Tag: 3BL

Global investment in data centers is projected to soar, topping $1 trillion within the next five years. Driving this growth are groundbreaking advancements in technology – especially the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Gigantic data center campuses, once rare, are swiftly becoming landmarks in communities across the globe. Beneath this tech-driven boom lies a critical factor often overlooked: the sophisticated logistics required to sustain this infrastructure explosion.

A recent Supply Chain Management Review article, “Data Center Growth Driving New Logistics Opportunities,” highlights how the surge in data center construction is transforming logistics from merely operational to strategically essential. DP World, historically recognized as a global leader in ports and terminal operations, is now emerging as a trailblazing logistics provider adept at supporting this digital evolution.

As companies accelerate their digital transformation, logistics providers face mounting pressures to not only transport and warehouse sensitive and valuable equipment, but to do so sustainably and reliably. Glen Clark, CEO of DP World in the U.S./Mexico and Regional Head of Contract Logistics, emphasizes the company’s comprehensive role in a recent interview with Supply Chain Management Review. 

Clark notes that DP World assembles critical data center equipment, oversees transportation and delivery logistics, and actively manages on-site operations to continually optimize infrastructure performance.

Moreover, DP World’s extensive global footprint uniquely positions it to address growing national concerns around “AI Sovereignty,” a concept capturing how countries seek greater control over their data operations and infrastructure. DP World strategically supports these initiatives by enabling countries to establish robust local data warehousing capabilities, aligning closely with geopolitical priorities for data security and sovereignty.

This forward-thinking approach positions DP World as a leading innovator within the logistics sector, pivotal in navigating what some industry experts are calling a new industrial revolution powered by AI and emerging technologies. By integrating advanced logistics solutions with a firm commitment to sustainability, DP World not only ensures operational excellence but also significantly strengthens its competitive edge in the modern market landscape.

Explore more insights in the original article here. 

DAYTON, Ohio, July 1, 2025 /3BL/ – Stacy Thompson, Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Community Engagement, will retire from KeyBank effective July 4^th. Thompson has spent nearly 20 years with Key’s Corporate Responsibility team. Most recently, she led and provided valuable guidance to a national team of Corporate Responsibility Officers who execute KeyBank’s community engagement strategy. In addition, Thompson has served as a Key4Women Certified Advisor, mentor for the MentorMe@Key program, and advisor to the Southwest and Central Ohio African Heritage Key Business Impact and Networking Group (AHKBING).

“Our colleagues and communities have benefited immensely from Stacy’s collaborative spirit, expertise and steady guidance,” said Jeff Bardonaro, KeyBank Dayton Market President. “We will miss her team-oriented leadership and friendship. We wish her the best as she moves into an exciting new chapter of her life.”

A true community champion in her hometown of Dayton, Thompson has served on the Arcade Innovation Hub Board of Directors and Chair of the Greater West Dayton Incubator Advisory Committee. She served eight years as a member of the Dayton Public School Board from 2006 – 2014. In 2025, Thompson was named a Dayton Skyscraper, a metaphor for local leaders who stand tall in community for their career achievement and contributions to the quality of life in Dayton. She has also been named a YWCA Women of Influence honoree, Dayton Business Journal Top 50 Women in Dayton honoree, Dayton Daily News Top Ten Women honoree, and NAACP Community Service and Hall of Freedom award winner. Thompson received a KeyBank Chairman’s Award in 2025.

ABOUT KEYCORP

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

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Logitech Blog

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating women breaking barriers in STEM and inspiring the next generation to do the same. Aligned with this year’s theme — “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” — we’re reminded that progress happens when we uplift young women and girls, providing the tools and inspiration to drive change.

Central to this vision is the power of role models. Logitech’s recent global research found that 21% of women in China, India, and the U.S. were inspired to pursue tech careers by an influencer or role model. This underscores the importance of visibility and representation because if we inspire girls, we inspire change.

Today, we’re spotlighting three phenomenal #WomenWhoMaster ambassadors who embody the spirit of this year’s IWD theme:

Aisha Bowe
Former NASA aerospace engineer, founder & CEO of STEMBoard and Lingo, and soon-to-be the first Black woman to fly with Blue Origin’s New Shepard, Aisha is the definition of a trailblazer. Her mission? Making STEM education accessible and empowering underrepresented youths, especially girls, to see themselves as the next generation of innovators, engineers, and astronauts.

