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Environmental and social justice are becoming central to discussions on sustainable development. As infrastructure projects and corporate initiatives expand worldwide, the need for responsible engagement with local communities and ecosystems has never been greater. Experts from different regions bring unique perspectives on how to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social equity. This Q&A from our podcast episode, Perspectives on Social & Environmental Justice, explores how businesses, governments, and communities can work together to drive meaningful change, ensuring long-term benefits for all stakeholders.

Our Social and Environmental Justice experts include Erica Olesson, Sustainability Leader, Tonkin + Taylor in New Zealand, Scott Recker, Environmental Remediation Practice Leader at Antea Group USA, and Valentina Vieri, Sustainability Specialist for HPC Italy.

Listen to the full podcast episode here.

Q: What does environmental and social justice mean in different regions?

Valentina Vieri (Italy): Environmental and social justice is about looking beyond the implementation of a project and considering the broader impact. It’s about ensuring that land use, resources, and ecosystems are managed responsibly while also taking care of vulnerable communities. Every project must account for environmental effects, biodiversity, and social aspects such as the rights of local communities.

Scott Recker (USA): In the U.S., environmental justice has been embedded in legislation, ensuring equal treatment of all communities, regardless of race, income, or location. It’s about acknowledging historical pollution and its impact on marginalized communities and taking steps to address those disparities. Globally, the definition shifts, but the core idea remains the same: engaging local communities and ensuring that infrastructure projects benefit rather than harm them.

Erica Olesson (New Zealand): In Australia and New Zealand, we often use the term “social license to operate.” It’s about how organizations maintain trust and legitimacy with communities. For indigenous communities, social and environmental justice can’t be separated because of deep cultural connections these communities have with the environment. In New Zealand, the Māori people have a whakatauki (proverb) ‘Ka ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora ngā tāngata’ – ‘If the water is healthy, the land is healthy, the people are healthy’. This means environmental change impacts their well-being. Projects must be developed in harmony with these cultural and environmental values.

Q: How do infrastructure projects balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility?

Valentina: Context analysis is key. Every location is different, so understanding the specific needs and vulnerabilities of a community before beginning a project is crucial. A road, for example, isn’t just about transportation—it affects biodiversity, local economies, and social structures. Identifying these impacts helps mitigate negative outcomes and enhance positive contributions.

Scott: It’s not just about completing a project; it’s about how it’s done. That means integrating local knowledge, ensuring clear communication with affected communities, and designing solutions that provide long-term benefits. Many communities in the U.S. were built around manufacturing plants, leading to localized pollution. Redeveloping these areas for sustainable energy or housing can transform these sites into economic assets while addressing past injustices.

Q: How do businesses and governments navigate different definitions of environmental justice?

Scott: Relying on local expertise is crucial. Our teams work with community leaders to ensure that definitions and expectations align with cultural and regional realities. Different places have different challenges, and organizations need to be adaptable. Clear, transparent communication helps build trust and ensure alignment with local values.

Q: What trends are shaping corporate approaches to sustainability and social justice?

Erica: Community expectations are driving change. Companies are under increasing pressure to align with sustainability goals because consumers and employees demand it. Organizations that prioritize environmental and social justice are more likely to attract top talent and maintain public trust. Additionally, regulatory frameworks—such as EU sustainability disclosures—are pushing businesses to be more transparent about their impacts.

Scott: Social media has played a huge role in raising awareness. Companies can no longer operate in isolation; they need to actively engage with communities. New technology allows us to measure air, water, and land quality in real time, making it easier to demonstrate positive impact and hold businesses accountable.

Q: How do companies measure and communicate their impact?

Scott: We use tools to map project benefits against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By quantifying reductions in emissions, improvements in water quality, or employment opportunities created, companies can show tangible results. This data is essential for corporate leadership, community engagement, and regulatory compliance.

Erica: A theory of change model helps bridge the gap between outputs (e.g., jobs created) and long-term impacts (e.g., community resilience). Understanding how immediate actions lead to broader societal benefits makes it easier to communicate the true value of sustainability initiatives.

Q: What advice would you give to companies navigating environmental and social justice challenges?

