Tag: PR Newswire

• $351,000 of funds raised will help provide classroom supplies in underserved communities
• Folds of Honor to receive donation of $381,000 through Freddy’s initiatives
• Guests and franchisees collected $46,000 to support rebuilding in Texas following devastating floods

WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Guest donations across participating Freddy’s locations have helped generate more than $779,000 in support of nonprofit partners focused on education, military families, and disaster relief.

The contributions were raised through a series of seasonal round-up campaigns, with every cent donated to organizations making an immediate impact across the country, including Kids In Need Foundation, Folds of Honor, and Convoy of Hope. In addition to guest generosity, Freddy’s team members and franchise owners played a pivotal role in driving engagement, with some even matching donations to maximize impact.

“These campaigns speak to the power of small acts coming together to create meaningful change,” said Chris Dull, CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. “We’re proud to support organizations doing such critical work, and we’re especially grateful to those who helped make this impact possible.”

Back-to-School Boost: $351,000 Raised for Kids In Need Foundation
From August 1–31, Freddy’s partnered with Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) to support students in underserved schools across the country. The campaign raised $351,022, helping provide essential classroom supplies and resources to ensure students and teachers are set up for success.

The campaign also coincided with KINF’s 30th year of service, honoring its national mission to promote educational equity.

Honoring Heroes: $381,000 Raised for Folds of Honor
In May, Freddy’s teamed up with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. Through generous guest participation, the campaign raised $381,905, supporting families pursuing academic opportunities across the country.

Folds of Honor has awarded more than 62,000 scholarships since its founding in 2007, with support from partners like Freddy’s helping to further expand access.

Standing Strong in Texas: $46,000 Raised for Flood Relief
Following widespread flooding across parts of Texas in early July, Freddy’s locations throughout the state partnered with Convoy of Hope to raise funds for disaster relief, particularly in Kerrville and surrounding Hill Country communities. From July 14 to July 31, guests donated $29,665 through the round-up program.

Freddy’s largest Texas-based franchise group, Lone Star Custard Holdings, LLC, contributed an additional $16,426 through a matching gift initiative across their 45 locations in the state, bringing the total raised to over $46,000.

Freddy’s commitment to giving back reflects its core values of hospitality and service. Whether it’s funding scholarships, filling backpacks, or providing relief supplies, the brand’s community-driven culture ensures guests can enjoy their steakburgers and frozen custard while knowing they’re also making a difference. For information on franchising opportunities with Freddy’s, visit freddysfranchising.com.

ABOUT FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS


Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
 is a leading fast-casual franchise concept with over 575 locations across 36 states nationwide. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002, the brand offers a unique combination of cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and other savory items, along with freshly churned frozen custard treats. Known for operating The Freddy’s Way, Guests experience genuine hospitality and food prepared fresh with premium ingredients. This signature approach has fueled Freddy’s ongoing growth throughout the U.S. and garnered national recognition from industry-leading rankings, including being named No. 23 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers + Shakers, No. 67 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and No. 36 on Yelp’s 50 Most Loved Brands. For more on Freddy’s, visit the Newsroom and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about development opportunities, visit freddysfranchising.com.

Media Contact: Paige Stark, Fishman Public Relations, pstark@fishmanpr.com

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SOURCE Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Surfrider Foundation’s 2025 State of the Beach Report reveals climate crisis impacts and proven nature-based strategies protecting coastlines from California to Puerto Rico

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — More than half of America’s sandy beaches will be lost by 2100 due to climate-driven sea level rise, but a groundbreaking new report shows communities are successfully fighting back with nature-based solutions — even as federal climate support dwindles.

The Surfrider Foundation’s 2025 State of the Beach Report documents accelerating coastal destruction across the United States while highlighting proven grassroots strategies that are protecting beaches from Hawaiʻi and California to New York and Puerto Rico. The report arrives as climate impacts intensify nationwide, with homes collapsing into the ocean, infrastructure failures mounting, and beach access threatened in coastal communities that generate billions in tourism revenue.