Ainura Sagyn
Ainura is empowering women in Kyrgyzstan while tackling the country’s waste crisis. She’s a computer software engineer, ecofeminist and CEO of Tazar. Tazar connects Kyrgyzstan’s citizens and companies with recyclers to help reduce landfill waste across developing countries. But her impact doesn’t stop there. Before Tazar, she teamed up with other female engineers and traveled across Kyrgyzstan to teach girls the basics of coding.

Marija Musja
Marija helps girls see that there’s a place for them in tech — one that aligns with their passions and creativity. As founder and CEO of Empowerment Lab, Marija connects girls to tech skills and careers that resonate with their passions. The process starts with a fun, science-backed matching quiz, then the app reveals tech-related careers connected to these interests and a range of online courses to help them learn relevant digital skills.

Logitech’s #WomenWhoMaster puts the spotlight on phenomenal female role models in STEM. Read more inspiring stories from our Meet the Masters series here.

Whirlpool Corporation won the award for Collaborative Ecosystems at the 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Awards, celebrating their groundbreaking production line for The Washing Machine Project, supported by Whirlpool Foundation.

Whirlpool Corporation and The Washing Machine Project’s winning collaboration is a result of the team of engineers who designed the assembly line that manufactures manual washing machines. Additional support is provided by suppliers who contribute donations essential to building the machines, as well as the Sustainability and Advanced Development teams who test and improve the process.

The machines are assembled by Whirlpool Corporation employee volunteers in Benton Harbor, Mich., and distributed to underserved communities across the globe. The assembly line was designed to provide employees with the opportunity to volunteer their time to safely and effectively build the manual washing machines by hand with little to no experience. To date, more than 340 Whirlpool employee volunteers have donated nearly 4,000 hours to build 645 manual washing machines, which are distributed to communities in India, Mexico, Republic of Congo and Ghana.

“We are honored to be recognized for our collaboration with The Washing Machine Project, supported by Whirlpool Foundation. This unique manufacturing process provides employees with the opportunity to have firsthand experience with the assembly line, resulting in a greater understanding of the impact they’re making in the lives of others.”

“We are honored to be recognized for our collaboration with The Washing Machine Project, supported by Whirlpool Foundation,” said Greg Bauman, engineering manager for Whirlpool Corporation. “This unique manufacturing process provides employees with the opportunity to have firsthand experience with the assembly line, resulting in a greater understanding of the impact they’re making in the lives of others.”

Sixty percent of the world’s population relies on washing clothes by hand, largely due to lack of access to reliable electricity and water. This unpaid labor disproportionately impacts women and girls. This collaboration exposed Whirlpool Corp. employees to the global washing divide and created an opportunity to help address it. In addition to assembling the manual washing machines, Whirlpool Corp. employees who volunteer their time participate in “Washout” events, hand washing clothes to help them understand how the majority of the global population does laundry.

“We are grateful for the support of Whirlpool Corporation and the team of engineers that make this manufacturing process possible,” said Rosa Skinner, senior manager of global CSR and community relations for Whirlpool Corporation. “The Washing Machine Project exists to alleviate the burden of hand washing clothes, which can be life-changing. With the support of Whirlpool Foundation and Whirlpool Corporation volunteers, we are able to build more manual washing machines to change lives around the world.”

Along with this win the “Collaborative Ecosystems” category, Whirlpool Corporation was also a Manufacturing Leadership Award finalist for two projects focusing on digital transformation and front line leadership.

The Manufacturing Leadership Council is the world’s first member-driven, business leadership network dedicated to helping senior industry executives identify the opportunities created by transformational digital technologies in the operation, organization, and leadership of manufacturing enterprises.The Manufacturing Leadership Council developed the Manufacturing Leadership Awards to honor manufacturing companies and leaders that are shaping the future of global manufacturing. Originated in 2005, the Manufacturing Leadership Awards have honored more than a thousand innovative projects and outstanding leaders from around the world since the program’s inception. For more information, visit: https://manufacturingleadershipcouncil.com/

About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales – close to 90% of which were in the Americas – 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

View original content here.

At Cisco, we believe in the power of technology and our people to drive meaningful change. For over 30 years, we’ve partnered with India to shape our shared digital future, foster innovation, and build a workforce ready for tomorrow. But our impact goes far beyond business.

Together, we’ve been working to empower communities and improve lives—and thanks to the ingenuity and diligence of our many non-profit collaborators, we’ve achieved something truly remarkable.

