Tag: PR Newswire

The collaboration leverages Dimitra’s Connected Coffee platform and Protocols, together with NACCU’s network of over 1 million farmers, to deliver nationwide EUDR, Carbon, and ESG compliance

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Dimitra, a global leader in agricultural technology and sustainability solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU), a Kenyan umbrella body and national coffee cooperative union, representing over a million smallholder farmers across Kenya. Together, they are launching a nationwide system that integrates environmental compliance assessment, carbon accounting, and ESG practices across Kenya’s coffee value chain, supporting access to premium markets such as the European Union, where EUDR compliance is increasingly required.

Expected to come into effect on December 31, 2025, EUDR is set to reshape the landscape of global agricultural exports and require all coffee exports, among other commodities entering the European Union (EU) to be deforestation-free and fully traceable. Compliance involves providing GPS coordinates, forest cover data, and legal documentation for each plot of land where coffee is grown. With the EU accounting for over 50% of Kenya’s coffee exports, the pressure from European buyers is already clear: they increasingly demand evidence of EUDR compliance as a condition for purchase. As a result, non-compliance poses a significant risk to the country’s coffee sector. For smallholder farmers, many of whom lack access to digital tools and compliance systems, meeting these requirements poses a major challenge.

Dimitra and NACCU’s joint initiative aims to close this gap in a timely manner. Leveraging Dimitra’s state-of-the-art AI-driven AgTech solutions, including its Connected Coffee application, the 1+ million farmers across NACCU’s associated unions will be empowered to register their farms, digitally map their land with geolocation data, complete deforestation risk surveys, and generate EUDR-aligned compliance reports. The application will also provide registered farmers with mobile-based onboarding and technical support, ensuring access in key coffee-producing areas including Meru, Kipkelion, Kiambu, Nyeri, and Mt. Elgon.

This agreement was formally signed during a meeting on Friday, September 26, with the participation of NACCU’s Board of Directors and several Unions. The active involvement of the Unions demonstrates the strong interest and commitment of local actors, while NACCU provides strategic support at the national level, showing that Kenya Farmers continue with a strong focus on compliance and sustainability across the sector.

Jon Trask
, CEO of Dimitra, expressed delight at the partnership’s potential: “EUDR will completely reshape the global coffee trade for the better, and Kenya is stepping up to meet the challenge. This partnership with NACCU not only prepares farmers and cooperatives for compliance with European environmental standards, it also advances Kenya’s broader goals of aligning agricultural exports with international sustainability frameworks, expanding opportunities in carbon and ESG markets, strengthening local livelihoods, and safeguarding access to high-value markets.. Dimitra is excited to help support Kenyan coffee competitiveness and sustainability efforts while encouraging and facilitating EUDR compliance.”

Farmer inclusion is of paramount importance, and through this partnership, Dimitra and NACCU aim to bring immediate impact. Onboarding farmers through offline-capable mobile apps, which are available in English and Swahili, the initiative ensures that even the most remote producers can participate and benefit from these global market opportunities.

Mr. Festus Bett
, CEO of NACCU, said: “In a time when digital exclusion threatens to widen inequality in global trade, this partnership demonstrates that with the right technology and grassroots coordination, it is possible to bring millions of smallholder farmers into global compliance and build a more compliant coffee value chain. By empowering Kenya’s coffee farmers with the right tools and training needed to comply with the EU’s Deforestation Regulation, we are not only securing their access to a key export market but also reinforcing our commitment towards building more sustainable and transparent agricultural value chains. Partnering with Dimitra empowers us to bring this vision to life across our vast network.”

Jon Trask, CEO of Dimitra, and Mr. Festus Bett, CEO of NACCU, are available for an interview on request.

About Dimitra

Dimitra
 is a global Agtech company with a mission to help smallholder farmers across the world. Dimitra works with key agricultural parties and decision makers including government agencies, NGOs, cooperatives, agriculture supply chain parties like exporters, suppliers, operators, and for-profit organizations. The Dimitra platform is built on blockchain technology and incorporates mobile technology, machine learning, IoT devices, satellite and drone imagery, genomics, and advanced farming research. Through our data driven approach, Dimitra helps farmers increase yields, reduces expenses, and mitigates risk. Dimitra believes that every smallholder farmer, regardless of economic standing, should benefit from simple, beautiful, and useful technology.

