Tag: 3BL

A Life Mission to Protect Nature

For Ana Paula, protecting nature has always been more than a profession – it’s her life’s mission. Joining DP World before the construction of its terminal at the Port of Santos even began, she was entrusted with safeguarding the environment and ensuring sustainable operations for the future. Today, she proudly stands as the first woman and first biologist to join DP World’s operations at Santos, as a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to gender equity.

Building a Culture of Responsibility 

“[From the beginning], I saw an opportunity to show that development and environmental responsibility can work together,” Ana Paula reflects. Over the past two decades, she has been instrumental in developing and implementing DP World’s rigorous environmental protocols, monitoring programs, and educational initiatives. “No doubt, I am proud to work for a company that came to life with such a strong environmental mindset,” she adds.

Leading with Vision and Purpose

Her role has evolved alongside the terminal’s expansion, underscoring the company’s dedication to environmental responsibility. Ana Paula emphasizes, “Seeing what we have accomplished and how much we have evolved – without losing sight of where we started – is what reassures me that we’re on the right path.” She believes deeply in balancing growth with ecological preservation, an ethos that permeates DP World’s culture.

Empowering Women in Technical Leadership

Ana Paula’s journey exemplifies DP World’s broader commitment to empowering women, especially in technical and leadership roles. By fostering a supportive environment that encourages innovation and sustainability, DP World continues to pave the way for future generations of female leaders like Ana Paula.

A Legacy of Stewardship

Ana Paula’s story reminds us that visionary thinking and unwavering dedication can create lasting impacts – transforming communities and protecting the environment for generations to come. 

Careers That Make an Impact at DP World

At DP World, employees are encouraged to grow their skills, lead with purpose, and drive meaningful change. With opportunities across more than 70 countries, the company is committed to building a diverse, inclusive workplace where people can make a difference in global trade and in the communities where we operate. Learn more about how you can be part of DP World’s journey at careers.dpworld.com.

Amid budget negotiations, shifting tax credit allocations and evolving funding programs, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developers are facing a dramatically changing landscape. The recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” is already reshaping how housing projects will be financed, structured and planned in 2026 and beyond.

In this episode of BuzzHouse, Don Bernards and Garrick Gibson walk through the biggest updates that matter most to affordable housing professionals. Listen now to stay ahead of what’s changing and how it affects your pipeline.

Affordable housing resources

For articles, webinars and additional resources for developers, housing authorities, property managers, state housing credit agencies and lenders, visit our affordable housing page.

For more information on this topic, or to learn how Baker Tilly specialists can help, contact our team.

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

Direct Selling News just dropped its annual 40 Under 40 list, and it’s packed with bold talent shaking up the industry. These game-changers are recognized for their leadership, disruptive ideas to shape the future of direct selling, and undeniable impact on the industry. 

With poise, energy, and an unmistakable passion for excellence, Megan Gregg, Senior Counsel at Mary Kay Inc., delivers strategic legal guidance and commercial support to global business teams, with a particular emphasis on Mary Kay’s Europe region markets, helping multicultural teams navigate complex issues with confidence and integrity. Megan’s work, at the intersection of tradition and innovation, aims to keep the direct sales channel relevant, focusing on in-person and digital engagement, to meet independent Beauty Consultants and their consumers “where they are.”

We caught up with Megan to dive into her journey in direct selling, uncover the WHY behind her personal drive, and explore the unique factors that fuel her passion every single day. 

Did you know? 

• Mary Kay expanded into Europe in 1986 by opening its first European market in Germany. Currently, Mary Kay operates in 25 markets across Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Euro-Asia.  
• Mary Kay has been named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World^[1] by Euromonitor International for three consecutive years, in 2023, 2024, and again in 2025. 

Tell us about your current role. How did you get to this point in your career?

My role centers on protecting and advancing the Mary Kay business model for current and future independent beauty consultants. While this may sound simple in concept, the application of this responsibility varies from day to day depending on the legal hat I’m wearing on a specific day. 