SURFRIDER’S 2025 STATE OF THE BEACH REPORT

“The predictions are grim. By 2100, more than 50% of our sandy beaches may be completely lost, with states like California facing 70% beach loss,” said Emma Haydocy, Surfrider’s Coasts & Climate Initiative Senior Manager. “But this report also reveals reasons for optimism. Through Surfrider’s Climate Action Program and regional policy campaigns, coastal communities are leading successful resilience efforts using nature-based solutions that traditional approaches like seawalls and sand renourishment cannot match.”

Climate Change Is Accelerating Erosion

Erosion of sandy beaches is a normal coastal process, but climate change is intensifying and compounding its impacts along our coasts. Sea levels are rising more quickly, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and beaches are disappearing faster than ever before. At the same time, rampant private development in idyllic coastal areas continues, encroaching on eroding beaches and contributing to what is known as “coastal squeeze.” Where beaches would naturally migrate inland in response to rising seas, development like buildings, roads, and seawalls block their path. Normally, these natural areas would shift to survive, but when trapped, they gradually narrow, erode, or disappear altogether.

Nearly every day, new stories emerge detailing devastating losses to our beaches and coastal communities due to the impacts of climate change and erosion. Just last week, nine homes collapsed into the ocean in Buxton, North Carolina — making it 21 total on Hatteras Island in the last five years — while many more remain in danger of a similar fate. On the West Coast, climate-fueled wildfires rendered Los Angeles area beaches unsafe for months, and in 2024, one of Southern California’s marquee surf destinations, San Onofre State Beach, was inaccessible due to the impacts of erosion.

Federal Retreat, Local Leadership

There has been a sharp divergence in federal climate policy following historic investments through the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021). Previously allocated climate resilience funding is being withdrawn, and proposed budget cuts threaten bedrock coastal management programs at NOAA.

“Lacking strong federal leadership, Surfrider is leaning into our grassroots network to lead at state and local levels,” said Zach Plopper, Surfrider’s Senior Environmental Director. “Our 200+ volunteer chapters and student clubs are working along nearly every stretch of U.S. coast to defend our beaches against climate change impacts, working with nature and fostering a greater sense of community every step of the way.”

The report features nine case studies from beaches across the country, including successful coastal restoration in Queens, New York, community-driven planning to identify solutions on beaches experiencing some of the worst erosion rates along the North Shore of Oʻahu, comprehensive policy changes to protect Oregon’s iconic beaches, and Surfrider’s gold standard managed retreat and coastal restoration project at Surfers’ Point in Ventura, California.

Many of these case studies focus on the work of the Climate Action Program, which builds on the coastal restoration efforts Surfrider’s chapter network has led in local communities for decades. In the first year since launching the program in April 2024, over 2,000 volunteers have removed more than 10,000 pounds of invasive species and planted over 55,000 native plants to restore over 20 acres of coastal habitat. 

While the prospect of losing our favorite beaches and coastal areas forever could be catastrophic for coastal communities, there are real solutions accessible to all of us at the local level. While these solutions look different along every coast, the Surfrider Foundation has identified several key strategies for success and reasons for optimism through the stories of progress and accomplishment in this year’s State of the Beach Report. Coastal communities can prepare and adapt to current and future challenges posed by climate change by collaborating with each other, and with nature, to foster community-led, nature-based solutions and strong, science-driven resilience policy.

The complete 2025 State of the Beach Report is available here .

About the Surfrider Foundation:

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over one million supporters, activists, and members, with more than 200 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs in the U.S., and more than 900 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at surfrider.org.

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SOURCE Surfrider Foundation

Thousands of Families Now Have Access to Nutrition Education, Breastfeeding Support and Connection to Community Resources Through the Montefiore WIC Program

BRONX, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Montefiore Health System celebrated the opening of its fourth Bronx-based Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program location, offering nutrition education, breastfeeding support and connections to community resources. Thanks to $3.9 million in New York State funding, the four WIC locations, run in partnership with Montefiore Medical Group, which offers primary and specialty care, will assist more than 13,000 families across the borough.

“The need for nutrition services, education and strong ties to social support are increasing every year,” said Carmen Nauta, PhD, IBCLC, RLC, WIC Coordinator, Montefiore Medical Group. “We are extremely grateful for the investment New York State is making to help our families experiencing food insecurity. The funding also enables our qualified nutritionists and breastfeeding counselors to provide parents with personalized guidance on how they can nourish their children and look after their own health needs at the same time.”