Erica: Meet people where they are. Different stakeholders have different priorities—some care about reputation, others about regulatory compliance, and some about long-term sustainability. Tailoring the conversation to their perspective makes it easier to drive meaningful change.

Scott: Listen more than you speak. Communities have valuable insights, and collaboration is key. The business community has moved away from an adversarial approach to a more cooperative model, recognizing that long-term success depends on genuine engagement and shared benefits.

Valentina: Keep communication simple. Sustainability is complex, and technical jargon can alienate stakeholders. Breaking it down into relatable, tangible terms helps people understand its importance and benefits.

Q: How would you explain this work to a young person or family member?

Scott: It used to be about fixing problems. Now, it’s about improving our world. Every day, we take steps to make our planet healthier and our communities stronger.

Erica: It’s about stepping back, seeing the bigger picture, and making choices that create a positive future.

Valentina: Sustainability means integrating different perspectives to find solutions that benefit people, the planet, and businesses alike.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Environmental and social justice are no longer just about correcting past harms; they are about shaping a sustainable, equitable future. The discussion highlights several key takeaways:

Community engagement is critical – Understanding the cultural, social, and environmental contexts of a region ensures that projects deliver lasting benefits.Businesses must integrate sustainability into operations – Companies that proactively address environmental and social justice concerns build stronger reputations and long-term resilience.Regulation and stakeholder expectations are driving change – Organizations must stay ahead of evolving policies and consumer demands to remain competitive.Technology enables better measurement and accountability – From real-time environmental monitoring to SDG mapping, businesses can now demonstrate their impact more effectively.Clear and positive communication is key – Using simple, meaningful language ensures that sustainability goals resonate with all stakeholders.

By embracing these principles, businesses and governments can create solutions that not only drive economic growth but also foster environmental stewardship and social equity. The path forward requires collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to building a better world for future generations.

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As organizations navigate an increasingly complex business environment, Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professionals play a critical role in risk management and operational resilience. The February 2025 EMEA London EHSxTech meeting, highlighted essential strategies for positioning EHS as a key contributor to business productivity and resilience. Discussions centered around influencing leadership, demonstrating business value, and leveraging AI for safety advancements. Below are more details on the key themes and takeaways from the presentations and discussions.

1. EHS: A Strategic Partner in Crisis Management 

By Eithne Clinton, Google EMEA EHS Lead 

In today’s volatile landscape, with challenges ranging from geopolitical instability and civil unrest to the increasing impact of severe weather events, crisis management and preparedness are more important than ever. Eithne emphasized the critical role of EHS in this context. Google’s Crisis Management Framework, encompassing preparation, response, and recovery, was detailed, highlighting EHS’s vital contributions at each stage. This includes proactive risk assessment and planning before a crisis, effective communication during, and thorough recovery, including conducting thorough post-crisis reviews, afterward. Preparedness for events like CBRNE incidents, through programs such as Shelter-in-Place, was also discussed.

Key takeaways underscore that EHS is a vital partner in supporting business crisis management. Proactive planning is paramount, and continuous improvement through collaboration and training is crucial. Ultimately, EHS serves as a trusted advisor in navigating crises, solidifying our position at the leadership table in the post-COVID era.

2. Influencing Without Authority

Facilitated Discussion

EHS professionals often need to drive internal change without having direct authority. The key to influencing leadership and stakeholders lies in strategic engagement, financial justification, and personalizing risks.

Effective Strategies for Influence

Engage Key Stakeholders Early: Secure buy-in from decision-makers by aligning EHS goals with business objectives.Establish Realistic Budget Expectations: Understanding financial constraints upfront strengthens credibility.Highlight Legal and Reputational Risks: Work with legal teams to clarify the regulatory and liability repercussions of non-compliance.Use Stories to Make It Personal: Help executives understand how EHS initiatives directly impact employees’ well-being and productivity.Leverage Employee Insights: Frontline workers’ experiences provide powerful evidence for why safety measures are essential.

Takeaway: By linking EHS initiatives to business risk, employee well-being, and legal compliance, professionals can drive change even without direct authority.

3. EHS in the Age of AI

Presented by Karl Huntzicker, Salesforce

As AI continues to shape industries, EHS leaders have an opportunity to integrate new technologies for better risk management, compliance, and employee well-being.

