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AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, OAKLAND, Calif., March 17, 2026 /3BL/ – Cascale today announced the publication of its APAC Policy Priorities Paper, developed by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Policy Member Expert Team (MET) to identify key regional sustainability challenges and provide practical, aligned recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific.

As the primary hub for global apparel and footwear manufacturing, the APAC region plays a critical role in delivering credible progress on climate and decent work. The paper outlines a unified industry perspective on how governments, manufacturers, brands, and multi-stakeholder initiatives can work together to strengthen policy coherence, reduce duplicative reporting burdens, and accelerate measurable impact across complex value chains.

With sustainability regulations emerging unevenly across jurisdictions — including new climate disclosure requirements, greenhouse gas inventory obligations, and evolving labor frameworks — companies across the region are navigating increasing complexity. The APAC Policy Priorities Paper calls for greater alignment to:

• Better align national approaches with internationally recognized standards, while respecting national objectives.
• Enable mutual recognition of credible assessments to reduce duplicative audits.
• Promote interoperable data and reporting systems that strengthen compliance and enforcement efficiency
• Deploy targeted incentives that accelerate decarbonization, including measures accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Strengthen policy attention to region-specific decent work realities, including responsible purchasing practices

The paper was co-developed by Cascale and members of its APAC Policy MET, representing manufacturers, service providers, affiliates, industry associations, and multi-stakeholder initiatives. Insights were informed by discussions at the “Aligning APAC Policy Priorities” workshop during Cascale’s Annual Meeting 2025 in Hong Kong, as well as continued input from APAC Policy MET members and ongoing member engagement activities, including regional roundtables and virtual events.

“The APAC region sits at the heart of global apparel and footwear production,” said Howard Kwong, senior manager of public affairs (APAC), Cascale. “For sustainability policy to be effective, it must reflect the operational realities of manufacturers while remaining aligned with international standards. Our members are signaling that policy ambition must be matched with practical implementation pathways.”

“Policy alignment is essential to unlocking real progress across supply chains,” said Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy, senior program manager, Textile & Manufacturing Program, IDH. “When governments and industry collaborate on consistent frameworks and credible measurement, we can reduce duplication, improve transparency, and accelerate climate and decent work outcomes in a way that works for the region.”

“Manufacturers in Asia are ready to take action, but fragmented requirements across multiple initiatives continue to increase costs and operational complexity,” said Shein Han, Director of Compliance & Sustainability at GG International Manufacturing. “Improving interoperability between tools and reporting systems will enable factories to focus their efforts where they matter most—driving better performance while strengthening support for workers.”

By bringing together diverse industry perspectives, the APAC Policy MET reinforces Cascale’s commitment to credible methodologies and tools, aligned standards, and collective action. The paper supports Cascale’s broader strategy to strengthen foundational measurement systems, combat climate change, and advance decent work through coordinated public affairs and industry engagement.

Cascale members are invited to join the “APAC Policy Priorities: Industry-Led Insights and Recommendations” webinar on April 2; click here to register on Cascale Connect.

Cascale will carry this work forward through ongoing regional engagement in 2026, including in-person dialogue with members and stakeholders to support practical implementation and coordinated policy engagement.

Media Contact: Forster Communications, cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

 

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to combat climate change and support decent work in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale stewards and governs the Higg Index frameworks, modules, and methodologies, while Worldly delivers the technology platform through which they are implemented globally. Cascale also recently acquired the Better Buying and Sustainable Furnishings Council tools. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

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By the American Red Cross

The place you call home looks different after a disaster strikes. Streets empty and buried in debris, power lines down and an eerie silence. Through it all, the American Red Cross is there to offer care and comfort to communities and families with the help of partners like Lenovo.

The Red Cross responds to more than 65,000 disasters across the country each year—that’s a response every 8 minutes on average. The organization relies on the generosity of donors and power of volunteers to provide compassionate care—including hot meals, safe shelter and emotional support—to families in times of need.

Disaster Responder Program members like Lenovo donate in advance of disasters and are instrumental to relief efforts. With the support of these forward-thinking partners, the Red Cross stands ready to respond day and night, from coast to coast. As disasters become more frequent and intense, the organization also uses technology to fulfill its lifesaving mission, including to help stock warehouses, maintain vehicles, train volunteers, and so much more.

