Tag: 3BL

As a family-owned business, Bacardi is proud of its 163-year legacy and the team dedicated to preserving the stories of its heritage brands. This Women’s Month, Bacardi spotlights the woman at the helm of this team, Jacqui Seargeant – Global Heritage Manager, as she describes her journey to this unique role in the spirits industry, her favorite pieces of the collections, and the person from the past she’d love to share a cocktail with.

What’s a day in the life like for you?

As the Global Heritage Manager for all of our history at Bacardi, no two days are the same; one day I may be preserving a collection of 100-year-old glass bottles from the early days of our company, or working with our marketing teams to find the best stories to represent our brands today. With collections across the globe including BACARDÍ rum in Miami, DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky in Scotland, MARTINI vermouth in Italy, and BÉNÉDICTINE Liqueur in France, the storytelling opportunities are endless. Across these sites we preserve more than 150,000 physical items. If you laid our archive shelving end to end, it would be more than 75 times the height of the Statue of Liberty – and that number continues to grow every day!

Recently I spent time at our company global headquarters in Bermuda, coordinating the restoration of a stunning 11-metre-long mural that depicts the tropical landscape of Cuba, the original home of Bacardi. Even after 25 years on the job, exciting new projects like this one pop up everyday thanks to the diversity and breadth of our brands and collections.

What inspires you about your role as an archivist?

As a student at Glasgow University, I fell in love with archives at the age of 21 because I could see they were forgotten worlds with traces of people and moments from the past, waiting to be rediscovered.

What are your favorite items in the collections?

I love the centuries-old handwritten documents and ledgers of our founders. As I read them, I can imagine the person sitting there, making their mark and recording the urgent business of the day. The handwriting is so frenetic that you just know these people were in a hurry to do business!

Our cocktail book collection is one of the oldest and largest in the world, where we can discover drinking trends of the day through cocktail recipes, bartender insights and even trace the origins of cocktails like the Cuba Libre, which was first mixed with BACARDÍ rum 125 years ago.

I also enjoy the various promotional items our brands have created over the years. Each tells us a story about social moments of the past – like beautiful glassware in the MARTINI collection that defined a generation of the Italian aperitivo time or one of the smallest items we might have: a branded silver toothpick for after your meal!

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

A former-archivist and friend of mine became a coach to help women unlock their confidence and achieve their potential. Each New Year on her podcast she challenges her listeners to set an intention for the year and to think about what we want from the year and focus on what is important to each of us. This year, I did just that – I created a plan for the year ahead from which I can chart progress and achievements in both my personal and professional life. I set targets to connect with friends I haven’t spoken to in a while, read authors I haven’t yet got around to, and sign up for new experiences and opportunities to step out of my comfort zone at work.

How do you pay it forward to other women?

One of the ways I give back to women in my company is by co-leading a Menopause awareness program at our Bacardi UK Supply site. Menopause can severely affect a woman’s time at work; according to the 2022 Biote Women in the Workplace Survey, nearly 1 in 5 women considered quitting or quit their jobs due to menopause symptoms. Our Bacardi program supports anyone going through it, boosts awareness of symptoms and solutions, and educates managers to better care for their teams. It should be a time of reinvention, not a time of crisis.

If you could enjoy a cocktail with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask?

I would love to share a glass of DEWAR’S with Una Cameron, the granddaughter of John Dewar, founder of DEWAR’S whisky.

I have a little book from her library ‘The Lore of the Wanderer’, which was given to me by her family, and it contains lots of amusing essays about nature and the outdoors. Una achieved a number of first ascents during the 1930s. She was an accomplished artist as well as a mountaineer – two pastimes close to my heart.

I imagine spending a day at her villa in Italy, in which we would go walking in the hills around Villa Cameron in the morning. I could ask her about her favourite mountaineering moments and memories of her Dewar family members and then spend the afternoon learning from her artistic expertise. She passed away in 1987, long before I even had a love of the mountains.

