Tag: 3BL

Tomorrow’s women in tech are getting a boost in their career journeys, with inspiration, encouragement, and support through a partnership between AMD in Dublin and Connecting Women in Tech (CWiT). At an event in 2023, Ruth Cotter, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications and HR at AMD, met with the AMD Women’s Forum (AWF) in Ireland to discuss the exciting initiatives underway to encourage girls and women in STEM and close the gender gap.

CWiT is a network of more than 20 companies with a mission to attract, retain, and promote women in tech. This mission closely aligns with that of AWF, which advocates for girls and women in STEM fields and inspires them to pursue careers in the technology industry.

CWiT membership requires a commitment to getting involved in initiatives, and in 2023, these included supporting the volunteer organization “Teen Turn,” the STEM teacher internship program, and the STEM engagement initiative “Digital Futures.”

It is essential to introduce girls to STEM at a young age and build their confidence to promote gender equality and foster diversity and inclusion in the workforce. That’s exactly what Teen Turn does: through this organization, young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds or areas are empowered to develop essential problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity, preparing them for future careers in industries that drive innovation.

In 2023, AMD hosted transition-year Teen Turn girls (secondary students aged 15 to 16) in our Dublin office for two weeks during the summer, giving them the opportunity to gain experience working in tech.

To inspire innovative learning, in partnership with the Dublin City University STEM Teacher Internship Programme, AMD funds two interns per year for 12 weeks, primarily in engineering. This provides teachers with hands-on engineering experience they can draw on to demystify and excite young children about STEM.

As part of the Digital Futures Initiative, AMD engineers also visit schools and share an engaging presentation that illustrates what it is like to have a career in tech. Digital Futures is a program developed to raise students’ awareness of the diversity of career opportunities in the technology sector and promote STEM careers throughout Ireland. In 2023, more than 1,000 young people joined to find out more about STEM careers.

Learn more at https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/corporate-responsibility/diversity-belonging-inclusion.html.

Originally published in AMD 2023-24 Corporate Responsibility Report.

In the early 2000s, Dr. Shannon Hader led the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s collaboration with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health that provided tens of thousands of people with much-needed HIV care.

Shannon, a public health and infectious disease specialist, returned to the United States in 2006 to witness a vastly different situation in the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. was facing a public health crisis with the highest rates of HIV in the nation. Shannon found that the district was resorting to an outdated HIV response system, so she prioritized the use of updated data and began introducing some of the innovative practices from the work in Africa to the work in the U.S.

“For a long time, it’s been very easy to pretend that the wealthy countries are fine – that it’s the non-wealthy countries that aren’t doing well,” she explains. “However, the reality is every single country in the world has more to do to help end the HIV epidemic. As the epidemic and tools evolve, our practices must evolve with them.”

That’s the crux of a new report, Going the Extra Mile to End the HIV Epidemic, that she helped author with Dr. Junko Tanuma of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Japan, and Mercy Shibemba, a health equity advocate for young people living with HIV in the UK. The report, commissioned and funded by Gilead, offers a roadmap that could help countries achieve the United Nations’ goal of eliminating HIV by 2030. It also maintains that the tools are available to end the epidemic, but countries need to do more.

“There’s really no reason why we can’t achieve it,” says Mercy. “But we’re less than six years away from the United Nations’ goal of eliminating HIV by 2030 — and no country is close to that goal, despite having the tools and resources that can help us get to zero.”

To measure progress, the authors examined programs in nine Western countries, highlighting key takeaways from each nation’s approach and potential areas for improvement. Despite major advances in scientific innovation, access to care and growth of health systems, there are still millions of people around the world living with HIV.

The report emphasizes the need to implement national strategies focused on four key areas. These include broader use of prevention, large-scale screening for diagnosis, expansion of community-based care and use of tools to measure quality of life and gauge success. It also examines the social factors that still stand in the way of progress, such as stigma, discrimination and health equity and access to care.

Mercy’s own journey is an example of these obstacles, as she was born in 1998 with HIV but her sister, who is a few years younger, wasn’t. “The thing that separated us was equity and access, which are key issues that can help end the epidemic,” she says.

Mercy grew up worrying people would reject her if they discovered she was living with HIV. She believes it’s this fear of stigma and discrimination that still prevents many from getting the care they need today.

