Tag: 3BL

International Olympic Committee news

As the 2024-25 winter season draws to a close, athletes worldwide are setting their sights on the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Over 400 athletes vying for a spot at the Games are receiving crucial support from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through Olympic Solidarity scholarships. The transformative impact of this support has enabled athletes, including freestyle snowboarder Taiga Hasegawa (JPN), skeleton athlete Nicole Silveira (BRA), luge duo Roberts Plūme and Mārtiņš Bots (LAT), and many others to train at elite levels and achieve remarkable successes throughout the season.

The first scholarships for Milano Cortina 2026 were awarded in autumn 2023, and there are currently 423 athletes (245 men, 178 women) from 87 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) benefitting from the programme.

Discover the list of scholarship-holders

Reaching new heights

Japanese freestyle snowboarder Taiga Hasegawa is aiming high in his sport following a silver medal at the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships 2025. The scholarship-holder believes the support he receives will lead to even greater achievements, and he is setting his sights on the top of the podium for the Olympic Winter Games next year.

“At Milano Cortina 2026, I will win both big air and slopestyle and become the Olympic champion,” he hopes. “Thanks to Olympic Solidarity, I can train in a good environment, go on overseas tours and achieve good results in competitions,” he adds.

Italian freestyle skier Flora Tabanelli has also had remarkable success this season. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “It was a great season. I have grown so much and I am very happy with what I have achieved. Now I’m ready to work as hard as I can to achieve my big goal: Milano Cortina 2026. A memorable result was definitely coming first with my brother Miro in the Big Air World Cup in Tignes, and also winning the overall Park & Pipe Crystal Globe.”

Tabanelli also emphasises the importance of the Olympic Solidarity scholarship in her preparation: “It allows me to train both on snow and on the artificial structures we use for dry training. This will help me to be fully prepared for the Games.”

Historic success in skeleton

The ability to train abroad has been a key factor in the historic success of skeleton athlete Nicole Silveira, who became the first Brazilian athlete to win a World Cup medal in any winter sport.

“For me as an athlete from a tropical country in a winter sport, the Olympic Solidarity scholarship has had a massive impact on my ability to prepare properly for the Games. It allows me to train in Europe and North America with the best equipment, coaches and support team,” she explains.

As well as winning two IBSF Skeleton World Cup bronze medals, Silveira finished fourth at the World Championships, won the Asia Cup title and was crowned Pan American champion. “Each one of these achievements feels like a step forward, not just for me, but for my country and every young athlete who dreams big,” she adds.

Podium dreams

At the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, 10 medals (three gold, two silver and five bronze) were won by athletes with Olympic Solidarity scholarships. The programme helped Latvia secure a bronze medal in the luge team relay event, and has also enabled Roberts Plūme and Mārtiņš Bots to reach new levels of performance in the sport since.

Together, they recorded several World Cup victories last season and took a historic silver medal at the 2025 World Championships. “This achievement is the highest in Latvian luge doubles history in a world championship,” Plūme reveals. “I believe that Olympic Solidarity has been the cornerstone to our recent success. It gives us more opportunities to train at the highest level possible.”

His team-mate agrees it has been “instrumental” in helping them push their limits. “Our goals for Milano Cortina 2026 are ambitious, and we are fully committed to achieving them,” Bots adds.

Achieving excellence

Oriol Cardona Coll (ESP) won gold in the men’s sprint race at the ISMF Ski Mountaineering World Championships, one highlight of an impressive season. “It’s thanks to the scholarship that I am where I am today,” he explains. “I’ve been able to train in a much better way, to optimise my training conditions. This shows in my competition results!”

Cardona Coll also enjoyed success in the mixed relay, where he took silver with another scholarship-holder, compatriot Ana Alonso Rodriguez. The pair can now look forward to representing their fast-growing sport when it makes its Olympic debut next year.

“The moment when Oriol crossed the finish line in second place in the World Championships, securing our place for the Olympic Games, was super nice and emotional,” Alonso Rodriguez reveals. “I was very excited when I realised what we had just achieved, because the road has been very hard and difficult.”

She acknowledges that the Olympic Solidarity support has been a “key element” of her success. “It has allowed me to focus fully on my training and competitions without constantly worrying about the financial burden of life as a top athlete,” she says.

“Thanks to this support I have been able to follow a professional training plan, investing in recovery and performance tools that are essential to keep me at the top. It has been a key element in helping me grow as an athlete and achieve my Olympic dream,” she adds.

Training for success

By providing access to elite training facilities, Olympic Solidarity aims to create a level playing field for athletes. Short track speed skater Stijn Desmet (BEL) won a silver medal in the Men’s 1,500m at the ISU World Short Track Championships in Beijing, China, this season and is pushing himself to be even better.