What’s your advice to other women leaders? 

I set a word for the year that I use to guide my intention and help me make decisions. This year my word is ‘appreciate’. For me, it is important to appreciate the everyday moments in life, to enjoy the very moment I’m in and not be wishing my days away!

Related Content

Journey through the DEWAR’S Archives, presented by Jacqueline Seargeant 
Bacardi Named Among Top Companies for Women by Forbes in 2024

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, and OAKLAND, Calif., March 10, 2025 /3BL/ – The Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City, taking place on May 14-15, will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, brands, retailers, and key industry stakeholders to drive actionable solutions for decarbonization, environmental performance, responsible purchasing practices, and audit fatigue. With a focus on sustainable production, the forum underscores the critical role Vietnam plays as the world’s second-largest textile, apparel, and footwear exporter.

Open to both members and industry stakeholders, the event marks the first time Cascale’s Manufacturer and Brand & Retail Forums are combined into one unifying platform. Set in one of the world’s most critical manufacturing hubs, the two-day immersive event will address urgent sustainability challenges and opportunities, fostering collaboration between key industry actors and associated stakeholders. This year’s agenda is shaped by leaders from the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), Crystal International, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Hirdaramani Group, New Balance, Puma Group, and the Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association (VITAS), who serve on the event’s advisory council.

“There could not be a better time or place to convene on sustainability challenges given the evolving regulatory landscape and resounding appeal for industry to fill in the gaps where promises are often falling short. Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have,’ it’s a business imperative,” said Colin Browne, Cascale CEO, who will deliver the opening address. “Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City is an opportunity for stakeholders to embed future-proofing practices into core business strategies to drive growth, resilience, and lasting impact. We are honored to host it in Vietnam, a country who remains committed to delivering on green initiatives while being in close proximity to the sourcing regions and manufacturer networks who see the first-hand impacts of the climate crisis and deepening injustices.”

“Partnering with Cascale at its forum in Vietnam is a great opportunity to bring together manufacturers and brand leaders in one of the world’s key manufacturing hubs,” said Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly, Lead Partner of Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City. “Suppliers are facing growing pressure to meet sustainability targets, navigate complex reporting requirements, and manage audit fatigue—all while continuing to run their businesses. By working together, Worldly and Cascale are creating solutions that increase visibility, improve transparency, and foster real collaboration between brands and their suppliers. Our goal is to make it easier for manufacturers to share data once, reduce redundancies, and focus on meaningful progress—reducing environmental impact while improving working conditions. This partnership is about breaking down barriers and helping the entire supply chain move forward together.”

Vietnam is a critical region for sustainable consumer goods production, with a particular concentration in textile, apparel, and footwear, and luggage. With $44 billion in revenue in 2024 – an over 11 percent increase, as compared to the previous year – it is now the world’s second largest textile, apparel, and footwear exporter, next to China. VITAS aims for over $47 billion in export revenue this year, while continuing to deliver on commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources, part of the country’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050. This reflects Cascale’s goal of delivering a 45% reduction of GHGs across the apparel industry value chain by 2030, executed through collaborative climate action programs like the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap and GIZ PDP Solar Rooftop Initiative, which support decarbonization efforts for manufacturers in Vietnam.

As one of just a few events where the entire consumer goods value chain can gather to align on shared objectives, Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City reflects the theme: “Co-Creating Tomorrow: Unified Action for People & Planet.” The event will feature thought-provoking sessions including updates on Cascale’s Higg Index tools, exclusively available on Worldly, as well as visionary speakers, a dynamic exhibition area, and specialized training sessions that provide certifications to enhance organizational credibility and demonstrate commitment to environmental and social sustainability.

“Echoing the theme ‘Co-Creating Tomorrow: Unified Action for People & Planet,’ I look forward to joining all the industry peers at the Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City to drive collective actions and bring actionable insights for our shared vision. Representing the voice from the manufacturers’ perspective, I envision driving impactful change in the global fashion value chain,” said Kyle Chung, assistant general manager, corporate quality and sustainability, Crystal Group Limited.