Above and beyond: How a government mandate to give back become an inspiration to go further

In 2013, when India implemented a law requiring companies to invest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Cisco saw an opportunity not just to meet the mandate, but to go above and beyond. In 2018, we set a bold goal: positively impact 50 million lives in India by 2025.

When we connect the unconnected, we expand opportunity for all. Working closely with our non-profit partners, we didn’t just meet that goal—we exceeded it, reaching this milestone in March 2025. (Grants made within India since 2015 are included in the total count.) This achievement reflects our ongoing dedication to powering an inclusive future for all.

From opening our first office in India in 1995, to leading initiatives that empower millions today, Cisco’s legacy in India coincides with the nation’s growth as an emerging leader in innovation and technology. With nearly one billion internet users, the world’s third-largest digital economy, and more than 70 percent of its younger generation aspiring to work in tech, it’s safe to say India is firmly in its digital boom. In fact, just last year, Boston Consulting Group ranked India in the top 10 for AI readiness and second globally for AI specialists.

“Our India Purpose Office team’s extraordinary achievement exemplifies Cisco’s strategy for social investment—from close collaboration with local experts, to rigorous measurement of positive impact, to steady emphasis on the unique power of tech-fueled innovation to reach more people in need. Their work has helped advance our vision of thriving people and empowered communities throughout India.” —Charu Adesnik, Executive Director, Cisco Foundation; Director, Social Impact Investments

A bold vision fueled by our people

The Cisco India Purpose Office led the way, crafting a strategy that combined innovative technology with collaborative partnerships. Through initiatives like the India Cash Grant Program, we’ve been able to amplify our impact by supporting local non-profits that use technology to address critical needs like education, healthcare, crisis response, and economic empowerment. By aligning with government priorities and fostering collaboration in our grantmaking, we’ve created lasting change for a more inclusive and prosperous society.

But our work didn’t stop there. Cisco employees also played a key role—from mentoring our partners on cybersecurity to sharing expertise in business operations. Together, we’ve empowered these organizations with the resources, knowledge, and guidance they needed to grow and create lasting impact.

Stories that inspire

From enabling job readiness to transforming healthcare, here are some of the incredible initiatives rooted from our collaborative efforts:

Indus Action: Bridging educational gaps

Cisco’s collaboration with Indus Action through the Eklavya project transforms education policy with tech-driven solutions. Supporting India’s Right to Education Act, which makes education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14, Cisco’s grant enhanced data collection systems—enabling efficient decision-making and policy execution for state governments, while positively impacting 500,000 people.

NIIT Foundation: Empowerment through education

Since 2017, Cisco and the NIIT Foundation have collaborated to champion education and empowerment through the Cyber Suraksha project (Suraksha means “safety” in Hindi). From 2022 to today, this project has helped more than 1 million individuals—40% of them women—develop cybersecurity skills, and more than 7,000 participants secure cybersecurity roles.

Quest Alliance: Building future-ready skills

The Future Right Skills Network is a collaborative effort between Cisco, Accenture, SAP Labs, and J.P. Morgan, facilitated by Quest Alliance. So far, more than 300,000 students gained career skills across Industrial Training Institutes. In addition, over 26,000 students landed full-time jobs, and more than 1,500 trainers received support.

The Piramal Swasthya Foundation: Revolutionizing healthcare delivery

Cisco’s partnership with Piramal Swasthya in the Niramay initiative is revolutionizing healthcare delivery in Assam, India. By integrating digital health technology, the collaboration enhances telemedicine, diagnostics, and patient record management, addressing vital healthcare needs in underserved areas. With more than 110,000 patient records digitized, this partnership is setting new standards in public healthcare.

Looking ahead

With 1 billion lives impacted globally and another 50 million lives changed in India, our journey to Power an Inclusive Future for All continues. Our ongoing collaborative efforts will ensure that life-changing technology reaches those who need it most. Together, we’ll keep creating positive social impact—one partnership at a time.

To learn more about the impact Cisco is making in India, check out our Corporate Social Responsibility website.

View original content here.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

At GoDaddy, we believe in doing work that matters – with people who care. Sudhir Miglani, a Senior Engineering Manager based in India, embodies that spirit every day through his leadership, technical depth, and passion for creating impact. We caught up with Sudhir to learn more about his journey, his team’s mission, and how he fosters a culture of innovation.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey.

I am a Senior Engineering Manager at GoDaddy, leading teams dedicated to creating seamless experiences that empower entrepreneurs and small businesses.