• While every member of the Mary Kay legal team has “primary responsibilities”, we have each been afforded the opportunity to jump in on projects that excite us, interest us, and speak to our legal strengths. For me, the legal hat I’ve found myself wearing most excitedly and consistently over the past five years is one that relates to the modernization of the Mary Kay selling opportunity.
• We work in an industry that was ahead of its time – direct selling was the original side hustle! My interest in modernizing the selling opportunity comes from the desire not to change the channel, but to adapt the channel in a way that best serves our independent beauty consultants’ businesses and meets the needs of today’s consumers. Consumers no longer exclusively exist at the kitchen table; they are online in some form or fashion. My question has been: while Mary Kay has always encouraged the use of the internet to facilitate sales, how do we adapt a tried-and-true business model by leveraging modern technology to meet independent beauty consultants’ customers where they organically are?
• The freedom to pose these reflective questions to leadership and their receptiveness to modernization has made my role at Mary Kay a joy. I feel as if I get to work on issues that will ultimately impact the livelihood of members of our independent sales force and preserve the attractiveness of the channel for independent beauty consultants and consumers alike. The organic evolution of my career at Mary Kay is one of the many reasons I love working for this company. 

How were you introduced to Mary Kay? 

• Direct selling created the idea of the “side hustle” before the term “side hustle” was even coined. Like many millennials, my mom attended her friend’s Mary Kay skincare parties when I was younger. I have fond recollections of the light pink eyeshadow palettes that sat in her makeup cabinet, but it wasn’t until I started doing research in preparation for my interview with Mary Kay (talk about a full circle moment!) that I understood the ingenuity and attractiveness of the business model. When I started working for Mary Kay eight years ago, I dove headfirst into the direct sales world and haven’t stopped advocating for or singing the industry’s praises since. 

What about direct selling most excites and/or inspires you? 

• Entrepreneurship requires courage and grit, which, to me, are two of the most inspiring qualities a person can possess, and direct selling attracts people with these character traits. Direct selling requires an initial ‘yes’ when there are no corresponding promises of success attached to that decision—to me, that is courage. Similarly, the same people who say ‘yes’ to a direct selling opportunity also tend to be the people who persevere, change, and grow in response to the unique challenges that accompany running a small business—to me, that is grit. I am inspired by these small business owners and feel privileged to protect their current and future opportunities. They are my WHY. 

What’s one piece of advice or “pearl of wisdom” you could share to anyone starting out in a direct selling corporate career?

• Remember your WHY; remember why you are doing what you do on a day-to-day basis. When you can zoom out and pinpoint the underlying reason for your work, it refocuses your efforts on what ultimately matters.
• For me, my WHY is inspired by the WHO – I work hard to protect the independent sales force’s ability to run their own business to enrich their families’ lives. To me, there is nothing more fulfilling knowing that the work I do positively impacts others.
• I have found that the people who tend to talk poorly about the direct sales industry have never come face-to-face with someone whose life has been positively impacted by the channel. So, put the metaphorical horse blinders on and focus on your WHY and ignore the noise. 

****

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.

# # #
 

^[1] “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”

LINCOLN, Neb., August 28, 2025 /3BL/ – In the 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, the Arbor Day Foundation has helped plant and distribute more than 160,000 trees in forests and communities hit by the historic storm. Still, according to the tree planting nonprofit, the work is far from over.

“The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina was unlike anything our country had experienced before. Even 20 years later, the pain still feels raw,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Through our work in tree recovery, we’ve learned that’s why so many people turn to planting trees after a disaster — it helps them heal.”

Hurricane Katrina made landfall in the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, and claimed approximately 1,800 lives. The storm was particularly catastrophic in New Orleans where 80% of the city was pulled under floodwaters, according to the National Weather Service. To date, Hurricane Katrina remains the costliest hurricane in U.S. history, causing $201 billion in damage when adjusted for inflation.

In the two decades since the storm, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked alongside local planting organizations as well as city and state leaders in New Orleans and other impacted communities to help recover tree canopy lost to the hurricane. The Foundation’s most recent planting in February brought dozens of new trees to New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood. The attached satellite images compare the tree canopy of the Lower Ninth Ward, immediately after Hurricane Katrina to today.

