Tag: 3BL

Viatris has a long history in the fight against infectious disease, which accounts for eight of the top 10 causes of death in low-income countries.¹ We are working with global and local partners to help prevent infections, increase access to diagnosis and treatment, provide healthcare solutions and work on local manufacturing initiatives with partners to transfer technology to expand access where it is most needed.

In 2024, Viatris focused on expanding access to HIV treatments, second-line tuberculosis (TB) treatments, anti-malarial products and injectables to Africa, North and South America, Eastern Europe and East Asia, regions that are experiencing an increase in new HIV infections and high-burden countries for drug-resistant TB.

We are also working with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) for the development of Flucytosine SR formulation, which will be used in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis, a devastating fungal infection that people with HIV are especially susceptible to developing. Often, treatments for cryptococcal meningitis are not available or affordable in areas where the burden is most severe.²

Supplied ~50% of medicines on the WHO EML anti-infective medicines section and ~45% of medicines on the WHO EML for Children anti-infective medicines section

The Need to Remain Focused on HIV Treatment 

Progress in preventing and treating HIV has been uneven across the world. While sub-Saharan Africa has experienced the steepest reductions in new infections, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa are experiencing an increase. Overall, the global numbers of new HIV infections are not declining fast enough. Almost a quarter of people living with HIV are not receiving lifesaving treatment and every minute a person dies from AIDSrelated causes.³

Viatris provides access to high-quality and more affordable ARVs to approximately 125 countries. Viatris has 32 HIV/AIDS products on the WHO’s list of prequalified products.

The market dynamic is evolving and, in 2024, we saw regimen consolidation for pediatric patients on anti-retroviral therapy, with most of the HIV programs across the low- and lower-middle income countries transitioning to triple combination drug: Abacavir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir 60/30/5. Regarding the PrEP (Pre exposure Prophylaxis) market, there is a considerable push for adoption of long-acting injectables for prevention therapy. Over the years, Viatris has procured license to develop, manufacture and commercialize the following long acting PrEP injectables in low- and middle-income countries: (i) Lenacapavir from Gilead Sciences Ireland UC (2024); and (ii) Cabotegravir from the Medicine Patent Pool (2023).

Product registrations are important to expanding access to ARV products as it helps global procurement agencies deliver the medicines to customers faster. This is important especially for meeting the UN SDG target of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030.

We consistently file our ARV treatments with the U.S. FDA and the WHO Prequalification pathways to enable procurement by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, as well as other international agencies. Many countries require local registration in addition to these global approvals. To meet this need, we have steadily filed for local market authorizations of our ARV products based on country guidelines across all key high-burden HIV countries.⁴ 

We have local manufacturing facilities in Zambia, South Africa, and via Viatris’ partners in Mozambique and Kenya. Technology transfer agreements were made for key antiretrovirals to help expand access. By having presence for manufacturing and packaging in South Africa, Viatris is helping to develop local capacity, competency and experience with high-quality production. In addition, we have been working with global procurement agencies and distributor partners to store essential and high-priority products at the South Africa warehouse to enable supply with a short lead time.

Approximately 25% of the world’s adults and >50% of the world’s children on treatment for HIV use a Viatris product. We supply products that address HIV/AIDS for all lower- and lower-middle-income countries in which this is a leading cause of death.

In 2024, we launched the fixed-dose combination of isoniazid, pyridoxine, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim and pediatric and adult formulations of the fixed-dose combination of abacavir, dolutegravir and lamivudine, helping to reduce the pill burden across low- and middle-income countries.

Through our ongoing work with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, we progressed work on development of a dual oral pill for HIV and birth control. The Dual Pill (TELE) has been submitted for WHO prequalification approval.

Barriers to effective treatment for people living with HIV include limited testing and lack of data for TAF-based treatments. TAF-based treatment in HIV involves the use of Tenofovir Alafenamide, a prodrug of tenofovir, which is preferred for its improved safety profile. It is used in combination with other antiretroviral agents in certain treatment regimens to effectively suppress the HIV virus and improve patient health. Viatris is helping to address these barriers through the promotion of HIV Self-Tests and scaling up of TAF-based treatments in various countries.

