Tag: 3BL

CHICAGO, February 11, 2025 /3BL/ – The PNC Foundation and University of Chicago’s TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health announced a new phase of their long-standing partnership. Since 2014, PNC, through its early childhood education initiative, PNC Grow Up Great®, has supported the TMW Center’s efforts to empower parents and caregivers in their important role as brain architects. Through individual interventions, group learning programs, free online resources and community partnerships, the TMW Center has provided more than 12,000 parents and caregivers with the science that proves they can build children’s brains through talk and interaction – along with simple strategies, known as “the 3Ts,” (Tune In, Talk More, Take Turns) to put that science into practice every day.

Beginning in 2025, thanks to a $2.5 million grant from the PNC Foundation the TMW Center will pilot a new approach to bringing the 3Ts and the transformative, brain-building power of nurturing interactions to even more families. Using a wearable technology on children that allows parents to measure and understand their child’s language environment, this new approach to education and community building will allow parents to receive personalized guidance and real-time insights they can act on immediately. Importantly, the technology is designed with user privacy as a central tenet and has built-in measures to protect child and family identity and privacy.

In addition to real-time data, parents will have access to a corresponding app that includes a library of on-demand, evidence-based educational content created by the experts at the TMW Center to help them understand their child’s developmental trajectory and the crucial role parents play as brain architects.

This technology-assisted approach to supporting parents is the result of more than a decade of rigorous research, program development and evaluation, technology creation and innovation at the TMW Center. It also represents an important evolution of the Let’s Talk group program that has been implemented in 10 communities across the country in recent years.

“Thanks to generous support from the PNC Foundation, we have been able to offer our Let’s Talk educational group program to more than 450 parents,” said TMW Center Co-Director Dana Suskind. “In the process, we have evaluated and fine-tuned our curricula and are thrilled to now offer this proven program in a more scalable, flexible and personalized format that allows parents to access data and information that is tailored to their child any time of day.”

Recognizing that community has a more powerful role than ever in ensuring parents feel supported, this program will be piloted in partnership with select Head Start centers as part of their family engagement programming. Small groups of parents from each center will be given opportunities to learn, reflect and share with one another in person and online.

“Through our longtime partnership with the TMW Center, we’ve been thrilled to support them in bringing innovative resources to parents and caregivers around the country,” said Sally McCrady, chair and president, PNC Foundation. “This latest evolution of the Let’s Talk program draws on the power of community to create another novel approach to engaging and empowering families of young children in building the language and cognitive skills that last a lifetime.”

Equipped with insights and learnings from this three-year pilot program, the TMW Center plans to make its technology available to parents across the country through a wide variety of channels and partnerships.

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The Foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. For more information, visit http://www.pncgrowupgreat.com.

The TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Chicago, develops, tests, and disseminates evidence-based, parent- and caregiver-directed interventions that promote children’s cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. To be effective, the organization uses feedback cycles to improve programs and inform scaling. With science driving its efforts, the TMW Center seeks to advance a public health approach to early learning: focus on prevention, rather than remediation, place parents and caregivers at the center of their child’s education, embed proven practices into existing education and health systems, use research to drive innovation and impact at scale. A joint venture between University of Chicago’s Biological Sciences and Social Sciences Divisions, the TMW Center is led by Dana Suskind, MD and Professor John List. Learn more at tmwcenter.uchicago.edu.

CONTACTS:

PNC

Angie Carducci (412) 762-9186 angela.carducci@pnc.com

THE TMW CENTER

Liz Sablich (630) 915-7129 lsablich@bsd.uchicago.edu

New Holland, a CNH brand, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR) in Brazil, have entered a partnership to modernize and renovate the Gralha Azul Experimental Farm (FEGA), a unit that provides teaching and research support for undergraduate and graduate courses related to agriculture, especially Veterinary Medicine and Agronomy.

Six new tractors will be made available to support the activities of these courses and the Veterinary School Clinic. The partnership will also enable the opportunity to open an internship program for students.

“With this partnership, we also want to strengthen ties with the academic community, through one of the biggest universities in the country, by revitalizing the machinery park with new technologies and providing technical support to help in the training of future professionals in agriculture”, says Eduardo Kerbauy, vice president of New Holland for Latin America.

