Tag: 3BL

By Candace Higginbotham

“Being there for people is extremely important to me,” said Kay Goke, Regions associate who was recently named winner of this year’s Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award.

And Goke is more than just ‘there’ for her Shreveport, Louisiana-area community. She puts her life on the line every day to protect and serve her neighbors and works tirelessly to support military families.

Goke is a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) for the Haughton Fire Department, taking emergency calls on nights and weekends, or whenever she’s not working in her full-time position as Digital Experience Researcher in Regions’ Technology, Operations, Digital and Data division.

She volunteers at the Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning as an EMT test proctor and is actively involved in the Junior Firefighter Program, which educates youth about careers in fire service.

Fire service is a big part of her life. But it’s not her only passion.

As a 17-year military spouse, Goke is also committed to serving her community – and country – through military support programs. She’s an active member of the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council, which helps the community better serve the airmen at the local Barksdale Air Force Base. And she recently launched the first Regions Military Support Community in the Shreveport area, which brings together bank associates with a desire to assist military personnel at Barksdale and their families.

Goke’s life of service doesn’t end there. She serves in a leadership role for Camp Spark, a local youth camp, where she’s currently helping launch a Regions Next Step^® financial wellness program for the high-school students who participate.

With that level of dedication, it’s not hard to believe that Goke reported a whopping 555 hours of volunteer time last year.

To honor the tremendous positive impact her service brings to the local community, Goke was presented the Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award at the recent Chairman’s Club event, where Regions leadership gathered to celebrate the company’s top performers.

“Kay, I appreciate all you do to make a positive difference in your community while shining a light on our core values,” said Chairman, President and CEO John Turner as he presented the award to Goke. “Your story is an example for all of us, it is our honor to raise awareness of your incredible service – while also sharing with you our deep and sincere gratitude.”

The Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award is Regions’ highest honor for service to the community. The award is given to an associate whose volunteerism and outreach has made a lasting impact and has put into action the company’s mission to make life better for the communities it serves.

Recipients are selected by a cross-functional committee made up of Regions associates across several markets who review hundreds of high-impact submissions each year and make the very difficult decision to pick just one winner.

Named after longtime Regions associate Lee Ann Petty, who served as volunteer services coordinator in Regions’ Community Engagement division, the first award was presented in 2023 and Goke is the third honoree.

Goke recalls that serving others has been part of her life as long as she can remember. “My family was very service oriented,” she said. “My mom worked for the municipal government for around 40 years, so I get much of my calling for service from her.”

But ironically, it was during her career at Regions where she found her passion for firefighting.

After joining the bank in 2013, Goke obtained her four-year degree and has held a number of key positions in the company, including the Regions Social Media Customer Care team based in Birmingham, Alabama.

She put her professional skills to work by volunteering as a public information officer for the Montevallo Fire Department, just south of Birmingham. She soon realized she would be a more effective communicator for the department if she had a better understanding of the firefighter role. She underwent training and she was hooked.

Goke served the Montevallo department on a volunteer basis until early 2024 when her husband, Jonathan, a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, was relocated to Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport. Goke has experienced a number of deployments over the years, including a move to Europe for a period of time. But this one was different.

“The move from Montevallo was hard,” Goke said. “Because of my work as a volunteer firefighter, I was very attached to the community and the department. I honestly didn’t know if I would be able to continue my service.”

After some research, she found the Haughton fire department, which turned out similar in many ways to the Montevallo department. Right away, she knew it was a good fit.

“Many volunteer firefighters don’t stay long, due to the requirements and demands,” said Haughton Fire Chief Jimmy Holland, “That’s not the case with Kay. She makes us better because she’s always working to do more.”

Holland explained that Haughton is a combination department, with both career and volunteer personnel. Though Goke is a volunteer, she has just as many certifications, credentials and experience as many full-time firefighters.

Goke approaches her career at Regions with the same energy and enthusiasm.

“Kay is a delight to have on the team,” said Krissy Scoufis, Digital Research and Innovation Manager. “She has strong customer-centric experience from prior roles in the contact center, Marketing and HR. She brings energy and care into every task. I’m thrilled and honored to be part of her journey.”

“My volunteer work has actually enhanced my professional career at Regions,” Goke said. “I’ve gained more confidence and am more sure of myself now than I was before.”

Though her current role is remote, she quickly engaged with the Regions’ Shreveport market teams and the local community. She immediately reached out to Northwest Louisiana Market Executive Denny Moton and the Louisiana Impact Network to introduce herself and get plugged in to local activities.

“Kay and I clicked immediately,” Moton said. “I was excited about getting her involved in our local community and with bank activities. I thought I was going to have to spend time introducing her and getting her engaged, but she has blazed her own trails and we’ve been able to follow in her footsteps.”

