Tag: 3BL

EMERYVILLE, Calif., June 11, 2026 /3BL/ – Polyester is the most widely used fiber in the world — but the environmental data needed to fully understand its production has been incomplete. Today, Textile Exchange and SCS Consulting Services released a life cycle assessment (LCA) designed to close that gap, providing new publicly available data on virgin polyester produced in Southeast Asia and recycled polyester production in China, Europe, and the United States.

Virgin polyester is widely used because of its low cost, durability, and versatility. However, its production depends on fossil-based inputs and is associated with GHG emissions, air and water pollution, and other environmental impacts. It is also not biodegradable, and can persist in the environment for decades. While a small percentage of textile waste is reused or recycled, most of it is incinerated or landfilled. Recycling is one important strategy for reducing these impacts by diverting textile waste from landfill or incineration and decreasing demand for virgin fossil-based polyester production.

LCA studies are a universal tool used to assess the environmental impacts of material production — but their reliability depends on the quality and representativeness of the underpinning data. Publicly available data has remained limited for thermomechanical and chemical polyester recycling, as well as for virgin polyester production in Asia, which produces over half of the world’s polyester. Inspired by a prior SCS study for the UN Fashion Industry Charter that identified these gaps, this study provides the first known publicly available primary data on virgin polyester production in Asia, along with updated data on thermomechanical recycling and emerging chemical recycling technologies.

Beth Jensen, Chief Impact Officer at Textile Exchange, said: “We are pleased to have worked with SCS Consulting Services on this LCA study, which marks a significant update to existing polyester LCA data and advances our understanding of the impacts of its production for the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. By addressing known data gaps across both virgin and recycled polyester, and by identifying major hotspot impact areas, these findings create a stronger foundation for making informed decisions that support the shift toward preferred production systems.”

Key findings include:

• No single recycling technology is a silver bullet. Thermomechanical recycling is generally less resource-intensive but requires relatively clean, high-quality input materials. Chemical recycling can handle more complex and contaminated waste streams but is more energy and chemical-intensive, and encompasses a wide range of technologies designed for different waste types. Scaling textile circularity will require a portfolio of approaches.
• Continued collaboration across the value chain to improve sorting and preprocessing technologies will be essential to scaling post-consumer textile recycling. Commercial-scale chemical recycling currently focuses primarily on post-industrial waste due to the sorting and logistical challenges associated with post-consumer polyester waste.
• Electricity consumption is a primary driver of environmental impacts across all polyester production systems. A sensitivity analysis found that switching to a renewable energy mix can substantially reduce climate impact, while reliance on coal-intensive grids can significantly increase impact.
• Across all recycling systems, transportation distances for collecting textile wastes can meaningfully influence environmental performance, making local sourcing a viable strategy for reducing overall impact.
• Data gaps have long limited the accuracy of LCA modeling and sustainability decision-making across the polyester industry. This is the first known publicly available LCA data on virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) production (melt, chip, and staple fiber) from Southeast Asia.

The underlying data will be made available through Ecoinvent and other industry databases to support more robust LCA-based decision-making across the sector.

“This study builds directly on work SCS conducted for the UN Fashion Industry Charter, which made clear that the industry needed better data to make more informed decisions,” said Keith Killpack, Technical Director, SCS Consulting Services. “By making this primary data publicly available, we’re giving brands, suppliers, and policymakers a shared foundation to work from — one that reflects the actual diversity of how polyester is produced around the world.”

The research was conducted in accordance with ISO 14044 standards and follows the requirements of the Higg Materials Sustainability Index, with primary data collected from seven facilities — including three chemical recycling operations, three thermomechanical recycling operations, and one virgin PET producer — between 2022 and 2024. The report also includes a supplementary social assessment examining human rights risks across polyester supply chains.

The full report, Life Cycle Assessment of Virgin and Recycled Polyester Production Systems, is available here: https://textileexchange.org/knowledge-center/reports/polyester-life-cycle-assessment/

About Textile Exchange

Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving beneficial impact on climate and nature across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. It guides a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production right from the start of the supply chain.