Shannon agrees, noting, “HIV is also a social issue, therefore we need to meet people where they are to help overcome stigma and discrimination.”

Now Dean of International Service at American University in Washington, D.C., Shannon regularly appeals to global leaders to help their communities work on progress in the prevention, testing and treatment of HIV within the next five years. She also looks to Gilead to continue to develop transformative therapies for those living with HIV and other diseases.

Both women reflect on what the epidemic could look like in 2030 and beyond, with Shannon saying hopefully, “My wish for you, Mercy, is that you’ll know what it’s like to live in a world where someday the epidemic has ended and there is a cure.”

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

For 8 years, House+Home ambassadors in Mexico (mostly Whirlpool employees and family members) have teamed up with Apoya tu Bosque Local to plant more than 5,000 endemic trees covering over 5.24 hectares.

Just this year, 100 House+Home ambassadors have planted more than 850 trees!

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading kitchen and laundry appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home and inspiring generations with our brands. The company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2023, the company reported approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 59,000 employees, and 55 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

View original content here.

SANTA ROSA, Calif., October 8, 2024 /3BL/ – Conservation Corps North Bay’s (CCNB) new facility in Sonoma County will be unveiled to partners, donors, and community members in October’s Grand Opening, highlighting its larger capacity for storage of recyclables, easier access for corpsmembers, and increased reach of its natural resources services.

With support from funders such as Cal Recycle, Wells Fargo, REDF, Ginnie and Peter Haas Jr., and The William G. Irwin Charity Foundation, CCNB purchased and is making renovations to a 25,000-square-foot building at 3555 Airway Dr. off Industrial Dr. in North Santa Rosa, which is accessible by walking or biking and close to public transportation routes.

Since the move began in March of this year, the new building represents more capacity for CCNB’s Zero Waste program to expand their E-waste, mattress, and other recycling collection efforts, and the ability to provide more fire fuel reduction, flood prevention, and trail restoration services across Sonoma County.

“We are grateful to all who have been involved in making this vision a reality. In the six months since we made this move, we have seen immediate increases in recycling drop offs, quantity of field projects, and number of local young adults applying for our program. We can’t wait to welcome more as our capacity continues to grow.” 
-Angel Minor, CEO

About Conservation Corps North Bay 
Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB) is a paid job training program that helps young adults navigate barriers to achieve their career goals. CCNB’s mission is to develop youth and conserve natural resources for a resilient, sustainable, and equitable community. You can learn more at www.ccnorthbay.org.

Anastasia Pryor, Director of Development and Communications 

apryor@ccnorthbay.org 

(415) 763-3105

CINCINNATI, October 7, 2024 /3BL/ – The Fifth Third Foundation is proud to support the American Red Cross and local nonprofit organizations across the southeastern U.S. as they provide care, comfort and support to local communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

A longtime supporter of the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, Fifth Third has contributed $350,000 to Red Cross Disaster Relief, including $100,000 specifically designated to provide aid in the Carolinas.

Additionally, the Fifth Third Foundation has committed $125,000 to nine community-based nonprofits and food banks across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and North Florida that are providing support directly to local communities ravaged by the hurricane.

“Our hearts are heavy as the sheer devastation caused by Hurricane Helene becomes clearer across the Southeast,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer for Fifth Third. “The ways we show up for each other have always been a hallmark of Fifth Third. We consistently find ways to support our Fifth Third family and the wider community – through every challenge and every opportunity. We will continue to seek opportunities to provide support as our communities across the southeast recover.”

The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters across the country every year, providing comfort and hope during what might be the worst days of people’s lives. Donations from Disaster Responder Program members like the Fifth Third Foundation enable the Red Cross to prepare communities for disasters big and small, respond whenever and wherever disasters occur and help families during the recovery process.

“Hurricane Helene has impacted the Carolinas in ways no one could have expected. The outpouring of support from our employees has been remarkable as we continue to find ways to help locally,” said Lee Fite, Fifth Third regional president for the Carolinas. “These commitments from the Fifth Third Foundation to both the American Red Cross and local non-profits are incredible investments in the recovery efforts. The rebuilding will take time, and we will remain steadfast in our support of our customers and employees who call the Carolinas home.”