Just as quickly, Goke immersed herself in the military community, which has always been a big part of her life. Launching the Regions Military Support Community was a personal project that she’s very proud of.

“I’m a military spouse who has moved around quite a bit, without family or friends close by, and I know how important it is to have a support system,” she said.

And becoming a member of the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide support for personnel stationed at the base, was another significant accomplishment. The group serves as an advocacy organization and liaison between civilians and base command, ensuring communication and cooperation between military leadership and community groups and civic leaders.

Bringing the three parts of her life together – her career at Regions, her volunteer firefighter work and her military support role – is a lot to juggle. But it fulfills her, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Goke credits a strong support system, with caring managers and mentors, including Clara Green, head of Regions’ Inclusion, Belonging and Impact; Ryan King, head of Talent Acquisition and others, who saw her potential and helped guide her life and career.

“Having support is critical for me to be able to do all this,” she said. “The supportive team at Regions, the team at the fire department and my supportive team at home – they make it possible for me to make a real difference in my community.”

According to Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Engagement at Regions, Goke is truly living Regions’ mission and values and sets an inspiring example for all associates. “Kay’s dedication to saving lives and helping people in need reflects a life of generous, selfless service,” Abrahams said. “That’s what the Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award is all about and I’m so pleased and proud to honor her work.”

In recognition of Goke’s service, Regions is making a $2,500 donation to the Haughton Firefighters Fund. She will receive a commemorative plaque and five bonus vacation days – to take time for herself after dedicating so much time to others.

When asked what motivates and inspires her, Goke said she relies on a special quote that has become her guiding principle: “At the end of my life when I stand before God, I want to be able to tell him, ‘I used every talent you gave me.’”

International Olympic Committee news

The two reopenings reflect the core of the IOC’s Olympic Agenda: a commitment to making the Games more than a celebration of sport, but rather a catalyst for long-term social, economic and environmental change.

“What we’re seeing with the reopening of these two sites is that legacy isn’t theoretical, it’s physical, social and visible in the lives of people who now have access to places they didn’t before,” says Marie Sallois, IOC Director for Sustainability and Legacy.

Paris 2024 was the first Games fully shaped by the principles of Olympic Agenda. Legacy was built in from the start, through smart venue planning, local partnerships and a focus on long-term benefits for communities. Today that promise is becoming visible: in reopened hillsides, new trails and extended parkland.
Marie Sallois IOC Director for Sustainability and Legacy

Élancourt Hill: a viewpoint reclaimed

Élancourt Hill, at 231 metres above sea level, is the highest natural point in the Paris region. Until recently, few locals had ever been to the top. Once a sandstone quarry, later a landfill and eventually rehabilitated in the 1980s, the site remained fenced off for decades — inaccessible and forgotten.

For the Games, the hill was transformed into the Olympic mountain bike venue. Riders tackled a technical course designed to take advantage of its steep inclines and dramatic views. Spectators watched from grassy slopes and purpose-built stands, with the skyline of Paris — including the Eiffel Tower — visible on the horizon.

Now, the barriers are gone. Reopened to the public in May 2025, Élancourt Hill is no longer just a venue. It’s a 52-hectare public space, with mountain bike trails of varying difficulty, walking paths, a free-access pumptrack, picnic areas and panoramic viewpoints. For a department like Yvelines, with fewer major urban parks than central Paris, this is an important boost to the quality of life of its residents.

Parc Georges-Valbon: expanding the green heart of Seine-Saint-Denis

Further east, in the heart of Seine-Saint-Denis, Parc Georges-Valbon is undergoing its own transformation. At over 400 hectares, it’s one of the largest urban parks in Europe — but until now, parts of it were disconnected or underused. A 13-hectare patch of land on its northern edge, known as the Terrain des Essences, was previously a military fuel depot, closed off and heavily contaminated.

That land has been cleaned up, restored and integrated into the park. The new section, with natural habitats, walking paths and biodiversity zones, not only expands the park, but also improves its accessibility, thanks to new mobility links.

During the Games, Parc Georges-Valbon served as one of Paris 2024’s official fan zones, drawing tens of thousands for concerts, community events and big-screen Olympic broadcasts. Its expansion now cements it as a permanent green refuge in one of France’s most densely populated and least green departments.

First Games aligned with Olympic Agenda

Paris 2024 were the first Games fully aligned with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020, which set a path towards more sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games. Olympic Agenda calls on future hosts to maximise positive impact while minimising their environmental footprint, for example, by reusing existing venues wherever possible, accelerating infrastructure that benefits residents, encouraging physical activity, and embedding legacy planning from the earliest stages of Games planning.