“Next year I want to reach my highest level and be able to compete for medals in multiple Olympic events,” he says. The support he receives is crucial for his preparation, “I can train at the highest level, in ice rinks that offer great levels of safety, together with my team-mates and with the support of a dedicated staff.”

Making their mark

In alpine skiing, Zrinka Ljutić (CRO) is yet another scholarship-holder who has been making her mark this season. Ljutić celebrated a major milestone by securing the FIS Alpine World Cup slalom Crystal Globe for the 2024-2025 season.

“All the hard work is paying off as I prepare for Milano Cortina 2026,” the 21-year-old enthuses, while crediting the role her scholarship has played. “With this support, I’ve been able to attend key training camps and continue improving my skills, which has been essential to my success this season.”

Empowering athletes globally

The aim of Olympic Solidarity is to provide assistance to all NOCs for athlete development programmes, in particular those with the greatest need of it. Ahead of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, a total of 429 scholarships were awarded to athletes from 80 NOCs. Over 50 per cent of those scholarship-holders, 236, qualified for the Games, winning 10 medals.

Learn more about Olympic Solidarity

SWORDS, Ireland, May 29, 2025 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator, is continuing to set the pace for decarbonizing buildings, industry and the cold chain by reducing energy use and carbon emissions for customers and in its own operations – while consistently delivering leading business and sustainability performance.

Trane Technologies’ 2024 Sustainability Report highlights the company’s consistent execution, focused sustainability strategy and continued investment in innovation.

“We continue to advance sustainability by reducing energy use and emissions through our innovative thermal management systems, electrification and digital enablement for our customers and in our own operations,” said Dave Regnery, chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “Our customer solutions are green for green – good for the planet, and good for our customers’ bottom line.”

Trane Technologies has reduced customer carbon emissions by 237 million metric tons since 2019, on track to meet its Gigaton Challenge goal to reduce one gigaton (or, one billion metric tons) of customer carbon emissions by 2030. In 2024, the company launched 190 new products including a significant portfolio refresh with lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. With high customer demand for sustainable solutions, the company delivered a fourth consecutive year of more than 20% adjusted EPS growth.

“We’re setting the standard for what’s possible in sustainable innovation. While demand for our sustainable solutions and manufacturing needs have increased, we’ve simultaneously reduced carbon emissions and environmental impacts in our operations,” said Mauro Atalla, Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer of Trane Technologies. “We are proving that by embedding sustainability into our purpose, strategy and culture, it is possible to be a growth company, meet ambitious sustainability commitments and add value to customers by helping them meet their goals.”

Trane Technologies’ 2024 Sustainability Report includes a comprehensive set of data, aligned with leading sustainability frameworks, that showcases how centering sustainability in business generates positive outcomes for customers, investors, employees and society.

Notable advancements made in 2024 toward Trane Technologies’ 2030 Sustainability Commitments include (compared to 2019 baseline unless otherwise noted):

• Gigaton Challenge: Reduced 237 million metric tons of carbon – equivalent to the emissions generated from using nearly 27 billion gallons of gasoline – toward the Gigaton Challenge, a pledge to reduce one billion metric tons of carbon from product use emissions by 2030.
• Carbon Neutrality: Reduced operational emissions by 44%, on track toward reaching science-based target of 50% reduction by 2030.
• Absolute Energy: Reduced absolute energy use by 3.2% toward 10% goal, even as manufacturing and production demands increased in support of company growth.
• Renewable Energy*: Met global operational electricity demands with 68% renewable energy sources.
• Water and Waste: Reduced total water usage by 49% and by 27% at facilities in water-stressed regions and achieved zero waste to landfill at 80% of global manufacturing sites.
• Embodied Carbon: In 2024, announced an industry-first, precedent-setting commitment to reduce embodied carbon in our products by 40% by 2030.
• Culture and Workforce Development*: Achieved employee engagement score of 82 (out of 100), ranking in the top quartile among benchmarked companies. Increased participation in tuition advancement program by 28% compared to prior year with nearly 600 global employees receiving an aggregate value of $2.5 million dollars in tuition assistance.
• Volunteerism: Completed more than 92,000 employee volunteer hours*, totaling more than 329,000 total volunteer hours since 2019.

A series of prominent awards, ratings and listings also recognized Trane Technologies for its industry-leading sustainability performance and company culture:

• Dow Jones Sustainability Index (14th consecutive year listed on North America Index, 4^th consecutive year on World Index)
• Just Capital’s JUST 100 List (ranked 1^st in Buildings Materials & Construction industry and 6^th overall)
• CDP Climate Change ‘A’ List (3^rd consecutive year)
• Corporate Knights (ranked 26^th on the 2025 Global 100)
• Ethisphere® Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies (2^nd consecutive year)
• Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies (13^th consecutive year)

Alongside its Sustainability Report, Trane Technologies published its Climate Transition Plan that outlines the company’s forward-looking climate strategy, including its plans for managing physical and transition climate risks and opportunities, reducing carbon emissions in alignment with international climate agreements and preparing for future policy, market and technological changes.