“As EHS professionals we need to steer how AI will be used in the field, the future is what we make it” – Karl Huntzicker, Salesforce.

AI’s Role in EHS Management

AI Augmenting EHS Teams: AI tools can automate tasks, improve data analysis, and enhance stakeholder engagement.Addressing EHS Pain Points: AI solutions tackle inefficiencies, such as excessive communication and time wasted on document retrieval.Other Key AI Applications in EHS: Conversational chatbots, generative AI for content creation, and predictive analytics for risk management enhance efficiency and decision-making.AI as an Empowerment Tool: Rather than replacing humans, AI enhances efficiency, reduces budgets, improves bandwidth, and strengthens organizational resilience. AI is an Enabler, Not a Replacement.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember “it’s not AI replacing humans, it’s humans using AI.” By automating routine tasks, AI allows EHS professionals to focus on high-level decision-making and strategy.

Takeaway: We are in the early days of AI, and the future is bright. We expect AI to be a game-changer in EHS by reducing administrative burden, improving crisis response, and providing actionable insights into workplace safety risks.

4. Proactively Addressing Occupational Health (OH) for a Healthier Workforce

There is often a lack of understanding around Occupational Health (OH) in the tech industry. Think of approaching it through two perspectives: risk management and long-term strategy. Risk mitigation is taking care of the employees today, and the strategy component is how we improve things for tomorrow and provide that healthy working space. Proactive health management in the workplace is not just about compliance—it’s about creating an environment where employees can thrive.

Best Practices in Occupational Health

Localized Rollouts: Implement OH programs tailored to specific regions and operational needs.Stakeholder Engagement: Gather insights from employees, leadership, and regulators to align programs with actual workplace risks.Strategic Data Collection: Understand regulatory requirements and leverage data to uncover root causes of health issues, such as burnout.Future-Ready OH Programs: Shift from reactive health screenings to a more holistic approach, considering chronic disease prevention and mental health.

Workforce Well-Being as a Competitive Advantage

ROI of On-Site Clinics: A case study from India showed that providing occupational healthcare on-site reduced absenteeism, improved morale, and enhanced productivity.Regulatory Compliance vs. Business Needs: Regulations often focus on traditional industries like manufacturing, but modern workplaces need a more strategic approach to health management.

Takeaway: A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Organizations that invest in employee well-being position themselves as employers of choice while mitigating long-term business risks.

Final Thoughts: The Future of EHS

Across all discussions, a few central themes emerged:

EHS is a Strategic Business Function: Beyond compliance, EHS plays a pivotal role in crisis management, risk mitigation, and workforce well-being.Influence Matters: Even without direct authority, EHS professionals can shape decisions by aligning safety initiatives with business priorities.Technology is Transforming EHS: AI and data analytics are reshaping safety management, allowing for more proactive and efficient risk prevention.Employee Well-Being is a Business Imperative: Companies that prioritize occupational health and safety gain a competitive edge in talent attraction, retention, and operational efficiency.

Moving Forward: EHS leaders must continue to advocate for proactive safety strategies, embrace innovation, and reinforce their role as essential partners in business success. By doing so, they ensure safer workplaces, stronger organizations, and a more resilient future.

As organizations navigate an increasingly complex business environment, Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professionals play a critical role in risk management and operational resilience. The February 2025 EMEA London EHSxTech meeting, highlighted essential strategies for positioning EHS as a key contributor to business productivity and resilience. Discussions centered around influencing leadership, demonstrating business value, and leveraging AI for safety advancements. Below are more details on the key themes and takeaways from the presentations and discussions.

1. EHS: A Strategic Partner in Crisis Management 

By Eithne Clinton, Google EMEA EHS Lead 

In today’s volatile landscape, with challenges ranging from geopolitical instability and civil unrest to the increasing impact of severe weather events, crisis management and preparedness are more important than ever. Eithne emphasized the critical role of EHS in this context. Google’s Crisis Management Framework, encompassing preparation, response, and recovery, was detailed, highlighting EHS’s vital contributions at each stage. This includes proactive risk assessment and planning before a crisis, effective communication during, and thorough recovery, including conducting thorough post-crisis reviews, afterward. Preparedness for events like CBRNE incidents, through programs such as Shelter-in-Place, was also discussed.