With 95 per cent of venues either existing or temporary, Paris 2024 was structured to act as a catalyst for long-term change, with strategic investment focused on Seine-Saint-Denis, one of France’s youngest, most diverse and most disadvantaged departments, long underserved in terms of transport, sports infrastructure and green space.

A third of the Olympic venues were in the department, including the new Aquatics Centre, the Olympic Village and major celebration zones, strategically located to serve the local community, creating more access to housing, sports infrastructure and green spaces.

“As the one-year anniversary of the Games approaches, the reopening of Élancourt Hill and Parc Georges-Valbon offers a powerful answer to a fundamental question: what do the Games leave behind?” says Sallois. “In Paris, they leave behind greener and more connected communities, and we’re only just beginning to see that long-term impact take shape.”

FALLS CHURCH, Va., May 21, 2025 /3BL/ – Schools across the U.S. and Canada have the opportunity to boost their recycling efforts with financial support from the Carton Council. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to help U.S. and Canadian K-12 schools establish, enhance or expand food and beverage carton recycling programs.

The average school consumes an estimated 75,000 milk, juice and other food and beverage cartons, but only 10% of U.S. primary and secondary schools currently recycle them. In Canada, cartons make up over 9% of elementary school waste sent to landfills, highlighting the need for greater access and participation in school recycling programs. By participating in carton recycling, schools can help ensure these valuable materials are recycled into new paper products or premium building materials.

The new 2025 grant program is open April 1 through May 31, 2025. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Canadian public and private K-12 schools, school districts or boards, school organizations, local governments, or individuals supporting a school’s recycling program. To qualify, schools must confirm they have access to carton recycling by contacting their local waste services provider and receive administrative approval for the initiative before applying.

“By sorting empty milk, juice, and other cartons, schools contribute to ensuring these cartons are recycled into new products while reducing landfill waste,” said Jordan Fengel, executive director of the Carton Council. “Beyond the environmental benefits, schools may also see cost savings on waste hauling fees while providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities in sustainable practices.”

Grant funds can be used to purchase sorting equipment or collection bins, create communications, print signage, establish a “green team,” or other activities that support school carton recycling. Past recipients have used similar grants to launch new recycling programs or improve existing ones, reduce waste and engage students in educational sustainability efforts.

Schools interested in enhancing their recycling efforts shouldn’t miss this opportunity. Apply by May 31, 2025, for a chance to receive up to $5,000 in funding. Grant recipients will be selected in June 2025, with funds disbursed shortly after. Resources and support are available to help schools implement effective carton recycling programs. U.S. schools can learn more and apply at Recyclecartons.com/schools, and Canadian schools can find details at RecycleCartons.ca/project/2025-carton-recycling-grant-program-for-schools.

###

ABOUT THE CARTON COUNCIL: The Carton Council is a coalition of four leading food and beverage carton manufacturers—Elopak, Pactiv Evergreen, SIG, and Tetra Pak— united to deliver long-term solutions to expand the recycling of used food and beverage cartons in the US and Canada. Cartons are commonly used to package products like milk, broth, soup, juice, and other beverages. When recycled, they can be transformed into new paper products or premium building materials, contributing to a circular economy. The Carton Council is committed to working with all stakeholders in the value chain to increase collection, sorting and recycling of used cartons. For more information, visit RecycleCartons.com (U.S.) or RecycleCartons.ca(Canada).

NEW YORK, May 21, 2025 /3BL/ – This week, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose© (CECP) is bringing together nearly 200 senior social impact, corporate responsibility, and sustainability leaders from the world’s leading global companies for the 22nd annual CECP Summit: Unleash the Power of Purpose.

This vital network of corporate leaders is engaging and learning together at the event, navigating an agenda that delivered powerful insights on trends, strategic partnerships, and how purpose powers performance in business. The variety of session topics reflect the many complex issues companies are currently facing in social impact and sustainability including navigating socioeconomic change, employee engagement, strategic partnerships, non-financial reporting, the ROI of corporate foundations, disaster response, measuring social investments, and more.

“The leaders gathered at this week’s CECP Summit play a pivotal role in bridging corporate purpose with business performance—strengthening customer loyalty, enhancing employee engagement, building brand trust, attracting top talent, and fostering investor confidence,” said Daryl Brewster, CEO, CECP. “Through CECP’s unparalleled insights, benchmarking, executive convenings, and strategic counsel, we empower these leaders to embed purpose into their company’s strategy, driving long-term sustainable value while advancing their role as responsible corporate citizens in an increasingly complex world.”