To read Trane Technologies’ full 2024 Sustainability Report, visit www.tranetechnologies.com/sustainability-reports.

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

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our 2030 Sustainability Commitments; our pathway to net-zero by 2050; our sustainability targets, goals, commitments and programs and their anticipated impacts; our product and service innovations; and other business plans, initiatives and objectives. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

* Calendar year 2024 metric

BONN, Germany, May 29, 2025 /3BL/ – Fairtrade is making significant contributions in critical sustainability areas, including economic security, climate resilience, and gender equality, according to a new, independent analysis of studies.

The analysis, carried out by independent international development researchers David Jodrell and Willemijn de Bruin, resulted in the report, “Evidence Map 2021 to 2024: Evidencing the Theory of Change.” Jodrell and de Bruin reviewed 122 different studies and Fairtrade’s program and monitoring data and conducted focus groups with staff to reveal a comprehensive look at the organization’s actions and impacts over the last four years.

The study found that financial interventions, such as the Fairtrade Minimum Price and Premium, coupled with strong Standards and hands-on support for farmers are essential in the effort to make trade fairer – the organization’s primary goal.

“This ‘study of studies’ is a large undertaking that helps us understand our impact across a range of areas from environmental effects to livelihoods to inclusion to trust and satisfaction,” said Dr. Arisbe Mendoza, Director of Global Impact, Fairtrade International. “It’s important to carry out this kind of work so that we have an evidence-based guide to lead us forward and also make it easy for anyone to see the difference that Fairtrade makes and to have confidence in choosing Fairtrade.”

Key findings include:

Sustainable, resilient and fairer supply chains. (19 studies analyzed) More than half of the studies on this topic show that Fairtrade has a positive long-term impact on supply chains and trade relationships in some sectors, including higher incomes for farmers, decentralized governance, and greater collaboration between farmers and other supply chain actors.

Economic benefits. (60+ studies analyzed) Fairtrade provides farmers with greater price stability and resources, primarily through mandatory minimum pricing and extra funds from the Fairtrade Premium. Nearly 90 percent of studies that examined long-term economic gains found positive contributions from Fairtrade, including higher incomes for farmers, improved farm revenues and higher net returns, and greater income stability. 

Climate resilience. (33 studies analyzed) The majority of these studies indicate that Fairtrade’s training and support programs increase farmers’ knowledge and awareness of related issues, such as improved farm management and agrochemical application, disaster risk management training and planning, and sustainable farming practices. For example, farmers are using fewer fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, are practicing soil, water, and forest conservation, and using energy efficient technologies, like solar panels.

Trust and satisfaction. (31 studies analyzed) Farmers and workers value Fairtrade, particularly for the financial benefits, social investments, and training. Nearly 90 percent expressed satisfaction with the services they receive from Fairtrade producer networks. Additionally, the studies show that consumer trust in Fairtrade remains high, and that businesses also value Fairtrade because it aligns with their sustainability goals and strengthens their credibility.

Inclusiveness and representation. (21+ studies analyzed) Most of the studies conclude that Fairtrade certified cooperatives have higher female participation and have made gains in gender-focused capacity building, skill acquisition and workforce inclusion, and women’s leadership opportunities, increased economic status, and successful capacity strengthening efforts.

Better working conditions. (26 studies analyzed) Nearly two-thirds of the studies confirm workers employed by Fairtrade certified cooperatives are most likely to benefit from fairer contracts, greater health and safety protection, improved labor rights, and legally binding working hours.

The analysis also disclosed areas where Fairtrade’s influence is less measurable, such as progress toward living wages for employees of large-scale farms, due to external factors limiting the impact of Fairtrade’s wage-related standards. While Fairtrade has implemented new measures in the past few years, including setting base wages and developing voluntary living wage reference prices for bananas, further analysis is needed to understand results and impacts.

In terms of meaningful progress toward women’s inclusion, the analysis found that Fairtrade improves women’s opportunities and skills and increases representation within cooperatives. However, some studies still find that women’s participation and ability to influence decisions – for instance within their cooperative – can be limited by broader social norms.

Finally, the analysis found that there is not enough existing research about Fairtrade in some areas to draw valid conclusions about its influence, including farmers’ data ownership and ability to effectively use their data, freedom of association, and achieving public policies that support broader societal change.