“The signing of this agreement with New Holland is a historic milestone not only for PUCPR, and for the future of education, research and innovation in the agro-industrial sector. It is the materialization of a shared commitment to academic excellence, technological advancement and sustainable development of Brazilian agriculture “, says Brother Rogério Mateucci, dean of PUCPR.

NORTHAMPTON, Mass., February 11, 2025 /3BL/ – While national headlines often highlight political division, new research from 3BL and research technology firm Glow reveals a striking area of agreement: sustainability. According to the report, The Big Thing Americans Agree On, 56% of U.S. adults said sustainability was important or very important to their everyday behaviors and actions in 2024—including 65% of Gen Z and 64% of millennials.

The study, conducted in January 2025, sheds light on shifting consumer expectations and the growing role of sustainability in shaping purchasing decisions and brand loyalty. In fact, 69% of Americans say that consumers buying more from socially responsible brands encourages other companies to act more responsibly. Among those who anticipate changes in how sustainability influences their actions over the next four years, 85% expect to be somewhat or significantly more focused on sustainable living.

Key Findings:

Americans believe their purchases can influence corporate environmental and social behaviorWith the anticipated shift in influence, people expect more focus on sustainabilityPeople recognize that supporting responsible brands motivates other companies to follow suit

As public interest in sustainability grows, businesses face mounting pressure to align their practices with consumer values. While many Americans support government action on sustainability, they place even greater trust in their own power as consumers to drive meaningful change.

Businesses and organizations looking to stay ahead of evolving consumer expectations can explore the full report here.

About 3BL 
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.

3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

Key Takeaways

‘Color’ follows renowned artist Alteronce Gumby on a journey to redefine the meaning of color and its impact on communities worldwide. Now available exclusively on Black Experience on Xfinity, the ultimate destination in Black storytelling, and Xumo Play.

PHILADELPHIA, January 28, 2025 /3BL/ – Comcast NBCUniversal announced the exclusive premiere of the award-winning documentary, Color, on Black Experience on Xfinity and the Xumo Play free streaming app. The 90-minute documentary, from multi-award-winning writer and director John Campbell and featuring acclaimed multidisciplinary artist and founder of Dark Matter Media Alteronce Gumby, takes viewers on a global journey to redefine how color is perceived and understood across different cultures.

The highly acclaimed documentary was nominated for Best Documentary at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, featured in the Montreal Independent Film Festival, and received awards at the Cine Paris Film Festival and International Independent Film Awards. It is now available exclusively on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity channel, a comprehensive content destination featuring the best in Black storytelling from diverse programming partners and film studios and a variety of original documentaries showcasing diverse talent and content creators. Color is also available on the Xumo Play free streaming app for non-Xfinity customers.

Watch the trailer

Color takes viewers around the world starting with captivating discussions and demonstrations with pigment expert Michael Ambron and celebrity stylist Jerome Lamaar in the Bronx, NY and then to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana, to celebrate the vibrancy of French Creole, Caribbean, African, African American, and global cultures. The documentary then travels internationally, experiencing the vibrant colors of the Holi Festival in India, the red sands of the Sahara Desert, the crimson-hued city of Marrakech, Morocco, and to the Great Barrier Reef featuring conversations with marine ecologist Dr. Catherine Kim. The adventure concludes in Alaska with the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, featuring conversations with documentarian Shondiin Mayo.

“Color is more than what meets the eye; it’s a language, a story waiting to be told in every corner of the world.” shared Campbell. “Partnering with Comcast and the Black Experience on Xfinity, we aim to transform how audiences experience and interpret color, diving deep into the cultures that breathe life into it.”

Color is the second collaboration between Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity and director John Campbell, who previously debuted Who’s Behind Black Art on the platform last year. Who’s Behind Black Art is a four-part docuseries that explores the lives of five emerging artists navigating the industry and their journey to create a unique exhibition.

We’re proud to deepen our ongoing collaboration with director John Campbell as we explore the many dimensions of color and its profound impact on our daily lives and we couldn’t think of a better collaborator to explore the topic than Alteronce Gumby, whose obsession with color is so obviously present in all his work.

Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms at Comcast

“Through Black Experience on Xfinity, we aim to create a space where creators can share their unique perspectives, fostering meaningful connections with audiences everywhere,” said Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms at Comcast.

For more information about the film, please visit https://www.colordocumentary.com

Black Experience on Xfinity is available at home on Xfinity X1 and Flex, and on-the-go with the Xfinity Stream app. Additionally, the Black Experience destination is available to NOW Internet customers. The Black Experience on Xfinity features original and high-quality content from Comcast NBCUniversal and other major studios, in addition to content from many of Xfinity’s existing network partners, at no additional cost to Xfinity customers. 

Xfinity customers can access the Black Experience on channel 1622 or simply say “Black Experience” into the Voice Remote to instantly enjoy the ultimate in Black storytelling. Non-Xfinity customers will be able to view Color on Xumo Play, Comcast and Charter’s free ad-supported streaming service app. 

The new role supports Milwaukee’s Water & Wastewater Workforce Center initiative – a collaboration between Veolia North America and The Water CouncilHamilton has dedicated his career to enhancing community well-being in Milwaukee and will be charged with building strong partnerships and growing Veolia’s local water workforce

MILWAUKEE, February 11, 2025 /3BL/ – Veolia North America and The Water Council are pleased to announce the addition of Ashanti Hamilton to support the Water & Wastewater Workforce Center initiative in Milwaukee. As Workforce Development Manager, Hamilton will reinforce Veolia’s commitment to grow the local water workforce, increase the pool of diverse talent, and address workforce challenges in the water sector.

“Veolia has demonstrated a commitment to investing in Milwaukee and building innovative workforce development strategies. Through these efforts, we look to empower individuals with opportunities for growth and pathways to success in the water sector,” said Ashanti Hamilton, Veolia North America Workforce Development Manager. “With strong partnerships, Milwaukee can be a national model for connecting underserved communities to the vast opportunities within the water sustainability field, driving both economic empowerment and environmental stewardship.”

The water sector – including drinking water utilities, wastewater utilities and water technology companies – faces a shortage of thousands of qualified workers who are critical to serving our communities and businesses. The Water & Wastewater Workforce Center initiative is developing new pathways to recruit, train and hire the people who will tackle these challenges across the country. Veolia’s partnership with The Water Council brings together the expertise of the country’s largest water company with the innovation of a thriving water-tech hub.

Experienced background in Milwaukee communities 

In his new role, Hamilton will provide seasoned direction and hands-on experience to connect underserved communities with a range of opportunities, as he develops a vision for Milwaukee that can serve as a model for other regions. A strategic leader with a strong commitment to improving health, educational, and economic disparities, Hamilton has dedicated his career to enhancing community well-being in Milwaukee.

Most recently, Hamilton served as the Director of the Office of Community Wellness & Safety with the City of Milwaukee, where he developed and implemented community violence intervention strategies and managed strategic partnerships to address root causes of violence and promote wellness. His extensive experience includes nearly two decades as Alderman for Milwaukee’s First District, during which he served as President of the Common Council from 2016 to 2020. In these roles, he oversaw billion-dollar budgets, led citywide anti-poverty initiatives, and negotiated major development projects.

Hamilton’s background in education as a former English teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools, coupled with his legal education from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, provides him with a unique perspective on community needs and policy implementation.

“Ashanti Hamilton’s diverse experience and deep understanding of Milwaukee’s communities make him an ideal addition to our team,” said Anna Wildeman, Senior Vice President of Stakeholder Affairs at Veolia North America. “His expertise in policy, community engagement, and strategic leadership will be crucial in building a strong water workforce in Milwaukee and across the country.”

Veolia recently hosted a Workforce Development Summit in Paramus, N.J., bringing together a wide range of Veolia’s water workforce talent. The Summit focused on best practices and building a strategy to deploy a robust national workforce development program that can be tailored to the needs of the individual communities in which Veolia works. This effort is an integral part of Veolia’s GreenUp program, which accelerates the deployment of concrete solutions to the world’s ecological transformation, and invests massively in technological and social innovation.