Its goal is to help the industry achieve a 45% reduction in the emissions that come from producing fibers and raw materials by 2030. To get there, it is keeping its focus holistic and interconnected, accelerating the adoption of practices that improve the state of our water, soil health, and biodiversity too.

For real change to happen, everyone needs a clear path to beneficial impact. That’s why Textile Exchange believes that approachable, step-by-step instruction paired with collective action can change the system to make preferred materials and fibers an accessible default, mobilizing leaders through attainable strategies, proven solutions, and a driven community.

At Textile Exchange, materials matter. To learn more, visit textileexchange.org.

About SCS Consulting Services

SCS Consulting Services helps companies implement transformative sustainability solutions that drive meaningful change. Our experts leverage over four decades of deep experience in sustainability and an unwavering commitment to scientific rigor, credibility, and transparency. We work closely with clients to navigate the rapidly changing climate and business environment. We offer dozens of services including climate strategy, food safety, sustainable finance, emissions accounting and reporting, sustainability reporting, sustainable supply chains, ESG management, due diligence, and regulatory compliance services. SCS Consulting Services is the independent sustainability consulting arm of the Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) organization.

Media Contact 

Rachel Barnhart  
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations  
SCS Global Services  
Email: rbarnhart@scsglobalservices.com

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

HARTFORD, Conn., June 11, 2026 /3BL/ – Aetna®, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS) today announced Aetna Mental Health On Demand to broaden access to care and give members greater control over their mental health journey. Beginning in 2027, Aetna members enrolled in the service will have real time access to care and a plan to receive ongoing support via the member website.

“Navigating the mental health system can be difficult. Individuals may not even know how to get started or how to find the right provider. That’s one reason why about 1 in 4 adults report an unmet need for mental health treatment in the past year1,” said Miriam Ferriera, Vice President, Aetna Mental Well-being. “We’ve simplified the experience for members to help them access care and take the next steps with our ongoing support and coordination.”

In the inaugural Aetna Provider Survey, 37% of Behavioral Health providers said improved access to care for patients would be the one thing they would change about the health system today – their top choice. In addition, 1 in 4 said the most important action payers could take to address their challenges would be programs to help patients navigate the health care system.

Introducing Aetna Mental Health On Demand, providing real-time access to care

With Aetna Mental Health On Demand, members aged 13 and older have real-time access to a licensed clinician through chat, phone or video via the Aetna member website. Aetna clinicians are trained on a clinically-proven single session intervention model, which is designed to provide members with both immediate impact – including crisis management – and a personalized plan. They also advocate for members, helping to connect them to additional resources, assist with scheduling follow-up appointments and help coordinate their ongoing care. AI-powered tools embedded within this dynamic platform streamline note-taking and administrative tasks, allowing clinicians to remain fully focused on each member and their immediate needs.

“Reaching out for mental health support takes courage,” said Nathan Frank, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Aetna. “The last thing someone in that moment should face is friction. We designed Aetna Mental Health On Demand so that when a member takes that step, our clinicians are already there — ready in seconds.”

During the initial launch, Aetna clinicians engaged in hundreds of chats and demonstrated the immediate impact of Aetna Mental Health On Demand by answering members in just 13 seconds.

Advanced predictive tools identify members with acute needs

Aetna has also enhanced its clinician-led care management program with advanced predictive tools that identify members at risk of future inpatient admissions, as well as those with immediate, acute needs, in near real time. Through proactive outreach, care managers connect members to individualized resources and provide ongoing support throughout their treatment – helping to improve outcomes and reduce avoidable hospitalizations.

Available in January 2027

Aetna’s updated mental health approach, which includes Aetna Mental Health On-Demand and proactive care management, is currently available for self-insured customers for a January 1, 2027 launch.

1. Mental Health America. The 2025 State of Mental Health in America.

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About Aetna

Aetna, a CVS Health business, serves an estimated 37 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers’ compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care professionals, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, visit Aetna.com (e.g., clinical diagnoses, eligibility criteria, participation in a disease state management program).

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 88 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

Media contact

Phil Blando
Phillip.Blando@CVSHealth.com

Here’s What You Need to Know

Now is the ideal time for companies to partner with a scholarship administrator – here’s why and how to get started before the academic year begins.