The Summit includes the presentation of the Charles H. Moore Award for Leadership in Corporate Community Engagement. The 2025 “Charlie Award” was presented to Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy and President of the Morgan Stanley Foundation. The award is named in honor of CECP’s founding Executive Director and is presented to senior leaders who exemplify perseverance in the pursuit of societal advancement, the trait for which Charlie Moore was best known.

“It is an honor to receive the Charles H. Moore Award, as Charlie championed the power of business doing well by doing good,” said Steinberg. “I want to thank CECP for its partnership in pushing for more urgent action across sectors to help address the children’s mental health crisis and fill the substantial funding gap on this critical issue.”

Steinberg also serves as the CEO of the Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health, which was established in February 2020 to address the escalating crisis in children’s mental health through growth capital, capacity building, seed funding, and thought leadership, reaching over 52 million people globally since its launch.

After nine years in the nonprofit sector, Steinberg joined Morgan Stanley in 1997. She currently oversees the Firm’s global philanthropic programs, including strategic planning and execution, employee engagement, and corporate and Foundation grantmaking. She has more than quadrupled the Firm’s giving, created programs for over 80,000 global employees, and expanded the philanthropic geographic outreach to serve more communities.

At the CECP Summit, attendees will receive the first look at data from CECP’s 2025 Giving in Numbers^TM Survey. Giving in Numbers is the unrivaled leader in benchmarking on corporate social investments, in partnership with companies. Over 24 years, CECP has created the largest and most historical data set on trends in the industry, shared by more than 650 multi-billion-dollar companies, representing more than $510 billion in corporate social investments over that time span. The Giving in Numbers report, based on the survey data, is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year by recognizing companies that have taken part every year in that timespan, telling their community investment story, and gathering their feedback on the future of the report. 

The CECP Summit offers an unparalleled line up of speakers including:

• Jessica Stanford, Head of Global Employee Engagement, Applied Materials
• Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer, Benevity
• Olivia Jefferson, Vice President, Social Impact, Best Buy Corporation
• Andrew J. Troup, Head of Giving & Engagement, Blackbaud, Inc.
• Lauren McCarthy, Vice President, CSR Products, Bonterra
• Molly Kinder, Fellow, Brookings Institution
• Jason Carter, Chair, The Carter Center
• Amy Guimond, Head of Business Insights, Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco
• Florencia Spangaro, Chief Operating Officer, Citi Foundation
• LaSandra Boykin, Director, Community Investments & VP CSX Foundation, CSX
• Brandon Jankovsky, Vice President Impact Partnerships, Discovery Education
• Diane Shelton, Philanthropy Manager, DPR Construction
• Justin Blake, Global Chair, Executive Positioning and Executive Director, Edelman Trust Institute,Edelman
• Scott Baier, Director, Philanthropy & Community Impact, Edward Jones
• Jenny Holaday, President, Encore Boston Harbor
• Paula Conrad, President, Exelon Foundation, and Vice President, Corporate Relations, Exelon
• Jennifer Leitsch, Americas Corporate Sustainability Leader, Managing Director, Climate Change and Sustainability Service, EY
• Maeve Miccio, Head of Philanthropic Consulting, Fidelity Investments
• Ritse Erumi, Program Officer, Future of Work(ers), The Ford Foundation
• Sara Link, IBM Global Head of Employee Impact, Corporate Social Responsibility, IBM
• Regina Robinson, Deputy Commissioner, MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Zeynep Ton, Professor of the Practice, MIT Sloan School of Management
• Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy and President of Morgan Stanley Foundation, Morgan Stanley
• Daniel Gillison, Chief Executive Officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Heather Nesle, President, New York Life Foundation
• Juliet Serrato, Director, Social Impact and Corporate Affairs, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
• Bret Raymond, Co-founder & CEO, The Pack Shack
• Caroline Roan, Chief Sustainability Officer & President, The Pfizer Foundation, Pfizer, Inc.
• Elyse Cohen, Chief Impact Officer, Rare Beauty; President, Rare Impact Fund, Rare Beauty
• George Sutcliffe, Associate Director, Corporate Social Responsibility Impact Measurement, Reporting & Strategy, RTX
• Tanisha Sullivan, Head, External Engagement & Health Equity Strategy Corporate Affairs, Sanofi
• Andre Norman, Founder, Second Chance University
• Christy Kiely, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
• Annette Tyman, Partner, Labor and Employment, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
• Aleksandra Dobkowski-Joy, Chief ESG and Sustainability Officer, Solventum
• Kim Koeman, Global Director of Impact, Steelcase
• Ben Cunningham, Public Speaker, Workshop Presenter, Storyteller
• Katie Levey, Global Program Director, CSR, Tata Consultancy Services
• Gideon Maltz, CEO, Tent Partnership for Refugees
• Amy Collins, Business Administrative Executive, Truist Financial Corporation
• Bill Rogers, Chairman and CEO, Truist Financial Corporation
• Kirstie Sims, Group Director, Retail Opportunity, Walmart
• Monica Moradkhan, Vice President of Community Relations, Wynn Resorts

CECP thanks its sponsors for their generous support of the CECP Summit: Blackbaud, Exelon, State Farm, Fidelity Investments, and Wynn Resorts.