“Increasing severe weather events mean that families are relying on the Red Cross now more than ever,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are so thankful for Disaster Responder members like Lenovo for their forward-thinking commitment that powers our preparedness and relief efforts, ensuring we can immediately provide help and hope to those facing their darkest day.”

Both Lenovo and the American Red Cross share a commitment to providing help to those affected by disasters—including using technology to connect families in times of need. By providing items like laptops and internet connection, Lenovo helps ensure Red Cross volunteers have the tools to establish and maintain communication not only during disaster response operations, but during daily mission delivery—providing comfort and care for those who need it most.

The road to recovery looks different after every disaster, and the Red Cross is grateful to work with partners like Lenovo. While the organizations may have different missions, they are united through a common goal of helping people in times of need. Lenovo is proud to support the Red Cross and is an example of how companies can help power humanitarian work based on their strengths.

From the moment disaster strikes through the months and years of rebuilding, the Red Cross remains with communities in need. Partners like Lenovo provide critical support to advance help and hope in the wake of crises.

The Invisible Logistics Behind the Digital Economy

Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services are driving an unprecedented expansion of global data centers. Industry forecasts suggest investments in data center infrastructure could exceed $1 trillion over the next five years, transforming communities and industries alike.

But behind the racks of servers powering today’s digital economy lies something rarely discussed: the highly specialized logistics required to build, maintain, and operate these facilities.

Unlike traditional freight, data center equipment is sensitive, high-value, and often mission-critical. A delayed or mishandled shipment can impact uptime, disrupt services, and trigger costly operational risks.

That’s why logistics providers are playing an increasingly strategic role — managing everything from equipment assembly and inventory control to secure transport and on-site delivery.

DP World is helping meet this demand by delivering end-to-end logistics solutions tailored to the unique requirements of hyperscale data centers, from precision rack assembly to global spare-parts distribution.

DP World Case Study: Secure Server Rack Configuration

One of DP World’s most advanced data center logistics solutions supports a global technology company requiring high-spec server rack configuration and deployment.

The Challenge: Precision, Cleanliness and Global Integration

The customer required a secure facility capable of assembling server racks to strict server-grade standards, while integrating with its global rack configuration network.

Key requirements included:

• A contamination-free environment meeting strict cleanliness standards
• Custom rack builds tailored to client specifications
• Integration with the customer’s global data center deployment model

This level of precision demanded more than traditional logistics — it required controlled manufacturing-style operations combined with supply chain execution.

DP World’s Solution: Cleanroom Rack Assembly and Secure Logistics

DP World designed and delivered a secure, cleanroom-enabled rack configuration solution built to meet the customer’s most stringent technical and security requirements.

Key capabilities included:

• Cleanroom Rack Assembly: A purpose-built cleanroom facility was constructed with positive air pressure systems to prevent contamination during configuration.
• End-to-End Rack Build Process: DP World delivered a full assembly workflow including:
  • Inbound component management
  • Rack kitting and cabling
  • Quality control and validation
  • Secure packaging and shipping
• 24/7 Secure Operations: The facility operates as a restricted-access environment with continuous monitoring, protecting high-value technology equipment throughout the process.

The Impact: A Global Benchmark for Rack Configuration

The operation quickly became the global benchmark for the customer’s rack configuration program, demonstrating how specialized logistics can support complex technology infrastructure.

Key results included:

• 75 custom server racks configured per week
• 1,000–1,500 racks built and shipped annually
• The operational model replicated across additional global locations

By combining cleanroom manufacturing conditions with integrated logistics, DP World enabled the customer to scale operations while maintaining strict quality and security standards.

DP World Case Study: Managing Data Center Spare Parts at Global Scale

Maintaining uptime across hyperscale data centers also requires a sophisticated logistics model to manage thousands of components across multiple regions.

DP World partnered with a Fortune 100 technology company to transform its spare-parts logistics network into a single, integrated supply chain ecosystem.

The Challenge: Fragmented Inventory and Limited Visibility

The company was managing:

• 5,000+ unique part numbers
• Equipment distributed across data centers in the U.S. and Europe
• More than $2 billion in inventory

However, inventory and fulfillment were fragmented across multiple providers, limiting visibility and creating inconsistent service levels.

During equipment failures, teams often relied on reactive expediting, increasing costs while still risking downtime.