Every year, thousands of students head into the fall semester unsure how they’ll pay for it. At the same time, companies across the country are sitting on unused charitable budgets, looking for meaningful ways to invest in their communities, support their employees’ families, and strengthen their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

A scholarship program bridges both worlds, but many companies never launch one because they assume it’s too complicated, too costly, or too risky from a compliance standpoint.

It doesn’t have to be.

What Is a Corporate Scholarship Program?

A corporate scholarship is a tax-exempt charitable award paid directly to an accredited educational institution on behalf of a student selected through a competitive application process. Companies can design programs to support:

• Employee dependents pursuing higher education
• Community students in a specific region, field of study, or demographic
• Both combine internal and external applicant pools

Scholarship funds can cover tuition and enrollment fees at accredited colleges, universities, vocational schools, and other qualifying institutions. Unlike bonuses or tuition reimbursement programs, properly structured scholarships are tax-free to recipients and qualify as charitable expenditures for the sponsoring organization.

Why Act Now? The Fall Enrollment Window Is Opening

If your company is considering launching a scholarship program for the upcoming school year, the time to start is now.

Scholarship programs require a structured implementation process: policy design, application site buildout, promotion, application review, and award disbursement. That process takes time – and the academic calendar won’t wait.

Students applying for fall aid need decisions weeks before enrollment deadlines. If you want to make an impact for the 2025-2026 school year, planning needs to start today.

The Biggest Barrier: Administrative Complexity

Most companies that want to offer scholarships never get started because of the operational and compliance hurdles involved:

• IRS compliance – scholarship programs must meet specific requirements to qualify as tax-exempt awards
• Application management – building and managing a fair, documented selection process
• Disbursement – funds must be paid directly to institutions, not individuals
• Reporting – maintaining proper records for each program cycle

Getting any of these wrong exposes your organization to legal and reputational risk. Getting them right in-house requires significant time and expertise that most organizations don’t have on staff.

That’s where a fully managed scholarship partner comes in.

How America’s Charities Makes It Simple

America’s Charities provides end-to-end scholarship administration for companies and organizations, so your team can stay focused on your mission while experts handle the rest.

Here’s what a fully managed program looks like:

1. Policy Design

America’s Charities works with your team to draft scholarship criteria, eligibility rules, and award structure – all designed from the ground up to meet IRS requirements.

2. Application Site Buildout

A branded, secure application portal is built with your organization’s logo, colors, and program name. Language translation support is available for programs serving diverse applicant pools.

3. Promotion & Launch

A coordinated rollout targets your intended applicant pool, whether that’s employees’ families, students in a specific region, or applicants nationwide.

4. Competitive Review

Applications are evaluated using pre-determined, objective criteria. The number of approved applications is limited, ensuring the program meets the IRS standard for a genuine, competitive award process.

5. Award & Disbursement

Scholarship funds are paid directly to the recipient’s accredited educational institution (not to the individual) in full compliance with IRS best practices.

6. Reporting & Compliance

Every program cycle includes a summary usage report and full IRS-compliant documentation.

Who Can Sponsor a Scholarship?

Almost any organization can and should consider it. America’s Charities works with:

• Corporations looking to invest in their communities or support employee families
• Foundations seeking a managed disbursement partner
• Associations and nonprofits wanting to expand their educational impact

Programs can be structured as one-time or multi-year awards, with national, regional, or local applicant pools. Eligibility criteria are fully customizable – GPA, field of study, financial need, geography, extracurricular involvement, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we limit the scholarship to employees or their dependents?

Yes – with IRS guidelines in place. The program must remain open to outside applicants, and eligibility cannot be tied to an employee’s position or require continued employment as a condition of the award.

What can scholarship funds be used for?

Tuition and enrollment fees at accredited educational or vocational institutions. Funds cannot be used for room and board, books, travel, or optional equipment.

How long does it take to launch?

Timelines vary by program complexity. Your implementation team will establish a launch date, application deadline, and award date during an onboarding call.

Is this IRS compliant?

Every program America’s Charities administers is designed to meet IRS requirements for tax-exempt charitable scholarship awards, including competitive selection, direct disbursement to institutions, and compliant eligibility criteria.