Milwaukee water industry draws national resources

The Water & Wastewater Workforce Center initiative, a collaboration between Veolia and The Water Council, aims to tackle critical issues facing the water industry, including training and education, outreach, diversity and inclusion, upskilling, and other workforce barriers. Despite offering a steady supply of family-supporting jobs, the water sector faces challenges with an aging workforce and difficulties in attracting, training and retaining new workers.

The collaboration extends to research, translation and technology development, focusing on innovative approaches for sludge management, biosolids, energy capture from waste streams, and enhanced efficiencies in water treatment and energy management.

Veolia, as a contract partner with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), operates and maintains one of the nation’s largest wastewater partnerships, serving over 1 million people in 29 municipalities.

ABOUT VEOLIA NORTH AMERICA

A subsidiary of Veolia group, Veolia North America (VNA) is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. VNA helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education, and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Veolia North America has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across the continent.
www.veolianorthamerica.com 

ABOUT THE WATER COUNCIL

The Water Council (TWC) is a global hub dedicated to solving critical water challenges by driving innovation in freshwater technology and advancing water stewardship. Built on more than a century of innovation, TWC has coalesced one of the most concentrated and mature water technology clusters in the world from its headquarters at the Global Water Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Recognizing the need for smarter and more sustainable use of water worldwide, TWC also promotes water stewardship as a natural complement to water innovation in the effort to preserve freshwater resources in the Midwest and around the world. Today, The Water Council has established itself as a global leader in the water industry and one of America’s premier economic development clusters as recognized by government agencies, Brookings and the Harvard Business School.

CONTACT
VEOLIA NORTH AMERICA
Andi Kneeland
Manager, Communications & Community Outreach
andi.kneeland@veolia.com
(414) 232-9230

Product energy efficiency

Product energy efficiency remains a core focus for Lenovo. To ensure that it is adhering to existing and proposed global IT product energy efficiency policies and regulations for current and future technology, Lenovo collaborates with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and industry stakeholder workgroups. The results of these efforts are leveraged to develop leading-edge products with improved operating efficiencies.

Lenovo actively manages its response to ongoing energy-related regulatory activities such as updates to emerging protocols and regulations, and industry-related standards, including:

ENERGY STAR® program specificationsUS Department of Energy (DOE) Appliance and Equipment StandardsCalifornia Appliance Efficiency Program requirementsChina Energy Label (CEL) and China Energy Conservation Program (CECP) StandardsEU Ecodesign (ErP) requirements

In 2020, ENERGY STAR® implemented a new Computer Specification version 8.0 covering desktop and all-in-one (AIO) PC products. This specification defines energy efficiency performance metrics based on the top 25 percent of PC products available on the market with a focus on enhancements and incentives relative to full network connectivity, internal power supply (IPS) efficiency, and Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE).

To further improve product energy efficiency for desktops, workstations, and servers, Lenovo certifies the energy efficiency of many of its internal power supplies through CLEAResult Plug Load Solutions’ 80 Plus program. This external certification establishes requirements for internal power supplies through independent testing and verification of the program’s rated efficiency criteria, such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium. Certified systems with internal power supplies (desktops, workstations, and server products) with this certification are significantly more energy-efficient than other systems equipped with typical power supplies. Lenovo’s servers also utilize 80+ Titanium Power Supply Units (PSUs), Central Processing Units (CPUs) P-state cooperative (voltage/frequency) control, CPU Voltage Regulator Device (VRD) auto-tuning and have transitioned to newer VRD technology with lower losses to enhance and maximize energy efficiency.

By FY 2029/30, we will achieve 50% improvement in energy efficiency of Lenovo desktops5 and servers.5

By FY 2029/30, we will achieve 30% improvement in energy efficiency of Lenovo notebooks5 and Motorola products.6

5 Energy efficiency improvement on average for comparable products relative to FY 2018/19 

6 Energy efficiency improvement on average for comparable products relative to FY 2020/21

Through its product development process, Lenovo requires its products to meet energy efficiency and performance requirements in various markets, including – but not limited to – US, China, Japan, and Europe. Many of Lenovo’s notebooks, desktops, servers, and monitors meet and often exceed the current ENERGY STAR® requirements. In 2023 and 2024, five and three Lenovo monitors, respectively, were recognized as “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient.” The ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient list highlights products utilizing the latest in technological innovation to deliver cutting edge efficiency and represents the very best for energy savings and environmental protection. Lenovo’s ENERGY STAR® qualified models are listed on the ENERGY STAR® website. For more information about Lenovo’s energy-efficient products, see its Product Energy Efficiency webpage.