The federal WIC program was established in the 1970s to help address the nutritional needs of women, infants and children through age 5-years-old. Today the New York State WIC Program, which provides support to approximately 425,000 women, infants, and children each month, has evolved to offer extended hours, remote services and assistance via the “Ask Wanda” virtual assistant, making the program more easily accessible to families. Montefiore’s WIC program further supports families by connecting them to Project Bravo Food Pantry, its hospital-driven volunteer outreach program designed to combat food insecurity for high-risk individuals. The Montefiore WIC program also partners with Bronx-based community organizations to share educational resources with families at health fairs, libraries and women’s shelters.

Bronx mom of two, 27-year-old Tasnima has been part of the Montefiore WIC program for almost three years and found it so valuable that she decided to become a peer counselor so she could extend the services she received to other new moms. “It is so important that moms have support and a place where they can come to discuss parenting challenges and solutions,” said Tasnima. “Our program is a powerful tool where we can check-in on each other and connect families with resources that they might not otherwise have access to.”

Participation in WIC has been associated with healthier births, improved birth weights, reduced risk of infant mortality, and better access to primary and preventive health care. Through the Montefiore WIC program, thousands of new moms have been able to connect with lactation consultants and gather information about the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as attend virtual workshops where they learn about childbirth and hospital stays, sleep practices, car safety, and ways to build and maintain positive family relationships after birth. The opening of Montefiore’s fourth WIC program location signifies Montefiore’s commitment to improving health outcomes for moms and babies across the Bronx.

About Montefiore Health System

Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information, please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or view us on Facebook and YouTube.

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SOURCE Montefiore Health System

The Foundation’s $50,000 grant will support personal finance and life skills training at the Children’s Aid Next Generation Center, helping young people map a route to success in adulthood.

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The MCU Foundation, the charitable arm of the Municipal Credit Union (MCU), today announced a $50,000 grant to Children’s Aid to launch a new financial education initiative at its Bronx-based Next Generation Center.

The program will equip local youth, particularly those transitioning from foster care or involved in the juvenile justice system, with essential life and personal finance skills.

The new curriculum, delivered in partnership with BALANCE Financial Fitness, will focus on real-world financial literacy fundamentals. It will complement the Center’s holistic youth development offerings, which include high school equivalency preparation, job readiness training, culinary education, and employment pathways.

“At the MCU Foundation, our mission is to help to build generational wealth and eliminate poverty – one New Yorker at a time. That’s why we are excited to be supporting the important work of Children’s Aid with a program that complements their efforts,” said George Chacon, president of the MCU Foundation. “Having access to financial wellness education means these young people will be prepared with the knowledge they need to succeed as adults.”

“Most high schools don’t teach financial literacy, and children from under-resourced neighborhoods in particular may not have access to the tools they need to build successful financial futures.” added Kyle Markland, member representative, MCU Foundation, and CEO, Municipal Credit Union. “We believe that every young person deserves the chance to develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complex world of personal finance.”

Children’s Aid’s Next Generation Center serves young people ages 14–24, with programming designed to empower youth as they prepare for and transition into adulthood. The Center emphasizes wraparound support for youth who are aging out of foster care or navigating involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Program participants have access to high school equivalency programs, job readiness, employment opportunities, a professional kitchen that is home to a culinary arts education program, and more.

“We’re grateful for our new partnership with the MCU Foundation, which will make a real difference in the lives of the youth we serve,” said Children’s Aid Executive Vice President, Georgia Boothe. “By launching this financial literacy initiative, we can give young people the tools to make smart financial decisions, build confidence, and move toward a stable, successful future.”

For more information about programming and activations please visit: mcufoundation.org

About the MCU Foundation
Established in 2023, the MCU Foundation was created by the Municipal Credit Union’s (MCU) executive leadership with the mission of helping to build generational wealth and eliminate poverty – one New Yorker at a time. It furthers this mission by increasing access to basic necessities, education and homeownership to uplift the hardworking heroes in our community. For more information about the MCU Foundation and its programs, please visit mcufoundation.nymcu.org.