My career journey began over a decade ago, providing me with the opportunity to work at both large tech companies, such as Microsoft and Adobe, and startups, including Paytm, Nearbuy, and GreyOrange Robotics.

I have had the privilege of working on Paytm’s login pages during their early development, contributing to the creation of Adobe Campaign from the ground up, and playing a key role in building Microsoft Designer—an innovative Direct-to-Consumer product tailored to the Creator Economy—entirely from scratch. These experiences have given me valuable insight into tackling complex engineering challenges as well as understanding the scale at which exceptional products are developed.

What has always motivated me is finding solutions to real-world problems that have a meaningful impact—especially those that touch people’s lives in profound ways. This passion is what drew me to GoDaddy: its mission, its culture, and the incredible opportunity to empower everyday entrepreneurs.

What real-life problems does your team solve?

My team focuses on building and enhancing GoDaddy’s Payments Reseller Platforms, with a mission to make it as easy as possible for our partners – resellers and merchants – to succeed.

We design seamless onboarding experiences, manage merchant underwriting, and provide access to capital solutions, all of which are critical for small entrepreneurs to get started and grow. By streamlining merchant onboarding and underwriting, we help entrepreneurs quickly and securely join our platform, removing barriers that might otherwise slow them down. Our capital solutions are designed to give small business owners the financial flexibility they need to invest in their growth, without getting bogged down by complex processes.

Ultimately, our goal is to create a unified, intuitive platform that allows entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best – running and growing their businesses – while we take care of the rest. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that our work directly helps people chase their dreams and build their businesses.

What’s the most challenging, yet rewarding thing you’ve worked on at GoDaddy?

Over the past eight months, my team and I have been on an ambitious journey to elevate both our technology and customer experience. One of our biggest technical challenges has been migrating our legacy codebase from Ember.js to React, while the site is live and serving our distributors. We’re approaching this migration iteratively, ensuring zero disruption to our business and customers. At the same time, we’re breaking down monolithic systems into microservices, enabling us to scale faster and deliver new features with greater agility.

From a customer perspective, we’re driving several impactful initiatives. We’re reimagining the merchant onboarding process to make it faster and more intuitive, integrating GoDaddy Capital to provide entrepreneurs with flexible funding options, and enhancing the distributor experience by delivering actionable insights that help our partners grow their revenue.

What makes these projects both challenging and exciting is the incredible cross-functional collaboration between product, design, and engineering. We move quickly, iterate constantly, and support each other every step of the way. Seeing our work translate into real value for millions of customers around the world is what truly fuels my passion and keeps me motivated every day.

How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your team?

It all starts with psychological safety—making sure everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, taking risks, and learning from mistakes. I encourage fostering open communication, conducting regular retrospectives, and setting aside time for experimentation and skill development.

Taking ownership is key. When engineers feel accountable not just for their code, but for the overall outcomes, they are more likely to innovate and go above and beyond in their efforts.

I strive to create an environment where we’re not just solving tickets, but solving real problems. 

What advice would you give to aspiring Software Developers looking to advance in their careers?

Be curious and stay hungry to learn. While technology evolves rapidly, what distinguishes exceptional developers is their mindset. Focus not only on writing code but also on understanding the “why” behind every project you undertake.

Seek out mentors, ask insightful questions, and embrace challenges that push you beyond your comfort zone. Remember, growth isn’t always about climbing the corporate ladder—it often lies in the breadth of your experience and the impact you make along the way.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy dedicating time to fitness, often visiting the gym in the evenings to stay active and energized. I’m also passionate about cricket. It’s a great way to unwind and stay connected to friends. However, my favourite moments are those spent with my family, especially playing with my little one. Watching him grow, explore, and smile is the best kind of joy.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

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Nasdaq

Does your organization have software in place to streamline sustainability reporting processes? When it comes to sustainability reporting, the right technology can deliver more than just compliance – it can drive quantifiable business impact. Thanks to Nasdaq Metrio’s one-to-many disclosure and reporting capabilities, investment in built-for-purpose sustainability software is helping organizations demonstrate clear ROI.

Nasdaq Metrio customers interviewed for a 2025 commissioned Forrester Consulting Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study reported they recovered their initial investment within the first year of implementation, seeing net benefits quickly

Download the case study to dive deeper into the cost benefits of deploying a built-for-purpose sustainability data management platform.