• We have >700 registrations of infectious disease products across LMICs.
• Viatris has seven licensing agreements with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) for HIV (including PrEP), hepatitis C, and COVID-19. For ARV and infectious disease products, Viatris also has license agreements with Gilead, Viiv Healthcare, MSD, TB Alliance and Otsuka.

Our HIV Treatment Access Goal

Goal: Provide ARV therapy equivalent to a total of 30 million patients, including >2 million children living with HIV/AIDS, between 2022 and the end of 2025.*

Our Progress: In 2024**, we provided treatments for ~7 million patients, including ~320,000 children living with HIV/ AIDS. Since 2022, we have provided treatments for >24 million adults and children.

^{*Our ability to make progress on our goal depends on several factors, some of which are outside of our control, including the existence and funding of our distribution partners. 
** The remediation activities at the Indore site have impacted our ARV therapy supply in 2024. We are aiming to be back on track by the end of 2025.}

Expanding access to Malaria Treatment

In 2024, Viatris signed a volume agreement with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and MedAccess for a daily dose treatment as a replacement for the existing combination medicine used to treat non-severe malaria, which is facing growing resistance.

The new treatment – artesunatepyronaridine (ASPY) – is indicated for all malarias, including multidrugresistant falciparum malaria.

Malaria is visibly impacted by the changing climate – as the climate warms, mosquitoes able to transmit the disease are spreading to new areas and living year-round in places where they were formerly only seasonally active. People who previously were not at risk for malaria, and who have no immunity to the disease, will be increasingly susceptible. Instead of reaching an end to malaria by 2030, we may be facing a global resurgence.

Viatris’ portfolio holds treatments for malaria, with two products on the WHO list of qualified products and collaboration with partners to expand access.

The Fight Against TB

Viatris works to help end TB, one of the leading causes of infectious disease deaths worldwide. In many cases, TB can be cured with an antibiotic treatment regimen for six months; however, non-adherence is a challenge for TB control and prevention programs. Non-adherence to TB treatment increases the risk of morbidity and mortality and fuels drug resistance, impacting both individuals and communities.

In 2024, we continued to expand access to pretomanid, specifically approved for adults with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). When it was launched in 2020 through partnership with TB Alliance, a nonprofit organization that develops and delivers new TB treatments, it was the third new anti-TB drug approved in the past half-century.

We work with key procurement agencies like the Global Drug Facility to provide accessible pricing and expand our reach to more than 100 countries. We also have an agreement with MedAccess for pretomanid that enables us to supply the product to all emerging market countries at a single access price.

In 2024, we completed five registrations for pretomanid and we are awaiting approval in six countries. In all, we have 64 current registrations for pretomanid spanning across multiple continents and income levels. Further, we have seven TB products on the WHO’s list of prequalified products. Partnerships like the one with TB Alliance are essential to providing more sustainable access to medicine.

Tackling HIV in Thailand

HIV/AIDS is a key public health priority for the government in Thailand. Viatris continued its collaboration in 2024 with the Government Pharmaceutical Organization to provide ARVs at a reduced cost to improve access for patients.

Understanding the Stigma of TB

TB persists as one of the world’s leading causes of infectious disease death, the leading cause of death for people living with HIV, and one of the major contributors to antimicrobial resistance.⁵ Viatris is actively engaged in and contributes to the leadership of the Private Sector Constituency (PSC) for the global Stop TB Partnership with the primary focus to achieve a world free of TB and, until then, making diagnosis, treatment and care available to all who need it.

Much progress⁶ was made in 2024 by the Partnership, including a record number of people diagnosed and treated for TB, an increase in TB programs focused on respecting the rights of people living with TB and being gender-sensitive, numerous country level stigma evaluations, and assessments of key and vulnerable groups. 2024 saw the highest-ever number of countries implementing One Impact – the only communityled monitoring tool used by the Stop TB Partnership – and a stronger, more coordinated civil society. Throughout 2024, the PSC stressed the role of the private sector in developing, introducing and supplying at scale TB treatments, vaccines, diagnostics and digital solutions for TB programs globally.