DP World’s Solution: Integrated Data Center Logistics

DP World implemented a comprehensive operating model designed to improve visibility, control, and responsiveness. Key components included:

• Integrated Inventory Management: A centralized logistics environment unified thousands of SKUs, delivering full visibility across the global spare-parts network and tighter control over high-value inventory.
• Precision Fulfillment and Re-Supply:
  • Data center-specific kitting and order fulfillment
  • Coordinated last-mile delivery to critical facilities
  • Integrated repair and reverse logistics
  • For mission-critical parts, hypercare delivery protocols were introduced, including serialized tracking, restricted-access handling, and documented room-level placement.
• Multi-Regional Operations: Dedicated facilities in the United States and Europe enabled the company to expand across regions while maintaining standardized processes and consistent service levels.

DP World also provided in-plant logistics support at partner manufacturing sites, integrating production flows into the broader logistics network.

The Impact: Greater Control and Reduced Risk

The transformation delivered measurable operational improvements:

• 5,000+ SKUs integrated into a single logistics ecosystem
• $2B+ in inventory managed with full visibility
• Expanded operations across multiple regions
• Reduced emergency shipments and improved response times

Most importantly, the new model strengthened chain-of-custody integrity for high-value technology components, reducing damage exposure and operational risk.

Supporting the Infrastructure Powering the Digital World

As global demand for computing power accelerates, logistics is becoming a critical enabler of the digital economy.

From precision rack assembly to global spare-parts management, data center supply chains require a level of coordination, security, and reliability far beyond traditional freight.

By combining secure handling environments, contract logistics expertise, and integrated supply chain orchestration, DP World is helping technology companies build and maintain the infrastructure powering the modern world.

Because when uptime matters, logistics becomes mission-critical.

Learn more about DP World’s Data Center Logistics Solutions.

Southwire announced on March 10 that it has been named one of Newsweek’s “Greatest Workplaces for Women” for the second year in a row, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to building an inclusive workplace where all team members can grow and thrive.

The recognition was shared during Southwire’s Women’s Day event, held at the University of West Georgia, where the company gathered to celebrate Women’s History Month, honor the contributions of women throughout the organization and recognize progress and opportunity across the manufacturing industry. 

I personally am very optimistic for the future. When you look at the number of role models who refused to accept status quo and pushed the boundaries over the last 20 years and the overflowing ambition in current generation of female professionals and leaders, I am very confident that soon every day will become women’s day in this industry,” said Ganesh Ramaswamy, Southwire’s president and CEO. 

Newsweek announced the “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2026” rankings in February, recognizing companies that foster strong and supportive environments for women. 

The recognition is not application-based but instead determined through an independent, data-driven study that analyzed feedback from more than 89,000 women employees and 1.1 million company reviews. The recognition also factors in more than 37 million data points across 120 key workplace performance indicators related to areas such as leadership representation, workplace equity and employee satisfaction. 

“This recognition belongs to our team members. It reflects that at Southwire, success is not defined by what we achieve, but by how we show up for one another and how we do the work together every day,” said Cara Herzog, VP, Inclusion & Interim Strategic Talent. “Behind every metric is a human story. It is a leader who listened, a team member who spoke up, a moment where people leaned in and inclusion moved from intention to action. That is what this recognition represents, and it is something our entire organization should be proud of.” 

A companywide livestream connected people across various Southwire locations, resulting in 900-plus Southwire team members, customers and nonprofit partners registering to join the event either virtually or in person. 

This year’s Women’s History Month theme, “Leading Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” guided the conversations during the event as team members, representatives from UWG, Atlanta Braves, the American Heart Association and many more explored topics centered on development, wellbeing and continuous learning.

The event also featured sessions covering a range of subjects, including leadership development, women’s health, customer engagement and financial wellness. Each discussion was designed to equip team members with practical insights while fostering open dialogue about the role women play in shaping a more sustainable future for Southwire and the communities it serves.

Events like this help people feel included. It gives us a space for networking and a space for being a part of something bigger. Southwire is much more than a wire and cable company. We’re making a difference,” said Krystle Wright, Manager of Pricing and Internal Engagement and Giving Back subcommittee chair for Women’s Network. 

Designed to inspire and engage, raise awareness and drive long-term impact, the event highlighted Southwire’s continued commitment to inclusion and its essential connection to the company’s long-term sustainability strategy.

