Tag: 3BL

The PSEG Foundation was recently honored with the Spirit of Edison Corporate Community Leader Award from Thomas Edison State University, recognizing 30+ years of support for military and veteran students. 

The PSEG Foundation is proud to continue that support by helping increase scholarships and support new course development in nuclear energy engineering technology, assisting students transitioning into high-demand civilian careers. 

To all military and veteran students, thank you for your service.

View original content here.

As India undergoes rapid digital transformation, the opportunities are immense — but so are the risks. Cybercrime losses exceeded ₹1,750 crore in the first four months of 2024 alone. ^[1] While India requires at least one million cybersecurity professionals, its current workforce is less than half that number. ^[2] This makes it paramount not only to equip citizens with knowledge on how to stay safe online, but also to train the cybersecurity workforce India urgently needs.

This is the challenge that sits at the heart of the partnership between Cisco and the NIIT Foundation, an India-based nonprofit focused on education and skill development that helped us positively impact 50 million people in India. Since 2008, Cisco and NIIT Foundation have partnered on initiatives that bridge the digital divide, including various training programs for India’s youth. Building on this strong foundation, in 2022, we launched a flagship initiative: Cyber Suraksha.

A multipronged approach to cyber safety

Aligned with Cisco’s strategy to leverage technology and partnerships to tackle critical needs in education and economic development, the Cyber Suraksha program aims to build widespread knowledge on cyber safety while training young people for cybersecurity careers. The program — designed as a comprehensive response to India’s escalating cybersecurity challenges — is structured around three key courses:

• Cyber Awareness: A 20-hour foundational program for ages 13+ covering personal online safety and protection against cyber threats like identity theft, cyber-bullying, and fraud.
• Cyber Smart: An advanced course for college students interested in cybersecurity and preparing for careers in the field.
• Cyber Workforce: A comprehensive, employability-focused program designed to train individuals for roles in the cybersecurity industry.

Cyber Suraksha’s impact by the numbers

Over a three-year grant period (2022–2025), Cyber Suraksha pursued an ambitious vision: training one million individuals across India in cybersecurity skills and awareness. By March 2025, the program had surpassed that goal across its three courses, demonstrating the curriculum’s effectiveness and the widespread demand for accessible digital safety training.

The program’s impact has been both wide-reaching and inclusive, spanning communities often left behind in tech education. With more than 40% female participation, the program is helping to reshape a field where women are often underrepresented globally. Furthermore, participants who found employment after completing the program saw their family incomes rise by an average of 39% over a three-year period, highlighting how digital skills and cybersecurity training can directly contribute to economic mobility.

Real lives, real impact: Stories from the Cyber Suraksha program

While the statistics tell a powerful story of scale, the true impact of Cyber Suraksha is best understood through the lives it has transformed. Rehana, a 31-year-old trans woman and community advocate from New Delhi, noticed that her community was particularly susceptible to cyber threats due to a lack of awareness. “The Cyber Suraksha initiative empowered me to recognize and respond to cyber threats,” she explained. “I developed essential cybersecurity skills through mentorship and practical experience.” Today, she’s passionate about raising cyber awareness and works to help her community protect themselves online.

Personal experiences with cyber fraud motivated both Apurba, a 25-year-old computer application graduate from rural West Bengal, and Anand, a 50-year-old yoga teacher from Delhi, to enroll in Cyber Suraksha. Both had been targeted by online scams, from unauthorized bank transactions to email breaches. “The courses provided me with advanced skills and a strong theoretical foundation,” Apurba shared, crediting the program with preparing him for his career. For Anand, the training offered something equally valuable: “The Cyber Suraksha program greatly enhanced my understanding of fraud tactics and how to prevent them.” Today, Apurba works in cybersecurity while Anand actively raises awareness about cyber safety in his community.

The partnerships advancing cybersecurity in India

Cyber Suraksha’s success reflects the strength of the partnership between Cisco and NIIT Foundation. Together, we’ve reached underserved populations — from rural youth to older adults — equipping them with skills that open pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

Achieving this scale required partnerships at every level: more than 500 colleges, 129 NGOs, and 3,000+ government schools across 27 states and five union territories provided grassroots access and local insight. Technology platforms for project management, impact tracking, and AI-driven learning enabled the program to adapt quickly and personalize content. NIIT Foundation’s community networks combined with Cisco’s technology infrastructure created a depth of impact that neither of us could have achieved alone.