Since Hurricane Katrina, the Arbor Day Foundation has been heavily invested in assisting disaster-affected communities and forestlands all over the country. The work has aided recovery efforts following hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and floods, reaching more than half of U.S. states. In the last four years alone, the Foundation has planted and distributed over two million trees in communities recovering from natural disasters.

“Planting trees gives people a way to connect to the rebuilding process. It roots them in hope and resilience,” Lambe said. “No matter how much time passes, we’ll keep working to restore the canopy lost to major storms, including Hurricane Katrina, as we shape a stronger future through trees.”

Visit arborday.org to learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s disaster recovery work and how to get involved.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

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

And this is only the beginning.

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

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Heading into the 2005 hurricane season, Entergy employees gathered to participate in the annual systemwide storm exercise. The fictional scenario that year involved two back-to-back hurricanes striking our service area. Fast forward a few months later, hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall less than a month apart.

Our response quickly became an all-hands-on-deck situation with teams from across Entergy’s four-state service area stepping up to help in massive ways. Our workforce, along with support from peer utilities through mutual assistance, rose to the occasion during two of the most challenging storms in our company’s 100-year history.

Entergy Arkansas sends crews 
Although hurricanes are a lesser-known threat in Arkansas, our employees are well-versed in restoration efforts resulting from Mother Nature. When the reality post-Katrina began to unfold, Entergy lineworkers, vegetation crews and other employees headed to Louisiana and got to work.

For Moochie McDonald, a line supervisor with Entergy Arkansas, the disaster struck a deeply personal chord. A native of New Orleans, McDonald was in the city helping his wife’s family evacuate when Katrina neared. After seeking shelter in Jackson, Mississippi, he drove to Arkansas to meet up with more than 100 mutual assistance workers before heading to Metairie.

“When I got there, it looked like a war zone,” McDonald said. “We were rebuilding entire sections of the grid and replacing thousands of poles. I saw my hometown — friends and family — deeply affected by the destruction.” McDonald and other Arkansas crew members spent two months on the ground in Louisiana. Despite the emotional toll, he said, “the storm changed a lot in us, and the experience built lasting bonds with fellow lineworkers from other Entergy operating companies.”

Waterford 3 plays dual role: Generating power and serving as a staging site
Located about 20 miles west of New Orleans, Waterford 3 fortunately received minimal damage during Hurricane Katrina. The plant and surrounding property played a crucial role in the region’s recovery – returning to normal operations within two weeks post-storm and serving as a staging site for restoration crews rebuilding the grid.

“We were sequestered for two weeks, doing repairs inside containment while the transmission system was being rebuilt,” said Bob Sebring, a former radiation protection technician who worked at Waterford 3 from 1987 to 2008. “A small city was created within three days to house, feed and provide laundry for hundreds of linemen, restoration workers and other Entergy employees working the storm.”

After start-up, the site also became a multi-purpose shelter for employees and their families whose homes were left uninhabitable by the hurricane. Assistance was available with housing, transportation, laundry, day care, counseling and other needs.

Mississippi lends a helping hand, opens its home

Katrina made landfall onto the Mississippi coast and continued up through the state, sustaining hurricane-force winds upwards through Jackson. The path of destruction left three quarters of Entergy Mississippi customers in the dark with restoration efforts spanning close to two weeks.

Despite local challenges, our employees across Mississippi also helped New Orleans-based corporate functions, such as transmission, communications and finance, regroup in the Jackson area. Entergy later, temporarily, relocated its corporate headquarters to Clinton for several months until conditions made it possible to return to New Orleans.

The Louisiana-Texas border takes on Rita

On Sept. 24, 2005 – 26 days after Katrina: Hurricane Rita made landfall as a Category 3 storm near the mouth of the Sabine River at the Louisiana-Texas border. The storm created even greater destruction to our transmission system in the area with more than 340 transmission lines and 440 substations out of service, interrupting service to 800,000 customers. It then proceeded up a northeasterly curve bringing further damage to other areas of our service territory.

Entergy crews sprang into action once again beginning a second, parallel, restoration plan. Restoration was completed in 21 days.

