of golf.
   
• Small Business Support – The Truist Championship also announced a commitment to highlight and support small businesses during tournament week, creating opportunities for local vendors to showcase their work on the grounds of Quail Hollow Club.

“The Truist Championship is more than a world-class golf event — it’s a platform to bring people together and create meaningful impact throughout Charlotte,” said Sperling. “Through initiatives like Birdies for Better and our celebration of pioneers such as Charles Sifford, we are proud to partner with Truist, Quail Hollow Club, and the city of Charlotte to ensure this tournament leaves a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the competition inside the ropes.”

“At Truist, everything we do begins with our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities, and the Truist Championship brings that purpose to life,” Rogers said. “Building on the success of the inaugural Truist Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, and in partnership with the Quail Hollow Club and the PGA TOUR, we are delighted to bring this incredible tournament home to Charlotte. This impactful event will strengthen community connections, support local businesses, empower youth through access and development opportunities, honor Charlotte’s rich history, and create meaningful and memorable experiences.”

“We applaud Truist and the Truist Championship for the creation of these programs. The ability of professional golf to drive a positive impact for the community has always been part of what makes the events, and the game, so special,” said Harris.

The Truist Championship has been an official PGA TOUR event since 2003 and since its inception, the tournament has raised more than $32.5 million for charitable organizations for local and regional non-profit organizations.

For more information about the Truist Championship and its community initiatives, please visit www.truistchampionship.com.

About Truist Championship
The Truist Championship has been an official PGA TOUR event since 2003, contested annually at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. One of nine Signature Events on the 2026 PGA TOUR schedule, the Truist Championship features one of the premier fields in golf playing for a $20 million purse, with past champions such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy (4), Max Homa (2), Rickie Fowler and others adding to the tournament’s lore over two decades and counting. Since its inception, the event has generated over $32.5 million for local and regional charities. For more information, please visit TruistChampionship.com.

About Truist
Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist has leading market share in many of the high-growth markets in the U.S. and offers a wide range of products and services through wholesale and consumer businesses, including consumer and small business banking, commercial and corporate banking, investment banking and capital markets, wealth management, payments, and specialized lending businesses. Truist is a top-10 commercial bank with total assets of $544 billion as of June 30, 2025. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at Truist.com.

About Quail Hollow Club
On April 13, 1959, James J. Harris hosted a meeting at Morrocroft Farm that marked the Club’s formal beginning. On December 18, 1959, the twenty-one Founders of the Club executed its Certificate of Incorporation, which was filed on January 4, 1960, officially constituting Quail Hollow Club. The Course and the Clubhouse are located at 3700 Gleneagles Road in Charlotte, NC. Quail Hollow Club has what is considered by many to be one of the finest courses in the southeastern United States. The course was originally designed by famed golf course architect George Cobb in 1961 to capture the beauty as well as challenging terrain of the Piedmont region. In the intervening years, the course has undergone a series of improvements, including modifications to several holes by Arnold Palmer in 1986, and a redesign by Tom Fazio in 1997. Quail Hollow has been the site of the Kemper Open (1969-1979), World Seniors Invitational (1980-1989), the Truist Championship (2003- ), the PGA Championship (2017 & 2025), and the Presidents Cup (2022). Quail Hollow Club strives to bring the world’s best golfers to the Carolinas.

* No Purchase Necessary. Donation will not increase chance of winning. Starts 11/12/25 09:00 AMET, Ends 05/05/26 5:00 PM ET. Must be legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (excluding New York), eighteen (18) years of age or older to enter. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited by law. See Official Rules at [https://www.truistchampionship.com/birdies/26truist-birdies-for-better-official-rules-100525.pdf]. Sponsored by PGA TOUR Charities.