“Fairtrade is one of the most researched ethical certifications out there, which is good for us because it means academics and students are putting their skills to work to measure if we’re having the impact we want, and where the gaps are,” said Dr. Mendoza. “We update our research agenda annually and really value the collaborations with researchers and other like-minded organizations – as well as our own monitoring and evaluation staff across our global network – so we can all know more and do better.”

This analysis, conducted every four years, helps Fairtrade reassess its Theory of Change, which spells out how its interventions create change in the short and medium term, to create long-lasting impact. The findings will also contribute to Fairtrade’s future research agenda, program development, and strategic planning to refine its next global strategy.

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Media Contact:

Liz Davis, ldavis@fairtradeamerica.org

About Fairtrade America: 

Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It’s about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the original and global leader in fair trade certification with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 30 countries across the globe. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Fairtrade America is part of the world’s largest and most recognized fair trade certification program —part of a global movement for change. Learn more at fairtradeamerica.org, and by connecting with Fairtrade America on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

From Netscape Navigator to Google Chrome: 30 Years of Browser Evolution 

Thirty years ago, Netscape went public and helped launch the internet era. Its browser, Netscape Navigator, led the way and laid the foundation for how billions of people would access the web.

As the internet grew, so did the competition. Internet Explorer soon surged ahead, at one point holding over 90% of the market share and becoming the default gateway to the online world. But as applications became more dynamic and interactive (with digital platforms like Gmail, Facebook and Google Maps), IE struggled to keep up. These apps ran slowly and fell short of expectations.

Then, Chrome emerged. It wasn’t just incrementally better; it delivered 10 times the leap in performance for JavaScript-heavy applications. The improvement was undeniable. What seemed impossible — taking market share from IE — became inevitable, simply because Chrome made life 10 times better for the new internet experience.

Fast forward to 2024, I joined Gen with a clear vision: Generative AI will redefine how consumers enter the digital world. Fittingly, my team has been working in the same office building where Netscape Navigator team made history, and it’s here that we’re carrying the torch to re-invent the browser for the AI era.

Browsers Were Due for a Revolution. This is it. 

Today, we face a new, equally urgent pain point. The internet is no longer only a collection of websites. It’s a fragmented universe of emails, documents, messages, meetings, tabs and cloud and web services scattered across tabs and accounts. We’re drowning in information and switching contexts all day, yet struggling to get to what really matters fast.

We don’t need more information. We need fewer barriers. Less friction. Less cognitive overhead. More clarity. More outcomes.

It’s time for a new leap.

Introducing Norton Neo 

That leap begins with Norton Neo — the world’s first Safe AI-native browser.

Norton Neo is built for a world where information is abundant, but focus is scarce. Where apps multiply, but time doesn’t. With Neo, AI works seamlessly within your browser — no app switching, no tab overload. Just a proactive assistant powered by ChatGPT-level intelligence you can trust.

 

Neo doesn’t just respond — it anticipates.

Today’s launch is more than a new product. It’s a statement:

That the browser, one of the most-used apps on every computer — is overdue for reinvention, and that meaningful innovation can come from an S&P 500 company like Gen. Our goal here is simple: to build technology that helps people live more freely and confidently online. During this early access phase of Norton Neo, we’re excited to hear what people think — your feedback will help shape what Neo becomes. We’re listening, we’re learning and we’re focused on creating a smarter, safer digital world for everyone.

This is just the beginning — not only of a new product, but a new category. Here’s what you can expect with Norton Neo in the future.

A New Vision for the Way We Browse 

1. AI-Native: Empowering You Behind the Scenes 

Most AI tools today feel disjointed. You jump between apps. You paste prompts. You reword questions.

Neo plans to change that.

Neo will bring you the intelligence of ChatGPT — but no heavy prompts, no friction, no effort. It works in the background, offering proactive support when you need it.

2. Reinventing Search: A Browser That Connects Your Entire Digital World 

The traditional browser searched the public web. The new browser searches and helps manage your entire digital world.

Looking for a document you saw last week? Neo retrieves it. Need a meeting summary? It’s already parsed and ready to go. Why leave the tab open when your AI can remember and find everything for you? Why juggle 100 tabs like it’s still the last decade?

This isn’t just about finding faster as Google Chrome has been doing it for more than a decade. It’s about discovering smarter. Neo turns chaos into clarity by being more proactive and more personalized.

3. More Than a Browser but a Doer 

The next browser isn’t a tool. It’s a partner, an agent or a personal assistant. It can take action, finish tasks and bring you clarity. The more capable your AI, the more powerful your experience.

Need to cancel a reservation, send a follow-up email or fill out a form? Neo handles it or prepares for you.

From routine tasks to complex decisions, it’s the browser that works with you — quietly, intelligently and safely.

It’s not just faster browsing; it’s smarter living.