CECP also congratulates the 2024-2025 Company Spotlight honorees: Abbott, Amgen Foundation, Vanguard, Applied Materials, Bank of America, United Health Foundation, Best Buy, Cisco, Zoetis Foundation, Discovery Education, Otsuka, and Wells Fargo. On a quarterly basis, CECP selects companies for the Company Spotlight through a thoughtful information-sharing and communications-support process. Company Spotlights are shared over 2,000 affiliated corporate leaders, posted on the CECP website as case studies for other affiliated companies, and recognized at the CECP Summit. Following the conclusion of the 2025 CECP Summit, CECP will be posting on its website photos, videos, guest blogs, and an Executive Summary.

The application process for the 2026 Charlie Award is open. Nominate a peer senior leader in corporate responsibility today. The deadline is August 30. The application can be accessed here or by emailing CECP.

About Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP) 
Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP) is the only nonpartisan business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. We promote responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line.

More than 200 of the world’s leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP’s solutions in research and insights, strategy and benchmarking, and convening and communications. With our companies, we harness the power of purpose for business, stakeholders, and society.

For more information, visit http://cecp.co.

###

CECP Media Contact
Katie Leasor
kleasor@cecp.co

by Katherine Miller of Niman Ranch

Since the beginning, Niman Ranch has set out to be a different kind of meat company — one focused on holistically boosting the family farms in its network, the animals they raise and the environment in which they produce them. In a head-to-head analysis with conventional producers, Niman Ranch’s values-driven approach to business was found to be a boon for local farming communities, producing a higher number of jobs and positively contributing to the regional economy in Iowa.

The study, conducted by Dave Swenson, an economist at Iowa State University, quantified for the first time Niman Ranch’s significant contributions to the local economy in jobs and labor income. The report found that Niman Ranch’s contributions are nearly double those of conventional producers. Swenson’s analysis focused on the impact in Iowa specifically, but the conclusions can be applied more broadly as Niman Ranch farmers are found in 20 states across the U.S.

Niman Ranch is well-known for its premium pork, beef and lamb which are available in fine-dining restaurants, values-driven fast casual chains and grocers across the country. The company works with a network of over 600 small- and mid-size independent family farms that all uphold high standards of sustainable and humane farming practices. In return, farmers receive a stable, premium market for their products.

Read more insights from Katherine’s in her article here – https://greenmoney.com/niman-ranchs-outsized-impact-on-local-economies

=====

Mastercard

For many people, when vacation time comes, anxiety ramps up, not down. Is three hours enough time to get to the airport three miles away? Did you pack your earbuds? Did you pack your back-up earbuds? Your back-up back-up earbuds? Is the tip included in the service charge? Is the service charge the same thing as a cover charge? Does sunscreen come in 1,000 SPF?

This is precisely the mental state that scammers seek to exploit — when we’re overwhelmed, distracted and on the move. From fake confirmation links to bogus guided tour offers that require pre-payment to manipulated photos of vacation rentals to hidden fees, the travel industry is a known target for fraudsters and is among the most susceptible to attacks, according to an analysis by the Mastercard Economics Institute —with the fraud rate in travel-related industries experiencing more than twice the median fraud rate across all sectors.

In fact, a new global Mastercard Economics Institute report on travel based on aggregated and anonymized transaction data reveals that reported fraud rates increased by more than 18% at popular summer destinations in warm periods and more than 28% during the cold season at winter destinations.

So as summer travel season gets underway, I asked Mastercard’s cybersecurity experts for tips on protecting my money, my data and my identity before I leave and while I’m on the go.

01
Book on reputable websites

When booking your flights, hotels or experiences abroad, interact only with reputable, established vendors. Before you snag yourself a deal, read the reviews and examine their site to ensure it is secure. Make sure the company you are booking with has a phone number or physical mailing address that you can verify before you proceed.

02
Use your own device and secure Wi-Fi networks

Never book or shop on a device you don’t own, or on public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in airports, train stations or cafés. Keep in mind that your information and financial accounts may be at risk if you use an unsecure network. Use your mobile data or, better yet, wait until you can use your home network. And keep your devices’ operating systems up to date — they contain critical security updates that protect you from vulnerabilities.