In support of Lenovo’s commitment to lower GHG emissions, science-based targets were established to reduce emissions associated with the use of sold products per comparable products (for notebooks, desktops, and servers). Product development teams are actively investigating and implementing technical enhancements to support power efficiency improvements and track annual performance against the prescribed targets.

Product energy management features

Lenovo offers innovative tools that allow better control of PC and server power consumption, calculate energy savings, and report on the management of energy performance, IT equipment, and devices.

PC toolBenefitLenovo Settings (Windows)An application that provides power management features, such as Connected Standby for the user.Adaptive Thermal ManagementAdjusts system power and fan speeds based on ambient levels.Active Directory and LANDesk®Supports remote deployment of power schemes and global settings to allow administrators the ability to control and enforce ThinkPad energy savings company-wide.EasyResumeProvides quick recovery from computer lid close, balancing low power state by suppressing CPU usage at lid close.Intelligent CoolingBalances thermal performance to adjust settings to provide a cooler surface for comfort while optimizing product energy.Energy Saving Power Supply Unit (PSU)The PSU turns off the internal fan when the system detects the power load is low and saves energy consumption.Smart Power (Monitors)A power and energy management feature that dynamically detects and optimizes the distribution of power. Example: If there are multiple devices plugged into a monitor like a smartphone, a laptop, or other USB-powered peripheral – the monitor will gauge how much power each of them needs and adjust according to the requirement.

Read more

Originally published by Progressive Grocer.

By Lynn Petrak.

Albertsons Cos. is making it easier for SNAP customers to not only access fresh foods, but to save money when buying items. This week, the grocer announced that SNAP users can get a 50% discount on its FreshPass annual subscription program.

See original article by Progressive Grocer and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

February 11, 2025 /3BL/ – Scientists are now speculating that the first person to live to 150 years may already be among us.1 But where might this future supercentenarian call home? What unique factors could contribute to their remarkable longevity?

To tackle these questions, Medtronic, the global leader in healthcare technology, joined forces with Sperling’s BestPlaces, a leading research firm known for its livability rankings, to pinpoint the 10 U.S. places most likely to nurture the next person to defy the limits of age. The findings? Prepare to be surprised.

The top ten metros where the first person who could reach 150 may live are:

#1: Washington, D.C.
#2: San Francisco, Calif.
#3: Bridgeport, Conn.
#4: Boston, Mass.
#5: Seattle, Wash.
#6: Madison, Wis.
#7: Honolulu, Hawaii
#8: Portland, Ore.
#9: Denver, Colo.
#10: Raleigh, N.C.

The research also uncovered these highlights on longevity:

Key drivers of longevity and wellness in ranked locations: Factors influencing a longer, healthier life include strong social connections, overall wellness indicators (such as rates of smoking, obesity, physical activity, and diet), access to healthcare resources and high educational attainment within the community.The role of gender in longevity, with women leading the way: The person likely to become the first to reach 150 years of age is almost certainly female, as women generally have a significant advantage in longevity, though the exact reasons remain unclear.2,3,4Many believe advancements in technology will enable longer, healthier lives: A majority of U.S. adults agree that if a 150 year lifespan is possible, healthcare technology will play a role – more specifically, they believe brain stimulation (70%), personalized medicine (69%), AI (66%), and robotics (66%) will have a beneficial impact on living healthy to this unprecedented age.5

About the rankings: 

This report explores the factors that may contribute to exceptional longevity, considering the potential for human lifespan to reach 150 years in the future.By analyzing current data and studying the characteristics of “superagers” (individuals who live to 100 or older), the study aims to gain insights into the lifestyle and environment that may support such remarkable longevity.Insights drawn from today’s “superagers” provide a foundation for understanding how this future 150-year-old might live and thrive.The ranking is based on key metrics including social capital, wellness, educational attainment and life expectancy.

About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow on LinkedIn.