“The Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City serves as an invaluable platform for driving meaningful discussions and collaboration on sustainability. At Hirdaramani Apparel, we are committed to fostering innovation and shared solutions that promote sustainable practices. This forum empowers industry leaders to collectively shape a more sustainable future for the global apparel sector,” said Leonie Vaas, general manager, sustainability at Hirdaramani Apparel.

“At New Balance, we believe in fostering greater sustainability through collective action. The only way to create a more responsible apparel and footwear industry for the future is by collaborating closely with peers, supply chain partners, and communities,” said Tony Hung, supply chain sustainability manager, New Balance.

“We’ve listened closely to our members and the broader industry, taking a hard look at where we can make the greatest impact. The Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City is the culmination of that effort—a program designed to bring together key players across the value chain, with the manufacturer’s voice at the core. This event offers a unique platform to collaborate, learn, and take action on the most pressing issues in sustainability. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to be part of the movement toward real, measurable change in our industry,” said Lee Green, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications, Cascale.

For more information on sessions, speakers, and sponsorship, please visit the event webpage.

ABOUT CASCALE

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

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By Liz Peters and Kristen Coco

We can learn a lot from history, especially when it comes to scientific advancements in the field of public health. Some of the earliest public health professionals were architects, designing spaces that responded to our bodies’ needs.

As highlighted in the IWBI Special Report, in the late 1800s, when tuberculosis was killing one in every seven people in the U.S. and Europe, doctors found an unexpected ally: architects. Medical professionals recognized that patient health was tied to their environments, leading architects to design sanatoriums filled with light, fresh air and access to nature. These spaces helped people heal.

Today, we know that buildings play a vital role in our well-being, though the people behind them often went unnoticed—many of them women.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re reflecting on influential leaders in public health.

An original champion of the workplace, Alice Hamilton (February 27, 1869 – September 22, 1970) was a leading expert in the field of occupational health. She was a pioneer in the field of toxicology, studying occupational illnesses and the dangerous effects of industrial metals and chemical compounds on the human body, notably lead poisoning. Hamilton published numerous benchmark studies that helped raise awareness of dangers in the workplace.

“No young doctor nowadays can hope for work as exciting and rewarding.”

Professor Christhina Candido is an architect who directs the SHE – Sustainable and Healthy Environments – Lab at the University of Melbourne, Australia. The SHE Lab develops a program of applied research aimed at understanding how the built environment can improve sustainability and health. A champion of the WELL movement, WELL Faculty member and member of the IWBI Global Research Advisory, Candido frequently publishes work related to enhancing the human experience in the built environment.

“People are starting to realize that we need to be provided with different types of infrastructure, different spaces within the same open office plan to actually do all of our activities, because we don’t do the same thing during the whole day.”

Clare Cooper Marcus is an exemplary figure in environmental psychology and architecture, focused on the relationship between the built environment and well-being, emphasizing the public health benefits of green spaces, natural light and the integration of nature into residential and public buildings–finding gardens to be a therapeutic outlet. Based in the UK, she worked on projects that highlighted the importance of building designs that promote mental and physical health, particularly in urban areas.

“Research has shown that if people have certain conditions and then have access to nature, they may call for fewer pain killers. That’s certainly significant.”

City-phile Jane Jacobs’ (May 4, 1916 – April 25, 2006) work in urban planning and design had a profound effect on public health. With a focus on New York City, she advocated for community-based urban planning and fought against urban renewal projects that disrupted local communities. Her ideas, particularly about walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use developments and the importance of green spaces have influenced public health by emphasizing environments that promote physical and mental well-being.

“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”

Michelle A. Williams, SM ’88, ScD, is a renowned epidemiologist, an award-winning educator, and a widely recognized academic leader. Since stepping down as Dean of the Faculty at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, she joined Stanford University’s School of Medicine faculty as a tenured Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health. Prior to becoming Dean, she was Professor and Chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard Chan School and Program Leader of the Population Health and Health Disparities Research Programs at Harvard’s Clinical and Translational Sciences Center.