Looking ahead toward a digitally resilient future

The journey doesn’t end here. Building on Cyber Suraksha’s success, Cisco and NIIT Foundation are launching Cyber Suraksha Plus to reach an additional 2.7 million people over the next three years. The initiative will maintain its focus on reaching all learners, aiming for 40% female participation, and will expand into artificial intelligence training alongside cybersecurity.

Through multiple delivery channels — instructor-led sessions, train-the-trainer models, and self-paced platforms like the Learn@NIITFoundation app — the program will extend its reach into even more remote areas and vulnerable communities. Strengthened partnerships with government institutions, colleges, and grassroots organizations will enable sustainable, cost-effective delivery at scale.

The stories of Rehana, Apurba, Anand, and one million others prove what’s possible when technology, education, and partnership come together. As Cisco and NIIT Foundation continue this work, we’re not just building cybersecurity skills — we’re creating pathways to opportunity and contributing to a more secure digital future for all of India.

Learn more about Cisco’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts in India.

View original content here.

As India undergoes rapid digital transformation, the opportunities are immense — but so are the risks. Cybercrime losses exceeded ₹1,750 crore in the first four months of 2024 alone. ^[1] While India requires at least one million cybersecurity professionals, its current workforce is less than half that number. ^[2] This makes it paramount not only to equip citizens with knowledge on how to stay safe online, but also to train the cybersecurity workforce India urgently needs.

This is the challenge that sits at the heart of the partnership between Cisco and the NIIT Foundation, an India-based nonprofit focused on education and skill development that helped us positively impact 50 million people in India. Since 2008, Cisco and NIIT Foundation have partnered on initiatives that bridge the digital divide, including various training programs for India’s youth. Building on this strong foundation, in 2022, we launched a flagship initiative: Cyber Suraksha.

A multipronged approach to cyber safety

Aligned with Cisco’s strategy to leverage technology and partnerships to tackle critical needs in education and economic development, the Cyber Suraksha program aims to build widespread knowledge on cyber safety while training young people for cybersecurity careers. The program — designed as a comprehensive response to India’s escalating cybersecurity challenges — is structured around three key courses:

• Cyber Awareness: A 20-hour foundational program for ages 13+ covering personal online safety and protection against cyber threats like identity theft, cyber-bullying, and fraud.
• Cyber Smart: An advanced course for college students interested in cybersecurity and preparing for careers in the field.
• Cyber Workforce: A comprehensive, employability-focused program designed to train individuals for roles in the cybersecurity industry.

Cyber Suraksha’s impact by the numbers

Over a three-year grant period (2022–2025), Cyber Suraksha pursued an ambitious vision: training one million individuals across India in cybersecurity skills and awareness. By March 2025, the program had surpassed that goal across its three courses, demonstrating the curriculum’s effectiveness and the widespread demand for accessible digital safety training.

The program’s impact has been both wide-reaching and inclusive, spanning communities often left behind in tech education. With more than 40% female participation, the program is helping to reshape a field where women are often underrepresented globally. Furthermore, participants who found employment after completing the program saw their family incomes rise by an average of 39% over a three-year period, highlighting how digital skills and cybersecurity training can directly contribute to economic mobility.

Real lives, real impact: Stories from the Cyber Suraksha program

While the statistics tell a powerful story of scale, the true impact of Cyber Suraksha is best understood through the lives it has transformed. Rehana, a 31-year-old trans woman and community advocate from New Delhi, noticed that her community was particularly susceptible to cyber threats due to a lack of awareness. “The Cyber Suraksha initiative empowered me to recognize and respond to cyber threats,” she explained. “I developed essential cybersecurity skills through mentorship and practical experience.” Today, she’s passionate about raising cyber awareness and works to help her community protect themselves online.