We’re better prepared today because of where we’ve been

The company’s response to Katrina and Rita set the standard in how we operate today. For the last 20 years, we’ve been recognized nationally as a leader in storm response and restoration.

Across our service area we remain storm-ready all year, with trained lineworkers, vegetation crews and thousands of other employees prepared to mobilize at a moment’s notice. Everyone at the company has a pre-determined response role, whether in the field repairing downed lines, organizing community resources or working behind the scenes supporting logistics, dispatch, supply chain or customer service. And we continue to set up staging sites throughout a restoration effort – bringing in our own crews but also contractors and peer utility crews through our mutual assistance agreements.

As a result, we are a better and stronger, more customer focused company today.

Video series: Watch Episode 3, “Lessons we’ve learned”

Throughout the month, we’ll share some of these stories of reflection, resilience, preparation and perseverance through a series of videos. Watch Episode 3 here.

Find more background, photos and videos by visiting entergy.com/Katrina20.

About Entergy

Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and follow @Entergy on social media.

Corporate Social Responsibility at Entergy

For more than 100 years, Entergy has powered life in our communities through strategic philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy’s corporate social responsibility initiatives help create and sustain thriving communities, position the company for sustainable growth and are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our top CSR priorities are education/workforce development, poverty solutions/social services and environmental programs. Entergy annually contributes $16-$18 million in shareholder-funded grants to approximately 2,000 nonprofit organizations in the communities where we operate. In addition, our employees volunteer more than 100,000 hours in those communities’ values at more than $3 million.

View original content here.

NEW YORK, August 27, 2025 /3BL/ – The security situation in eastern Ukraine has sharply deteriorated since late July, with Russian forces making significant advances and threatening densely populated areas of Donetsk oblast. Following a mandatory evacuation order issued by Ukrainian authorities on July 24th, a surge of over 14,000 evacuees occurred between August 1st and 10th, and the exodus continues.

Daily arrivals at the Pavlohrad Transit Center have increased from between 10 and 40 individuals in early July to over 300 in August. Children and families are prioritized for early evacuation, but displacement patterns indicate a broader wave of adult evacuees is expected soon. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), up to 43,500 additional people could be displaced in the coming weeks.

“Most evacuees are fleeing active combat zones by bus, arriving with minimal belongings, no income, and urgent humanitarian needs,” said Ionuț Raita, Country Director of Action Against Hunger in Ukraine. “They lack cash, basic household items, food, transport, and they need immediate mental health support to cope with the stress and make immediate decisions.”

Ukrainian authorities are opening new transit centers to deal with the influx of people who are escaping the war. However, the planned opening of a second transit center in Synelnykove, about 28 miles away from Pavlohrad, was cancelled after the site was shelled on August 9th. With no alternative site operational, pressure on the Pavlohrad Transit Center remains critical, leaving many families at risk of going without assistance.

The targeting of civilian infrastructure, including humanitarian facilities, constitutes a blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). We urge all parties to the conflict to ensure safe humanitarian access and protect displaced populations.

Expanding Action Against Hunger’s Emergency Response

Action Against Hunger has launched a rapid Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) response to support over 1,500 newly displaced individuals. This intervention is part of a broader humanitarian response supported by the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).

“Thanks to additional funding ensured by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Action Against Hunger was able to extend assistance to 600 more people beyond the initial August 15th timeline, continuing through the end of the month,” Raita added. “However, due to insufficient funding, several humanitarian actors, have been forced to suspend distributions. Current resources have been insufficient since mid-August.”

Considering the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation and the sharp increase in displacement, Action Against Hunger calls on international donors to maintain and strengthen their commitment to supporting the humanitarian response in Ukraine.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., August 27, 2025 /3BL/ – Today, the Global Heat Reduction Initiative (GHR) released a first-of-its-kind methodology that will measure and reward the reduction in climate super pollutants achieved through more sustainable rice cultivation practices. In addition to covering the full range of greenhouse gases including the powerful climate pollutants, methane and nitrous oxide, it also accounts for black carbon emissions associated with burning and equipment operations. The methodology also enables users for the first time to assess the global heat reduction value of reducing these emissions over near-term timeframes, such as between now and 2030 or 2050.