About NACCU

NACCU
 is a national cooperative organization. Its membership consists of all registered secondary coffee cooperative unions in Kenya. The mandate of NACCU is to advocate for the welfare, policy and trade of small-scale coffee farmers across all levels of the coffee value chain.

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SOURCE Dimitra

• Record third quarter pushes Kia’s total year-to-date sales up 9 percent over 2024
• Double-digit dealer sales growth through the first three quarters of 2025
• Year-over-year, Kia’s electrified models grew 26 percent; sedans 19 percent; and SUVs 6 percent
• EV9 achieves best any month and best any quarter records, with 3,094 and 7,510 units sold, respectively 

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kia America delivered 65,507 units in September, a 11 percent increase over September 2024, and achieved a new record with any-quarter sales totaling 219,637 units. This brings the total sales for the first three quarters to a record-breaking 636,148 units while the year-to-date sales through Kia dealers also set a new record with 583,163 units through September. These record-setting performances represent 9- and 10-percent increases, respectively, over the same period last year, and have Kia on pace for a third consecutive annual sales record.

Six Kia models – K5 (+85 percent); Carnival (+48 percent); Telluride (+13 percent); Sportage (+13-percent); Sorento (+7 percent); and K4 (+4 percent) posted notable increases over the first three quarters of 2024. And through September, sales of Kia’s electrified models (+26 percent); sedans (+19 percent); and SUVs (+6 percent) increased over the same period last year, illustrating the popularity of the brand’s diverse model line-up.

“As we begin the last quarter of the year, these best-ever sales performances set the Kia brand on perfect trajectory to achieve yet another annual sales record and the brand’s highest-ever market share,” said Eric Watson, vice-president, sales operations, Kia America. “And with the most significant, double-digit increases seen in Kia’s electrified and sedan models, which highlight the strong appeal and competitive strength of Kia’s diverse model line-up, we are confident that the wide variety of vehicles in our world-class model line-up will continue to attract both repeat and new customers to Kia showrooms well into 2026.”

In addition to the monthly sales performance, Kia America also made additional announcements, including:

• Pricing for the 2026 Sorento SUV. Available in ICE, HEV and PHEV powertrains and featuring a host of exterior enhancements, the Sorento also boasts a new leather-trimmed steering wheel that more closely identifies it with other models in the Kia lineup. Pricing for the 2026 Sorento SUV ICE starts at $32,190 MSRP¹; the Sorento HEV starts at $38,890 MSRP; and the Sorento PHEV starts at $48,290 MSRP.
• The second installment of a two-part creative campaign for the Sportage SUV, this time featuring the 2026 Sportage Hybrid model. As the fast-growing brand’s best-selling nameplate, the 2026 Kia Sportage advances design, innovation, technology and convenience across three diverse powertrains, including the powerful turbo hybrid model.

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

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* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

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SOURCE Kia America

SHANGHAI, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The winners of the “2025 Belonging Awards” hosted by the Employer Branding Institute, a leading employer brand communication organization, have been officially announced in China. This year’s awards involved a comprehensive evaluation of companies across 10 key categories, 21 dimensions, and 112 indicators. Ultimately, the following 72 outstanding companies stood out from the competition, earning recognition as exemplary employers in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. On August 25, “2025 Belonging Awards” award ceremony proudly sponsored by premium spirits brand Rémy Cointreau and partnered with Jaguar Land Rover China, was held in grand style in Datong, Shanxi Province, China.

The “2025 Belonging Awards” aiming to identify and honor companies that truly place “belonging” at the core of their strategies—creating workplaces where every employee feels respected, recognized, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Over the 6 months application process, the award received applications from 694 well-known domestic and international companies, including Rémy Cointreau, Mercedes-Benz, BOSCH, Jaguar Land Rover China, HSBC China, L’ORÉAL China, Carlsberg, TCL, BAYER and so on. Spanning over 50 countries and regions across 97 industries, these companies submitted a remarkable 47,192 application materials for consideration. The awards spotlight leading companies in the Chinese market that excel in innovative, systematic, and comprehensive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices, creating meaningful impacts both internally and externally.