03
Know your rights

Check what travel benefits and insurance you have in place for your booking and while you are abroad, via your bank or your credit card provider. Familiarize yourself with the chargeback process. This can help prepare you for when you find yourself in a tricky situation — for example, if there are fraudulent or unauthorized charges on your account, damaged or defective goods or incorrect charges. It can help to preregister your trip location and dates with your credit card provider to ensure they know the purchases you make while away are not flagged as suspicious.

04
Protect your tech

Setting up multifactor authentication — a combination of a unique, hard-to-guess passcode and biometrics like your face or fingerprint — means that if your passcode is compromised, fraudsters won’t be able to meet the second authentication requirement, which stops them from gaining access to your accounts. In addition, pack a charging cord with a traditional plug. USB and USB-C cables can transfer data, which could occur when you plug the cable into a public USB/USB-C port. Using a traditional plug removes the risk of data transfer.

05
Back up to the cloud and carry hard copies

Set your phone or device so that data is backed up to the cloud: If you lose your device, you will still be able to access your travel documentation. As an extra precaution, carry hard copies of all your travel documents. Take a photo of the inside of your passport, especially the bar code, which will help if you need to request a replacement when traveling.

06
Know your card’s PIN and check contactless limits

Knowing your credit card and daily debit card limits and PINs can help make travel easier. The PIN assigned to your card is required at ATMs and at some payment terminals abroad. Some countries also have limits on how much you can spend per contactless transaction.

07
Set up account alerts

Setting up alerts can help you monitor your accounts easily and quickly identify transactions that you don’t recognize. Should you suspect fraudulent activity, contact the financial institution that issued your card immediately.

08
Have multiple payment options

Keep an alternate form of payment in a different bag in case your wallet is lost or stolen. Add your eligible debit and credit cards to a digital wallet so you can pay with your mobile device wherever digital payments are accepted — in stores, online and in apps.

09
Don’t overshare

Avoid posting your location or travel agenda on social media. Sharing these details allows potential thieves to keep track of where you are, making it easier for them to time a crime. The same goes for your out of office email message — be careful which personal details you share, as it could prove useful to fraudsters.

10
Report your lost card quickly

If your debit or credit card is lost or stolen while you’re traveling, report it to your bank right away. If you previously added your card to a digital wallet and you are still in possession of your device, your card issuer may be able to update your digital wallet with your new card information so that you can continue using it while you wait for your new card to arrive.

This story was originally published July 1, 2024 and has been updated to reflect new research on travel fraud and fresh tips. 

Originally published by Mastercard

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

Client background

Equity Residential (Equity) is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) focused on the acquisition, development and management of rental apartment properties located in urban and high density suburban markets. Headquartered in Chicago with over 2,700 employees who serve investments in 307 properties consisting of 79,482 apartment units, primarily located in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California and Denver.

The business challenge

Due to a competitive market and nature of the work, talent acquisition has been a high priority for Equity Residential. With high turnover in some segments of their business, its workforce was constantly changing. Equity was looking to consolidate and integrate their HR technology footprint to achieve a more seamless front end experience for candidates and managers, while also minimizing the required support on the back-end. They had already begun the journey to consolidate their HR technology footprint with the implementation of Oracle HCM Cloud (Core HR), so the timing was ideal to execute a transition from OTAC to Oracle Recruiting.

The Baker Tilly approach

Equity selected Oracle Recruiting to deploy into their existing HCM Cloud suite, for a new and improved Talent Acquisition solution. Baker Tilly used its Jump Start implementation methodology that allowed the project team to leverage the design of Equity’s existing Taleo Recruiting solution to enter the project kickoff session with a pre-configured Oracle Recruiting environment for review. This pre-configuration enabled Equity to focus on the value enhancement related aspects of the project such as the external career site and Oracle Digital Assistant. Throughout the Design and Build Phase, Baker Tilly used its playback concept to show Equity iterative progress of the new solution, so that in the Test Phase there were minimal surprises. Given Equity was already live on Oracle HCM Cloud, we relied on our knowledge transfer approach to educate their HRIT team and enable them to take ownership throughout the Deploy Phase and through the stabilization period. 

The business impact

Equity has achieved the following from the transition from Taleo to Oracle Recruiting:

• A new career website with a professional look and consistent feel for a better user and candidate experience allowing them to better source and recruit talent in a competitive industry
• Standardized recruitment processes across their different geographies, lending to streamlined processes internally for the talent acquisition team
• Increased confidence amongst leadership in sourcing, recruiting and hiring processes taking place across the organization
• The ability to eliminate additional vendor contracts and diminish total cost of ownership – including maintenance related costs associated with monitoring new hire integration between OTAC and HCM Cloud
• A swift implementation that was completed ahead of their heavy recruitment season

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

PSEG ENERGIZE!