About Children’s Aid

Children’s Aid is committed to ensuring that there are no boundaries to the aspirations of young people, no limits to their potential. After nearly 200 years of serving New York City’s children, youth, and their families, we know what it takes to ensure children and youth grow up strong and healthy and ready to thrive in school and life: excellent education and health care, social-emotional support, and strong stable families. Today, we serve nearly 50,000 children, youth, and their families in New York City.

MEDIA CONTACT: Trevon James, 732-995-9335, 402219@email4pr.com 

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SOURCE Municipal Credit Union

In a fireside chat with NAIC’s Robert L. Greene, Jones and Feliciano emphasized that legacy extends beyond returns, rooted in strategy, resilience, and access.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) Amplifying Alts Forum, powerhouse investors and philanthropists Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano redefined what it means to build a legacy. In a fireside chat with Robert L. Greene, President & CEO of NAIC, the duo shifted the conversation from financial returns to long-term systems of access, opportunity, and impact.

Speaking during the Leadership Excellence Awards Luncheon on October 2, Jones and Feliciano underscored that true legacy is built through purpose-driven leadership and sustainable change. “Access to economic capital is a human right, critical for a nation built by immigrants,” said Feliciano, emphasizing the need for systemic inclusion over one-time generosity.

“Possibility doesn’t happen without patience. It doesn’t happen without perseverance. And it certainly doesn’t happen without obstacles,” added Jones, who led the audience through an exercise on grounding and centering to highlight the importance of strong foundations. This human-centric approach, Jones explained, is critical because “it’s people who have thoughts, people who have feelings, people who have histories, people who have stories” behind every investment.

Together, Jones and Feliciano spoke about using their influence to reshape institutions from within, referencing their named dormitories at Princeton University as symbols of belonging and representation. They also shared how, early in their careers, they created a “life plan” centered on impact rather than income. “If you only focus on a dollar amount, you’re leaving so much on the table,” Jones said. “For us, it has always been about impact.”

Greene acknowledged their impact as leaders and philanthropists. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your example, how much I appreciate your leadership, and how much this association and all of the people in it appreciate your friendship.”

Through the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, the couple has committed more than $200 million to advancing education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Their message at the NAIC Forum reinforced a key insight for leaders and investors alike: lasting value is measured not by accumulation, but by access, resilience, and the opportunities created for others.

About Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano 

Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano are life and business partners. In 2014, they founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, a private family office dedicated to creating meaningful impact through strategic investments and transformative philanthropy. Guided by a commitment to purpose-driven initiatives, they invest in and partner with nonprofits and for-profits with a key focus on four pillars: education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Believing that access to capital drives inclusive opportunity, Jones and Feliciano have personally committed over $200 million to these efforts.

Kwanza Jones is a nine-time Billboard-charting artist, investor, and speaker whose leadership has extended across nonprofits and corporate boards, including The Apollo Theater, Susan G. Komen, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and Bennett College. She brings energy and creativity to every stage she steps onto—whether public or private.

José E. Feliciano is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Clearlake Capital. He is on the board of directors of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Stanford Board of Trustees, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, J. Paul Getty Trust, and LA28, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, reflecting his commitment to education and cultural advancement.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/powerhouse-philanthropists-kwanza-jones–jose-e-feliciano-redefine-legacy-through-equity-and-empowerment-at-naic-alts-forum-302576581.html

SOURCE Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative.

In a fireside chat with NAIC’s Robert L. Greene, Jones and Feliciano emphasized that legacy extends beyond returns, rooted in strategy, resilience, and access.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) Amplifying Alts Forum, powerhouse investors and philanthropists Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano redefined what it means to build a legacy. In a fireside chat with Robert L. Greene, President & CEO of NAIC, the duo shifted the conversation from financial returns to long-term systems of access, opportunity, and impact.

Speaking during the Leadership Excellence Awards Luncheon on October 2, Jones and Feliciano underscored that true legacy is built through purpose-driven leadership and sustainable change. “Access to economic capital is a human right, critical for a nation built by immigrants,” said Feliciano, emphasizing the need for systemic inclusion over one-time generosity.

“Possibility doesn’t happen without patience. It doesn’t happen without perseverance. And it certainly doesn’t happen without obstacles,” added Jones, who led the audience through an exercise on grounding and centering to highlight the importance of strong foundations. This human-centric approach, Jones explained, is critical because “it’s people who have thoughts, people who have feelings, people who have histories, people who have stories” behind every investment.