Ready to Make an Impact This Fall?

If your organization has been considering launching a scholarship program, there’s no better time to take the first step. Students are preparing for the fall semester, and your investment in their futures can start with a single conversation.
 

Launch a Scholarship Program: Schedule a conversation with our team to discuss your organization’s goals, then learn more about our scholarship administration services and how we help create meaningful educational opportunities.

Originally published on 3M News Center. 

The automotive industry is under pressure from every direction. Electrification, software-defined vehicle architecture, lightweighting, manufacturing transformation, repair and recycling are not isolated challenges. They are interconnected demands that automakers and suppliers are being asked to solve simultaneously, and faster than ever before.

3M’s new digital platform, “The Next Gear,” is designed to help. The interactive online experience brings together 3M science, technologies and materials in one place, allowing customers to explore how 3M supports the automotive industry as it works to build lighter, smarter, and more efficient vehicles.

Solving connected challenges across the vehicle lifecycle

“The automotive industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation — one that touches every part of the mobility ecosystem, from manufacturers and suppliers to infrastructure,” said Wendy Bauer, group president of 3M Transportation and Electronics Business Group. “As electrification, lightweighting, software-defined vehicles, advanced manufacturing and next-generation in-cabin experiences reshape mobility, the need for material innovation has never been greater. 3M brings deep expertise across automotive, electronics, manufacturing and advanced materials to help customers solve complex challenges, accelerate development and bring next-generation mobility solutions to market faster. ‘The Next Gear’ provides a comprehensive look at 3M solutions across the mobility ecosystem and demonstrates how we help customers move faster toward what’s ahead.”

The platform highlights the critical role that 3M solutions can play at every stage of the automotive lifecycle, focusing on engineering and design, manufacturing, on-road performance, personalization, and repair and end-of-life applications.

A closer look at automotive innovation

“The Next Gear” features multiple 3M solutions for lighter-weight vehicle design, including materials that reduce weight while supporting durability and performance, as well as noise, vibration and harshness solutions that improve comfort and design flexibility.

Manufacturing efficiency, quality and ergonomics get equal attention. Among the spotlighted technologies is the 3M Finesse-it Robotic Paint Repair System, which automatically detects topcoat defects, recommends a precise repair strategy, and delivers the solution in real-time as the vehicle moves along the line — offering more consistent quality at a faster pace.

Supporting electric, connected and personalized vehicles

This interactive platform also showcases 3M technologies that support electric and connected vehicles, including thermal management and battery-related solutions, as well as products that help protect and enhance displays, camera sensors, driver monitoring systems and other user interfaces.

With growing consumer demand for automotive personalization and repair options, the platform highlights ways 3M supports vehicle appearance, maintenance, repair and resource recovery. These solutions span wrap films, paint protection, collision repair technologies and approaches that can help advance serviceability and recycling.

By bringing together solutions that span design, manufacturing, vehicle performance, personalization, repair and resource recovery, “The Next Gear” provides a holistic view of how 3M helps customers address the interconnected challenges shaping the future of mobility.

Explore “The Next Gear” experience here: https://nextgear.3m.com

FAQ

What is “The Next Gear”? “The Next Gear” is an online interactive platform that showcases how 3M technologies and materials can help address major automotive industry challenges.

Who is the platform for? It is designed to help a broad audience understand the diverse scope of 3M automotive solutions, including auto makers, industry suppliers and others interested in the future of mobility.

What topics does the platform cover? It highlights 3M technologies and solutions for automotive engineering and design, manufacturing, on-road technologies, fueling and charging, personalization, and repair and end-of-life solutions.

Does the platform include electric vehicle solutions? Yes. It highlights 3M technologies related to thermal management, battery materials and connected vehicle interfaces.

Where can I explore the experience? Readers can visit the platform at: https://nextgear.3m.com

Originally published in GoDaddy’s 2025 Global Stakeholder Impact Report

About Us

We’re a trusted partner for millions of entrepreneurs globally. 

GoDaddy, the world’s largest domain name registrar, helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their ideas, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company’s AIpowered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them get their ideas online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 in most regions to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

OUR PURPOSE

Make opportunity more inclusive for all.