Personal experiences with cyber fraud motivated both Apurba, a 25-year-old computer application graduate from rural West Bengal, and Anand, a 50-year-old yoga teacher from Delhi, to enroll in Cyber Suraksha. Both had been targeted by online scams, from unauthorized bank transactions to email breaches. “The courses provided me with advanced skills and a strong theoretical foundation,” Apurba shared, crediting the program with preparing him for his career. For Anand, the training offered something equally valuable: “The Cyber Suraksha program greatly enhanced my understanding of fraud tactics and how to prevent them.” Today, Apurba works in cybersecurity while Anand actively raises awareness about cyber safety in his community.

The partnerships advancing cybersecurity in India

Cyber Suraksha’s success reflects the strength of the partnership between Cisco and NIIT Foundation. Together, we’ve reached underserved populations — from rural youth to older adults — equipping them with skills that open pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

Achieving this scale required partnerships at every level: more than 500 colleges, 129 NGOs, and 3,000+ government schools across 27 states and five union territories provided grassroots access and local insight. Technology platforms for project management, impact tracking, and AI-driven learning enabled the program to adapt quickly and personalize content. NIIT Foundation’s community networks combined with Cisco’s technology infrastructure created a depth of impact that neither of us could have achieved alone.

Looking ahead toward a digitally resilient future

The journey doesn’t end here. Building on Cyber Suraksha’s success, Cisco and NIIT Foundation are launching Cyber Suraksha Plus to reach an additional 2.7 million people over the next three years. The initiative will maintain its focus on reaching all learners, aiming for 40% female participation, and will expand into artificial intelligence training alongside cybersecurity.

Through multiple delivery channels — instructor-led sessions, train-the-trainer models, and self-paced platforms like the Learn@NIITFoundation app — the program will extend its reach into even more remote areas and vulnerable communities. Strengthened partnerships with government institutions, colleges, and grassroots organizations will enable sustainable, cost-effective delivery at scale.

The stories of Rehana, Apurba, Anand, and one million others prove what’s possible when technology, education, and partnership come together. As Cisco and NIIT Foundation continue this work, we’re not just building cybersecurity skills — we’re creating pathways to opportunity and contributing to a more secure digital future for all of India.

Learn more about Cisco’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts in India.

View original content here.

Originally published by CT Insider

By Marissa Weidner
November 28, 2025

Walking through the halls of Stamford High School I noticed displays of student art, placards celebrating graduates and murals extolling team spirit. Go Black Knights!

Outside, students worked with cameras for a photography class and inside classrooms there was a quiet hum of learning.

The three Rs: Reading, Writing, and aRrithmetic.

Now, though, more classrooms are bringing in another foundational basic, financial literacy, which has taken on a greater sense of immediacy and meaning to me as a mother of two sons.

Why? In casual conversations with my boys, I found that both are missing a key understanding of issues such as how credit scores work, the importance of fully paying down a credit card balance each month and getting the most out of what, for many of us, is one of the most important investments we’ll make: college.

On one occasion, one of my boys said “I know all I need to know about finance. As long as I make minimum credit card payments, I am good.” He was focused on preserving his credit score, but didn’t realize the mechanics of a credit card’s annual percentage rate, or APR, and that just getting by with minimum payments can erode hard earned savings.

Another conversation involved colleges. After my son drew up a list of schools that sparked his interest, I asked him to look up the cost of tuition, including room and board and other expenses. He was astonished at the total costs. I then suggested to him that he should consider the average salary for what he plans to take on as a career. “Since you will be contributing to tuition payments, do you think spending that money is a good return on your investment?” He soon came back with a different list of schools.

Often, conversations about finances may be awkward and it’s easy to assume that if our children have a basic understanding of the value of a dollar we can stop there. But there’s more to learn and it takes on greater meaning in today’s economy. While we might run the risk of an eye roll, there are opportunities to share teachable moments when sitting around the kitchen table or on a car ride to team practices as schools build out curriculum to fulfill statewide financial literacy requirements.

Ideally, over time these conversations about money between students and parents, and reinforced in schools, will lead to financial empowerment. Financial literacy will serve you in all stages of your life. You’ll need it to understand your budget for money earned at an after-school job. You will use it when moving out on your own and deciding on a career, if you start a family and, eventually, as you plan for retirement.