Over the course of her career in public health, Dr. Williams has dedicated herself to advancing innovative research, training the next generation of public health professionals and communicating evidenced-based information that can help individuals and policy makers improve public health.

Recently, Dr. Williams joined IWBI at our WELL Conference, serving as a key signatory of the International Healthy Building Accord, seeking to redefine the future of our built environment, emphasizing the critical role of health in building design, construction and operations.

“If we are looking for improving health [and] decreasing disparities, we’re going to have to make sure that we are collecting high-quality data on human behaviors, as well as the social and physical environment.”

View original content here.

By Kim Borges

“It was something like I’d never seen before.”

In 2020, Shalonda Tillman witnessed a moment at a running track that literally stopped her in her tracks.

“It was not your typical ‘get out there and run’ practice,” Tillman continued of the first time she observed Cedric Vaughn – known as “Coach Vaughn” – in action.

Tillman, a Regions Bank branch manager and herself a runner and certified trainer, had been looking for someone to train with her 14-year-old son.

“Jayce was a basketball player, and we wanted him to do track for conditioning,” explained Tillman. “I learned more about what Cedric does during a guided discovery conversation we had at the bank. When I saw him that day at practice, I told my son, ‘You’re going to go to the best of the best. He’s amazing.’”

When I saw him that day at practice, I told my son, ‘You’re going to go to the best of the best. He’s amazing.’
Shalonda Tillman, Regions Bank branch manager

You see, what Cedric does involves far more than logging miles at competitive track events. This is about helping youth run life’s race.

“We focus on character, accountability and leadership,” said Vaughn, who founded the organization Fellowship of Champions back in 2014. “During skill drills, I’m doing a lot of coaching, we’re doing a lot of talking. My goal is to make sure no kid had a bad day.”

A Little Rock, Arkansas, native, Vaughn, who ran the 200- and 400-meter dashes and 400-meter hurdles while attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, has always appreciated the value of coaching.

During skill drills, I’m doing a lot of coaching, we’re doing a lot of talking. My goal is to make sure no kid had a bad day.
Cedric Vaughn, Fellowship of Champions Founder

Which takes us back to that conversation he had with Tillman at Regions’ West Little Rock Branch four years ago.

“My wife knew Shalonda,” said Vaughn. “I told her I wanted to start my business, had never done anything like this, and I’d heard good things about her. The first thing she said was, ‘I want to help you.’ I just couldn’t believe someone wanted to help me.”

Tillman began researching options to help Vaughn formally establish Fellowship of Champions.

“The first thing she did was help me get my business license,” said Vaughn. “I couldn’t get certain things without it. She literally helped me get established as a business.”

Next, Tillman worked with Regions’ Underwriting team and identified a Small Business Administration loan as viable solutions to help Fellowship of Champions scale to the next level.

“I was working three jobs, so it was so critical at that time,” said Vaughn. “Shalonda was critical in me having some stability.”

Tillman’s focus allowed Vaughn to focus on coaching more youth – from less than 10 in the earliest days to 150-plus today ranging in age from four to 23.

“Shalonda was working on things even when I couldn’t,” said Vaughn. “It would be nine or ten o’clock at night and she’d say, ‘I will make sure you get what you need.’ She became the person I trusted to give me advice, to get me here.”

Vaughn, who’s also worked with fellow nonprofits like High Impact Movement, is giving youth advice to get them where they are, too.

“My biggest battle is letting them know they don’t have to buy into being something that’s not going to be a blessing to their lives,” said Vaughn. “This is about making people better because someday, they’ll be somebody’s mom, somebody’s dad.”

And before that, they’ll likely be somebody’s employee.

Last year, Vaughn was walking through a Colorado airport when he heard, “Coach Vaughn!”