OUR PRODUCT AND SERVICES

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

In 2025, GoDaddy joined the World Economic Forum, an organization focused on improving the state of the world through multistakeholder collaboration. This engagement reflects a shared belief that global challenges require collective action and that bringing together leaders from business, government, and civil society can help scale solutions and drive meaningful impact.

Corporate Sustainability Approach

GoDaddy conducts periodic assessments to identify and prioritize the sustainability topics most relevant to our business, stakeholders, society, and the environment. Our most recent double materiality assessment (DMA) evaluated the potential impact that our operations might have on people and the planet, and how sustainability-related risks and opportunities might affect our business.

The results of the assessment inform our sustainability strategy, governance, and disclosures, including our approach to managing potential climate-related risks and opportunities across our value chain. The results also help focus our efforts on the topics that matter most and support informed decision-making that strengthens our long-term resilience and value creation.

Our four-pillar sustainability framework forms the foundation of GoDaddy’s corporate sustainability approach. Through the DMA, we identified 13 priority sustainability topics spanning these pillars.

CUSTOMERS & COMMUNITIES 

• Community engagement
• Customer experience
• Inclusive entrepreneurship

PEOPLE & CULTURE

• People-centered strategy
• Employee attraction, retention, and development
• Employee wellbeing

RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE & OPERATIONS

• Responsible AI
• Trust and safety
• Corporate governance
• Cybersecurity
• Data privacy

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Climate change
• Energy

We identified seven priority United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that guide our sustainability efforts and align with our corporate objectives. We disclose our progress annually in the Frameworks & Metrics section of this report. As signatories to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), we support the UNGC’s Ten Principles.

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Learn more about GoDaddy’s 2025 Global Stakeholder Impact Report. 

About this Report

The GoDaddy 2025 Global Stakeholder Impact Report details our progress toward our corporate sustainability goals, strategies, and initiatives in support of our overarching purpose and values. Unless otherwise noted, this report reflects our corporate sustainability performance across our global operations covering the fiscal year period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. To demonstrate our commitment to transparent communication regarding our sustainability progress, we routinely share updates through our website and our annual reporting. We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback on this report by contacting ESG@GoDaddy.com.

This report references the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, includes select Sustainability Accounting Standards Board metrics for the Internet Media and Services sector, and the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures. We also disclose our contributions and progress toward priority UN SDGs. For additional information on how we align with these frameworks and key indicators demonstrating our sustainability performance, please refer to the Frameworks & Metrics section.

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy, the world’s largest domain name registrar, helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

by Allison Stowell

Have chronic congestion? “Stop consuming dairy.” Unrelenting belly problems? “Mmmm, could be cow’s milk.” Have you let this thinking guide your decision to avoid dairy? If so, you may lose out on essential macro and micronutrients. You could also pass up live and active cultures (probiotics). On top of that, steering clear of dairy may not even solve the issue (especially regarding congestion).

Dairy 101

Dairy Allergy. A dairy allergy is identified by an allergy to dairy proteins, casein, and whey. We find these proteins in many products (beyond milk), including breads, sauces, and more. To avoid them, use the allergy statement (calling out milk) on packaged products. And opt for dairy alternatives without added sugar and with micronutrients (especially vitamin D and calcium). Keep in mind that, unlike cow’s milk, dairy alternatives are typically low in protein. To compensate, choose soy milk or a protein-enhanced option.

Lactose Intolerance. In many cases, an issue with “dairy” really means lactose intolerance. Lactose, the sugar in milk, breaks down with the lactase enzyme. Some individuals lack lactase and can’t effectively digest lactose. Others may live with gastrointestinal disorders worsened by lactose. But this doesn’t mean passing up on dairy altogether. For example, aged cheeses like provolone, cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan are nearly lactose-free. And some dairy products are enhanced with lactase to become lactose-free.

Active Cultures. Probiotics, or “good bacteria,” are live and active cultures that benefit and balance our gut microbiome. They have many positive impacts, including reducing gut inflammation, supporting our immune system, and reducing the potential for gastrointestinal disorders. Go for yogurt with live and active cultures listed on the ingredient list, or kefir, which is naturally rich in probiotics.