Together, Jones and Feliciano spoke about using their influence to reshape institutions from within, referencing their named dormitories at Princeton University as symbols of belonging and representation. They also shared how, early in their careers, they created a “life plan” centered on impact rather than income. “If you only focus on a dollar amount, you’re leaving so much on the table,” Jones said. “For us, it has always been about impact.”

Greene acknowledged their impact as leaders and philanthropists. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your example, how much I appreciate your leadership, and how much this association and all of the people in it appreciate your friendship.”

Through the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, the couple has committed more than $200 million to advancing education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Their message at the NAIC Forum reinforced a key insight for leaders and investors alike: lasting value is measured not by accumulation, but by access, resilience, and the opportunities created for others.

About Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano 

Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano are life and business partners. In 2014, they founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, a private family office dedicated to creating meaningful impact through strategic investments and transformative philanthropy. Guided by a commitment to purpose-driven initiatives, they invest in and partner with nonprofits and for-profits with a key focus on four pillars: education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Believing that access to capital drives inclusive opportunity, Jones and Feliciano have personally committed over $200 million to these efforts.

Kwanza Jones is a nine-time Billboard-charting artist, investor, and speaker whose leadership has extended across nonprofits and corporate boards, including The Apollo Theater, Susan G. Komen, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and Bennett College. She brings energy and creativity to every stage she steps onto—whether public or private.

José E. Feliciano is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Clearlake Capital. He is on the board of directors of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Stanford Board of Trustees, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, J. Paul Getty Trust, and LA28, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, reflecting his commitment to education and cultural advancement.

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SOURCE Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative.

2025–2026 ‘U.S. News & World Report’ names Packard Children’s among the nation’s elite pediatric facilities, recognizing superior care across several specialties

STANFORD, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, the center of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, has again been recognized among the nation’s best pediatric medical centers by the U.S. News & World Report 2025–2026 Best Children’s Hospitals survey.

The national rankings identify the top pediatric facilities across the country to help children with complex medical conditions find the best medical care, listing Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford as a pediatric center that continues to deliver high-quality care across multiple specialties.

Top rankings

The hospital ranked in all 11 specialties, with several ranking in the top 10 nationwide: Nephrology (No. 3),Neonatology(No. 3),NeurologyandNeurosurgery(No. 6),Pulmonology (No. 8), and Gastroenterology and GI Surgery (No.8).

The hospital also ranked in Cancer, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Cardiology and Heart Surgery, Orthopedics, Urology, and Pediatric and Adolescent Behavioral Health. Overall, Packard Children’s ranked:

• Top five nationwide in two specialties: Neonatology and Nephrology.
• Top 10 nationwide in five specialties: Neonatology, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Pulmonology, and Gastroenterology.
• Best in the West in three specialties: Neonatology, Nephrology, and Neurology/Neurosurgery.

Commitment to quality and innovation
With its commitment to innovative treatments and comprehensive solutions, Packard Children’s continues to be recognized among the top pediatric centers. We tied for the highest-ranked hospital in Northern California, and for No. 3 in the state. This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of the organization’s exceptional team of specialists and health care providers.

“To continue to be recognized as a top children’s hospital is a testament to the excellence in specialty care that defines Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Our dedicated health care providers and staff consistently deliver world-class patient care, setting a standard both regionally and nationally,” said Paul King, CEO of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. “This achievement reaffirms our commitment to leading in pediatric medicine and positively impacting the community.”

This is the 21st consecutive year that the hospital has been acknowledged by U.S. News & World Report surveys, and it celebrates 34 years in 2025 as the youngest institution among the recognized hospitals.

“Our commitment extends beyond the hospital, embracing a mission-driven approach that benefits our patients, families, and the broader community,” said King.

The U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings are the most comprehensive source of quality-related information on U.S. pediatric hospitals. They help families of children with rare or life-threatening illnesses find high-quality medical care available in consultation with their doctors and other medical professionals. Based on clinical data and an annual survey of pediatric specialists, the methodology includes patient outcomes, supportive clinical resources, and adherence to best practices.