Growing up in the heart of Hudson County, New Jersey, Carolina Ramos always felt a connection to her community and a desire to make a difference. Her path led her from college studies to hands-on experience in local government and, ultimately, to a career in the growing energy sector. But what stands out most in her story is how she turned her passion into opportunity – and how others can do the same.

A personal mission to create change

After studying environmental sciences at Rutgers University, Carolina joined the AmeriCorps VISTA program in Jersey City, where she worked on recycling initiatives before transitioning to the city’s sustainability department.

[CEJ] helped me figure out exactly what kind of work I was looking for.”
– Carolina Ramos, Clean Energy Jobs program graduate

“That’s where I did what I really loved, giving back to my community and being a civil servant,” she said.

But Carolina knew there was more to learn, and as the clean energy industry rapidly expanded, she wanted to be part of it in a bigger way.

In addition to taking data science courses, connecting with industry leaders and learning from seasoned professionals, she became involved with “Latinx in Sustainability.” As part of its leadership team, Carolina helped develop mentorship programs, professional development stipends and webinars to make the clean energy industry more accessible.

“We wanted to let people know that there is space for everyone in this industry,” she explained.

The right connections, the right opportunities

Through her network, Carolina was introduced to the Clean Energy Jobs Program, an initiative that helps New Jersey residents access training and career opportunities in the clean energy sector. CEJ works with the state’s Department of Labor and numerous public and private partners, including PSE&G, to connect job seekers with real-world opportunities, from skilled trades to professional roles in energy consulting.

Carolina shared her career goals with CEJ, and they helped her refine her resume, identify job openings and navigate the hiring process.

“They helped me figure out exactly what kind of work I was looking for,” she said.

A career with purpose and growth

Thanks to the support and resources available through CEJ, Carolina landed a position at an energy consulting firm, where she now works on projects that improve efficiency, assess energy usage and help companies – including PSE&G – implement smart solutions.

“It’s been great to get all the technical skills I wanted, to challenge myself and to learn more about the industry,” she said. “I’ve always advocated for myself, wanting to contribute to different communities – especially Spanish-speaking communities – while building a strong technical skill set.”

Even as she builds her career, Carolina is focused on helping others find their path in the clean energy sector. She volunteers at resume workshops and speaks to students and job seekers about the variety of opportunities available.

“I know there are so many people who think they can’t be part of this industry because they don’t have a four-year degree or they’re still in community college,” she said. “But there are so many different opportunities, whether you want to go into the trades, pursue certifications or work in analysis like I do. It’s a booming industry, and there’s room for so many more voices.”

Powering the future – together

Carolina’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity. With the right support and access to resources like the Clean Energy Jobs Program, more people can step into rewarding careers in the energy industry.

For those looking to make a career move, whether in the trades, technology or analysis, now is the time. The industry is growing, the opportunities are real, and, like Carolina, you might just find the perfect fit.

About The Clean Energy Jobs Program

The Clean Energy Jobs Program has supported the placement of more than 2,700 individuals in clean energy jobs since its inception, helping to build a skilled workforce that supports both economic and environmental progress in New Jersey.

For more information about the Clean Energy Jobs Program and other energy efficiency initiatives, visit pseg.com/CleanEnergyJobs.

Around the world, different countries mark Mother’s Day in their own ways and on different dates. But at Gen, we believe moms and all working parents deserve to be celebrated every day.

That’s why, this season, we’re highlighting the people behind the job titles who make room for both ambition and bedtime stories, spreadsheets and snack time, global strategy calls and classroom drop-offs. Their stories may vary, but they share is powerful: they’re showing up, growing and doing their best for their families and their teams.

Working parents don’t get to hit pause. Not when emails start pinging. Not when daycare pickup clashes with a global call. And definitely not when real life and work life overlap in ways that require empathy, flexibility anda company that’s ready to support both.

Gen is proud to have been recognized by Newsweek as a Best Workplace for Parents and Families and a Best Workplace for Women; these honors reflect our commitment to building an environment where all people can thrive in all parts of their lives.

Here’s how two of our Genovators are doing just that.

Purpose in every role

Britt Polosky, Head of Global Partner Go To Market, has been with Gen for 10 years. She’s raising two boys (ages 4.5 and 1.5) all while leading global strategy.

“Being a working mom is a balancing act that comes with its fair share of challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” she says. “It gives me the chance to show my kids the value of hard work while also pursuing my own goals.”

She runs from meeting to meeting, manages drop-offs and pickups, and sports too. “Despite the busy days (and the lack of sleep), being a working mom fills me with a sense of purpose and pride, knowing I’m growing both personally and as a parent.”