Key takeaways underscore that EHS is a vital partner in supporting business crisis management. Proactive planning is paramount, and continuous improvement through collaboration and training is crucial. Ultimately, EHS serves as a trusted advisor in navigating crises, solidifying our position at the leadership table in the post-COVID era.

2. Influencing Without Authority

Facilitated Discussion

EHS professionals often need to drive internal change without having direct authority. The key to influencing leadership and stakeholders lies in strategic engagement, financial justification, and personalizing risks.

Effective Strategies for Influence

Engage Key Stakeholders Early: Secure buy-in from decision-makers by aligning EHS goals with business objectives.Establish Realistic Budget Expectations: Understanding financial constraints upfront strengthens credibility.Highlight Legal and Reputational Risks: Work with legal teams to clarify the regulatory and liability repercussions of non-compliance.Use Stories to Make It Personal: Help executives understand how EHS initiatives directly impact employees’ well-being and productivity.Leverage Employee Insights: Frontline workers’ experiences provide powerful evidence for why safety measures are essential.

Takeaway: By linking EHS initiatives to business risk, employee well-being, and legal compliance, professionals can drive change even without direct authority.

3. EHS in the Age of AI

Presented by Karl Huntzicker, Salesforce

As AI continues to shape industries, EHS leaders have an opportunity to integrate new technologies for better risk management, compliance, and employee well-being.

“As EHS professionals we need to steer how AI will be used in the field, the future is what we make it” – Karl Huntzicker, Salesforce.

AI’s Role in EHS Management

AI Augmenting EHS Teams: AI tools can automate tasks, improve data analysis, and enhance stakeholder engagement.Addressing EHS Pain Points: AI solutions tackle inefficiencies, such as excessive communication and time wasted on document retrieval.Other Key AI Applications in EHS: Conversational chatbots, generative AI for content creation, and predictive analytics for risk management enhance efficiency and decision-making.AI as an Empowerment Tool: Rather than replacing humans, AI enhances efficiency, reduces budgets, improves bandwidth, and strengthens organizational resilience. AI is an Enabler, Not a Replacement.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember “it’s not AI replacing humans, it’s humans using AI.” By automating routine tasks, AI allows EHS professionals to focus on high-level decision-making and strategy.

Takeaway: We are in the early days of AI, and the future is bright. We expect AI to be a game-changer in EHS by reducing administrative burden, improving crisis response, and providing actionable insights into workplace safety risks.

4. Proactively Addressing Occupational Health (OH) for a Healthier Workforce

There is often a lack of understanding around Occupational Health (OH) in the tech industry. Think of approaching it through two perspectives: risk management and long-term strategy. Risk mitigation is taking care of the employees today, and the strategy component is how we improve things for tomorrow and provide that healthy working space. Proactive health management in the workplace is not just about compliance—it’s about creating an environment where employees can thrive.

Best Practices in Occupational Health

Localized Rollouts: Implement OH programs tailored to specific regions and operational needs.Stakeholder Engagement: Gather insights from employees, leadership, and regulators to align programs with actual workplace risks.Strategic Data Collection: Understand regulatory requirements and leverage data to uncover root causes of health issues, such as burnout.Future-Ready OH Programs: Shift from reactive health screenings to a more holistic approach, considering chronic disease prevention and mental health.

Workforce Well-Being as a Competitive Advantage

ROI of On-Site Clinics: A case study from India showed that providing occupational healthcare on-site reduced absenteeism, improved morale, and enhanced productivity.Regulatory Compliance vs. Business Needs: Regulations often focus on traditional industries like manufacturing, but modern workplaces need a more strategic approach to health management.

Takeaway: A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Organizations that invest in employee well-being position themselves as employers of choice while mitigating long-term business risks.

Final Thoughts: The Future of EHS

Across all discussions, a few central themes emerged:

EHS is a Strategic Business Function: Beyond compliance, EHS plays a pivotal role in crisis management, risk mitigation, and workforce well-being.Influence Matters: Even without direct authority, EHS professionals can shape decisions by aligning safety initiatives with business priorities.Technology is Transforming EHS: AI and data analytics are reshaping safety management, allowing for more proactive and efficient risk prevention.Employee Well-Being is a Business Imperative: Companies that prioritize occupational health and safety gain a competitive edge in talent attraction, retention, and operational efficiency.