“This young man had earned a major role in the airport’s Baggage Claim department,” said Vaughn of a former Fellowship of Champions participant. “He said, ‘I never would’ve made it had you not believed in me.’ He told me the opportunity to run put him on the right track. Those moments mean more than gold medals.”

Vaughn is now experiencing more moments like those thanks to Tillman’s support. And, this month, her support is expanding by teaching Regions NextStep® financial education classes to students.

Cedric focuses on three disciplines in his coaching– the physical, the spiritual and the financial.
Shalonda Tillman

“Cedric focuses on three disciplines in his coaching– the physical, the spiritual and the financial,” said Tillman. “We’ll be touching on the financial piece to help with budgeting and saving.”

Four years after that first practice, Vaughn continues to keep in touch with Jayce.

“He still checks on him to make sure he’s doing O.K.,” said Tillman. “Jayce credits him for teaching him to unlock his full potential and strive for excellence. He remains an important part of Jayce’s life.”

And the Tillmans remain an important part of Vaughn’s.

“Shalonda is a like a sister to me,” he said. “I’ve been there for her son; she’s been there for my daughter. We go past Regions at this point.”

“Everything Cedric touches, he changes for the better,” said Tillman. “He’s what a coach should be. I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful for him.”

This week, Deanna Bratter, Chief Sustainability Officer at Crocs, Inc., joins Alyssa Zucker to talk about the company’s pioneering initiatives in the circular economy. They discuss Crocs, Inc.’s introduction of the Keep It Going Classic Clog, made with 25% recycled content, and the 2023 launch of their retail take-back program. Tune in for highlights of the challenges and strategies associated with the program, including customer reactions and scalability. Plus, Crocs, Inc.’s social responsibility initiatives within their supply chain, and so much more! 

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Looking for more? Subscribe to the ESG Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. 

ESG Talk is brought to you by Workiva, the world’s only unified platform for financial reporting, ESG, audit, and risk. Learn more at workiva.com.

Let’s meet the winners of the 2024 Purple Totes Grant Contest

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Purple Totes Grant Contest. More than 2,500 team members collected and donated over 3,000 totes worldwide! Now it is time to meet the winners of the contest and learn about the nonprofits they supported. Each of these nonprofits will receive a $5,000 USD grant.

Small Division First Place Winner: Bundle Up Hampton Roads

Team Bundle Up Hampton Roads based in Norfolk, Virgina, U.S., is a team of eight FedEx team members who donated 60 purple totes filled with over 300 hats, gloves, scarves, and other winter gear to St. Columba Ecumenical Ministries. The team chose St. Columba Ecumenical Ministries because they are a small nonprofit that has a great impact on the local community. They provide a day center where the homeless can take a shower, eat, and escape the elements. They also provide a clothing closet, food pantry, and assistance with transportation, vision, dental, and prescriptions.

Medium Division First Place Winner: Western Australia Legendaries

The Western Australia Legendaries team out of Perth, Western Australia, came in first place for the medium division. This team of 22 FedEx team members came together to donate 22 totes to the Food Bank Western Australia. These totes were filled with canned goods, milk, tea and coffee, pasta and rice, cereal, and washing products. The Food Bank provides food and grocery relief to 2,929 front-line charities and 3,220 school breakfast programs throughout the country.

Large Division First Place Winner: Repair Service Center

The FedEx Repair Service Center (RSC) in Collierville, Tennessee, U.S., placed first in the large division with 550 pounds of food donated to the Mid-South Food Bank. The team of 168 team members chipped in to fill 75 bags of non-perishable food items and related supplies to assist those facing food insecurity in the Memphis area. The Mid-South Food Bank, a member organization of the Feeding America U.S. hunger relief organization, transforms lives of children, seniors and families in need across Memphis and 31 Mid-South area counties through volunteer support, food drives, fund-raising, and advocacy initiatives.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

COLUMBUS, Ga., March 7, 2025 /3BL/ — Aflac Incorporated (Aflac), the leading provider of cancer insurance in the United States and Japan, is teaming up with the American Cancer Society (ACS), the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision of ending cancer as we know it — for everyone. Together, they will shine a light on the ways early cancer detection can support individuals as they navigate the physical, emotional and financial challenges associated with the disease, particularly as data from the most recent (2024) Aflac Wellness Matters Survey found that 77% of Americans delay important health checkups,1 and 60% admit to avoiding important health and cancer screenings altogether,2 with millennials leading the pack.