Getting it done

Kim Bishop, our Corporate Responsibility Manager, leads nonprofit campaigns, employee engagement and giving initiatives, all while raising two young daughters.

“I’m lucky to have a partner who takes mornings so I can hit the ground running with our international colleagues,” she says. “And when the day ends, I dive back into mom mode. Dinner, playtime, bedtime.”

“Having managers who are also parents? Game-changing,” Kim says. “There are days when I can’t be on camera or need more time to turn something around. My team gets it.”

Creating spaces for balance: Mother’s Rooms and Wellness Rooms

As part of our investment in workplace wellbeing, Gen has built a network of Mother’s Rooms and Wellness Rooms across our global offices — thoughtfully designed spaces that support the realities of modern work, parenting and life.

The Mother’s Rooms are quiet, private retreats equipped with comfortable seating, a small sink, and an under-counter fridge, making them ideal for nursing parents. The Wellness Rooms are open to all employees and designed to support both physical and mental health during the workday.

We currently maintain seven of these spaces globally, with two more Mother’s Rooms underway in our Prague and Tempe offices.

“These spaces matter,” Kim says. “They help us show up better for ourselves, our families and our work.”

Liane Chan, Workplace Planner at Gen, recently returned from maternity leave, shared her experience:

“Becoming a mom has been one of the greatest joys of my life. When I’m in the office, the Mother’s Room has truly become my favorite place to be.”

Reframing the return and logging back in

While Kim felt supported in her transition back to work, she’s honest about the emotional weight that comes with re-entry.

“Coming back after maternity leave isn’t just about logging in again. It’s about learning how to be yourself in a new way,” she says. “You’re not the same person you were before.”

Britt adds, “Adjusting to a new normal isn’t easy, so give yourself grace! I’ve learned you may never feel like your old self again…and maybe that’s ok. The goal should be to make an effort to be fully present, whether you’re focusing on work or spending time with your kids.”

Celebrating the chaos and the growth

What are they most proud of?

“At Gen, it’s helping employees connect with causes that matter and seeing the ripple effect of our impact,” Kim says. At home? “It’s my girls. I’ve grown so much in these last four years because of them.”

Britt shares, “As a professional, I’m proud of the growth I’ve experienced and the impact I’ve made. As a mom, I’m proud of the little moments with my kids — and the resilience I show every day.”

She jokes, “When my oldest is upset, he tells me, ‘Go make a work call, Mommy!’—so I’m pretty sure he thinks I just talk to people on the computer all day.”

And while their toddlers may think mom just types and talks on the phone all day, one day they’ll understand the full story: that mom is shaping a better world at work and an even more loving one at home.

Salute to all the working parents, today and every day

At Gen, supporting people means creating space for who they are — at work and at home.

Whether you’re marking the occasion now or later, we’re sending appreciation to every parent finding their rhythm. One preschool pickup, quiet moment and career milestone at a time.

And to the moms of Gen: thank you for showing us how it’s done.

The Pro Bono Institute has awarded Entergy’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel Marcus Brown with the prestigious 2025 Laurie D. Zelon Pro Bono Award. This annual accolade honors individuals and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to pro bono legal services, and Brown’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of community service within Entergy’s legal department.

Over the past decade, Entergy’s dedicated legal team has contributed more than 22,000 hours of pro bono work, resulting in a $6.1 million in-kind donation to the communities we serve.

“Receiving the Laurie D. Zelon Pro Bono Award is an honor for the entire Entergy legal team, whose collective efforts have made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many people across the communities we serve. We believe that access to justice is a fundamental right and our commitment to pro bono work reflects that belief,” said Brown.

Under Brown’s guidance, Entergy has established strong partnerships with several nonprofit organizations, providing valuable legal support to those who might otherwise face barriers in accessing necessary services. Our pro bono initiatives focus on a variety of issues, including support for low-income families, nonprofits and small businesses, and veterans where legal assistance can significantly enhance the quality of life.

In addition to helping create a program that dramatically increased the pro bono commitment of the company’s attorneys and legal staff, Brown also established a full-time, in-house counsel role at Entergy dedicated to pro bono legal assistance – a unique position amongst Fortune 500 companies. In this role, Christy Kane, Entergy’s senior pro bono counsel has been instrumental in expanding in-house pro bono at Entergy, including the launch of EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day with the Pro Bono Institute, and aligning pro bono efforts with Entergy’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The Pro Bono Institute’s acknowledgment of our efforts underscores the vital role companies play in fostering legal access and community support. As businesses continue to recognize their responsibility to society, leaders like Brown serve as inspirations for professionals across industries.

At Entergy, we remain committed to our pro bono mission, with plans to expand our initiatives and impact for the benefit of our customers and communities. Learn more about our legal department’s recent pro bono work.