Creating Life-Saving Access for TB Patients

The Pretomanid Named Patient Access Program (NPAP) allows a treating physician to submit a request for pretomanid prior to regulatory approval in their respective country on a named-patient basis. In this program, Viatris receives an initial request from the treating physician from Viatris Pretomanid Named Patient Access Program on the website. The treating physician fills out anonymized patient information forms containing all the medical details and submits the request. Once the treating physician submits the request, it is reviewed by Viatris’ partner, TB Consilium, a multidisciplinary team of experts that helps manage difficult-to-treat tuberculosis cases. The team independently evaluates the request for the eligibility of the patient for receiving pretomanid. Once TB Consilium approves the patient’s eligibility for receiving pretomanid, Viatris reaches out to the treating physician for appropriate documents to ship the product to the requested location.

In 2024, the Pretomanid Named Patient Access Program successfully supported 28 patients, providing them with access to life-saving treatment that would otherwise be unavailable.

View the full Viatris 2024 Sustainability Report.

^{Sources
1 The top 10 causes of death 
2 Cryptococcal meningitis | DNDi 
3 2024 global AIDS report — The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads 
4 WHO global lists of high burden countries for tuberculosis (TB), TB/HIV and multidrug/ rifampicin-resistant TB
5 Tuberculosis Stop 
6 TB annual report}

Fast Company announced its seventh annual Best Workplaces for Innovators list, recognizing businesses that foster a culture of innovation across all levels. Lenovo was named one of the 10 companies empowering employees to make breakthroughs in AI, and Fast Company highlighted the company’s investment in revenue for R&D, maintaining 18 R&D facilities and four AI innovation centers worldwide.

The 2025 Best Workplaces for Innovators list ranks 100 winners across industries such as entertainment, biotech, consumer packaged goods, marketing, education, and healthcare. To be considered, applicants detailed their investment in innovation, internal programs, and company culture. Final selections were made by Fast Company’s editors, who evaluated every application and conducted extensive research to generate a score for each company. A distinguished panel of judges then reviewed the top-rated companies.

“At Lenovo, innovation isn’t confined to labs. It’s woven into our culture. We empower our teams to push boundaries, experiment boldly, and create technology with customers at the center of every breakthrough. Guided by our vision of Smarter AI for All and powered by Lenovo’s Hybrid AI Advantage, we are democratizing AI to make it accessible, trusted, and seamlessly integrated into everyday life and work, helping customers achieve greater productivity, agility, and confidence. Being recognized again by Fast Company is a testament to both our people and our purpose: driving smarter technology that empowers everyone, everywhere.”

Lenovo has been recognized as a leader in workplace innovation, driven by its pioneering advancements in AI, automation, and machine learning. In 2025, Lenovo unveiled the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, the world’s first rollable AI-enhanced laptop, demonstrating the company’s commitment to fostering bold ideas and cross-functional collaboration. Lenovo continues to prioritize investment in innovation, with R&D expenses up 13% year-over-year. Today, 25% of Lenovo’s workforce works in an R&D or innovation role. The company’s inclusive workplace culture, and philanthropic efforts further reinforce Lenovo’s dedication to “Smarter Technology for All,” ensuring that innovation thrives at every level and has a positive impact on communities worldwide.

“Each year, we’re inspired by the companies and leaders who prove that innovation doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of intentional choices to empower people at every level,” says Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “The organizations on this year’s Best Workplaces for Innovators list show that when you build a culture where creativity and risk-taking are valued, breakthrough ideas inevitably follow.”

The full list of honorees is available at https://www.fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list.

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

MetLife encourages a culture of year-round volunteering. Colleagues across all regions and departments lend their time, talent and passion for their communities to educational, environmental, mentoring, coaching, skills-based and pro-bono initiatives. 