As a certified sustainable event, the program also reflected Southwire’s dedication to operating responsibly while investing in its people.

Newsweek’s recognition underscores Southwire’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a workplace culture where everyone has the opportunity to lead, grow and make an impact.

To learn more about Southwire’s inclusion initiatives, visit https://southwire.com/inclusion. 

Akvile Treciokaite

• Practice Area: Environment, Health and Safety
• Area of Expertise: Environment, Health and Safety
• About Me in 140 Characters: I am someone who loves to keep growing, both at work and in life. Outside of work I am always keen to try new hobbies such as dancing, travel to new places and challenge myself in new ways.
• Favourite Thing about Being an EHS Practitioner: My favourite thing about being an EHS Practitioner is that I am constantly learning and making a real impact on how people work. I enjoy problem solving, working on various different projects and tapping in to various operational challenges.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

My favourite part of working as part of EHS Team is the variety. No two days are ever the same – there is a new set of challenges to tackle with every project and opportunities to problem solve. I enjoy constant change, it opens an opportunity for learning, adapting and finding tailored solutions. 

If someone at a party asks what you do, how to you respond?

I respond by telling them that I keep people safe. I develop safe working procedures and practical solutions in areas where people might get hurt.

What surprises people about your job? far?

What usually surprises people about my job is just how broad EHS really is within the business. It is not just about safety goggles and hard hats – it covers everything from environmental impact, sustainability, health and wellbeing to workplace systems and compliance. One day I might be working on reducing waste or energy use and another on ergonomics or mental health. EHS touches every part of the business.

 

Just for Fun… 

What was your first job?

My first job was within the hospitality sector in a small restaurant. That is where I first learned about health and safety in a practical way. For example, I had to check fridges temperatures for food storage and record it every single day and learn about safe working practices such as manual handling. At the time it felt like part of of the job, however looking back, it was my first introduction to EHS principles in everyday work.

If you had one month off, where would you go or what would you do?

I would like to travel around Southeast Asia. There is such a mix of culture, adventure and stunning scenery – it would be an amazing experience. 

Is there something unique that people might not know about you?

I really enjoy gardening such as growing plants and vegetables. 

SWORDS, Ireland, March 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, today announced major enhancements to its industry-first comprehensive thermal management reference design for gigawatt-scale AI factories and unveiled two Trane Continuum Rubin DSX reference designs.

Engineered specifically to integrate with the NVIDIA® Omniverse™ DSX Blueprint for AI data centers, the new system optimizations achieve a nearly 10% improvement in overall thermal management performance compared to the original 1-gigawatt reference design announced in October. This frees up 22 megawatts of cooling capacity that can be redirected to IT power, helping boost compute output without increasing total energy consumption.

“Since the launch of our industry-first thermal management system reference design, our team has continued to work hand-in-hand with NVIDIA to push the boundaries of efficiency, scalability and intelligent simulation for gigawatt-scale AI infrastructure,” said Mauro Atalla, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, Trane Technologies. “These latest advancements represent a major step forward in helping enable the world’s most demanding AI and high-performance computing environments to scale sustainably, reliably and with accelerated digital insight.”

“Efficiently scaling gigawatt-scale AI factories requires a fundamental shift in how we approach thermal management and data center infrastructure simulation,” said Vladimir Troy, Vice President of AI Infrastructure at NVIDIA. “Trane Technologies’ integration with the NVIDIA Omniverse DSX blueprint enables the creation of high-fidelity digital twins that help operators optimize cooling performance and maximize energy efficiency for the next generation of AI workloads.”

Through continued collaboration with NVIDIA, including as an NVIDIA Partner Network member, Trane Technologies has also expanded its Trane Continuum Rubin DSX reference design portfolio with two additional high-efficiency solutions for large-scale AI deployments:

• 250-Megawatt Duplex Simplified System Design: This new design, available now, supports extended free cooling use and incorporates integrated heat recovery, which helps reduce system complexity and results in a 14% increase in thermal management system efficiency with 10% of the heat rejection load going to heat recovery.
   
• 1-Gigawatt AI Factory Mag-Bearing Air-Cooled System Architecture: This new design, available soon, features a streamlined air-cooled approach using 3-megawatt units to help reduce equipment count and eliminate the need for integrated waterside economizers. The architecture incorporates Trane’s latest magnetic-bearing air-cooled chiller, providing oil-free operation, high efficiency and quieter, more efficient performance through Trane chiller plant controls.