4. Built-in Protection from the Start

Neo is built on Chromium, so it works with the extensions you already rely on. But what makes it different is what’s built in: always-on protection, free ad blocking and trusted safe browsing — all powered by Norton’s decades of security expertise.

As AI becomes more powerful, trust matters more than ever for everyday people like you and me. That’s why Neo brings intelligence to your browser with protection built in from the very start. Backed by a brand known for putting people first, Neo is designed to help you explore what’s next with confidence.

You don’t have to trade intelligence for security or speed for peace of mind. With Neo, smart is secure and your protection is always on.

A Paradigm Shift in the Making 

Just like Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome defined their generations, Norton Neo is here to define the next one.

This isn’t about another upgrade. This is about a complete reinvention of how you live and work online. A shift from reactive browsing to anticipatory companionship. From clutter and fragmentation to clarity and flow. From Information to Intelligence to Outcome.

It’s about breaking down the barriers between you and your potential. It’s about trust, intelligence, simplicity — and yes, a little bit of magic.

The age of reactive browsing is ending. The age of the browser ahead of you is just beginning.

Learn more about the First Safe AI-native Browser here: https://neotoday.ai.

Over the last several weeks, Covia has played an active role in several significant industry conferences and tradeshows. These events demonstrate Covia’s dedication to our customers, communities, and other important partners. They also provide opportunities for our team members to learn from industry experts, share best practices, showcase our cutting-edge technologies, and develop valuable new skills. As you will see, Covia continues to be a key contributor to the industry’s evolution, reinforcing our position as a leader.

Essential Minerals Association 2025 Annual Conference 

Andy O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety, and Mona Legin, Ergonomics Specialist, represented Covia as invited speakers at this year’s annual Essential Minerals Association conference. They emphasized the company’s commitment to improving the health and safety of miners in the industry. Andy discussed the implementation of DustShield technology, which is designed to prevent overexposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) during screen changes. He illustrated its potential for adoption throughout processing stages and its ability to significantly reduce RCS levels. Mona concentrated on Covia’s adoption of Soter Analytics technology, illustrating how wearable sensors and video evaluations detect ergonomic hazards, promote safer practices, and diminish reportable injury incidents.

Covia was pleased to participate in the conference and engage with industry experts, which helped enhance our insight into the essential minerals sector.

Eastern Coatings Show 2025

This week, Covia participated in the Eastern Coatings Show, an event that brings together leaders in coatings innovation. 

Covia’s Senior Technology Manager, Scott Van Remortel, presented his technical paper titled “Surface Treated Nepheline Syenite for Enhanced Performance in Industrial Coatings.” 

Applications data showing improved performance of industrial maintenance floor and general industrial top coats with nepheline syenite fillers treated with silane coupling agents will be presented. This new technology for both solvent and waterborne floor coatings and solvent-borne top coats will provide the formulators with low silica formulations that deliver higher filler loading, gloss retention, water, chemical and corrosion resistance.

We were pleased to be among a respected group of presenters demonstrating how advanced mineral technology improves performance, durability, and sustainability in industrial coatings.

Project Control Summit 2025: Navigating the Future of Project Controls

Covia’s Project Management Department participated in the Project Controls Summit to expand our project managers’ knowledge of project controls. The Summit is the largest global gathering of project controls professionals. The summit fosters an environment in which project controls professionals and practitioners can engage in educational sessions focused on key sub-disciplines, including earned value management, change management, cost estimating and scheduling, contracting, and technology and innovation.

Covia’s participation aimed to expand Project Managers’ knowledge of the Project Controls discipline, equipping them with the tools necessary to execute capital projects at Covia with optimal performance. The team gained valuable insights and established connections within the project controls community. They are eager to apply these learnings to improve project execution at Covia.

Visit CoviaCorp.com for more information about how everything we do helps you do what you do.

It has been an eventful year for Covia thus far, and we are not even halfway through. Earlier this year, Covia team members actively participated in various events, showcasing their expertise and giving presentations. Their involvement highlights the team’s commitment and passion for the industry.

Cority Connect Conference

Michele Oxlade, Senior Environmental Specialist and WHC Coordinator, and Erica Mitts, Cority Administrator and Operations Administration, attended the Cority Connect Conference. The goal of this conference is to inspire and empower health and safety professionals to protect worker health and safety and drive meaningful changes.

Our sales and technical teams have also participated in a variety of prominent trade shows, demonstrating our commitment to the industry and engaging with key customers and stakeholders. Notable events included the Golf Industry Show, the New Jersey Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA NJ), the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference, and the Canadian Golf Show.

DALLAS, May 28, 2025 /3BL/ – Mary Kay Inc., a global advocate for furthering young women’s education and encouraging youth to follow their STEM dreams, returned for a second year as a Special Awards Organization at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio. Ten grants totaling nearly $10,000 were awarded to standout high school-aged students excelling in innovative projects spanning topics from finding cures for cancers affecting women to sustainable packaging innovation and protecting our planet’s most valuable resources.