“This methodology uses our Total Climate Accounting™ approach to add breadth and depth to the analysis of sustainable rice production projects and credits derived from them,” said Kiff Gallagher, GHR Executive Director. “This new level of information will bring enhanced value for project proponents in terms of climate impact and claims.”

GHR is now seeking public comments from stakeholders interested in providing inputs on the new “Methodology for Assessing Emission Reductions from Rice Cultivation.”

Rice, a cornerstone of global food security, currently drives 1.3%–1.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Rice paddy cultivation accounts for 10-12% of global methane emissions. Methane is far more potent than carbon dioxide in the years immediately after being released (80 times more potent over first 20 years), before eventually breaking down into carbon dioxide, which lasts for centuries. Nitrous oxide, another super pollutant, is associated with the production and application of synthetic fertilizers.

In addition to greenhouse gases, open field burning releases plumes of black carbon that fuel air pollution and global warming, with heat impacts many thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide while airborne. Over time, as black carbon particles fall back to earth, they can deposit on ice and snow, accelerating warming further. Yet despite its significant impacts on both health and climate, black carbon has thus far been largely omitted from current carbon markets, meaning that its mitigation is not currently incentivized. By quantifying black carbon emissions, the new methodology will enable farmers who demonstrate black carbon reductions to yield more credits compared to an approach that only looks at gases.

“Sustainable rice production, including reduced agricultural burning, is a meaningful opportunity to improve air quality and reduce near-term heat,” said Dr. Katie Kaku, GHR Senior Technical Director, who led the development of the methodology.

The methodology reflects GHR’s commitment to driving credible, high-impact mitigation strategies that address all heat drivers. The methodology was developed in consultation with agronomists, climate scientists, and policymakers across the globe to ensure the highest levels of integrity and accuracy.

GHR now invites rice producers, carbon market actors, scientists, and civil society organizations to review and comment on the methodology during its 30-day public consultation period, which begins August 27. The draft methodology and instructions for submitting comments can be found here.

READ MORE

Media Contact: 
media@heatreduction.com

SCS@browningenvironmental.com

About the Global Heat Reduction Initiative:

Global Heat Reduction Initiative combines cutting-edge methodology with expert advisory, enabling organizations to understand their total climate footprint, plan comprehensive mitigation strategies, and accelerate heat reduction. With this holistic view, organizations can prioritize interventions with the greatest climate return per dollar spent, unlock faster climate progress, and deliver immediate local benefits. Learn more at www.heatreduction.com.

SCS Global Services is an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, and standards development with over 40 years of experience. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a California-chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

As the tech industry continues to grow, cultivating the next generation of innovators is essential. At AMD, our commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education reflects a deep belief that investing in young minds today helps build the workforce of tomorrow.

In July 2025, AMD hosted more than 60 middle school students from Breakthrough Central Texas at our Austin campus for a day of hands-on STEM exploration. Breakthrough Central Texas is a college access non-profit organization that supports first-generation and underrepresented students from sixth grade through college. The event was designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence and expose students to real-world applications of STEM.

The day began with inspiring stories from AMD leaders, who shared how grit, creativity and a love of problem solving led them to careers in tech and gave students a chance to engage directly with the people behind our products.

The highlight came when students teamed up with AMD employee volunteers to design, build and race solar-powered cars. More than just a fun challenge, the activity sparked collaborative thinking and hands-on learning. As students overcame design obstacles and fine-tuned their cars, they discovered not only how solar energy works, but also how capable they truly are.

“When students see professionals who look like them and share similar backgrounds, it reinforces that they too can succeed in these careers,” said Holly Wissman, chief development and communications officer, Breakthrough Central Texas.

Mark Fuselier, senior vice president, technology and product engineering, AMD, added, “when we open doors to education, we open doors to a better future for everyone. Together, we advance possibilities.”

AMD is committed to investing in future innovators by creating opportunities that connect students to STEM in meaningful ways. Events like this not only strengthen our company’s partnership with Breakthrough Central Texas but also help cultivate the next generation of engineers, thinkers and leaders – one solar-powered car at a time.