About Bert Sperling of BestPlaces
Bert Sperling of BestPlaces investigated where in the U.S. this 150-year person is mostly likely to have been born. Sperling’s work on quality of life, including his best-selling books ranking major places in the U.S. and Canada, has been widely discussed in the media, and his website, BestPlaces.net, helps millions of users each month discover their ideal place to live.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Contacts:
Erika Winkels
Public Relations
+1- 763-526-8478

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626

Every February 11, the world marks the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a celebration that recognizes the critical role women play in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At DP World, women aren’t just participating — they’re leading, innovating, and reshaping the landscape of logistics, port operations, and engineering against the odds of a historically male-dominated sector.

From Port Cranes to Boardrooms: Driving Change Across the Globe

At DP World, initiatives aimed at increasing female representation are gaining traction across multiple countries, demonstrating that change isn’t just possible — it’s already happening. In Argentina, workshops addressing gender stereotypes and workplace biases have encouraged employees to challenge traditional norms. Meanwhile, Canada’s MentorHer program fosters professional mentorship opportunities for women in STEM, spotlighting talents like Amy Ling, a maintenance engineer dedicated to improving terminal efficiency.

Moreover, leaders like Bronwyn Pountney, Environmental Manager at DP World Canada, are also leading change every day. By championing decarbonization, spearheading sustainability initiatives, and securing funding for environmental projects, she ensures that DP World’s operations in Canada balance global trade with environmental responsibility.

Elsewhere, Chile’s targeted training programs have propelled women into operational roles, including Lilian Cortés, a Portruck driver in training, and Fabianna Leal, a Port Lashing Specialist who overcame skepticism from male colleagues to prove her capability. Meanwhile, Kamila Naranjo broke stereotypes by becoming a certified chainsaw operator, excelling in a role that was once considered exclusively male. The Dominican Republic has launched transformative recruitment efforts, training women to operate Internal Transfer Vehicles (ITVs) and cranes, including Mary Sosa, the country’s first female RTG and gantry crane operator.

In Ecuador, programs like Operators of the Future and UAFTT ESPOL are helping women break into heavy machinery and technical roles. Lesly, a forklift operator, and Sharon Baque, a mother pursuing a degree in Port Logistics, embody the spirit of these initiatives. Similarly, in Suriname, the DP World 4Women program highlighted role models like Priscilla Pique-Edoo, the first female HSE Supervisor, through the inspiring “S(he) as a Beacon” campaign.

These are not token efforts — they are concrete, strategic investments in gender equity, with women breaking real barriers.

Against the Tide: Women Who Are Paving Their Own Way

The stories of DP World’s women employees are as inspiring as they are instructive. Take Patrícia Silva de Oliveira in Brazil, where she defied expectations by transitioning from bus driving to becoming an ITV operator, and then climbing further to become an Operations Supervisor. “Even if your dream seems crazy to others, you should go for it,” she says.

In Bronwyn Pountney’s case, her upbringing in Calgary, Alberta nurtured a deep appreciation for resource-based industries as well as a strong commitment to sustainability. She pursued a Bachelor of Social Science in Geography and a Master of Environmental Management, equipping herself with the tools to lead impactful environmental initiatives. As Environmental Manager at DP World Canada, she is now driving decarbonization efforts, piloting zero-emission equipment, and expanding Green Marine certifications across three terminals. “This perspective allows me to work effectively within DP World, helping balance the needs of global trade with the necessity of sustainability and environmental leadership,” she says.

In Peru, Cynthia Benites Virhuez carved out a space in IT leadership after years in logistics, demonstrating the vital intersection of technology and operations. Similarly, Olenka Cobos in IT services spearheads the Tech4Women initiative, providing digital skills training to hundreds of women across the region.

Meanwhile, in Ecuador, Verónica Plúas, a mother of five, has returned to study mechatronics at ESPOL University through a DP World-sponsored program, proving that education — and ambition — has no expiration date. Sharon Baque, another participant in the program, is breaking barriers in port logistics while setting a precedent for women in her community.

More Than Just a Seat at the Table

Women at DP World aren’t simply being invited into the industry — they are reshaping it. Fabiana do Nascimento Almeida, the first female quay crane operator in Brazil’s Port of Santos, is proving that women can command the heaviest machinery with as much precision as their male counterparts.