Media Contact
Elizabeth Valente
EValente@StanfordChildrens.org
(650) 269-5401

About Stanford Medicine Children’s Health
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford at its center, is the Bay Area’s largest health care system exclusively dedicated to children and expectant mothers. Our network of care includes more than 65 locations across Northern California and more than 85 locations in the U.S. Western region. Along with Stanford Health Care and the Stanford School of Medicine, we are part of Stanford Medicine, an ecosystem harnessing the potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education, and clinical care to improve health outcomes around the world. We are a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the community through meaningful outreach programs and services and providing necessary medical care to families, regardless of their ability to pay. Discover more at stanfordchildrens.org.

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SOURCE Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

Strategic collaboration aims to deliver Managed Extended Detection & Response and 24/7 Managed Security Operations Centre capabilities to enhance resilience and enable advanced threat management

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) today announced a new collaboration with SmartestEnergy, the energy company helping Britain’s businesses navigate the energy transition, aimed at bolstering SmartestEnergy’s security posture and facilitating the continuous protection of its IT landscape.

As SmartestEnergy scales its operations internationally and supports businesses in their transition to net zero, the company is investing in advanced cybersecurity to safeguard its customers’ data, meet growing compliance demands, and counter increasingly sophisticated threats.

Cognizant has been selected to deliver an end-to-end Managed Extended Detection & Response (MXDR) service, covering technology, people, and processes. Through continuous monitoring and threat prevention, Cognizant aims to help SmartestEnergy minimize disruptions, protect sensitive data, and strengthen trust with clients and partners.

The engagement looks to deploy a 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) as-a-service capability. The solution aims to enable proactive threat hunting, real-time incident detection, and rapid response management—helping SmartestEnergy both enhance existing security measures and reinforce resilience against potential attacks.

Furthermore, Cognizant plans to work with SmartestEnergy on a roadmap that outlines a strategy for bolstering key security areas, integrating cutting-edge and AI-enhanced security technologies, and supporting SmartestEnergy in meeting its regulatory compliance objectives.

“As SmartestEnergy continues to grow and expand globally, we need a cybersecurity partner who understands our operational intricacies well and helps us stay ahead of evolving threats,” said Ryan Bateman, Head of Information Security at SmartestEnergy. “With Cognizant’s support, we look to deliver high levels of assurance to our ecosystem and ensure business continuity, so our customers and partners can focus their time and effort on meeting their net zero objectives.”

“Cognizant is proud to build on our relationship with SmartestEnergy as part of this collaboration, aimed at providing them with the threat intelligence needed to help protect their IT environment,” said Rohit Gupta, UK&I Managing Director at Cognizant. “Our significant investments in our cybersecurity capabilities and ecosystem of experts means we’re well-positioned to help safeguard SmartestEnergy’s growth.”

About SmartestEnergy

SmartestEnergy is a people-powered energy company, empowering customers, generators, and partners to get to net zero. We know the journey to 100% renewable energy is complex, because everyone is at different stages with unique needs. That’s why our model is flexible, and our innovative retail and trading solutions are realistic. As a growing community, we can make the system fairer and more powerful. We can better show the realities and rewards of switching from fossil fuels to clean energy. Connect generators to customer demand. Accelerate the market. Create jobs. And champion greener, smarter energy for generations. SmartestEnergy, empowering a greener generation.

About Cognizant

Cognizant (Nasdaq-100: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life.
See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

For more information, contact: GlobalPR@cognizant.com 

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SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions

New research from RepRisk reveals that the global share of companies linked to both greenwashing and biodiversity risks has doubled over the past five years – from 3% in 2021 to 6% in 2025.

• Biodiversity dominates the environmental risk landscape: 38% of all environmental risk incidents tracked by RepRisk in the past year involved biodiversity – followed by local pollution (33%) and waste (17%).
• Gatekeepers between capital and sustainability under scrutiny: 294 Banking and Financial Services firms were flagged for greenwashing risk in 2025 – a 19% rise from 248 the year before.
• Repeat behavior in some sectors: In aviation, seven in ten companies flagged for greenwashing in 2024 were flagged again in 2025.