Learn more about AMD STEM initiatives at www.amd.com/en/corporate/corporate-responsibility/digital-impact.html.

Tapping into different voices, perspectives, and experiences helps businesses solve problems, reveals new opportunities to grow, and encourages contributions that better support people and communities. At Henkel North America, diversity is a path to progress, innovation, and impact. Our employees and partners are united by our purpose: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations. They collaborate to tackle challenges, find solutions and open new perspectives – allowing us to deliver products, services, and innovations that enrich and improve everyday life.

We invite you to “meet” our pioneers in our series, “Pioneers for Good.”

Introducing Andy and Courtney

Andy Riddick, Plant Manager, and Courtney Dixon, Administrative Assistant, are catalysts for advocacy and engagement within the Bowling Green plant and across the neighboring areas. At Henkel’s largest manufacturing facility for laundry products, they are at the center of organizing volunteer efforts, donation drives, and building strong ties with local partners.

Through enthusiastic promotion of collaboration and service, Andy and Courtney foster a workplace culture where team members are empowered to make an impact. With a ‘lead-by-example’ approach, Andy and Courtney embody Henkel’s goal of creating lasting change in the communities Henkel calls home.

Immersing Henkel in the Community

Andy and Courtney pride themselves on their deep connection to the Bowling Green community – a value that has become core to their roles at Henkel. By focusing on team building, communication, and employee engagement, they champion activities that benefit the local community and create better environments for future generations.

“It’s our job to communicate with Henkel employees and encourage them to participate in donation and volunteer opportunities, bridging a connection and relationship with the community,” said Courtney.

Andy added, “Being a part of the community is almost a requirement of working here. Our coworkers are constantly bringing up new ideas to get involved and strengthen our community relationships.”

Henkel’s local community work focuses on creating a safer, stronger future for generations to come. The Bowling Green team organizes about 10 community service events with hundreds of employees participating every year.

Among their many community service events is the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center’s Great Teddy Bear Run, an event advocating for children who are survivors of sexual abuse. Henkel supports the cause financially and employees join in the motorcycle ride and donate teddy bears to comfort children in need. Every small gesture helps to make a big impact.

One of the newer opportunities for service was initiated by Henkel’s Military Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG) – supporting the Foster Grandparents Program. This program provides senior volunteers an opportunity to support, mentor, and nurture children. To help these wonderful grandparent volunteers, Henkel donates pallets of laundry detergent, body soap and hair care products. Along with helping to ease costs, volunteers can use as a teaching tool for children in their care to learn basic activities such as washing a load of clothes.

When Henkel employees are unable to make it to a volunteer event, Andy and Courtney bring the event to them. For example, they organized a makeshift assembly line on the manufacturing floor, where employees came together to create care packages for a local women’s shelter. They go above and beyond for their community and inspire impactful actions among their coworkers, opening the door for larger change across their region.

Getting Their Hands Dirty

For Bowling Green employees, Mud Happens stands out as a signature example of their hands-on approach to making a difference. The annual, mud-filled 5k obstacle course event in August brings together thousands of people from all walks of life for a day of fun and of course mud, to raise awareness and help prevent child abuse. Henkel has been a sponsor of Mud Happens for over 10 years, contributing more than $60,000 to date, and proudly stepped up as title sponsor five years ago.

Courtney is central to Henkel’s sponsorship. She rallies the team of Henkel volunteers to coordinate the booth and Henkel product giveaways, and cheers on her colleagues who participate in the run. Through this shared experience, Henkel employees accomplish something exciting and meaningful together, strengthening their bond. See pictures below and read local news from this year’s event.

It’s a big deal to be part of this event; at least 5,000 residents come out to support this amazing cause. It means a lot to us to have Henkel’s name closely associated with it – whether we’re handing out laundry samples, running our booth, or our employees are taking part in the activities.

Courtney Dixon, Administrative Assistant

The Lasting Value of Community Engagement

Andy, Courtney, and all the volunteers at Henkel’s Bowling Green facility demonstrate that meaningful community engagement isn’t always about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, being present, and investing in relationships over time. Through their actions and events like Mud Happens, they have shown that each conversation, hour volunteered, and kind gesture can add up to something transformative.