Each year, the event convenes nearly 2,000 participants representing more than 60 countries, with a total award pool offering over $9 million in awards and scholarships and invitations to corporate and academic events with elite global leaders in STEM.

Celebrating its 75^th year, ISEF, a program of Society for Science, is the world’s largest pre-college global STEM competition. Through a global network of local, regional, and national science fairs, millions of students are encouraged to explore their passion for scientific inquiry. Each spring, a group of these students is selected as finalists and offered the opportunity to compete for approximately $9 million in awards and scholarships at the annual Regeneron ISEF.

“The ingenuity, passion, and innovation demonstrated by these young STEM leaders are awe-inspiring,” said Carrissa Dowdy, Manager of Product Formulation at Mary Kay. “Their work has the potential to transform industries, drive sustainable advancements, and accelerate major breakthroughs in fields like cancer research, material science, and environmental engineering. Mary Kay is proud to stand behind them as they shape the future of STEM.”

MEET THE STUDENT STEM LEADERS

1. Pragathi Kasani-Akula (GA, USA)

   Multi-Color Magneto-Fluorescent Nanoarchitectures for the Targeted Identification of Exosomes of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Multi-Color Magneto-Fluorescent Nanoarchitectures for the Targeted Identification of Exosomes of Triple Negative Breast Cancer

2. Grace Liu (NY, USA)

   Evaluating Gender Disparities Due to Decision-Making Under Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship: A Panel Data Analysis Evaluating Gender Disparities Due to Decision-Making Under Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship: A Panel Data Analysis 

3. Alina Albeik (VA, USA)

   Implications of Resveratrol on Memory Retention in Dugesia tigrina

4. Kaili Tseng and Leila Gheysar (CA, USA)

   Bombyx mori Antimicrobial Peptides: A Novel and Sustainable Catalyst for Cancer Cell Growth Inhibition and Death Bombyx mori Antimicrobial Peptides: A Novel and Sustainable Catalyst for Cancer Cell Growth Inhibition and Death 

5. Elisabeth Fischermann and Tom Kressbach (Bavaria, Germany)

   On the Hunt for Free Radicals With a Blue Light Reaction On the Hunt for Free Radicals With a Blue Light Reaction 

6. Ela Doruk Korkmaz (Istanbul, Turkey)

   Investigation of Potential Anti-Cancer Impacts of Coffee Bean-Derived Exosomes Through Anti-Proliferative and Apoptosis Inducing Effects on Melanoma Skin Cancer Cells via Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway Investigation of Potential Anti-Cancer Impacts of Coffee Bean-Derived Exosomes Through Anti-Proliferative and Apoptosis Inducing Effects on Melanoma Skin Cancer Cells via Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway 

7. Carolina de Araujo Pereira da Silva* (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

   Salinomycin as a Molecular Trojan Horse for Targeting Mn-Induced Malignancy in Aggressive Tumors 

8. Sofia Nunes (Maranhao, Brazil)

   Formulation of Low-Cost Artificial Skin for Cellular Regeneration and Severe Burns Treatment Formulation of Low-Cost Artificial Skin for Cellular Regeneration and Severe Burns Treatment

9. Margareth Ac-ac (Negros Oriental, Philippines)

   SKIMP: Artificial Intelligence- Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Portable Skin Cancer Detection Device With Skin Cancer Notifier Python-Based Program SKIMP: Artificial Intelligence- Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Portable Skin Cancer Detection Device With Skin Cancer Notifier Python-Based Program 

10. Kamila Rotger-Costas and Miranda Sanz-Alvarez (Guaynabo and Caguas, Puerto Rico)

    EcoReishiFlex: An Innovative Sustainable Biodegradable Plastic Alternative Made From Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi Fungi) Polysaccharides EcoReishiFlex: An Innovative Sustainable Biodegradable Plastic Alternative Made From Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi Fungi) Polysaccharides

*Carolina de Araujo Pereira da Silva is a two-time Mary Kay Young Women in STEM grant recipient for her outstanding contributions to the cancer research field. Her 2024 prize money was utilized toward furthering her presented project – Rock the Metals! Investigating Manganese as a Trigger of Malignancy and Metal Transporters as Targets in Cancer Treatment which elevated her 2025 award-winning submission. 

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. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 40 markets. For over 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

# # #

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
newsroom.marykay.com
972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com

Kimberly-Clark is celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day by sharing pictures of our dedicated employees from two of our feminine care manufacturing facilities: Neenah Cold Spring in the U.S. and Nogales, Mexico. They’re wearing the menstruation bracelet — a symbol to spark open, stigma-free conversations about periods.