ZURICH, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New research from RepRisk, the world’s most respected DaaS company for reputational risks and responsible business conduct, shows that the global share of companies linked to both greenwashing and biodiversity risks has doubled over the past five years – from 3% in 2021 to 6% in 2025. RepRisk’s fourth annual report on greenwashing – focusing on the link between greenwashing and biodiversity risks – indicates that rising awareness of nature-related risks and the adoption of “nature positive” strategies are increasing pressure on companies to demonstrate progress, which, at times, results in claims that are overstated, vague, or misleading.

“As biodiversity rises on board agendas, so does public scrutiny – and the price of greenwashing is paid in reputation and revenue,” comments Philipp Aeby, CEO and Co-founder at RepRisk. He continues, “Greenwashing feeds on corporate narratives, so transparency demands data beyond company claims to ensure better performance and peace of mind.”

RepRisk data shows that biodiversity risk exposure has consistently ranked among the top environmental issues over the past five years. In 2025, it accounted for 38% of flagged issues, ahead of local pollution (33%) and waste (17%).

While the banking, asset management, and financial services sector have a limited direct impact on biodiversity, they remain exposed to biodiversity and greenwashing risks due to its notable enabling role through financing and investment decisions. In 2025, 294 companies across the sector were flagged for greenwashing risk – a 19% increase from 248 the previous year.

The data in the figure above highlights diverging regional trends: while the EU has seen a steady decline in greenwashing risk since 2023, both the US and UK have experienced notable increases over the past year. In the US, greenwashing risk exposure increased to more than 4% in 2023, eased slightly in 2024, and climbed again in 2025 – underscoring persistent challenges despite heightened scrutiny. The UK follows a similar pattern, though at slightly lower levels, whereas the EU’s downward trend suggests stronger compliance and enforcement measures.

Greenwashing can be a recurring feature of business conduct. Airlines illustrate this persistence: nearly seven in ten companies in the sector flagged for greenwashing risk in 2024 were flagged again in 2025, find the graphic in the report.

Notes to Editor

• To ensure the most up-to-date data, our 2025 report uses a consistent timeframe of July 1 to June 30 for all years from 2020 through 2025.
• Analyzing 2,500,000+ documents in 23 languages daily from 150,000+ public sources and stakeholders, RepRisk adopts a risk-based, outside-in approach – drawing exclusively from external public sources and intentionally excluding company self-disclosures. By excluding company self-disclosures in its data generation, RepRisk illuminates business conduct risks that could otherwise be obscured and could materialize into adverse impacts. Discover more in RepRisk’s transparent, rule-based methodology.
• RepRisk’s core research scope is comprised of 28 Business conduct issues that are broad, comprehensive, and mutually exclusive. RepRisk captures greenwashing through the intersection of two issue groups: any environmental issue and Misleading communication. As of 2025, RepRisk provides now 80 Topic tags, with six new additions – featuring dedicated tags for Greenwashing and Social washing, as well as Artificial intelligence, Deforestation, Ecocide, and Mercury.

About RepRisk

RepRisk is the world’s most respected Data as a Service (DaaS) company for reputational risks and responsible business conduct. Since 2007, RepRisk’s data has been trusted by the world’s leading banks, investment managers, Fortune 500 companies, sovereign wealth funds, and organizations such as the OECD and UN. Combining advanced AI with deep human expertise, and a proven methodology at the core, RepRisk’s solutions bring peace of mind, enabling clients to ‘know more, be sure, and act faster’. Our pioneering solutions help to strengthen due diligence processes across business conduct topics, such as biodiversity, deforestation, human rights, and corruption, empowering clients to identify, monitor, and mitigate reputational, compliance, and financial risks. Headquartered in Zurich, and with offices in Toronto, New York, London, Berlin, Manila, and Tokyo, we stay close to clients and bring an independent lens to the industry. United by our shared belief in the power of data, our 400 people are proud to be setting the global standard for business conduct data and driving positive change through transparency. Visit us at reprisk.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:
Mathias Fürer
+41 41 552 30 01
media@reprisk.com

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SOURCE RepRisk

SEATTLE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Electric Era, the retail-focused leader in EV fast charging, is enjoying rapid growth by helping prominent convenience store retailers like Love’s Travel Stops cut level-3 charger installation and operating costs, while unlocking new revenue opportunities to make EV charging an even more viable investment.