Throughout the collaboration, ACS and Aflac will work together to empower employees to take proactive steps in managing their health to enhance workforce well-being and assist in mitigating health care costs. This addresses key findings in the 2024-2025 Aflac WorkForces report that show 70% of employees experience at least some anxiety about a serious medical diagnosis,3 and 51% of Americans are unable to pay $1,000 out of pocket in the event of an unexpected illness or injury.4

Aligning with Aflac’s core mission to provide benefits to policyholders before, during and after a cancer diagnosis, ACS programs and services will be shared, particularly benefitting those who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and are facing potential financial and logistical challenges. These include the ACS’s Road to Recovery® program, which offers free rides to cancer-related medical appointments, and information on Hope Lodge®, a free patient lodging program for cancer patients seeking treatment outside of their community.

“As the leading provider and pioneer of cancer insurance sales in the United States, and with a 70-year record of providing valuable benefits and service to our customers, we know that early detection can help lead to better physical, emotional and financial outcomes,” Aflac Incorporated President Virgil Miller said. “Aflac and the American Cancer Society are closely aligned on this mission to achieve better health outcomes and mitigate the financial toxicity of a major health event. We are pleased to join them to better serve families facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.”

The collaboration will enable ACS to bring awareness to its Employee Toolkit efforts, including a new webpage that will provide on-demand access for employers to valuable cancer prevention-related content. Aflac associates will be able to share these tools with clients across the nation to provide for their employees. Each toolkit will include helpful information such as cancer screening guidelines, with facts and educational materials for individuals who have already been diagnosed with cancer.

“We’re pleased to be working with Aflac in this mutual effort to help deliver greater access to our services and programs to those who need it the most,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society. “Cancer can’t be fought alone. It takes a great deal of community support and access to resources to overcome the obstacles that many cancer patients face every day.”

As an added level of commitment, Miller will initiate the first CEOs Against Cancer chapter in Georgia, where Aflac and ACS are headquartered, joining a group of prominent CEOs across the nation. Miller will accept a two-year term as chair of the newly created organization and serve as a spokesperson for the chapter.

In 2023, Aflac updated its signature cancer policy, enhancing benefits to address changes in the health care system as well as benefits related to outpatient care. The company also established a new system wherein policyholders calling to file a first-time cancer claim are provided the option to speak directly with a team of professionals specifically trained to handle these often-emotional claims.

Learn more about this important work at cancer.org/Aflac.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.5 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024) and Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2024) for 11 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/español. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under “Sustainability.”

1 2024 Wellness Matters Survey Overview, page 18
2 2024 Wellness Matters Survey Overview, page 20
3 2024-2025 Aflac Workforces Report Executive Summary, page 52
42024-2025 Aflac Workforces Report Executive Summary, page 46
5 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report 

Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com
Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

SOURCE Aflac

DALLAS, March 7, 2025 /3BL/ – To empower future growth, iconic beauty and entrepreneurship company Mary Kay announced the appointment of Tara Eustace as Chief Opportunity and Sales Officer.

A trailblazer and long-time Mary Kay executive, Eustace will lead the Global Opportunity and Sales organization with a core mission: to put the “Mary Kay Opportunity” at the center of all entrepreneurial business strategies. She will oversee all Mary Kay regions, leading the team of region presidents and general managers in over 40 markets around the world.