Download the Case Study

LINCOLN, Neb., June 30, 2025 /3BL/ – New data shows that last year, nearly one-third of the Arbor Day Foundation’s tree planting work in cities and towns was related to addressing extreme heat.

“Communities are struggling to endure the pressures of rising heat and they’re reaching for trees as a way to cope. This data is a validator of trees in their role as critical infrastructure. In our world’s cities, trees are a ‘must-have’, not just a ‘nice-to-have’,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “As the rate of extreme heat increases, so must our response. The Arbor Day Foundation is focused on leveraging the latest data and technology to help reach communities in need. Alongside our global network of planting partners, we’re meeting the moment with action.”

The new data analysis from the Arbor Day Foundation revealed last year’s 115 heat-related projects resulted in more than 52,000 trees planted or distributed with the specific aim of creating cooling. These trees were brought into front yards, back yards, city streets, parks, playgrounds, and school campuses across 27 U.S. states and seven additional countries.

Trees planted in cities and neighborhoods have the power to reduce life-threatening heat by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and improve air quality worsened by the heat.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, the last 10 years have been the hottest years on the planet, with 2024 being the hottest ever recorded. The rising heat has proven deadly. The National Weather Service estimates extreme heat accounts for more deaths annually in the U.S. than every other natural disaster combined. Additionally, extreme heat is proven to increase hospitalizations related to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.

In total in 2024, the Arbor Day Foundation planted or distributed a combined 1.5 million trees across 409 tree planting projects in cities and towns. In addition to extreme heat, projects helped to improve air quality, support disaster recovery efforts, establish food forests, and grow green spaces in undercanopied areas. The work was accomplished in collaboration with 235 local planting partners in 46 U.S. states and 28 countries.

Click here to learn more about how the Arbor Day Foundation leverages data, science and mapping to focus its work in communities where extreme heat has a disproportionate impact.

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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AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., June 30, 2025 /3BL/ – Global nonprofit alliance Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition) today released its Annual Report, a comprehensive recap of transformational progress in 2024. Marking a pivotal year defined by reinvention, strategic alliances, and system-wide action, the nonprofit organization reaffirmed its position as a leading force driving collective sustainability efforts in the consumer goods industry.

“In 2024, we didn’t just rebrand: we refocused,” said Tamar Hoek, Cascale Board Chair and Senior Policy Director Sustainable Fashion at Solidaridad. “Our members are calling for more clarity, better alignment, and faster progress. This report highlights the steps we’ve taken together, how we’re convening the industry in more focused, effective ways, and where we must go next.”

A Year of Strategic Milestones and Growth

Cascale’s bold repositioning as a catalyst for “A New Era of Unified Impact” set the tone for a year of major advancements, including:

• Accelerating Tool Development: Key updates to the Higg Index, including the rollout of Higg FEM 4.0, advanced the measurement of environmental performance across supply chains.
• Scaling Partnership with Worldly: Strengthened integration of Cascale’s Higg Index tools, exclusively licensed to Worldly, the leading platform for sustainability data and analytics in consumer goods supply chains, enabled more streamlined sustainability data management.
• Advancing Decarbonization Leadership: The Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) grew to 57 members, with a potential CO₂ reduction of 419,607.92 tCO₂e. Cascale also launched the first-ever Industry Decarbonization Roadmap, in collaboration with the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) and Reset Carbon.
• Elevating Data Alignment in Decent Work: The commencement of a strategic process of discussion and due diligence culminating in the purchase, by Cascale, of select assets of Better Buying Institute, in February 2025, marking a significant milestone in supporting the advancement of responsible purchasing practices across the consumer goods industry, to achieve Cascale’s Decent Work for All.

“2024 was about unity in purpose,” said Cascale CEO Colin Browne. “Through industry-wide initiatives, deeper stakeholder engagement, and policy innovation, we laid a foundation for the next phase of impact.”

Global Policy & Public Affairs Expansion

Cascale significantly expanded its global policy presence in 2024:

• Published the Global Policy Priorities paper, jointly developed with Cascale’s Public Affairs Strategic Council, and held policy roundtables in Brussels, Copenhagen, and Paris.
• Collaborated with the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) on a joint vision statement and launched a secondment with the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) to help shape emerging sustainability reporting standards.
• Delivered over a dozen educational initiatives, including webinars, deep dives, and legislative updates for its 676+ engaged newsletter subscribers.