MetLife colleagues are engaged in their communities in their personal lives, as well as through their work at MetLife. MetLife Foundation offers external recognition through the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) for eligible U.S.-based colleagues who volunteer and track more than 100 hours of volunteer service, including hours completed during our Volunteer Day, on weekends or in their personal lives. The PVSA is a national volunteer recognition program that honors acts of service in communities.

2024 Global Volunteering by the Numbers

• 179,000 employee volunteer hours
• 38 markets

Skills-Based and Pro-Bono Volunteering

When they put their professional skills to use in a volunteer capacity, MetLife colleagues have an outsized impact on nonprofits and their communities. 

MetLife Foundation established MetLife Skills for Impact. Through the program, MetLife volunteers shared business skills with MetLife Foundation grant recipients, helping the grantees establish operational processes, create financial modeling tools and develop an earned revenue model for a community focused program.

MetLife colleagues in the U.S. and Latin America also mentored founders participating in the ADAPT startup accelerator, operated by Village Capital and supported by MetLife Foundation. Mentors helped founders refine their business assumptions and plans, including perfecting their funding pitches to investors and optimizing how they measure their organization’s social impact.

In collaboration with South Korean impact investor, Merry Year Social Company, which supports social venture companies not plugged into mainstream investors, MetLife Korea colleagues, including the CEO of MetLife Korea and Head of MetLife Korea Foundation, volunteered as mentors to social venture leaders and judges in the selection process for Inclusion Plus. The MetLife mentors provided pro-bono support and business advice in areas including legal, marketing, information technology, accounting and finance.

Read more about how MetLife is strengthening communities through volunteering our 2024 Sustainability Report.

Yum! Brands

September 25 was National Foodservice Workers Day in the U.S., and we’re proud to have some of the very best working in our restaurants. Every day, they serve meals and show up for their communities — and recognizing their impact means making sure they’re supported, too. That’s why KFC U.S., the KFC Foundation and Yum!’s Unlocking Opportunity Initiative are proud to partner with the nonprofit Giving Kitchen to connect our team members with resources like emergency aid, housing assistance and more when the unexpected happens.

Watch our latest “Serving Up Good” video to see how we’re saying thanks to the people who make the magic of mealtime possible.

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

DALLAS, October 21, 2025 /3BL/ – The Mary Kay Ash Foundation®, an unwavering champion of advancing women’s cancer research and advocating for women’s health, announced it has awarded over $1.5 million in cancer research to nonprofits, cancer research institutes, and cancer support programs and services around the country. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has given more than $40 million in support of eliminating women-related cancers.

In 2025, grants were awarded to the following cancer research and support service organizations:

• Translational Cancer Research Grants (10 | $1,000,000)
  Awarded 10 esteemed cancer researchers from the nation’s leading accredited universities with individual grants of $100,000, totaling $1 million in funding. These competitive research grants support groundbreaking studies focused on cancers primarily affecting women.
• Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Cancer Research & Support ($500,000)
  • Awarded a $100,000 grant to the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Amy Selkirk Breast Cancer Research Fund to further support the second year of a first of its kind clinical trial conducted by Joyce O’Shaughnessy, MD, Celebrating Women Chair in Breast Cancer Research. This trial explores weight loss inhibitors to prevent breast cancer recurrence in overweight patients.
  • Awarded a $400,000 multi-year grant in support of the newly established Texas Cancer Interception Institute, a first of its kind program utilizing cutting edge biomarker technology, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood-based assays offered on a huge scale to improve cancer care with an emphasis on early detection.
• CancerCare (1 | $75,000)
  This year marks the 25^th anniversary partnering with CancerCare – the leading national organization dedicated to providing free, professional support services for those facing a cancer diagnosis. For 25 years, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has funded CancerCare’s Touching Hearts program, providing financial assistance to economically disadvantaged women navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment plan, resulting in over 50,000 grants totaling over $5.6 million in financial assistance.
• Cancer Support Community North Texas (1 | $25,000)
  Local nonprofit, Cancer Support Community North Texas, received a $25,000 grant in support of free programs and services for those undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers. Participants receive counseling, health and wellness classes, yoga and crafts, and more to help with healing and hope.            