Electric Era’s path to growth is fueled by their patented battery-backed DC chargers that reduce operating costs up to 70% and cutting installation times from years to months. They’ve also leveraged their 98%+ guaranteed per-port uptime and start-to-finish project support to help their customers win 83% of the grant applications they’ve applied for over the past two years – for a total of $41 million worth of incentives.

With federal NEVI funding restored, available state and federal funding programs can cover up to half of charger deployment costs, allowing some retailers to reach positive ROI in less than two years from charging alone. Beyond selling electrons, however, Electric Era’s customer-branded chargers with retail program integration add an entirely new revenue stream by turning EV charging into store revenue drivers.

Love’s Travel Stops Chooses Electric Era

Love’s Travel Stops recently commissioned an Electric Era charging station for their newest location in Buena Vista, Co. along U.S. Highway 24, which serves as a rural connector between Denver and Colorado Springs.

The deployment marks the 38th EV charging location for Love’s, which now has more than 150 EV chargers across 15 states while offering refueling customers a wide range of food and beverages, along with Love’s in-store Mobile-to-Go Zone, which retails consumer electronics accessories.

“As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’re proud to bring this location online as we continue to bring more clean energy solutions to communities across Colorado,” said Ryan Erickson, vice president of Love’s Alternative Energy. “This new location offers a seamless charging experience for travelers with weather protective canopies, and a variety of fresh food options and clean restrooms.”

Love’s secured grant funding from the Colorado Energy Office Direct Current Fast-Charging Plazas program, which leverages both federal NEVI and Colorado state funding to deploy public DC fast charging systems in strategic and underserved areas.

The four-stall, 200 kW chargers are wrapped in Love’s signature yellow and red heart brand graphics, feature both CCS1 (Combined Charging System) and NACS (North American Charging Standard) cables.

While lower total cost of ownership (TCO) was Love’s initial driver, the long-term upside was compelling. Electric Era’s retailer‑focused platform – with integrated brand experiences and loyalty program support – offers Love’s the chance to not just break even faster, but to grow store traffic and non-fuel revenues.

“We work with a lot of customers who come to us with a variety of incentive options and business cases that strictly look at the cap-ex and op-ex in relation to the revenue from selling electrons, which is where we started at with Love’s,” said Electric Era Sr. Manager of Enterprise Sales, Brittany Kaplan.

“The best part of this engagement was helping Love’s build a broader marketing and loyalty program that accelerates their revenue past break even, and sets them up to generate stronger returns for the long haul.”

Electric Era Full-Service Revenue Growth Experts
Electric Era’s founder, Quincy Lee, a former SpaceX engineer, has leveraged innovation and first principles engineering to break down the barriers holding back the rapid growth of public EV charging in America. He recognized deployment complexity as a barrier holding back rapid adoption of EV charging, so he created an in-house deployment team to “cut red tape” on behalf of their retail customers.

His team includes project managers and engineers, government/sustainability experts and site selection specialists to help public and private entities navigate the maze of permits, regulations – plus state and federal funding programs, where applicable – to help manage the various stakeholders and applicants optimize incentive opportunities.

With $5 billion in federal NEVI funding restored with a greater emphasis on time-to-deployment, reliability and a focus on traditional refueling locations, more convenience store and fuel retailers are expected to take another look at EV charging to grow revenues today and future proof their businesses against a changing marketplace.

“Despite being grant agnostic, we’ve had a lot of success helping our customers who wanted to go the incentive route. Now that NEVI is back, we expect more companies like Love’s to take a second look at EV charging to grow their businesses,” Kaplan said. “Fortunately for us, our solution and business model are aligned with the incentive program requirements for those looking to future proof their businesses.”

About Electric Era

With a vision to accelerate the world into the electric era of zero-emissions transportation through rapid innovations and market disruption, Electric Era is the only full-service EV charging solutions provider focused on the rapid deployment of highly reliable Level-3 DCFC systems at retail locations to grow and extend their retail space. Electric Era’s patented battery-backed charging architecture and bespoke, private-label charging solutions deliver industry-leading power and reliability in a package that dramatically reduces installation time and energy costs.

Learn more at electricera.tech
Follow us on X @ElectricEraTech
Follow us on LinkedIn LinkedIn/company/electric-era

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SOURCE Electric Era