Which brings me to why I was at Stamford High School on a fall morning. I was there to announce Webster Bank’s three-year, $300,000 grant for Connecticut Financial Scholars. Stamford High School is an early adopter of this program which has been effective in Philadelphia, another school district in the country that has a Financial Scholars program.

This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to bolster financial literacy statewide and I am proud of the support Webster Bank, as lead sponsor, is offering for programming and training. This includes curriculum and paid teacher professional development for in-school financial literacy education, investing enrichment, paid summer workforce development for teens and adult workshops in the school community for parents and families.

Connecticut Financial Scholars is targeting 25 school partnerships in school year 2025-2026 and 75 schools for the following fiscal year.

You may ask, why is Webster doing this? What’s in it for us? This grant is part of a larger series of efforts that reflect our commitment to advancing financial literacy, a core philanthropic pillar at Webster Bank which opened its doors 90 years ago. Other efforts to support financial empowerment include our Finance Lab initiative designed to help nonprofit partners in LMI communities create opportunities for young people to gain skills needed for economic empowerment and financial success, and support of multiple Junior Achievement chapters. We understand the importance of financial literacy and the organizations we support know how to create programs and experiences with a unique approach to financially empower students.

As of this month, 30 U.S. states now require a personal finance course for high school graduation, according to Next Gen Personal Finance, a nonprofit advocating for personal finance education. Connecticut began requiring it in 2023 and a Webster Bank survey that year found that 84% of consumers feel middle and high schools should invest more in financial education. Only a third of that survey’s respondents, which included lower- and middle-income consumers from Connecticut, said they feel fully in control of their financial future.

I could tell the students at Stamford High School were engaged and interested in learning more about taking control of their finances and their teachers were thrilled to get extra resources.

But we can’t stop here.

If you’re a parent, educator, business or community leader, I encourage you to find out about existing programs, teacher training, and partnerships. Talk to your kids about money. Be a positive influence. Together, we can ensure every student completes high school with the ability to make informed financial decisions and build a secure future.

Marissa Weidner is executive vice president and chief corporate responsibility officer at Webster Bank.

Originally published by CT Insider

By Marissa Weidner
November 28, 2025

Walking through the halls of Stamford High School I noticed displays of student art, placards celebrating graduates and murals extolling team spirit. Go Black Knights!

Outside, students worked with cameras for a photography class and inside classrooms there was a quiet hum of learning.

The three Rs: Reading, Writing, and aRrithmetic.

Now, though, more classrooms are bringing in another foundational basic, financial literacy, which has taken on a greater sense of immediacy and meaning to me as a mother of two sons.

Why? In casual conversations with my boys, I found that both are missing a key understanding of issues such as how credit scores work, the importance of fully paying down a credit card balance each month and getting the most out of what, for many of us, is one of the most important investments we’ll make: college.

On one occasion, one of my boys said “I know all I need to know about finance. As long as I make minimum credit card payments, I am good.” He was focused on preserving his credit score, but didn’t realize the mechanics of a credit card’s annual percentage rate, or APR, and that just getting by with minimum payments can erode hard earned savings.

Another conversation involved colleges. After my son drew up a list of schools that sparked his interest, I asked him to look up the cost of tuition, including room and board and other expenses. He was astonished at the total costs. I then suggested to him that he should consider the average salary for what he plans to take on as a career. “Since you will be contributing to tuition payments, do you think spending that money is a good return on your investment?” He soon came back with a different list of schools.

Often, conversations about finances may be awkward and it’s easy to assume that if our children have a basic understanding of the value of a dollar we can stop there. But there’s more to learn and it takes on greater meaning in today’s economy. While we might run the risk of an eye roll, there are opportunities to share teachable moments when sitting around the kitchen table or on a car ride to team practices as schools build out curriculum to fulfill statewide financial literacy requirements.

Ideally, over time these conversations about money between students and parents, and reinforced in schools, will lead to financial empowerment. Financial literacy will serve you in all stages of your life. You’ll need it to understand your budget for money earned at an after-school job. You will use it when moving out on your own and deciding on a career, if you start a family and, eventually, as you plan for retirement.