Notable Collaborations and Sector Standards

In 2024, Cascale played a central role in convening stakeholders across the supply chain:

• SLCP was independently established, reinforcing Cascale’s focus on decent work and social responsibility.
• The organization initiated partnerships with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Open Supply Hub, and formalized a partnership with Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) to harmonize sustainability protocols and promote Higg Index adoption.
• Cascale co-published the Apparel Alliance Supply Chain Taxonomy, a standardized tier classification framework with Textile Exchange, Aii, and ZDHC to streamline impact reporting and enhance transparency.

“The development of a shared perspective of the apparel supply chain tiers will provide clarity to our industry and enhance future communications and tool alignment strategies,” said Joël Mertens, director, Higg Product Tools, Cascale. “We look forward to the continuation and release of this work with our apparel alliance partners.”

Member-Led Programs and Education

Cascale’s 300+ members worldwide played an active role in shaping progress through initiatives like:

• Fashion LEAP for Climate e-learning (25 brand participants).
• GIZ PDP Solar Rooftop Initiative saw 76 participants, where 18 facilities completed feasibility studies and four implemented solar installations.
• Cascale’s flagship Annual Meeting welcomed 600 attendees – more than ever previously recorded for the event.

In 2024, Cascale also launched the “Source of Good” podcast to amplify real-world applications of the Higg Index tools and sustainability leadership around the globe; the podcast was heard in 51 countries.

The report concludes with a message of pragmatic optimism: that bold ambitions require bold collaboration, and that while Cascale can’t transform the industry alone, it will continue convening the people and platforms needed to get there.

“The climate science is clear. With global emissions once again reaching record highs, as reported in the latest Global Climate Change Indicators report, the urgency could not be clearer,” said Lee Green, Vice President, Marketing & Communications at Cascale. “At Cascale, we’re committed to supporting our members and partners to drive real change – faster, and together.”

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Yum! Brands

Since its founding in 1997, Yum! and its brands have Served Up Good by investing in initiatives that enable team members, employees and communities to thrive. Yum! remains committed to using its capital – financial and human – to reduce food insecurity and to help individuals gain the skills and capabilities they need to build meaningful careers. This series highlights both the stories of leaders within Yum! who are driving meaningful change and shaping a better future for all, as well as the beneficiaries of the many community impact programs Yum! leads around the world.

KFC Restaurant General Manager Shantel F.’s restaurant in Eugene, Oregon, has raised over $60,000 for the KFC Foundation in the past two years from customers opting to round up their check to the next dollar, making the location the top fundraising KFC in the United States.

The KFC Foundation supports and empowers KFC restaurant employees and communities across the U.S. through education, financial and hardship assistance, and community giving programs—including the Kentucky Fried Wishes program, which grants nonprofits $10,000 to make a project on their wish list come true.

Below is a conversation with Shantel about her team’s passion for the KFC Foundation and giving back to the community through Kentucky Fried Wishes.

Why is the KFC Foundation’s community giving program, Kentucky Fried Wishes, important to you?

Last year was the second time my team was given the opportunity to select a nonprofit to receive a Kentucky Fried Wishes Grant as a reward for raising the most funds for the KFC Foundation in the U.S. We chose Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that provides beds to children in need in our area. Getting the opportunity to give back is so important because I want to have a greater impact on my community. My team and I are motivated by the good that is possible through our work and the generosity of our customers – it fuels our work every day.

What is your favorite memory with Kentucky Fried Wishes?

When we presented the $10,000 grant check to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, we did so at their annual “build day.” I attended the event, along with two of my shift supervisors and two team members. That day, we worked with other volunteers to build a total of 200 beds for children in the community. I loved getting to present the check to the organization at this event because we got to see the direct impact of our efforts. Each bed we helped to fund or build meant one less child in Euguene was without a place to sleep. It was inspiring!

What have you learned from this experience?

I’ve learned the importance of sharing the impact of the KFC Foundation and asking our customers for a donation every time they make a purchase. All donations, big or small, can be used to make a difference in the lives of our communities, and giving our customers the opportunity to be part of the impact is important. 

What do you feel when someone mentions Kentucky Fried Wishes?

Proud. When people see that KFC is investing in organizations and causes that matter to them, they want to support that. I see this not from just customers, but from the nonprofits in our area as well. It is cool to see the word get out about what we are doing to support the people of Eugene and becoming known as a restaurant who cares. It makes me feel like I’m making a real impact in my community beyond the service we provide in the restaurant.