Trane Technologies has also advanced its digital capabilities for adopting the Omniverse DSX Blueprint with more automated, scalable OpenUSD based SimReady assets. Enhanced with structured metadata, these assets will support upcoming reference design updates, helping improve configurability, accuracy and readiness for high‑scale digital‑twin and AI‑driven simulation workflows.

 

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

About Trane
Trane® – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator – creates comfortable, energy efficient indoor environments through a broad portfolio of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems and controls, services, parts and supply. For more information, please visit www.trane.com or www.tranetechnologies.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our product and service innovations for AI data centers and the anticipated benefits of these innovations. 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, 2025, 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.

NEW ORLEANS, March 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Entergy recently invested $1 million of shareholder funds in 10 local environmental partners through the company’s Environmental Initiatives Fund. These grants mark the 25th year that Entergy has used its financial resources to support projects that save energy, educate the public, restore habitat, reduce waste and improve resiliency.

“Protecting natural resources in the communities Entergy serves is central to who we are,” said John Weiss, vice president of sustainability and environmental policy. “Our shareholders have supported the work of community partners who are protecting our natural environment and local ecosystems for 25 years, and we are excited to continue that work with today’s announcement.”

Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund identifies projects that improve the environment by reducing emissions, protecting natural resources and restoring wetlands and forests. The fund also supports projects designed to educate Entergy’s customers, employees, communities and owners on the value of natural resources and other environmental improvements.

Recipients of the 2025 Environmental Initiatives Fund grants are:

• Arbor Day’s Energy-Saving Trees is a strategic tree planting initiative focused on distributing 1,000 trees to residential customers to enhance their yards and shade their homes.

Arkansas

• Arkansas Game and Fish’s Generation Conservation Conclave Program encourages students to collaborate on conservation projects that address modern challenges and allows students to engage with Arkansas Game and Fish professionals.

Louisiana

• The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation will conduct a study to quantify carbon offsets using regional farmers and will compare standard farming methods to carbon uptake facilitated by farming methods.

Mississippi

• The Jackson Heart Foundation is constructing the half-mile Capitol Green Connector Multi-Use Trail, which will employ green infrastructure to manage stormwater, increase biodiversity, improve air quality, and reduce heat.

New Orleans

• The Audubon Institute “Party for the Planet” immersive educational series includes events throughout the year such as “Spring into Action,” “Endangered Species Day,” “World Ocean Day,” and “Pollination Celebration.”
• The City Park Conservancy will receive funding to support a comprehensive aquatic restoration project to address environmental degradation of its historic lagoon and bayou system.
• Grounds Krewe will receive funding to support the Sustainable Throw Catalog, which promotes sustainable throws and aims to reduce the amount of landfill-bound waste produced during Mardi Gras parades.

Texas

• The Liberty County Office of Emergency Management will re-establish degraded wetlands and coastal habitats while managing emergency management clean-up efforts.
• The Mongomery County Food Bank is modernizing the HVAC system by replacing older units with high efficiency units.
• The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will use funding to match federal and private investments in coast resilience in eastern Texas. The foundation will implement nature-based solutions to reduce risks from coastal hazards on the local community and improve habitat for fish and wildlife.

Since the Environmental Initiatives Fund was established in 2001, Entergy shareholders have invested nearly $45 million in environmentally beneficial projects and programs. The fund also contributes to Entergy’s leadership role as an advocate for and contributor to solutions to our most critical environmental challenges.

View the list of grantees and learn more about Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund on our website.

2026 requests for proposals now open

If you or someone you know has a project idea that promotes conservation, energy efficiency or delivers other environmental benefits, encourage them to review the Environmental Initiatives Fund’s 26th request for proposals for funding on our website. Applications are due May 31 no later than midnight Central Time.

About Entergy

Entergy generates, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for more than 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re focused on keeping costs for our customers as low as possible while providing reliable energy that our communities count on. We’re also investing in growth for the future with a more resilient, cleaner energy system that includes nuclear, modern natural gas, renewable energy generation and storage. As a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at Entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media.

Media inquiries:

Cole Avery
504-576-4238
ravery2@entergy.com

View original content here.