Which brings me to why I was at Stamford High School on a fall morning. I was there to announce Webster Bank’s three-year, $300,000 grant for Connecticut Financial Scholars. Stamford High School is an early adopter of this program which has been effective in Philadelphia, another school district in the country that has a Financial Scholars program.

This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to bolster financial literacy statewide and I am proud of the support Webster Bank, as lead sponsor, is offering for programming and training. This includes curriculum and paid teacher professional development for in-school financial literacy education, investing enrichment, paid summer workforce development for teens and adult workshops in the school community for parents and families.

Connecticut Financial Scholars is targeting 25 school partnerships in school year 2025-2026 and 75 schools for the following fiscal year.

You may ask, why is Webster doing this? What’s in it for us? This grant is part of a larger series of efforts that reflect our commitment to advancing financial literacy, a core philanthropic pillar at Webster Bank which opened its doors 90 years ago. Other efforts to support financial empowerment include our Finance Lab initiative designed to help nonprofit partners in LMI communities create opportunities for young people to gain skills needed for economic empowerment and financial success, and support of multiple Junior Achievement chapters. We understand the importance of financial literacy and the organizations we support know how to create programs and experiences with a unique approach to financially empower students.

As of this month, 30 U.S. states now require a personal finance course for high school graduation, according to Next Gen Personal Finance, a nonprofit advocating for personal finance education. Connecticut began requiring it in 2023 and a Webster Bank survey that year found that 84% of consumers feel middle and high schools should invest more in financial education. Only a third of that survey’s respondents, which included lower- and middle-income consumers from Connecticut, said they feel fully in control of their financial future.

I could tell the students at Stamford High School were engaged and interested in learning more about taking control of their finances and their teachers were thrilled to get extra resources.

But we can’t stop here.

If you’re a parent, educator, business or community leader, I encourage you to find out about existing programs, teacher training, and partnerships. Talk to your kids about money. Be a positive influence. Together, we can ensure every student completes high school with the ability to make informed financial decisions and build a secure future.

Marissa Weidner is executive vice president and chief corporate responsibility officer at Webster Bank.

by Betsy Biemann, CEO of Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) 

The term “impact investment” has only been around since 2007. Along the way it’s been called socially responsible investing, ESG and any number of other terms. However, the practice of putting your money where it will generate a financial return as well as a positive social, community or environmental impact – or at least not support detrimental enterprises – has been with us for generations. 

Women control increasing amounts of wealth in the U.S., and with it, are gaining the power to change what money makes possible. Yet while multiple studies have shown that on average, women investors outperform their male peers in investment gains, they invest significantly less. And according to a 2022 report from BNY Mellon, if women started investing at the same rate as men, there could be more than $3.22 trillion of additional capital to invest globally.  

The impact of those investments would be outsized, as once engaged, female investors are more frequently committed to investing in companies that are profitable while also advancing social welfare, shared prosperity, or environmental sustainability. Of that $3.22 trillion, an estimated $1.87 trillion (or 58%) would flow into investments that would help build a better future. 

As CEO of CEI, I see daily how critical small business owners are for fueling economic mobility and contributing to the health of communities. In Maine, as is the case in most other rural places, small businesses drive the economy and employ the majority of workers. They typically purchase more products and services from neighboring companies, therefore circulating more cash locally. 

Read Betsy’s full article here – https://greenmoney.com/the-power-of-the-purse-investing-her-money-where-it-matters-most

======

by Betsy Biemann, CEO of Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) 

The term “impact investment” has only been around since 2007. Along the way it’s been called socially responsible investing, ESG and any number of other terms. However, the practice of putting your money where it will generate a financial return as well as a positive social, community or environmental impact – or at least not support detrimental enterprises – has been with us for generations. 

Women control increasing amounts of wealth in the U.S., and with it, are gaining the power to change what money makes possible. Yet while multiple studies have shown that on average, women investors outperform their male peers in investment gains, they invest significantly less. And according to a 2022 report from BNY Mellon, if women started investing at the same rate as men, there could be more than $3.22 trillion of additional capital to invest globally.  