Dairy Across the Lifespan

Early Childhood. Milk offers a balanced blend of nutrition that benefits us beginning in early childhood. From 12-24 months, whole milk is the recommendation for brain health. For children over age two, low-fat milk is encouraged.

Teens. Adequate calcium is essential in the teen years for bone health and injury prevention. Bone is active tissue that consistently breaks down and remineralizes (grows). Adequate calcium supports this process to ensure good bone density. This is particularly important for young women in their later teens (and early twenties) who are absorbing calcium and mineralizing bone to set the stage for better bone health in midlife and beyond. Teens should aim for 1300mg of calcium per day.

Adulthood. Dairy foods contribute to a balanced diet in adulthood. Low- or non-fat milk is recommended to limit or reduce intake of saturated fat and dietary cholesterol. Adults under age 50 should consume 1000mg of calcium per day.

Over 50. Declining estrogen negatively affects bone mineralization and increases risk of osteoporosis in women. For this reason, daily calcium needs increase to 1200mg per day for women over 50 (for men, after age 70). For better absorption, and to limit other potential health risks, consuming calcium from low-fat dairy (and other sources) is preferred over supplements.

Go beyond smoothies and parfaits. Enjoy these delicious recipes that make creative use of Greek yogurt:

Middle Eastern Tuna Salad

3 Guiding Stars

 

Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dressing

2 Guiding Stars

 

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

1 Guiding Stars

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

DALLAS, June 10, 2026 /3BL/ – The Mary Kay Ash Foundation^®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for cancers affecting women and ending domestic violence against women, marks its 30^th anniversary with one powerful milestone. More than $100 million has been invested in life-saving cancer research and critical domestic violence prevention and support programs across the United States, impacting millions of women and their families. For three decades, the Foundation has been a driving force for change – empowering women, advancing breakthroughs in cancer care, and ensuring survivors find safety, healing, and hope.

Founded in 1996 to honour Mary Kay Ash’s vision of enriching women’s lives, the Foundation has grown into a national leader tackling two of the most rampant issues affecting women today: cancer and domestic violence. Its impact is measured not only in dollars, but in lives transformed.

By the Numbers: 30 Years of Impact

• $100+ million donated to fund women’s cancer research and end domestic violence
• $41+ million invested in innovative cancer research, clinical trials, and support programs
• $60+ million granted to domestic violence shelters and support services nationwide
• 300+ cancer researchers funded, accelerating breakthroughs in detection, diagnosis, and treatment
• 5 years of clinical trials supported, advancing cutting-edge solutions for women’s cancers
• 2,800+ domestic violence shelters and organizations supported
• More than 4 million women and children impacted through life-changing services and programs
• 750,000+ hours of cancer research enabled
• 13 international cancer research fellows sponsored, expanding global innovation
• $30,000 Matching Gift Challenge successfully funded by The Mary Kay Family Foundation (Feb. 2026)

Read the full Mary Kay Ash Foundation 30th Anniversary Report and personal testimonials from community supporters on how the Foundation’s impact has positively changed lives for the better.

A Mission Rooted in Urgency and Hope

The Foundation’s work addresses staggering realities:

• 1 in 3 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in her lifetime. (American Cancer Society)
• 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence. (National Domestic Violence Hotline)

Through strategic partnerships, research funding, and frontline support, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is rewriting these outcomes – delivering hope where and when it is needed most.

“The Mary Kay Ash Foundation remains unwavering in its commitment to creating a world where women feel seen, supported, empowered, and hopeful during some of life’s most vulnerable moments,” said Michael Lunceford, President, Board of Directors, Mary Kay Ash Foundation. “For more than 30 years, we have earnestly carried the responsibility and privilege of advancing a mission rooted in protecting and enriching the lives of women. It is an honor to turn generosity into action, advocacy into progress, and partnerships into transformative impact in pursuit of a safer, healthier future for women.”

Fueling Breakthroughs in Women’s Cancer Research

For 30 years, the Foundation has championed innovative translational research, helping scientists turn discoveries into real-world treatments.