Eustace’s newly formed organization will focus on transforming the Independent Beauty Consultant (IBC) experience, elevating them as personal beauty advisors for Mary Kay’s product portfolio, brand, and opportunity. With the core mission at the forefront, Eustace will be inviting the next generation to join the entrepreneurial journey. To achieve the vision, she and her team will digitally empower all generations of IBCs with every opportunity to connect their businesses with consumers through digital upskilling, innovative digital tools, and e-commerce solutions across integrated platforms and channels.

Eustace will drive the streamlining of global sales operations, activating four strategic areas: global salesforce development and education, global salesforce experience, global salesforce insights & analytics, and global salesforce social commerce and communications. This includes a commitment to expanding Mary Kay’s footprint to empower women to pursue the dream of owning their small businesses wherever they are.

“Tara and her team are on a mission to ignite passion around the Mary Kay Opportunity, putting it at the forefront of everything we do,” said Ryan Rogers, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mary Kay. “With her entrepreneurial and visionary mindset and a track record of breaking into new markets, Tara will be instrumental in shaping the future of the business for our Independent Beauty Consultants and their customers, leveraging technology and elevating our unparalleled experience to new heights in the beauty and direct-selling industries.”

Eustace has served in various leadership positions worldwide over the course of her more than thirty-year career. Her unwavering commitment to women’s entrepreneurship has contributed to reshaping the direct selling industry, touching the lives of millions of women, from personal growth to financial rewards and more. Eustace has led Mary Kay’s growth in Europe and beyond, spearheading the most recent Mary Kay expansions into Hungary in 2023 and Kyrgyzstan in 2024.

“When Mary Kay Ash founded our company, she knew that no greater opportunity existed for women than the one we have to offer. I am energized to ignite innovation, empower our Independent Beauty Consultants to sell with confidence wherever they are, and connect the next generation to a vibrant, sustainable, and dynamic earning opportunity,” said Tara Eustace, Mary Kay’s Chief Opportunity and Sales Officer. “Every single one of our Independent Beauty Consultants is a small business owner who directly benefits from the sale of Mary Kay products. When local customers purchase Mary Kay products from Independent Beauty Consultants, they support a family. And when they support a family, they support a dream.”

Eustace holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian Studies and International Relations from the University of Virginia, United States. She serves on the European Direct Selling Association’s (Seldia) CEO Council Board.

As International Women’s Day (IWD) approaches, this leadership appointment by Ryan Rogers honors Mary Kay Ash’s legacy of empowering women. At Mary Kay, women make up 54% of the executive team, 63% of the global workforce, and 63% of the R&D team1.

Did you know:

Nearly 30% of sales force members who started a Mary Kay business over the past year are under the age of 352.In 2023 and again in 2024, Mary Kay was named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care & Color Cosmetics in the world by Euromonitor International3.

1Source: Women Representation and Leadership at Mary Kay (May 2024)

2Source: Mary Kay Inc. 2024 U.S. data

3“Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2024 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2023 data”

In honor of International Women’s Day, we sat down with Daisy Sheen, Head of ESG, KPMG in China, and Maura Hodge, US Sustainability Leader, KPMG in the US, who share their stories on their careers to-date, the challenges and opportunities they have experienced, the advancements seen in the industry, and the important role women play in ESG and sustainability.

Click here to listen to episode 35 of ESG voices

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., March 7, 2025 /3BL/ – National Cereal Day (March 7) is the perfect time to rediscover the original breakfast classic of cereal and the benefits that can be found in the cereal aisle today. Many people may not know that cereal is the No. 1 source of fiber for kids.[1] Cereal eaters also get more essential nutrients than non-cereal eaters and consume no more added sugar than those who don’t eat cereal.[2]

“As a registered dietitian and cereal-lover, my favorite thing about cereal is it provides many key nutrients often lacking in most people’s diets,” said Sarah Ludmer, Chief Wellbeing and Sustainable Business Officer at WK Kellogg. “Cereal also is often how people introduce other nutrient-rich foods like milk, fresh fruit, nuts and seeds to their diets, which can be customized to fit individual dietary needs.”