The impact of those investments would be outsized, as once engaged, female investors are more frequently committed to investing in companies that are profitable while also advancing social welfare, shared prosperity, or environmental sustainability. Of that $3.22 trillion, an estimated $1.87 trillion (or 58%) would flow into investments that would help build a better future. 

As CEO of CEI, I see daily how critical small business owners are for fueling economic mobility and contributing to the health of communities. In Maine, as is the case in most other rural places, small businesses drive the economy and employ the majority of workers. They typically purchase more products and services from neighboring companies, therefore circulating more cash locally. 

Read Betsy’s full article here – https://greenmoney.com/the-power-of-the-purse-investing-her-money-where-it-matters-most

======

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

Every now and then, you meet someone whose career story feels like a front-row seat to history — and that’s exactly what it’s like talking with Anne Crews, Vice-President of Public Affairs at Mary Kay. Anne sat down for a Q&A to share her unique perspective and active role in the evolution of Mary Kay.

Drawn to the ideals of enriching women’s lives, Anne joined Mary Kay in 1983, after time spent in the Texas Governor’s office and broadcast television newsroom. The Texas-born company was on the cusp of becoming a global force for women everywhere – and she was ready to leave her mark shaping and defending the possibilities for female entrepreneurs through her role in Public Affairs.

Anne reflects below on her fulfilling career at Mary Kay, witnessing its growth over the years – expanding into over 40 markets around the world – learning from founder Mary Kay Ash herself firsthand, and how her time serving on the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors has helped her personally continue the legacy and vision for women in the U.S. and around the world.

What follows is a thoughtful conversation about that journey — from the early days of direct sales parties to the international scope of the business today. It’s a look behind the scenes of a company that has never stopped championing women – told by someone who has been right there through it all.

Q: You witnessed firsthand as Mary Kay grew into the global company it is today. What has that experience been like?

Anne: It has truly been a fulfilling and meaningful career. I’ve had the privilege of working for a company that has empowered countless women around the world. Mary Kay Ash founded the company in 1963 with a clear purpose: to create entrepreneurial opportunities for women through a direct-selling model that encouraged independence, flexibility, and personal growth.

Today, that vision lives on through our independent beauty consultants, who host both in-person and virtual gatherings, offer personalized skin care consultations, and help their customers embrace self-care. Behind the scenes, Mary Kay operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in North Texas and China, all staffed by dedicated Mary Kay employees. It’s been remarkable to see the company evolve while staying true to its mission of enriching women’s lives.

Q: What is the significance behind the iconic Mary Kay pink Cadillacs?

Anne: The pink Cadillac is one of the most recognizable symbols of Mary Kay’s culture, and its story goes back to the company’s earliest days. Mary Kay Ash had a signature style and an eye for branding long before personal branding was a thing. After purchasing a Cadillac for herself, she worked with a local dealer to have it custom painted in a soft, elegant shade of pink — a color that reflected the optimism, femininity, and confidence she wanted her company to embody.

What started as a personal touch quickly became a powerful symbol. As the company grew, the pink Cadillac evolved into one of the highest honors an independent sales force member could achieve. Earning the privilege to drive a pink Mary Kay car represents exceptional leadership, dedication, and business success. Today, seeing one on the road still turns heads — and serves as a rolling celebration of the hard work and enterprising spirit of the women and men who earn it. Mary Kay Ash called it “a trophy on wheels.”

Q: What was your experience knowing and working with Mary Kay Ash herself?

Anne: Mary Kay Ash was truly an iconic woman, a visionary! She was committed to enriching women’s lives. That was her passion and the WHY behind her namesake company — to offer opportunities to women that they would otherwise not have had, and that allowed them to work independently, setting their own schedules. She was a true Texan: down-to-earth, with a great sense of humor. She had grit and worked tirelessly for her vision of making this world a better place. She lived and led by the Golden Rule. She was the primogenitor of influencer marketing and strongly believed in offering women around the world the gift of entrepreneurship and small business!

Q: What does your work in Public Affairs entail?