Moving Forward: EHS leaders must continue to advocate for proactive safety strategies, embrace innovation, and reinforce their role as essential partners in business success. By doing so, they ensure safer workplaces, stronger organizations, and a more resilient future.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Can you share your journey into program management and what inspired you to pursue this career?

I found my way into program management pretty naturally. It all started during the Main Street Hub acquisition when I joined GoDaddy as part of the HR Operations team. At the time, there was a big focus on transforming how the team operated. Coming from the acquisition, I had a unique perspective and saw opportunities to streamline processes and systems to make things more efficient and reduce workloads. When I shared my recommendations, leadership asked me to take the lead in implementing those changes, which kickstarted my journey into project management. From there, my role grew as I took on more complex projects, eventually transitioning into program management. I absolutely love what I do! I never imagined this as a career path when I started out in HR, but I’m so glad I made the shift. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I learn new things every single day.

How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired in your work?

I’m motivated by efficiency! If the only reason something is done a certain way is “that’s how it’s always been done,” I take that as a cue to reevaluate. As we grow and evolve, our processes should evolve with us to support that growth. I love that I get to work on systems and processes that free up my team’s time so they can focus on the big-ticket stuff – innovating, creating, and making a real impact.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in program management or looking to advance in the field?

Program management is an exciting and rewarding career path that allows you to take the lead on complex projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and make a real impact in your organization.

If you’re considering a career in this field, it’s important to stay organized, believe in your abilities, and approach obstacles with a solution-oriented mindset.

Being successful in program management isn’t just about keeping track of the details—it’s also about staying ahead of potential roadblocks and coming up with proactive strategies to overcome them. By staying prepared, being adaptable to change, and focusing on outcomes, you can be a successful program manager.

What aspects of company culture do you appreciate the most?

I love the relationships that can be built here, and the emphasis on cross-team collaboration. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many different teams throughout my tenure at GoDaddy, and every experience has taught me something new.

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

Feedback is a gift. Don’t take feedback personally or let constructive criticism upset you – take it at face value, and use the feedback as a way to grow.

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

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Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Can you share your journey into program management and what inspired you to pursue this career?

I found my way into program management pretty naturally. It all started during the Main Street Hub acquisition when I joined GoDaddy as part of the HR Operations team. At the time, there was a big focus on transforming how the team operated. Coming from the acquisition, I had a unique perspective and saw opportunities to streamline processes and systems to make things more efficient and reduce workloads. When I shared my recommendations, leadership asked me to take the lead in implementing those changes, which kickstarted my journey into project management. From there, my role grew as I took on more complex projects, eventually transitioning into program management. I absolutely love what I do! I never imagined this as a career path when I started out in HR, but I’m so glad I made the shift. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I learn new things every single day.

How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired in your work?

I’m motivated by efficiency! If the only reason something is done a certain way is “that’s how it’s always been done,” I take that as a cue to reevaluate. As we grow and evolve, our processes should evolve with us to support that growth. I love that I get to work on systems and processes that free up my team’s time so they can focus on the big-ticket stuff – innovating, creating, and making a real impact.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in program management or looking to advance in the field?

Program management is an exciting and rewarding career path that allows you to take the lead on complex projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and make a real impact in your organization.

If you’re considering a career in this field, it’s important to stay organized, believe in your abilities, and approach obstacles with a solution-oriented mindset.

Being successful in program management isn’t just about keeping track of the details—it’s also about staying ahead of potential roadblocks and coming up with proactive strategies to overcome them. By staying prepared, being adaptable to change, and focusing on outcomes, you can be a successful program manager.

What aspects of company culture do you appreciate the most?

I love the relationships that can be built here, and the emphasis on cross-team collaboration. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many different teams throughout my tenure at GoDaddy, and every experience has taught me something new.

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

Feedback is a gift. Don’t take feedback personally or let constructive criticism upset you – take it at face value, and use the feedback as a way to grow.