An estimated 500 million women and girls around the world lack access to the resources and support they need to manage their periods safely and with dignity, affecting their health but also educational and income-earning opportunities with significant global economic impact. At Kimberly-Clark, we’re committed to advancing menstrual health, breaking the stigma and driving awareness through our products and brands, partnerships and community programs.

About Kimberly-Clark
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Key Points

• Donald “Todd” Young was inducted into the Driver Hall of Fame by the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) for his exceptional safety record and community service.
• Young has driven for Marathon Petroleum for nearly 40 years and credits his disciplined lifestyle and adherence to the Smith System for his success as a driver.
• Outside of work, Young has volunteered in his community, tutoring young people in science and math and delivering blood products for the American Red Cross.

Marathon Petroleum Transport Driver Donald “Todd” Young was inducted into the Driver Hall of Fame by the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) for his outstanding achievements in safety and community service.

“Todd has earned this honor because of his superior career performance and truly deserves it,” said Markeise Moten, Transport Operations Supervisor at Marathon Petroleum. “Being added to the Driver Hall of Fame promotes excellence within the fleet and establishes a safety career goal for fellow drivers to target.”

Young is part of Marathon Petroleum’s Columbus fleet in Ohio. In 2013, he was named an NPTC Driver All Star for his safety record. To qualify for the Driver Hall of Fame, a driver must have three million miles, 20 years, or 50,000 hours of consecutive driving without a preventable accident.

Young started driving transport trucks while serving in the Marine Corps.

“I spent four years in the military hauling fuel and refueling various vehicles like fighter jets, tanks and jeeps all over the world,” said Young. “After I was honorably discharged at 22 years old, I took a job driving school buses, but that only paid about $4 an hour back then.”

A friend told him about a job driving for Marathon Petroleum, and he applied.

“I realized working for Marathon as a transport driver could help provide me a good foundation, where I could have the house, the car and start a family,” said Young.

Nearly 40 years later, he says he was right. He is home every night, and the pay, health and financial benefits, and stability in the industry have allowed him to live the life he wanted. He’s been married to his wife Marcy for 30 years, and they have two children, seven grandchildren and are fostering a child. He credits a disciplined lifestyle for allowing him to stay safe on the road for all these years.

“As a driver, you need good sleep habits and a happy home life, so you can focus when you are driving,” said Todd. “On the road, I strictly follow the Smith System for effective defensive driving. I don’t let myself get distracted when I’m behind the wheel. There’s too much at stake.”

“Being added to the Driver Hall of Fame promotes excellence within the fleet and establishes a safety career goal for fellow drivers to target.”

While Young says the core job of transporting products hasn’t changed much over the last four decades, he has seen technology affect the way they do business.

“We used to collect paper checks from the convenience store owner/operators for the gas we delivered,” said Young. “And we would call dispatch from the gas station phones to get updates on the schedule. Now we have GPS hardwired in the truck, safety cameras to monitor our driving, and we aren’t taking paper checks anymore.”

Outside of work, Young has spent time volunteering in his community. He has participated in classroom career day events and tutored young people in science and math – subjects he was naturally good at in school. He also volunteered with the American Red Cross, delivering blood products to local hospitals.

Looking back on his career, he’s proud of what he’s accomplished, and he encourages others to consider driving for Marathon Petroleum. He shares this advice with anyone looking for a long-term career.

“Show up on time. Do your job well and get home safe. You’re golden. It’s that simple,” said Young.

Verizon

When LaNeta and Doug Roth opened Scary Strokes, an 11,000-square-foot black light mini golf course and arcade, they wanted to bring a little family vacation magic to their hometown of Waldorf, Maryland. They were novices to the family entertainment industry, but it wasn’t their first time investing in their community.

Years earlier, after moving to a sleepy town in Maryland with their young children, they found that the nearest kid-friendly activities were more than an hour’s drive away. So the Roths created a youth flag football league that eventually became the largest in the state. “At one time, we were the third largest in the world,” says LaNeta. “We were at maximum capacity at 500 kids. That [shows] how many kids were looking for something to do in our area.”

As their children grew older, the Roths wanted to create something they could still do as a family and turned their focus from youth sports to all-ages entertainment. The question the couple asked themselves was, “What is that one thing that people can do all the way to age 99?” They recalled how much fun they had as a family playing miniature golf during vacations, especially at night time. The wheels started turning on how they could bring the experience to their town.

Doug, a former specialized data technician in the U.S. armed forces, and LaNeta, a marketing and human resources professional, put their heads together to draft a business plan. And after a year researching community arcades and entertainment centers, the Roths opened Scary Strokes in 2017. It became a local favorite, earning accolades as a top family entertainment center.