Anne: Our Public Affairs team, working with colleagues throughout the Company, addresses a wide and dynamic range of issues, reflecting the complexity of supporting a global business. At the local level, we engage with municipal and state policies that impact our independent sales force, such as regulations around operating a home-based business or licensing requirements. Ensuring that our consultants can run their businesses smoothly and compliantly is a top priority.

At the national and international levels, our work spans trade policy, ingredient regulations, and, more recently, tariff considerations. Mary Kay has a presence in more than 40 markets worldwide, and our team is constantly advocating for policies that enable our independent consultants to thrive, while also supporting the company’s commitment to ethical, high-quality products. It is a fast-moving environment, but it is also incredibly rewarding to help create the conditions for our sales force to succeed everywhere they do business.

Q: Tell us about your work with the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® and its impact. 

Anne: The Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® was established in 1996 with a clear and powerful mission: to support women by funding research into cancers that affect them and by working to end domestic violence. Over the years, the Foundation has become an unwavering champion for survivors of domestic violence, providing critical resources to shelters and advocacy programs across the country. Just this year alone, the Foundation awarded more than $1 million in domestic violence shelter grants, continuing its long-standing commitment to rebuilding lives after abuse. Since its founding, the Foundation has contributed over $58 million to support these efforts.

Equally important is the Foundation’s work in cancer research and support. This year, it awarded over $1.5 million to nonprofits, research institutes, and programs focused on women’s cancers, bringing the total support since 1996 to more than $40 million. Serving on the Board has given me the privilege of seeing firsthand the tangible impact these initiatives have on women’s lives — from providing safety and hope to advancing critical research that saves lives. The Foundation embodies Mary Kay Ash’s vision of empowering women and making a meaningful difference in the world. We are excited to celebrate the Foundation’s 30^th anniversary next year!

Q: What do you do when you are not hard at work?

Anne: I like spending time with my family including our two dogs. I enjoy working out, riding my bicycle, swimming, doing yoga, and staying active.

****

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

# # #

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

Every now and then, you meet someone whose career story feels like a front-row seat to history — and that’s exactly what it’s like talking with Anne Crews, Vice-President of Public Affairs at Mary Kay. Anne sat down for a Q&A to share her unique perspective and active role in the evolution of Mary Kay.

Drawn to the ideals of enriching women’s lives, Anne joined Mary Kay in 1983, after time spent in the Texas Governor’s office and broadcast television newsroom. The Texas-born company was on the cusp of becoming a global force for women everywhere – and she was ready to leave her mark shaping and defending the possibilities for female entrepreneurs through her role in Public Affairs.

Anne reflects below on her fulfilling career at Mary Kay, witnessing its growth over the years – expanding into over 40 markets around the world – learning from founder Mary Kay Ash herself firsthand, and how her time serving on the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors has helped her personally continue the legacy and vision for women in the U.S. and around the world.

What follows is a thoughtful conversation about that journey — from the early days of direct sales parties to the international scope of the business today. It’s a look behind the scenes of a company that has never stopped championing women – told by someone who has been right there through it all.

Q: You witnessed firsthand as Mary Kay grew into the global company it is today. What has that experience been like?

Anne: It has truly been a fulfilling and meaningful career. I’ve had the privilege of working for a company that has empowered countless women around the world. Mary Kay Ash founded the company in 1963 with a clear purpose: to create entrepreneurial opportunities for women through a direct-selling model that encouraged independence, flexibility, and personal growth.

Today, that vision lives on through our independent beauty consultants, who host both in-person and virtual gatherings, offer personalized skin care consultations, and help their customers embrace self-care. Behind the scenes, Mary Kay operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in North Texas and China, all staffed by dedicated Mary Kay employees. It’s been remarkable to see the company evolve while staying true to its mission of enriching women’s lives.

Q: What is the significance behind the iconic Mary Kay pink Cadillacs?

Anne: The pink Cadillac is one of the most recognizable symbols of Mary Kay’s culture, and its story goes back to the company’s earliest days. Mary Kay Ash had a signature style and an eye for branding long before personal branding was a thing. After purchasing a Cadillac for herself, she worked with a local dealer to have it custom painted in a soft, elegant shade of pink — a color that reflected the optimism, femininity, and confidence she wanted her company to embody.