What You May Not Know About Cereal

A Fiber Destination 

For the 95% of Americans who don’t get enough fiber, the grain in cereals can help fill that deficit.[3] Cereal is the No. 1 source of fiber for kids and is also the top breakfast source of whole grains for children.[4] WK Kellogg makes more than 140 cereals that offer a good source of fiber and more than 70% of its cereals contain at least eight grams of whole grains.

Good Source of Protein

Did you know that a bowl of cereal and milk can provide as much protein as an egg? One egg offers six grams of protein, while cereals like Frosted Mini-Wheats® and Kellogg’s Raisin Bran® have five grams and milk provides another six. Some Special K® and Kashi® cereals even offer 10 grams or more in protein. Since 90% of cereals are consumed with milk, they’re a powerful breakfast choice with protein.

Simple Grains with Few Ingredients

More and more people are seeking to get back to basics, and cereal is much simpler than you may think. Most cereals start with grains that are simply puffed, toasted, flaked or shredded. Many WK Kellogg cereals contain minimal ingredients: grains, sugar, flavor and salt plus vitamins and minerals.

Nutrient-Rich

Cereal eaters get 14 more essential nutrients than non-cereal eaters,[5] which is a big deal when you consider more than 90% of Americans have a vitamin deficiency.[6] Many cereals are a great source of nutrients like Vitamin D, Calcium, Fiber, Iron and Folate. In fact, eating cereal has been positively associated with higher diet quality and is not associated with higher body weight among Americans.[7]

Added Nutrients Without Added Sugar

Research continues to show that cereal contributes to only 5% of added sugar in American diets and cereal eaters get no more added sugar than those who don’t eat cereal.[8] A majority of cereals in market also have less than 12 grams of added sugars per serving which is less than a tablespoon, and many cereals have single digit or zero added sugar.

About WK Kellogg Co

At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Froot Loops®, Kashi®, Special K®, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran®, and Bear Naked®. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger® and Toucan Sam®, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. Through our sustainable business strategy – Feeding HappinessTM – we aim to build healthier and happier futures for families, kids and communities. We are making a positive impact, while creating foods that bring joy and nourishment to consumers. For more information about WK Kellogg Co and Feeding Happiness, visit www.wkkellogg.com.

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[1]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data. Hyattsville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, General Population, children ages 2-17 years old, [2017-2018]

[2]Zhu Y, Jain N, Vanage V, Holschuh N, Agler AH, Smith JD. Association between Ready-to-Eat Cereal Consumption and Nutrient Intake, Nutritional Adequacy, and Diet Quality in Adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2016. Nutrients.

[3] Reider CA, Chung RY, Devarshi PP, Grant RW, Hazels Mitmesser S. Inadequacy of Immune Health Nutrients: Intakes in US Adults, the 2005-2016 NHANES. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 10;12(6):1735. doi: 10.3390/nu12061735. PMID: 32531972; PMCID: PMC7352522.

[4]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data. Hyattsville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, General Population, children ages 2-17 years old, [2017-2018]

[5] Zhu Y, Jain N, Vanage V, Holschuh N, Agler A, Smith J. Association between ready-to-eat cereal consumption and nutrient intake, nutritional adequacy, and diet quality in adults in the national health and nutrition examination survey 2015–2016. Nutrients. (2019) 11:2952. doi: 10.3390/nu1112295

[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Second Nutrition Report: Guidelines and Recommendations

[7]Sanders, Lisa M., et al. The Relationship of Ready-To-Eat Cereal Intake and Body Weight in Adults: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies and Controlled Trials. no. 4, July 2023

[8]RTEC: A Powerhouse of Nutrient Delivery in the US Dietary Pattern. Trend and percent daily contribution data: NHANES 2017-2018. Nutritional Strategies Inc. March 2021. Added Sugars in American Children’s Diet: What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015-2016