Across the U.S., millions of people face growing barriers to accessing healthcare, driven by lack of insurance, policy changes, and systemic inequities that leave entire communities underserved. These challenges are not new, nor are they limited to the United States, but they are intensifying and they demand new models of care.

In Camden, New Jersey, where nearly 20% of residents are uninsured and life expectancy varies by 16 years across just a few miles, the urgency is especially clear. This isn’t just a statistic in a report; it is a call to action.

Faced with this stark data, Virtua Health and Medtronic saw an opportunity to do more than business as usual. Combining Virtua’s deep community roots with Medtronic LABS’ global experience in tech-enabled, community-based care, Healthy Neighbor was born.

This collaboration is more than a local initiative – it’s a test case that highlights how the healthcare industry can improve health outcomes in the communities that need it most.

Virtua’s community-first approach

Dennis: Virtua Health is South Jersey’s largest healthcare provider, serving a region marked by profound health disparities. Over decades, we invested in mobile health programs, from a grocery store on wheels stocked with nutritious food to custom-designed vehicles that offer cancer screenings and pediatric care.

But proximity alone wasn’t sufficient. We recognized a large opportunity to improve access to care for the region’s most vulnerable patients, namely, those who were uninsured, disengaged, or distrustful of the healthcare system. Our “Here for Good” philosophy prompted us to confront uncomfortable truths about who was left behind and why.

We made the strategic decision to treat community health as a core service line, on par with cardiology or oncology. This was a moral imperative – and it was also a sound business strategy to reduce costly emergency care by preventing illness upstream.

We designed Healthy Neighbor to address the full context of patients’ lives. Community health workers (CHWs) provide home visits, support for social needs, targeted health education, and consistent follow-up to create the foundational trust necessary for long-term behavior change. Our CHWs go out of their way, literally and figuratively, for patients.

One patient, Bill Adams*, initially questioned whether his CHW would even show up. He had no health insurance and little trust in the healthcare system in general. But Karen showed up at his home, took his blood pressure, and discovered it was dangerously elevated. She connected him to emergency care the same day.

“Thank you so much for coming to my home,” Bill told her afterward. “You saved my life.”

That story encapsulates what differentiates this model: relationships built on consistency, presence, and genuine care create the conditions where clinical interventions actually work.

A U.S. debut for Medtronic LABS

Geoff: Medtronic LABS has a decade of experience delivering community-based, tech-enabled care in countries around the world, including in Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Bangladesh. With 8,000+ community health workers trained and over 1 million patients reached, we have frameworks, tools, and credibility to help scale a new model, but had never built a program in the United States.

When we first met with Virtua leadership, we recognized an exceptional opportunity to build a program together. Our role extended beyond providing tools. We helped translate global best practices into a U.S. context, proving that tech-enabled care can be both deeply personal and genuinely scalable.

We adapted SPICE, an open-source digital health platform, for U.S. healthcare systems to ensure it met HIPAA data privacy standards and incorporated social determinants of health screening. Critically, SPICE was redesigned with CHW input to ensure the technology enhanced rather than hindered the human relationships at the heart of the program.

Simple workflows guide CHW screening, enrollment, and patient assessments. Immediate, automatic alerts flag out-of-range blood pressure and glucose values and provide clear follow-up steps. Risk-based stratification guides clinical review. Real-time dashboards enable program monitoring and rapid identification of opportunities to better serve participants. Technology is the enabler, but people are the core.

For Medtronic, Healthy Neighbor reflects our Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. It advances our goals while positioning us as more than a device manufacturer but also as an essential partner in the care ecosystem.

From pilot to blueprint

In its first two years, Healthy Neighbor enrolled more than 250 individuals facing a wide range of health and social care needs. Over half live with multiple chronic conditions and had visited the ER in the past year.

The clinical outcomes are exceptional: 74% of patients with uncontrolled hypertension saw an average 15-point drop in systolic blood pressure, while 69% of those with uncontrolled diabetes reduced HbA1c (blood sugar) by 1.2%. Yet numbers only tell part of the story. Patients consistently credit community health workers for their persistence and care – the trust that makes change possible.

From the outset, Healthy Neighbor was designed for scale. A comprehensive toolkit, covering workflows, protocols, and lessons learned, helps other organizations adopt the model. With multiple entry points across primary care, emergency departments, and community settings, plus a modular tech platform, the program can be tailored to different populations and geographies.