But despite positive word of mouth, visibility remained a major hurdle. Tucked away in an industrial park with no street-facing signage, Scary Strokes was easy for potential customers to miss. And the Roths were still navigating a learning curve as new entrepreneurs. Startup costs came directly out of their personal savings. But they were ready for the challenge. “Anything good in life isn’t easy; you have to know that going in,” says LaNeta.

A hefty investment in a billboard ad gave them their first big influx of customers, but the difficulty of finding new customers in an increasingly digital world led LaNeta to the free courses and learning tools of Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. “I needed to know more about social media,” says LaNeta, who knew that online platforms were driving business. “That is where I needed to invest.” She launched a new social media account and grew it from the ground up, earning 10 times the average views for new accounts.

LaNeta says that Digital Ready’s live events are a unique program benefit. She appreciated the opportunity to learn from both the instructors and the fellow small business owners taking part in the events. “What I really liked was that the instructors were very open, honest and collaborative. There were people from all different generations, ages, races, salaries, all different walks of life,” says LaNeta. “You’re hearing struggles as well as [successes]. We may not be in the same industry at all, but I’m hearing what it is that’s working for other people.”

In 2024, the Roths were also awarded a $10,000 grant through the Digital Ready program, which enabled them to make much-needed repairs to Scary Strokes’ expansive facility. “The lights are not cheap since they are blacklight and LED,” LaNeta explains.

Like many small business owners, the Roths are considering growth strategies during a challenging economic time. Having expanded their arcade from 17 games to more than 40, they are exploring new locations that would enable them to continue growing and allow for more exterior signage. “Location is everything,” says LaNeta.

In the meantime, they continue to find success in holding to their motto for Scary Strokes, “Every experience matters,” and keeping their facility best-in-class, from cleanliness to customer service. For LaNeta, that translates to forging a memorable brand experience for customers. “You want to make sure people know who you are from the minute they walk through the door,” she says.

She also stresses the importance of continual learning: reading books, researching trends and tapping into the free offerings from the Digital Ready program. “I recommend [Digital Ready] to a lot of people,” says LaNeta. “Dive in and see what you’re wanting to look for. What is going to resonate with you? Where is it you want the most help? You can pick and choose the classes that will be beneficial to you.”

And more importantly, leveraging the Digital Ready community as a resource can be especially fortifying in navigating uncertainty. “It helps young entrepreneurs, as well as people who are older, understand that you’re not alone; other people are also having these [same] challenges,” LaNeta says.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is part of Verizon’s goal to support 1 million small businesses by 2030 with free resources to help them succeed. To sign up, visit Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. Visit CitizenVerizon.com to learn more about the company’s responsible business efforts. An individual user’s experience may vary and results are not guaranteed.

To educate high-school and college students about career opportunities in the live music industry, AEG and Goldenvoice hosted two career exploration events, AEG Futures, timed to Goldenvoice’s popular music festivals Just Like Heaven and Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival.

The AEG Futures’ Just Like Heaven event took place on May 8 and included remarks by Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo Pasadena City Council Member Tyron Hampton, as well as Jens Weiden, Chief Executive Officer of the Rose Bowl Operating Company.

The Head in the Clouds event, took place on May 14 and included opening remarks by Terry Park of The Asian American Foundation, and Jens Weiden, Chief Executive Officer of the Rose Bowl Operating Company.

At both events, students were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the festival grounds, located at Brookside at the Rosebowl, to better understand how stage and sound design, festival layout, food and beverage concessions and merchandise and sustainability vendors coordinate to bring a music festival to life.

Additionally, students participated in speed mentoring sessions, connecting one-on-one and in small groups with industry professionals Rachel So, Festival Operations Manager at Goldenvoice, and Chavante “Tae” Flakes, a Talent Buyer at Goldenvoice. These intimate conversations gave students the opportunity to ask questions, explore career paths, and gain confidence in their aspirations.

For the final activity, students participated in a Build Your Own Festival challenge, where they were tasked with putting their knowledge to the test by designing and pitching their own music festivals to a panel of Goldenvoice executives.

“These AEG Futures events are a great opportunity to expose students to career opportunities in live entertainment while providing them with a great educational opportunity. It’s an incredible experience to have because many are still thinking about what to do when they graduate,” said Michael Ilves,  Senior Director, Festivals, Goldenvoice. “By giving students a hands-on look at how major music festivals come together and offering direct access to industry professionals, we’re helping them build real-world skills and envision a future for themselves in this space. Early exposure to career pathways like these can increase students’ confidence and help them make more informed decisions about their postsecondary plans.”

Both AEG Futures events underscore the company’s commitment to investing in the next generation of live entertainment leaders. To learn more about AEG Futures, please visit https://aegworldwide.com/about/social-impact.