 View a full list of 2025 Mary Kay Ash Foundation Cancer Research Grant recipients.

“For nearly 30 years, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has been guided by a simple notion: when women thrive, communities thrive,” said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors. “From funding innovative women’s cancer research to strengthening services for survivors of domestic violence, at our core we are empowering communities, restoring hope, and giving women the chance to live longer, healthier, safer lives.”

For nearly three decades, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has awarded more than $98 million to women’s shelters and domestic violence service providers, as well as cancer research programs and related causes throughout the U.S. For more information, visit marykayashfoundation.org  

***

About Mary Kay Ash Foundation® 
Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $98 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer, donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

# # #

ARLINGTON, Va., October 20, 2025, /3BL/ – Lightshift Energy (Lightshift), a developer, owner and operator of battery energy storage projects across the U.S., and KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM), the corporate and investment banking arm of Cleveland based KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY), announced the close of a $75 million credit facility that will support Lightshift’s rapidly growing pipeline of energy storage projects across the East Coast. The flexible facility, which includes a term loan, construction-to-term loan and tax equity bridge loan, strengthens Lightshift’s ability to bring new projects online quickly and at scale.

The financing backs six of Lightshift’s operational projects while also enabling the advancement of 10 projects currently in and nearing construction. It further lays the groundwork for another large wave of Lightshift’s project pipeline as the company transitions into a phase of significant growth. This comes at a time when the U.S. market is experiencing surging demand for energy storage and a rapidly expanding need for firm and fast capacity solutions amid load growth and electricity supply constraints.

The initial portfolio includes Lightshift’s project with GlobalFoundries in Vermont, which will deliver critical power services and significantly reduce electric transmission and capacity costs at their semiconductor manufacturing plant. The project will highlight the potential of co-located energy storage and, once operational in 2026, will be the largest battery project in Vermont.

KBCM served as sole lender. The facility is structured to provide nimble, scalable capital as Lightshift’s utility and corporate partners work to meet growing power requirements and navigate cost challenges around transmission constraints and large load additions driven by data centers. KBCM and Lightshift will look to expand the facility as Lightshift accelerates its distribution-level storage portfolio to serve surging demand for capacity.

“Energy storage is a cornerstone of grid modernization, and Lightshift’s innovative approach to energy storage aligns with the growing demand for flexible, scalable solutions” said Gregory Berman, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Utilities, Power & Renewable Energy at KeyBanc Capital Markets. “We’re pleased to provide a financing structure that enables Lightshift to accelerate deployment across a diverse portfolio of projects and meet the evolving needs of utilities and large energy users.”

“This transaction marks a major milestone for the industry through project financing for a fleet of batteries across diverse regions and offtakers, all with the same operational objective, to provide firm capacity to the grid in the fastest most impactful way possible,” said Rory Jones, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Lightshift. “We are proud to partner with KeyBank as we tackle today’s most pressing grid challenges together.”

About Lightshift Energy

Lightshift is a utility-scale energy storage project developer, owner and operator headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Founded in 2019, Lightshift is developing a diverse, multi-gigawatt pipeline of energy storage projects, located throughout the U.S. With leading energy storage analytics, application design, finance, and development expertise, Lightshift deploys dynamic, multi-use energy storage projects that maximize value for utilities and other partners, while reinvesting directly into the communities where their projects are located. For more information, please visit www.lightshift.com.

KeyBanc Capital Markets

KeyBanc Capital Markets is a leading corporate and investment bank providing capital markets and advisory solutions to dynamic companies capitalizing on opportunities in changing industries. Our deep industry expertise, broad capabilities and unique ideas are seamlessly delivered to companies across the Consumer & Retail, Diversified Industries, Healthcare, Industrial, Oil & Gas, Real Estate, Utilities, Power & Renewables, and Technology verticals. With more than 800 professionals across a national platform, KeyBanc Capital Markets has raised more than $125 billion of capital for their clients and has an award-winning equity research team that provides coverage on over 500 publicly traded companies.