Before Helene made landfall, hundreds of Red Cross disaster workers were deployed to the Southeastern United states from across the country. As of Oct. 2, the Red Cross has deployed over 1,200 disaster workforce volunteers to Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas. In some of the hardest hit areas that are accessible, 60 Red Cross emergency response vehicles are distributing meals, water, and critical relief supplies. In the days and weeks to come, the Red Cross will work alongside community partners and local officials to ensure people get the assistance that they need to get back on their feet.

“Thanks to Fifth Third Foundation’s extraordinary support, the Red Cross is able to shelter and support families impacted by disasters big and small across the country,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are proud to count on supporters like Fifth Third Foundation as we work together to provide much-needed comfort and care to people left in need from more frequent and intense hurricanes, tornados and storms, worsening wildfires, home fires and other crises.”

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About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

October 7, 2024 /3BL/ – In response to the severe impacts of Hurricane Helene, Direct Relief is providing $350,000 in emergency grant funding to support 14 health organizations across North Carolina and Florida. Each organization will receive $25,000 to help ensure that essential healthcare services remain accessible to the communities hardest hit by the storm.

Hurricane Helene has left a trail of devastation, with widespread flooding, extensive power outages, and significant infrastructure damage in both states. The destruction has created major roadblocks to healthcare access, leaving vulnerable populations, including those with chronic health conditions, struggling to obtain the care they need. Many health centers, free clinics, and charitable pharmacies have been forced to close or operate with limited resources due to damaged facilities, flooded roads, and unstable power supplies, further exacerbating the crisis.

The emergency grants provided by Direct Relief will enable health centers to restore operations quickly by covering the costs of critical supplies, medications, staffing, and other resources necessary to continue serving their patients. With the support of these funds, the centers can maintain care for those who depend on them for services ranging from chronic disease management and mental health support to prenatal care and emergency medical treatment.

The grant recipient organizations are:

AppHealthcare, Sparta, NCAppalachian Mountain Health, Asheville, NCBlue Ridge Health, Hendersonville, NCCommunity Care Clinic, Boone, NCGood Samaritan Clinic, Morganton, NCHigh Country Community Health, Boone, NCHot Springs Health Program, Marshall, NCKintegra Health, Gastonia, NCMountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, NCMountain Community Health Partnership, Bakersville, NCNC MedAssist, Charlotte, NCOceana Community Health, Boynton Beach, FLWestLife Wellness, Collettsville, NCWestern North Carolina Community Health Services, Asheville, NC

Direct Relief’s emergency grant funding is part of a broader response effort, which includes the provision of material medical aid. To date, Direct Relief has provided more than $400,000 in medicines and medical supplies to healthcare providers in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Direct Relief remains committed to supporting health centers, free clinics, and charitable pharmacies in providing uninterrupted care as the recovery efforts continue.

Licensed to distribute prescription medications nationwide, including North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Geogia, Direct Relief runs the country’s largest nonprofit charitable medicines program, providing donations of medications and supplies to serve low-income, uninsured patients at more than 1,000 nonprofit health centers and clinics on an ongoing basis and in emergency situations.

Across all Viatris locations, we are committed to protecting contractors and visitors. They are covered by site-specific EHS policies and procedures, and we track the safety performance of our contractors through established guidelines, pre-screening and training. And in 2023, we further enhanced our program across several of our sites.

We are building a new, state-of-the-art injectable manufacturing facility in the southern India district of Krishnagiri. The site is key to Viatris’ continued strategic development, and we have made safety our highest priority. The project has required plenty of external expertise and manpower, meaning that we rely on external partners and contractors. Also, the use of heavy machinery and diverse workers coming from various cultures necessitated rigorous safety initiatives at the 69,000 square meter site to keep everyone safe. The project has successfully accomplished 2.3 million incident-free man hours and is on track to be completed later this year or in early 2025.

Key contractors and qualified safety professionals specializing in project management have worked closely on the project with Viatris’ EHS safety professionals permanently assigned to the site. Together, they implemented initiatives including:

Establishing the Safety Park, an area near the site’s entrance to provide an overview of safety equipment and personal protective equipment to be used by contractorsProviding periodic and job specific safety trainings on various topics including working at heights, electrical safety and precautions during welding, grinding and rigging, among other work. Nearly 8,000 manhours of EHS trainings have been given to contractorsDeploying a “Permit to Work” program to manage all activities within the boundary of the project through which we issued approximately 23,000 permitsEncouraging proper contractor health and safety behavior via a program to reward and recognize exemplary performers

“ I am proud to be associated with such an important project with Viatris. My primary goal has been to ensure that this project meets its intended deadline by having a stellar safety record. I am thankful to my EHS team, contractors and the project team in supporting this safety goal.”