Notably:

• 80% of funded researchers report advancing paradigm-shifting insights in cancer research.
• 72% developed new techniques or technologies, shaping the future of care.
• 71% saw their work translated into clinical settings, directly impacting patient outcomes.

These efforts have contributed to major breakthroughs in the most common and aggressive forms of cancers affecting women including breast, ovarian, uterine, endometrial, and others.

Creating Lifelines for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Since 2000, the Foundation has invested deeply in the fight to end domestic violence:

• Funding over 2,800 organizations nationwide providing shelter, advocacy, and recovery services
• Supporting millions of women and children on their journey to safety and independence
• Partnering with leading organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline to expand life-saving resources and education nationwide.

A Movement Powered by Ambassadors

It takes a village to create change, and the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Ambassadors are no exception. This group comprised of thousands of advocates spanning from coast to coast, work tirelessly to advocate, fundraise, and bring awareness to the mission in their local communities. Becoming a Mary Kay Ash Foundation Ambassador is quick and easy with endless opportunities to make a real impact. Complete the online Ambassador application.

Looking Ahead

With three decades down and more work to be done, the Foundation is not slowing down in its commitment to accelerating women’s cancer research, expanding access to care, and building safer communities for women and their families. With momentum stronger than ever, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is poised to make the next 30 years even more impactful. Visit www.marykayashfoundation.org to support the mission, become an ambassador, or join the movement in your local community to create a safer, healthier world for women.

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About the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® 

Celebrating its 30^th anniversary, 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 $100 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.

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Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
newsroom.marykay.com
972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com

On Saturday, May 30th, AEG employees came together to volunteer at the Little Tokyo Service Center’s (LTSC) “pLAy Day” at the Terasaki Budokan, a free, inclusive community event bringing people of all ages together through movement, wellness, and connection.

Created to expand access to sports and recreational activities, pLAy Day focuses on reaching individuals and families who may not otherwise have the opportunity to engage in organized play. AEG’s LA Kings hockey development team was on-site offering hands-on introductions to the sport, bringing the energy of the company’s marquee hockey franchise directly into the community in an approachable and engaging way.

The event highlights the importance of intergenerational programming, creating shared experiences for youth, families, and seniors alike. Beyond sport, pLAy Day also featured mental health focused programming led by trained organizations, highlighting the critical role healthy play and positive coaching can have in supporting overall well-being.

On Thursday, May 21st, AEG’s LA Galaxy hosted a free youth futsal clinic at Galaxy Park for the Terasaki Budokan, giving participants an up-close look at the sport in an accessible, community-focused setting.

AEG’s participation reflects its broader commitment to using the power of sports and live experiences to strengthen the communities across Los Angeles. By supporting LTSC and its partners, the company’s employees helped advance programming that promotes physical activity, fosters connection, and prioritized mental wellness, demonstrating how collective action can build more inclusive and resilient communities.

LTSC has long been a cornerstone of the Little Tokyo community, providing critical social services, housing support and community programming to underserved populations across Los Angeles. To learn more, click here.

The Ray has released a new ArcGIS StoryMap case study, Digital Work Zone Safety: Connected Equipment in Louisiana, showcasing how the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) is moving away from paper-based workflows toward integrated digital project delivery to save lives.

Click here for the Louisiana Case Study

Traditional work zones rely on static cones and signage, but this initiative demonstrates that modern construction equipment can broadcast live operational data directly to a centralized digital system, significantly reducing risks for roadside crews and drivers alike.

By leveraging connected equipment, telematics, and digital mapping solutions, the project builds a pipeline of real-time data that achieves three core operational milestones:

Real-Time Driver Alerts: Funneling active work zone coordinates into consumer navigation apps and connected vehicle (V2X) platforms warns drivers well before they reach the site.

Granular Asset Tracking: Fleet managers gain a comprehensive, digitized view of equipment deployment, usage, and roadside conflict zones.

Data-Driven Safety Audits: Traffic engineers can analyze stored digital records to optimize work zone layouts and systematically reduce risk over time.

This project reinforces The Ray’s ethos through innovative, multisector collaboration. Transportation modernization requires technological integration to enable data-driven decision-making that enhances public safety. Creating a “digital twin” of the on-the-ground environment makes real-time construction zone alerts a reality.