KeyBanc Capital Markets is a trade name under which the corporate and investment banking products and services of KeyCorp® and its subsidiaries, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC (“KBCM”), and KeyBank National Association (“KeyBank N.A.”), are marketed. Securities products and services are offered by KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and its licensed securities representatives. Banking products and services are offered by KeyBank N.A. Securities products and services: Not FDIC Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value

Community gardens help families in need, says Desiree Jackson, vice president of early childhood services at the Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens. The community her organization serves suffers from food insecurity, and growing produce in the garden can bring a community increased independence over food and even finances. 

Her organization invites both parents and children to participate in nutrition, health and wellness programs supported by the GroMoreGood Garden Grants from National Head Start Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. Families learn to grow produce at home as well as preserve it. 

“We’re hoping to take this even further by continually having an outdoor classroom that stems food insecurities,” says Desiree. “Not only are we taking care of ourselves and seeing beautiful flowers, but we’re also able to take care of the community.”

About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With approximately $3.6 billion in sales, the Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are among the most recognized in the industry. The Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hawthorne Gardening Company, is a leading provider of nutrients, lighting, and other materials used in the indoor and hydroponic growing segment. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com. 

View original content here.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey, to date.

I graduated from DeVry University with a degree in Computer Information Systems back in 2001, right in the middle of the recession caused by the Dot-Com bubble burst and further complicated by the September 11th terrorist attacks. Facing hiring freezes throughout the economy and especially in this industry, I worked various tech support roles. Eventually, I landed with GoDaddy over 21 years ago, starting on the Web Board team to provide email support to our customers. At the time, there was little more than 300 employees at the company and a major hiring spree had just started. Over time, I was tasked with providing specialized support for new initiatives, leading to a role transition as the very first “The Domain Name Aftermarket” (TDNAM) Representative. It still amazes me to see how much the Aftermarket service has evolved over the years. In 2007, I transitioned again to the Abuse Department as a Click Fraud Analyst where I used my development skills to automate several processes and create tools to assist with reporting. When the team was reorganized in 2012, I transitioned to the Case Management Development team to continue contributing support for tool development. Since then, I have been focused on the needs of our internal teams who keep our Domain registration operations and industry affairs in order. I am currently managing the Domains Consumer Internal Tools (DCIT) team and was recently promoted to Senior Manager! When a colleague launched the GoNeuro subgroup of GD Abilities in September 2024, I instantly found the community I needed with other neurodivergent people throughout the company. When he left in April to pursue new opportunities, I wanted to ensure this important community continued. I accepted the role as Co-president of GoDaddy Abilities in May 2025 and am working to strengthen our community.

What inspired you to get involved with GoDaddy Abilities?

My journey with GoDaddy Abilities began as I sought support after my daughter was born with Spina Bifida. As a parent navigating the stress of caring for a child with complex needs, I found a welcoming community among other parents who understood my challenges. However, my connection with the ERG deepened when I faced my own late diagnosis of ADHD in 2020. Through the GoNeuro community, I discovered the support and understanding I needed for myself. This dual experience has not only provided me with invaluable resources but also reinforced the importance of fostering inclusive spaces where diverse needs and experiences are embraced.

How does GoDaddy make you feel supported?

GoDaddy has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting its employees, and I’ve been fortunate to experience this firsthand. Shortly after the birth of my first child, the company set up the first New Mother’s Room, providing me with a private, clean space to pump breast milk—a remarkable accommodation at a time when such practices were not yet industry standard. Additionally, the Benefits team has been instrumental in helping me navigate complex insurance issues, which are often stressful and unavoidable for those in the disabled community. Over the years, GoDaddy has developed a robust support system that includes policies like flexible time off and work from home, allowing me to excel in my role while prioritizing my family’s needs. These initiatives make me feel truly supported and empowered to do my best work without compromising on personal responsibilities.

What resources or opportunities does GD Abilities provide to its members?