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

FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokCareer Page

In recognition of Women’s History Month, our Identity + Innovation spotlight features Devi SenGupta. Hear how Devi’s background has shaped her approach to developing new medicines and to bringing Gilead closer to a cure for HIV.

Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world. Gilead has operations in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California. 

Originally published by Gilead Sciences.

Case IH

Case IH Axial-Flow combines are recognized worldwide for their simplicity, high grain quality, productivity and reliability. The power of the 160 and 250 Series is being presented at the San Nicolás fair.

The powerful machines that are in the 160 Series are at the forefront of technological innovation in harvesting, overcoming the highest challenges of modern agriculture and harvesting high-productivity crops with the highest efficiency on the market. The series offers real automation to producers and contractors, thanks to the Automation system. With this technology, processes can be divided into four harvesting modes that synchronize the production strategy and the performance of the machine in the field, automatically controlling 90% of operations.

New Holland Construction

New Holland Construction will be showcasing the RG170. B EVO motor grader. Its use is essential for the construction and maintenance of rural roads and the leveling of land, optimizing the surface for planting and facilitating drainage. In addition, it contributes to preventing flooding through the construction of canals and terraces. The B Series EVO motor graders offer advanced sustainable technology and maximum efficiency, using 6.7-liter engines, for greater strength and performance, with reduced fuel consumption and lower polluting emissions.

Read more about Case IH at Expoagro here.

Read more about New Holland at Expoagro here.

Originally published by Recurrent Energy

Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc. (“Canadian Solar”) (NASDAQ: CSIQ) and a global developer, owner, and operator of solar and energy storage assets, announced today the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Qualcomm Incorporated, a leading-edge AI technology provider innovating to deliver intelligent computing and connectivity solutions.

Qualcomm entered the PPA to source renewable energy from a solar photovoltaic (PV) project developed by Recurrent Energy in Spain. Recurrent Energy plans to retain ownership and operational responsibilities of the plant upon its completion.

The project is expected to deliver significant local benefits by fostering socio-economic development and reduce the region’s environmental footprint. In particular, it is projected to create more than 300 jobs during the construction phase and provide specialized job training to ensure stable, long-term employment opportunities for the local community.

Continue reading here.

NEW ORLEANS, March 13, 2025 /3BL/ – Entergy is helping 17 local environmental organizations protect our natural resources by contributing a total of $1 million in shareholder-funded grants through the company’s Environmental Initiatives Fund.

“We know that protecting natural resources is foundational to helping our communities thrive,” said John Weiss, Entergy’s vice president of sustainability and environmental policy. “For 24 consecutive years, our shareholders have supported the work of community partners who are stewarding our local ecosystems to ensure a brighter future for both the customers we serve and the natural world.”

Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund identifies projects or programs 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 2024 Environmental Initiatives Fund grants include:

Lake Hamilton Fire and Rescue to purchase hazardous materials mitigation supplies for emergency response and containment in Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine, Arkansas ($160,000). 
 Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. to build new enclosures to house education ambassador raptors and add flight cages for conditioning rehabilitated birds for release back to the wild. MWR plans to open the Valery E. Smith Nature Center as a free destination for the public in Coldwater, Mississippi ($72,000). 
 The Nature Conservancy Texas to steward the longleaf pine ecosystem in the 5,673-acre Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary with a focus on wildfire risk prevention, invasive species control, and restoration of native ecosystem function in Kountze, Texas ($50,000). 
 Woodlands Conservancy to restore habitats for migratory birds in Belle Chasse, Louisiana ($37,000). 
 Urban Conservancy to support programming to educate residents about building climate resilience and biodiversity in the Melia and Pines Village neighborhoods of New Orleans, Louisiana ($25,000).

View the complete list of the 2024 grant recipients here.

Since 2001, Entergy shareholders have invested nearly $44 million in environmentally beneficial projects and programs through the Environmental Initiatives Fund. The fund also contributes to Entergy’s leadership role as an advocate for and contributor to solutions to our most critical environmental challenges.

Learn more about Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund on our website.

2025 request 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 25th request for proposals for funding on our website. Applications are due June 6 no later than midnight Central Time.

About Entergy

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability, resilience and growth of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media.