To hear and see the excitement of the people you are connecting with and making a difference together is something that can’t be replaced, those moments are truly unforgettable.

Andy Riddick, Plant Manager

HONG KONG, August 27, 2025 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, announced the six students who emerged as winners of the 2025 FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC) Hong Kong Finals. The winning students demonstrated exceptional creativity and business acumen that earned them the opportunity to represent Hong Kong at the Asia Pacific Finals in Singapore this August, where they will compete against top young entrepreneurs from eight different markets^[1].

FedEx and JA ITC have been nurturing Hong Kong’s youth for 19 years through the FedEx/JA ITC program, equipping students with real-world business skills through teamwork activities and practical workshops. The Hong Kong Finals were held at the FedEx office on July 19, where the three winning teams scored high with their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to clinch their spots at the Regional Finals.

This year, the students tackled the challenge of developing a market entry strategy for a product aimed at addressing fast fashion waste from returns, with China as the target market.

The six students representing Hong Kong at the regionals are:

1. Team: Cycloo
   Names of students: Cheung Kiu Nga Tanya & Zhu Qixuan Amy
   School: Ying Wa Girls’ School
   Business idea: Semi-Alive Mycelium silk – Replanting discarded clothes to grow new fungi and produce new clothes.
    
2. Team: Mud Dauber
   Names of students: So Royden & Lai Asta Hiuyan
   School: Sha Tin College
   Business idea: A WeChat mini-program which uses facial recognition to conduct AI-powered colour analysis for smarter shopping decisions and reducing waste.
    
3. Team: Verdant Wear
   Names of students: Yuen Ji Kei Kelly & Chong Kan Yi Christina
   School: St. Paul’s School (Lam Tin)
   Business idea: Verdant Wear Smart Fitting System – A 360° virtual try-on, powered by smart mirrors and mobile apps, ensuring millimeter-accurate fit simulations and slashing returns due to sizing errors.

A panel of professional judges comprising Anthony Leung, managing director, FedEx, Hong Kong and Macau; Janice Wong, Senior Vice President – AI and Innovation Strategy, Nan Fung and an alumna of ITC; Vivian Choi, Chief Executive Officer, Junior Achievement Hong Kong, as well as two senior managers from FedEx Hong Kong Operations, assessed the teams on several criteria: the comprehensiveness of their business plans, market analysis and creativity.

The Regional Finals will bring together winning teams from across the region for an in-person competition in Singapore. Winners from the Hong Kong Finals will join students from other markets to collaborate, exchange ideas and compete in a dynamic cross-cultural business challenge.

“We are proud to collaborate with Junior Achievement for the 19th year, as we continuously strive together to empower Hong Kong’s youth with the essential skills and mindset needed to thrive within the global economy, particularly in today’s dynamic market environment,” said Anthony Leung, managing director of FedEx Hong Kong and Macau. “This year’s challenge encourages students to resolve real-world business issues with bold, innovative thinking. Through the FedEx/JA ITC program, we are nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs who will drive Hong Kong’s future business success.”

“It is a privilege to continue our longstanding collaboration with FedEx, building on our shared commitment to mentoring and guiding Hong Kong’s youth to gain global business perspectives and entrepreneurial skills,” said Vivian Choi, Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement Hong Kong. “Our annual competition inspires students to develop innovative ideas by honing their critical thinking in addressing evolving business needs. Fostering creativity and cross-cultural understanding enables young leaders to be well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to Hong Kong’s future and beyond. We look forward to seeing more students embracing these opportunities to grow and lead the way as tomorrow’s business innovators.”

FedEx has worked with Junior Achievement since 2007 to provide Hong Kong’s youth with invaluable global business opportunities, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing future entrepreneurs. Over the years, the FedEx/JA ITC program has engaged more than 5,500 local students through hands-on workshops, with more than 1,100 competing in the Hong Kong Finals and 113 representing the city in regional competitions.

For more details on the 2025 FedEx/JA ITC, visit the JA Hong Kong website here.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

^[1]Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.