What started as a personal touch quickly became a powerful symbol. As the company grew, the pink Cadillac evolved into one of the highest honors an independent sales force member could achieve. Earning the privilege to drive a pink Mary Kay car represents exceptional leadership, dedication, and business success. Today, seeing one on the road still turns heads — and serves as a rolling celebration of the hard work and enterprising spirit of the women and men who earn it. Mary Kay Ash called it “a trophy on wheels.”

Q: What was your experience knowing and working with Mary Kay Ash herself?

Anne: Mary Kay Ash was truly an iconic woman, a visionary! She was committed to enriching women’s lives. That was her passion and the WHY behind her namesake company — to offer opportunities to women that they would otherwise not have had, and that allowed them to work independently, setting their own schedules. She was a true Texan: down-to-earth, with a great sense of humor. She had grit and worked tirelessly for her vision of making this world a better place. She lived and led by the Golden Rule. She was the primogenitor of influencer marketing and strongly believed in offering women around the world the gift of entrepreneurship and small business!

Q: What does your work in Public Affairs entail?

Anne: Our Public Affairs team, working with colleagues throughout the Company, addresses a wide and dynamic range of issues, reflecting the complexity of supporting a global business. At the local level, we engage with municipal and state policies that impact our independent sales force, such as regulations around operating a home-based business or licensing requirements. Ensuring that our consultants can run their businesses smoothly and compliantly is a top priority.

At the national and international levels, our work spans trade policy, ingredient regulations, and, more recently, tariff considerations. Mary Kay has a presence in more than 40 markets worldwide, and our team is constantly advocating for policies that enable our independent consultants to thrive, while also supporting the company’s commitment to ethical, high-quality products. It is a fast-moving environment, but it is also incredibly rewarding to help create the conditions for our sales force to succeed everywhere they do business.

Q: Tell us about your work with the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® and its impact. 

Anne: The Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® was established in 1996 with a clear and powerful mission: to support women by funding research into cancers that affect them and by working to end domestic violence. Over the years, the Foundation has become an unwavering champion for survivors of domestic violence, providing critical resources to shelters and advocacy programs across the country. Just this year alone, the Foundation awarded more than $1 million in domestic violence shelter grants, continuing its long-standing commitment to rebuilding lives after abuse. Since its founding, the Foundation has contributed over $58 million to support these efforts.

Equally important is the Foundation’s work in cancer research and support. This year, it awarded over $1.5 million to nonprofits, research institutes, and programs focused on women’s cancers, bringing the total support since 1996 to more than $40 million. Serving on the Board has given me the privilege of seeing firsthand the tangible impact these initiatives have on women’s lives — from providing safety and hope to advancing critical research that saves lives. The Foundation embodies Mary Kay Ash’s vision of empowering women and making a meaningful difference in the world. We are excited to celebrate the Foundation’s 30^th anniversary next year!

Q: What do you do when you are not hard at work?

Anne: I like spending time with my family including our two dogs. I enjoy working out, riding my bicycle, swimming, doing yoga, and staying active.

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About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

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Case IH, a CNH brand, was recognized at the Automotive Business 2025 Award, one of the main awards in the mobility and innovation sector in Brazil, winning the Energy Transition category. The announcement was made recently, at an event held in São Paulo.

The category values initiatives that contribute to decarbonization and the use of renewable sources, and the winning project was ethanol-powered machines, a technology under development with the objective of reducing emissions and promoting sustainability in agribusiness.

“Receiving this award reinforces our commitment to the decarbonization of agriculture and to solutions that combine productivity and sustainability. Ethanol is a strategic fuel for Brazil, and we are moving forward to offer a complete portfolio of machines powered by this renewable source,” says Leandro Conde, Director of Marketing and Communication at Case IH for Latin America.

The first phase began with the exhibition of the prototype of the Otto Cycle engine of the Austoft 9000 sugarcane harvester developed by FPT Industrial, during Agrishow 2024. Since then, the project has been developed with a focus on bench and field tests. Recently, the brand also announced the tests of the Puma 230 tractor powered by the fuel and which is operating alongside the harvester.