The GD Abilities community offers multiple channels for members to discuss their challenges and seek input from others who have faced similar experiences. This exchange of stories fosters a supportive environment where we can uplift one another. Additionally, GD Abilities hosts inclusive webinars that promote awareness and understanding of diverse abilities, further enriching our collective knowledge and empathy. These resources and opportunities are invaluable in creating a strong, inclusive community where every member feels heard and supported.

What’s something you want people to know about the GD Abilities community?

GD Abilities champions inclusivity and welcomes everyone under our big tent, regardless of their diagnosis status. Whether you have a diagnosis, are seeking a diagnosis, supporting someone on their journey, or identifying with experiences that may not traditionally be viewed as disabilities, we are here for you.

We believe in creating a space where every perspective is valued, fostering understanding and connection among all members.

Join us in celebrating the diverse narratives that make our community vibrant and inclusive!

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Career Page

AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park once again transformed into a Halloween wonderland for the community, hosting its 18th annual Treats-N-Suites Halloween Bash on October 17, 2025. Presented by Dignity Health Sports Park and the LA Galaxy Foundation, the sold-out event welcomed more than 1,000 children and their families for an evening of festive fun and safe trick-or-treating.

Now a beloved South Bay tradition, the annual celebration offers local families a spirited and secure way to enjoy Halloween. Tailored for children ages 2–11, this year’s bash featured hayrides, carnival games courtesy of the City of Carson, a costume parade, and interactive experiences from organizations including the Wildlife Learning Center, Melissa’s Produce, and more. Music and entertainment were provided by the 102.3 KJLH street team, adding to the lively atmosphere.

“Each year, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the pure joy on children’s faces as they explore our festively decorated suites and celebrate Halloween in a safe, welcoming space,” said Tamala Lewis, Sr. Director of Community Relations at Dignity Health Sports Park. “For families in Carson and neighboring communities, Treats-N-Suites has become more than just an event — it’s a cherished tradition. It’s about creating magical moments, building community, and reminding everyone that Dignity Health Sports Park is a place where they belong.”

Adding to the Halloween magic, the venue’s luxury suites were creatively decorated by community partners including the LA Galaxy, LA Kings, LA Sparks, Carson Sheriff Department, Dignity Health, South Bay Pavilion Mall, Boys & Girls Club of Carson, YMCA Gardena-Carson, NORMS, Freeway Insurance, and others. Each suite offered a unique trick-or-treat experience, allowing kids to explore the venue in a fun and festive way.

For nearly two decades, the Treats-N-Suites Halloween Bash has been a cornerstone of Dignity Health Sports Park’s community programming, reflecting its ongoing commitment to providing safe, inclusive, and family-friendly experiences for residents across Los Angeles County.

To learn more about upcoming community events, visit https://www.dignityhealthsportspark.com/events

The entrepreneurial landscape has never been more challenging, or rewarding, for those brave enough to pursue their vision. In a world where small businesses face unprecedented obstacles, from supply chain disruptions to evolving consumer demands, programs that offer capital and comprehensive support have become lifelines for ambitious founders. The FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp program, presented in collaboration with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), provided 150 entrepreneurs with learning, networking and funding opportunities to scale their impact in 2025.

Beyond Funding: A Holistic Approach to Business Growth

While the promise of $10,000 in grant funding certainly catches attention, the true value of this program lies in its comprehensive approach to business development. Over 12 intensive weeks, participants don’t just receive financial support — they undergo a transformation that touches every aspect of their business operations. The curriculum is meticulously designed to address the most critical elements of sustainable growth: evaluating business vision and identity, developing robust marketing and sales strategies, and organizing finances for improved financial health.

The numbers speak volumes about the program’s effectiveness. Of the 150 entrepreneurs admitted into the latest Boost Camp cohort, 90% completed their initial Business Health Score™ assessment—a testament to participants’ commitment to growth. Even more impressive, 55% returned to retake the assessment, resulting in an average 46% increase in their scores. This dramatic improvement isn’t just statistical noise; it represents real businesses gaining clarity, focus, and strategic direction. 