While scaling nationally will require systemic changes – including funding for CHWs, payment models that reward prevention, and policy support – healthcare leaders don’t need to wait: the blueprint is here, and the results are remarkable.

Collaboration as a catalyst for scalable change

Healthy Neighbor began with a challenge: Could we change health outcomes if we met patients where they are and valued them as individuals?

Through community-based and tech-enabled care, we’ve created a replicable model that improves chronic disease outcomes and rebuilds trust in healthcare. The remaining barrier is leadership commitment. Health systems must assess local needs, find mission-aligned partners, and invest in long-term, trust-based solutions.

The lesson from our experience is clear: Community health must be treated as a strategic investment, not a charitable add-on. It also proves that the healthiest communities are built on relationships – and the time to build them is now.

*Name changed to protect patient privacy

Carole Hopson joined us recently for the Black History Month edition of Unscripted, our speaker series celebrating individuals who live our values and stretch what’s possible. In conversation with Marcus Sanders, VP of Global Food & Beverage at Coach, she shared her nonlinear leadership journey as one of the few Black women airline captains in the U.S.

Driven by purpose beyond the cockpit, Hopson founded the Jet Black Foundation to expand access and opportunity in aviation, with the goal of sending 100 Black women to flight school by 2035.  

About Tapestry, Inc.

Our global house of iconic accessories and lifestyle brands unites the magic of Coach and kate spade new york. Together, we stretch what’s possible – advancing brands further than they could go alone, expanding their reach to new geographies and generations. Inspired by our consumers, we create experiences and products that build lasting brand love and elevate everyday life. To learn more about Tapestry, please visit tapestry.com.

 

NEW YORK, March 16, 2026 /3BL/ – UNFCU Foundation awarded $795K to 21 grant partners that align with its mission to sustain pathways out of poverty for marginalized women and youth. This year’s grant partner selection by UNFCU Foundation, now in its 11th year of philanthropy, focused on impactful programs benefitting migrants and refugees globally.

“The intersection of sustainability, inclusion, and economic empowerment is at the center of our work,” said Yma Gordon, Executive Director, UNFCU Foundation. “Through this year’s grants we are proud to expand access to skills-based training, quality education, and critical healthcare for women and youth and in this way further our strategy to leave no one behind.”

“Having recently marked 10 impactful years of grant-making, we remain deeply committed to bridging social, economic, and digital divides,” said Pamela Agnone, Chairperson of the UNFCU Foundation. “Program participants’ resilience in overcoming difficult circumstances by seizing new opportunities like artisan collectives, agribusiness, and social entrepreneurships, inspires us to do even more. We look forward to following progress as women shape brighter futures for themselves and catalyze positive change for their families and their communities.”

UNFCU Foundation grant partners located in six countries represent non-profit, non-governmental, and UN organizations. The grant selection process identified their program alignment with UNFCU Foundation’s mission and their impact equipping women and youth to break the cycle of poverty. These purposeful alliances spotlight the power of collective action:

• “As a long-time partner, UNFCU Foundation’s support helps to ensure that The Floating Hospital is meeting the behavioral-health needs of women and girls in public schools, family homeless shelters, and the medically underserved community at large,” said Floating Hospital President Sean T. Granahan. “This enables our teams to provide a continuum of care for families across New York City and assistance in rebuilding lives.”
• “UNFCU Foundation’s support comes at exactly the time when we’re aiming to scale up our digital training programs for refugees,” said Fabien de Castilla, Konexio Africa Director. “It will enable us to sustain and grow the successful program we’ve just completed in Kenya, especially in Kakuma Refugee Camp.”
• “Because of the UNFCU Foundation’s critical support, we can provide integrated, no-cost medical, sexual and reproductive health, and behavioral and mental health services to even more girls and young women in marginalized communities,” said Dr. Sarah Wood, Division Chief of Adolescent Medicine and Director of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center in New York City. “Many of our youth have experienced trauma and would otherwise be unable to access services.”
• “UNFCU Foundation’s commitment to refugee women’s success is reflected in the tangible progress we’ve made together,” said Preethi Nampoothiri, Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee in Silver Spring, Maryland. “We’ve been able to expand our reach and provide job readiness training, financial literacy workshops, and credit-building services to an increasing number of women. This partnership allows us to continue working toward creating a future where refugee women can thrive and contribute to their communities with confidence.”
• “Emma’s Torch is proud to be a grant recipient of the UNFCU Foundation,” said Kerry Brodie, its Founder and Executive Director. “Partnering together helps us provide effective training that is well-regarded by employers in the hospitality industry, creating high demand for Emma’s Torch graduates and increasing the skill level of the culinary workforce overall. By providing refugees with opportunities for stability and economic mobility, we are making a meaningful, lasting impact not only on our graduates, but on their families and communities as well.”