Contact

Media inquiries: Cristina del Canto|504-576-4238|mdelcan@entergy.com

What makes a happy adult? If you ask Lyana Vazquez, it starts with a childhood spent in a happy community. As the owner and director of Best Memories Academy, an early learning child care center in East Orlando, she’s built that happy community for hundreds of children over the past 14 years.

“As a child, as an infant, all those memories, when they come together, it creates a healthy adult, a happy adult,” she said. “That’s why you need to create memories with our families and with new friends when you’re little, with your community.”

For that community to last, small businesses like Vazquez’s need to thrive. That often requires skills and experiences that many early learning child care center founders don’t have.

That’s why Robyn Perlman started the Business & Leadership Institute for Early Learning, or BLI, a peer network of early learning child care owners and operators across Florida. Through classes developed by successful entrepreneurs in the industry and Wells Fargo business experts, BLI prepares small business owners to invest in their businesses and their skill sets.

BLI emphasizes mentorship by pairing graduates and new students. Some of the program’s biggest impacts come when seasoned small business owners share the mistakes they’ve learned from.

While Vazquez has spent 30 years caring for children professionally, she said at times overworking has made her enjoy the work less. Now, she’s a BLI mentor passing on a lesson of self-care to other students who are juggling how to grow their business while managing day-to-day operations.

“As a business owner, sometimes you wear so many hats that you forget about yourself,” Vazquez said. “I’m a businesswoman, but I’m still a person. I have to take care of myself so I can help others take care of themselves.”

‘These entrepreneurs are building support systems’

Much of BLI’s work is possible thanks to a decade-long collaboration with Wells Fargo meant to address the business literacy gap in the early learning child care industry.

The providers that BLI works with run their early learning child care program out of their own home or a property in a low- to moderate-income community and may not have any formal business training or even think of what they do as a business.

Because of this, these entrepreneurs may not understand budgeting, how to price their services, or the costs and risks of a lease or property purchase. They also deal with considerable challenges. Many providers take low or no salaries, enjoy few workplace benefits, or mortgage their homes to pay for business cash shortfalls, Perlman said. After decades of teaching or caregiving, they may have little means to show for it.

Over the last decade, Wells Fargo has provided more than $950,000 in philanthropic funding to BLI and has been a key partner in developing BLI’s programming, The Business & Leadership Institute for Early Learning Master Class Series. But the collaboration doesn’t end there. Wells Fargo professionals like Elke Bojes, a district branch senior manager, are on the ground to teach sessions and work with entrepreneurs.

“The program is here to provide financial literacy, but what I quickly learn as the program starts is that these entrepreneurs are building support systems,” she said. “What’s built here is community. It’s a family. It’s a payback mentality to show support, to pay it forward, to show others that it can be done.”

Perlman sees the vision of BLI going further than financial literacy. Their work develops a cycle that connects entrepreneurs, businesses, and families, creating a positive economic impact on low-income communities. When these business owners do well, the people around them do, too.

“The outcome we’re looking for is to [help small businesses] create enough revenue and profits in order to fuel the programming and outcomes that are necessary for children and their families to be successful,” she said.

Teaching the next generation of business owners

In the third grade, Jacqia Carter wrote in a school assignment that she’d run a preschool when she was older. Today, she owns and manages two.

“As an adult … we continue our day-to-day without pausing and stopping to think. Working with children, they make you stop. They make everything slow down. They ask questions about everything. That’s very rewarding to me,” she said.

That lifelong dream required more than a calling. At 28, Carter invested every dollar she had saved to buy a property for her first school, the Carter Academy. After that, she didn’t have much of a plan, but she made it work. Later, when she joined BLI, Carter learned the importance of having a business plan with lease payments, payroll, and much more detail.

“One of the most impactful things I took from BLI is to run the numbers. Don’t just make moves, and don’t run your business on a thought or idea,” she said.

After graduating from BLI in 2019, Carter was able to grow her business and open a second school. Carter is now a mentor, not only to other founders like herself but to her daughter Jacqua’Jah, who she hopes will be her school’s next director.

With what she’s learned, Carter can continue to support the West Little River neighborhood of Miami where she grew up and chose to open her schools.

“Working in this community makes me happy,” she said. “Having the privilege of serving this community allows me to fight harder to find support and to create relationships so that we can provide resources to our families.”