Jayesh Thakor

Senior Director – EHS Injectable

India, Viatris

View the full 2023 Sustainability Report.

Michelle Link

At Maximus, we move people forward – including ourselves. We focus on evolving and strengthening our culture to better engage our employees and foster a workplace where every employee can thrive. This culture evolution allows us to celebrate our strengths and develop our areas of opportunity. I’m thrilled to share our 2023 Employee Engagement and Company Culture report, which highlights significant achievements from last year and sets the stage for continuous growth and innovation.

Throughout 2023, we continued to embrace Harvard Business Review’s Cultural Competency Model to visually represent the current state of Maximus’ culture and our aspirational state. We focused on creating a balanced culture that emphasized learning, innovation, results, and fun, while maintaining our commitment to caring and purpose. Our transformation initiative, Maximus Forward, played a pivotal role in our cultural evolution by supporting our present needs and helping us prepare for future opportunities and challenges.

The 2023 Employee Engagement and Company Culture report provides a closer look at the following projects and events:

The 2023 results from our Global Employee Engagement Survey, which indicated a five percent increase from 2022 in our overall favorable engagement index (It’s hard to believe but we’ve also completed our 2024 Survey and sneak peek: results continue to improve!);The Moving Our Talent Forward ecosystem of initiatives that will enable employees to move seamlessly between projects and develop the skills needed for future roles;The efforts of our Learning and Organizational Development and Total Rewards teams, who rolled out Continuous Performance Management for many employees around the company and launched our tuition reimbursement program;The innovation of our Corporate Communications team with its adoption of generative AI tools and the success of Maximus’ social media advocacy program; andThe elements of engagement we incorporate into our work, from the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion team’s First Fridays and Foundation Month that highlighted Maximus Foundation grantees to our annual Customer Service Week event that featured a “magic of customer service” theme last year.

Throughout the report, we showcase how these initiatives relate back to our values of accountability, collaboration, compassion, customer focus, innovation, and respect, because our values are at the heart of all that we do – as evidenced by the winners and honorees of our inaugural Values Icon Awards. While we know that our culture evolution is ongoing as we continue to identify opportunities for improvement, we appreciate the hard work of our employees and remain committed to putting them first by creating a positive, engaging, and inclusive work environment.

Michelle Link

Michelle Link is responsible for leading the global Human Resources organization – including Talent Acquisition, Workforce Solutions, Organizational Development, HR Information Systems, Total Rewards, and Change Management. Michelle is an accomplished human resources executive with over 25 years of experience in national and international organizations across healthcare, call center, and government contracts. 

HOUSTON, October 7, 2024 /3BL/ – Green Mountain Energy Sun Club is helping a beautiful greenspace in Southwest Houston become even greener. Thanks to a $93,000 grant to fund four new electric utility terrain vehicles and all-electric maintenance equipment, Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy is now emissions-free.

By electrifying its maintenance equipment—including three electric golf carts and one Polaris electric utility vehicle—Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy is leading the way as one of the few regional conservancies to fully transition to electric utility vehicles. This transition, which also includes a riding lawnmower, leaf blowers, and weed eaters, will reduce the nonprofit’s carbon footprint by avoiding 6,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually and saving 300 gallons of fuel, equating to $2,000 in annual operating costs. Coupled with the 2,000 trees currently on the property, which are projected to absorb 96,000 pounds of CO2 annually, these advancements position Willow Waterhole as an emissions-free space.

“We are thrilled to unveil these vehicles and show how this donation will help us take significant strides toward our sustainability goals,” said Katherine Bravo Newton, Executive Director at Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy. “This grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club is helping us reduce our environmental impact and operate more sustainably, which is a crucial part of our mission to protect and preserve urban greenspaces.”