Unifying Data to Drive Collective Highway Safety

Louisiana’s success story is a powerful proof of concept, but safety cannot stop at state lines. To transform construction corridors nationwide, the industry must move past fragmented deployments and establish a unified approach for how contractor equipment, state agencies, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) exchange information.

To scale this momentum, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is leading the Connected Construction Data Alliance Transportation Pooled Fund study (Solicitation 1663). This multi-year effort unites state DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and industry stakeholders to establish standardized contractor-to-DOT data pipelines.

By presenting a unified voice to OEMs and telematics providers, the Alliance will develop standardized guidelines for equipment data exchange and comprehensive operational workflows for safety, material tracking, and quality assurance. Pooling resources nationally allows us to accelerate the transition toward an interoperable transportation network that prevents accidents from occurring in construction zones. Click here to Join the Pooled Fund Study

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

Using GLP-1 agonist medications can improve health outcomes for a growing number of conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. However, it’s no secret that lots of people take them primarily for weight loss. And now that GLP-1s have been around for a while, many people are wondering how to transition off of them. Once weight loss is achieved, then what happens? Let’s take a look at what you can expect and how to prepare for the conclusion of your GLP-1 journey and beyond.

Will I Gain Back the Weight?

Not necessarily, but don’t be surprised. Weight regain after a weight-reduction phase is not uncommon—no matter how you lost it. This is why you tend to hear that weight maintenance is tougher than weight loss. Research does show that after stopping GLP-1 medication, many people gain back over half the weight they lost. Naturally, the reasons for this vary. But since the medications work on various systems in the body, a few physiological changes are likely to occur:

• Metabolic adaptation. When you lose weight, your svelte self requires less food (fewer calories) than it did before. If you revert to your pre-GLP-1 amount of food, chances are some pounds will follow.
• Hunger signals return. Not feeling hungry and having less “food noise” while on the medication was helpful. But within a few weeks, both return—and with them, your appetite.

Find Ongoing Support

Long-term success depends in large part on what you do once you’re no longer taking a GLP-1 medication. You’re likely to lose some of the metabolic health benefits that a GLP-1 provides when you stop taking it. And you might find yourself falling back into old, unhealthy habits. Many people end up switching GLP-1 medications or restarting them when the weight starts coming back. Having a “support team,” consisting of your prescribing physician and a Registered Dietitian who works with GLP-1 patients, is recommended. You don’t need to go it alone.

Nutrition Priorities After GLP-1s

Finishing up with a GLP-1 isn’t the time to slack on your nutrition! Yes, you will need portion management, but overall good nutrition is equally important. Here’s what to focus on:

Nutrient-dense foods. Nutrient density is the amount of nutrients in a food relative to the amount of calories the food contains. Eating more nutrient-dense foods (lots of nutrients, lower in calories) is crucial when you’re eating less food overall. Also, research shows that people who lose a substantial amount of weight often have an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies. Guiding Stars’ foundational principle is to help people easily select the most nutrient-dense foods. So when you’re shopping for groceries, prioritize Star-earning foods.

Foods that keep you full. Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, and a smart choice for anyone dealing with a resurrected appetite. Aim to get some protein at every meal. Protein needs vary, but the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest we aim for a bit more than previous recommendations: 1.2 – 1.6g/kg body weight. For a 150-pound person, that amounts to between 82 – 109g of protein daily. Divided across three meals, that’s roughly 27 – 36g per meal. Fiber-rich foods are another filling choice, and there are plenty to choose from: whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. As an added bonus, they’re also nutrient-dense.

Water. GLP-1s often blunt the sense of thirst, so you may have become accustomed to not drinking as much while on the medication. Now that you’re done, your sense of thirst may kick in again. And when you consume more fiber, your body needs more water to avoid bowel problems. So now is the time to make friends with water again! It’s the beverage your body prefers, but other drinks work too, especially if they’re non-caloric. Check out the Guiding Stars-earning beverage options while shopping—there are plenty to choose from. You can generally let your thirst guide you as far as how much water and other fluids to drink. But creating some healthy hydration habits for yourself is also helpful.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

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