Grantees and projects supported by the UNFCU Foundation in 2026 include:

Health care grantees:

• The Floating Hospital continues to provide behavioral health services and support programs for women and children in New York City.
• Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center provides integrated medical, sexual, and reproductive health, as well as behavioral and mental health services to youth in New York City, facing unmet needs.

Education grantees:

• Building Tomorrow ensures children in rural Uganda access to foundational learning opportunities, including literacy and numeracy via its Roots to Rise Program.
• MindLeaps supports at-risk girls ages 12-18 and their mothers in Katwe, Uganda through its Girls and Women Rising Program. This holistic initiative focuses on providing academic and advanced digital literacy skill-building. It offers access to MindLeap’s Family Strengthening Program with four Self-Help Groups that foster independence and self-reliance through economic leadership and leadership training.
• The YWCA of Brooklyn offers college access and leadership skills training to girls of color from poverty-impacted communities in Brooklyn, NY.

Livelihood training grantees:

• Emma’s Torch supports women and youth refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking in New York City through culinary education and on-the-job training to achieve financial independence.
• Global Fund for Widows empowers widows and female heads of households to overcome poverty through skills-based training, job creation, and micro finance through enrollment in Widows’ Savings and Loan Associations, WISALAs, in Kenya.
• Hot Bread Kitchen expands workforce development and social entrepreneurship programs in the food industry for women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities in New York City.
• Imagine Her enables young women in rural Uganda to gain leadership and social enterprise training in the green energy sector.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides employment services to refugee women in the United States through its Women’s Employability Program.
• Konexio empowers young refugee women through digital skills training in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp. The program leverages a rigorous curriculum and connects participants to international job platforms.
• Mission for Community Development (MCODE) enhances the income-generating capacity of young rural women and girls in Uganda through agricultural vocational skills.
• RefuSHE expands social enterprise Artisan Collective/vocational training and apprenticeship programs for young refugee women to gain entrepreneurial and financial skills in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Resilience Action International equips refugee women and youth through computer literacy and digital skills in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp.
• Sanctuary for Families addresses the root causes of abuse, poverty, and homelessness in New York City via intensive living-wage career training.
• Together We Bake provides women in the Washington, DC area with livelihood training and direct experience in the food industry, as well as post-program professional development support.
• Trickle Up improves economic opportunities for Indigenous women, including people with disabilities, living in extreme poverty in Guatemala. The organization also builds their resilience to socioeconomic shocks using the Graduation Approach.
• United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) delivers livelihood training and social reintegration care to indigent obstetric fistula survivors in Nigeria.
• UN Women empowers refugee and host community women in Adjumani, Uganda, with practical, market relevant skills and provides them with startup tools to establish micro and small enterprises, enabling long-term self-reliance and economic resilience.
• Village Enterprise expands the Poverty Graduation Program, an entrepreneurship training program for primarily women and girls in rural Uganda.
• World Food Program USA supports the mission of World Food Programme Senegal to strengthen food systems and create job opportunities for youth in Senegal through vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and career counseling.

Furthers impact by supporting emergency relief efforts in 2025:

UNFCU Foundation also worked in partnership with the UN system to decrease the impacts of job, health care, and education loss post-disasters. UNFCU Foundation teamed up with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, in Sudan and Myanmar, as well as the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, to provide emergency humanitarian aid in the Caribbean in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

About UNFCU Foundation

UNFCU Foundation is an accredited New York-based, non-profit corporation launched in 2015. It was established by the United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU) with a mission to sustain the path out of poverty through healthcare and education for women and youth. Since its inception, UNFCU Foundation has supported programs to enable more than 140,000 marginalized women and youth to unlock their potential.

To learn more, follow UNFCU Foundation’s progress on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Elisabeth Philippe, UNFCU Foundation, ephilippe@unfcu.com, Tel. +1 347‑686‑6776; Mobile +1 347‑510‑4036