Real Entrepreneurs, Real Impact

Take Omar and Laura Cardenas of Omar C Eco-Friendly Lawns LLC in Berwyn, Illinois. This husband-and-wife team built their business on the foundation of sustainability, providing pet-safe, eco-conscious lawn care and landscaping services to their community. Before joining the FedEx Entrepreneur Fund Boost Camp, and receiving the grant, they were already committed to environmental responsibility and community giving. With this foundation, the program provided them with the strategic framework to amplify their impact.

Omar and Laura exemplified engagement throughout the program, attending every session and actively participating in the online community. Their dedication wasn’t just about personal growth — they embodied the community-first entrepreneurship values that make small businesses the backbone of local economies. Through the program’s guidance, they gained tools to deepen their environmental impact while building a more robust business model.

The story of Charlotte Bowens from Phoenix, Arizona, illustrates how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can address significant market gaps. Through Conscious Gear, Charlotte identified and filled a crucial void in outdoor recreation: inclusive equipment designed specifically for plus-sized adventurers. Her business doesn’t just sell products; it creates belonging and accessibility in spaces where many have felt excluded.

“Being part of Boost Camp gave me the momentum to keep building something rooted in purpose and inclusivity,” Charlotte reflects. Her consistent advocacy for equity and accessibility, combined with sustainable operations and community giveback, demonstrates how modern entrepreneurs are redefining success beyond profit margins. During the program, Charlotte’s notable progress in her Business Health Score™ reflected her commitment to completing all curriculum while maintaining strong community involvement.

Innovation Meets Ancient Wisdom

Perhaps no story better illustrates the diverse range of innovation within the program than Steve Waddell’s journey with Nasoni, LLC in Suffolk, Virginia. Steve took inspiration from ancient Roman fountain design and transformed it into award-winning, water-saving faucet technology. His company, Nasoni, addresses two critical contemporary needs: water conservation and accessibility for people with mobility limitations.

Steve’s leadership through supply chain challenges while maintaining commitments to sustainability and employee wellbeing showcased the resilience that defines successful entrepreneurs. His major presence in the Boost Camp virtual community and one of the highest Business Health Score™ improvements in the program demonstrated how even experienced business owners can benefit from structured growth frameworks.

Technology for Sustainability

The fourth featured winner, Adriana Kao from Dallas, Texas, represents the intersection of technology and environmental responsibility. Through her company, usefull, Adriana tackled the massive problem of disposable takeout container waste by creating tech-enabled, trackable reusable alternatives. Launching during a pandemic required exceptional resilience and adaptability, qualities that served her well throughout the Boost Camp program.

Adriana’s partnerships with universities and cafes to eliminate landfill waste while making reuse seamless demonstrate how entrepreneurs can create profitable solutions to environmental challenges. Her constant presence in the Boost Camp community, helping fellow participants stay motivated while significantly improving her own Business Health Score™, exemplifies the collaborative spirit that makes these programs successful.

The Power of Community and Continuous Learning

The engagement metrics from the program reveal something profound about entrepreneurial learning. With 61% of participants joining Boost Camp sessions live and additional participants accessing content on their own schedules, the program accommodated different learning styles and business demands. The 12-week email journey maintained an impressive 68% open rate and 32% click-through rate, indicating sustained engagement with the learning curriculum.

Perhaps most telling is the completion of over 3,500 educational guides by the group—a clear indicator that participants weren’t just showing up but actively engaging with the material. This level of commitment suggests that entrepreneurs are hungry for structured, high-quality business education when it’s accessible and relevant to their immediate needs.

Looking Forward: The Ripple Effect

The success of these entrepreneurs extends far beyond their individual businesses. Each represents a model for how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can address community needs, environmental challenges, and social equity while building sustainable, profitable enterprises. Their stories inspire the next generation of founders while proving that with the right support, entrepreneurial dreams can indeed become transformative realities.

The FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp program isn’t just creating successful businesses. It’s cultivating a community of entrepreneurs committed to making a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. 

Stay tuned for the applications launching in October 2025 for the upcoming 2026 FedEx Entrepreneur Fund & Boost Camp program. 

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