Willow Waterhole was once a flood detention project and has since flourished to become a scenic greenspace amid Houston’s suburban exterior. The Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy was established in 2001 following local residents’ commitment to protect the area and has remained successful due to public and private partnerships. The Conservancy now comprises 608 million gallons of stormwater detention in six lakes and 291 acres of greenspace, which includes 35 acres of wetlands and a 15-acre native coastal prairie preserve. This approach effectively mitigates 100% of rainfall impacting over 50,000 Houstonians living in the immediate 3-mile radius of Willow Waterhole, near Highway 90, halfway between 610 and Beltway 8.

“Greenspaces are the living heart of sustainability, and we’re honored to support Willow Waterhole on becoming emission-free,” said Andrea Ortega-Toledano, senior director of sustainability, Green Mountain Energy. “This location’s role in stormwater detention is vital to our region and their work in preserving the environment is essential to safeguarding our future.”

Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $14 million for 164 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Green Mountain Energy invites its customers and employees to contribute and help support more projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental stewardship.

# # #

About Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy
Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing Willow Waterhole, a 290-acre greenspace in southwest Houston. With over 7 miles of newly paved trails, six lakes, and extensive green spaces, the Conservancy supports flood control, wildlife habitat, and community recreation while promoting environmental sustainability. Serving as a hub for conservation efforts, nature walks, and public events, the Conservancy partners with local residents and donors to continue improving the area for both ecological and community benefit. For more information, visit willowwaterhole.org. 

About Green Mountain Energy Sun Club
Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through the work of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club® has donated more than $14 million for 164 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Sun Club collaborates with nonprofit organizations on projects that focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship. To learn more about Green Mountain Energy and Sun Club or to apply for a Sun Club grant, visit greenmountain.com/sunclub.

Media Contacts:
Estefanía Joy, Green Mountain Energy
713-537-5735
media@greenmountain.com
X: @GreenMtnEnergy

Katherine Bravo Newton, WWGC
https://www.facebook.com/willowwaterhole
https://www.instagram.com/willowwaterhole/
Katherine@willowwaterhole.org
281-780-9569

We foster employee connections, engagement, inclusiveness and business impact through our seven Employee Resource Groups and Communities of Interest. In FY24, ERG membership grew by 14.4%, with 12.3% of the workforce belonging to at least one ERG. Our goal is to have 20% of SAIC’s workforce as a member of at least one ERG by the end of FY26.

Our ERGS

Accessibility

Supports and encourages open conversations about visible and non-visible disabilities, including mental health and neurodiversity. Last year, the group conducted a series of events focused on educating the workforce on topics related to accessibility including American Sign Language, mental health awareness and implications for security clearances, mindfulness and elder care.

Connect & Grow

Connects early-career and tenured professionals for networking, professional development, community service and environmental stewardship. This group sponsored more than a dozen events nationwide for employee engagement and development, which included raising more than $7,500 for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and collecting more than 1,600 pounds of e-waste for handling and disposal.

Equality Alliance

Champions lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied employees who celebrate and raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community. This ERG created resources for our LGBTQ+ workforce focused on access to benefits, guidance for gender transitioning employees and training on our commitment to respect and understanding so everyone can be their authentic selves. It also sponsored and supported LGBTQ+-focused community events and volunteer opportunities.

Military/Veteran

Serves as an advocate and resource for employees who are former or active-duty service members and their families. With nearly 30% of our workforce being a U.S. military veteran, this group raised more than $50,000 in donations for military charities nationwide during FY24. It created and maintains a network for veterans to share stories, express appreciation, access resources and give back to their communities and coworkers.

Multicultural

Celebrates and champions employees’ ethnic and cultural differences and encourages the development, engagement and retention of SAIC’s underrepresented minorities. This group created, hosted and facilitated multiple engagements recognizing Black History, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic Heritage.

STEM

Supports STEM programs in the communities where SAIC operates, and employees reside, as well as opportunities for current and future STEM professionals. Last year, this group of employees sponsored, facilitated and judged more than 17 robotics-, rocket- and science-based events inspiring young people to engage in science, technology, engineering and math. They also created and coordinated a program to refurbish and donate lightly used SAIC laptops and other electronics to multiple schools nationwide.

Women’s

A place for employees to champion growth, create networking and outreach opportunities and educate others about the unique challenges women face at work. In FY24, the largest of our resource groups, provided nationwide support to organizations supporting women including Girls Inc, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Women in Aerospace, Women in Technology and The Women’s Center ― and raised over $250,000 in support of these organizations.

Learn more about Employee Resource Groups in SAIC’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report.