Women are also pioneering change in leadership roles. Daniela Zicari di Monte, Director of DP World Logistics in Brazil, is using her engineering background to drive strategic growth in logistics. Her journey reflects the increasing presence of women in senior roles, reinforcing the importance of sustained corporate investment in female leadership. Bronwyn Pountney’s work in Canada further exemplifies how women are influencing environmental and sustainability strategies that align global trade with environmental stewardship.

The ripple effect of these breakthroughs is felt in company culture. Suriname’s “S(he) as a Beacon” campaign highlights career journeys like that of Priscilla Pique-Edoo, the country’s first female HSE Supervisor, ensuring that workplace safety is a conversation led by women as much as men.

The Industry’s Gender Challenge

While progress is undeniable, the global logistics and maritime industry remains a challenging environment for women. Representation remains low in many regions, and workplace biases, hiring practices, and outdated gender norms still present obstacles. Roles like quay crane operators, chainsaw operators, and environmental managers are still seen as anomalies when performed by women.

Efforts such as mentorship programs, leadership training, and STEM outreach are making headway, but the pace of change must accelerate. In Peru, for example, initiatives such as Women’s Leadership and Women Truck have proven effective in training and retaining female employees. Yet, the slow pace of change underscores the need for broader industry-wide efforts. The industry as a whole must commit to structural reforms that actively address historic gender disparities and create pathways for women to succeed.

Celebrating Women the Right Way

The UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science isn’t about empty platitudes or virtue signaling. It’s about recognizing the incredible contributions women make to STEM and committing to a future where their achievements are the norm, not the exception.

At DP World, women are breaking ground, operating cranes, leading logistics teams, and driving innovation in sustainability. But their success isn’t just about individual accomplishments — it’s about challenging an entire industry to do better.

So here’s to all the women in STEM at DP World — breaking ground, lifting cranes, and changing the rules of the game. And here’s to ensuring that, in the not-so-distant future, they are no longer the exception, but the norm.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

If there’s one thing fans and media have learned by now, it’s to always expect the unexpected with University of Colorado Head Football Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. Known for keeping things interesting, like being the only athlete to play in both the Super Bowl and the World Series, Coach Prime never misses a chance to surprise.

On Sept. 17, at the news conference leading to the Colorado vs. Baylor showdown, Coach Prime added another twist. In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, he introduced 8-year-old cancer survivor and lifelong Buffs fan, Piper Lardes, as the Aflac Supplemental Coach of the Game.

Piper, a true Buffs fan through and through, took a few questions from reporters with confidence and shared how excited she was to team up with Aflac and Coach Prime to help support the Buffs in their upcoming game. Sporting her Blenders sunglasses and wrapping up with a heartfelt “Sko Buffs!,” Piper stole the show.

Piper’s connection with Coach Prime goes back to this past summer when they met at a children’s hospital during a My Special Aflac Duck® delivery, but Piper’s journey started much earlier. At just 4 years old, she began experiencing unexplained arm pain, which led to an emergency MRI. On Halloween 2020, she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare tumor pressing against her spinal cord.

After enduring 28 weeks of biweekly chemotherapy and 31 days of radiation, Piper was declared cancer-free. Today, she enjoys reading, playing softball and helping raise awareness for pediatric cancer. She even had the chance to do just that during the first quarter of the Colorado vs. Baylor game on Sept. 21.

On the field, Piper wore the first-of-its-kind Aflac-branded coaching staff custom headset that coordinated with the team’s helmets. Piper and her family were honored on Folsom Field, where her story was shared with fans. The stadium erupted in applause and cheers when it was announced that Piper is now cancer-free. Fans congratulated her and took photos with her as she made her way to her seat.

As the Aflac Supplemental Coach of the Game, Piper now boasts a perfect 1-0 coaching record after the Buffs fought hard and clinched a thrilling overtime victory against Baylor. It’s a game — and an experience — Piper and her family will never forget.

These memorable moments serve as powerful reminders about the importance of supporting children with cancer. Watch below for a special message from Piper to Team Aflac.

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

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