The announcement of the “2025 Belonging Awards” marks a significant step for companies in advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, reflecting their commitment to innovation and growth amid a challenging market environment. The “2025 Belonging Awards” not only provides organizations with a clear understanding of their investments and progress in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion but also helps to meet the growing compliance and transparency demands of global regulation. By doing so, the awards empower organizations to build their core competencies and influence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion while enhancing the brand visibility of the award-winning employers.

News From: Employer Branding Institute

The Employer Branding Institute is a leading employer brand research institution, bringing together leading figures and human resources experts in the field of global employer branding. The Employer Branding Institute has more than 2,000 members, including more than 300 Fortune Global 500 companies. Employer Branding Institute is a joint brand of HRflag and Wild Theory.

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SOURCE Employer Branding Institute

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The United Nations Global Compact convened business leaders from Asia and Oceania on the sidelines of UN General Assembly week to accelerate the transformation of sustainability, from compliance to a core driver of strategy and trust.

The Leadership Roundtable convened CEOs, CSOs and senior business leaders from across Asia and Oceania to reflect on how business leadership is evolving in response to today’s social, environmental and economic challenges. Discussions focused on sustainable finance, supply chain transformation, climate resilience and the evolving role of the CSO, and explored regional solutions, cross-sector collaboration and the integration of sustainability into core business strategy.

This initiative supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligns with the Paris Agreement, reinforcing the role of the private sector in building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable global economy.

Highlights and key outcomes

1. Stronger business case for sustainability
   Participants emphasized the shift from sustainability as a compliance exercise to a strategic business driver. The evolving role of the CSO, integration of ESG into core operations, and the need for stronger governance were recurring themes.
2. Regional leadership and standards
   Participants called for Asia-Pacific to shape its own sustainability frameworks and solutions, recognizing the need for regionally appropriate standards and stronger collaboration across public and private sectors.
3. Finance will follow value
   A recurring theme was that “solutions need to make economic sense, then the funding will flow automatically.” Leaders emphasized aligning sustainability with financial performance, including through tools like TNFD, to unlock investment and reduce risk.

“Eighty-eight per cent of CEOs surveyed in the 2025 UN Global Compact CEO Study see a stronger business case for sustainability than five years ago, with technology, geopolitics and societal values identified as key drivers. This roundtable demonstrated the momentum and leadership emerging from Asia and Oceania. Businesses are not only responding to global challenges — they are shaping the solutions,” said Sue Allchurch, Chief of Outreach & Engagement, UN Global Compact.

“From supply chain innovation to regional collaboration, the insights shared at this roundtable show how companies are embedding sustainability into strategy and operations,” said Simiao You, Participant Engagement Senior Manager at the UN Global Compact Office.

About the United Nations Global Compact

The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 65 Country Networks covering 85 countries and 9 Country Managers establishing Networks in 16 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative — one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org.

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SOURCE United Nations Global Compact

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA) is proud to welcome Major General Shanna Woyak, USAF (Ret.), a mission-focused board director and retired U.S. Air Force Major General, into its distinguished network of influential women leaders. With deep governance, healthcare, logistics, and enterprise transformation experience across both military and civilian sectors, she brings a unique and powerful perspective to the Alliance.

Over the course of her military career, Major General Woyak held CEO-equivalent responsibilities for some of the largest and most complex healthcare operations in Department of Defense history. Across two senior commands, she oversaw nearly 400 medical and dental facilities—including more than 260 facilities across the United States and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and approximately 140 facilities in a prior assignment—managing multi-billion-dollar budgets and ensuring care delivery for over 10 million beneficiaries. Trusted by both the Pentagon and Congress, she was called upon to lead politically sensitive reforms and crisis response operations, including shaping the nation’s COVID-19 response strategy.

Her leadership has consistently delivered transformative outcomes:

• Spearheaded the largest healthcare transformation in DoD history, implementing private-sector-based models that cut costs by 10% while enhancing patient access and quality of care.
• Directed the National Capital Region Medical Directorate, which included 60 facilities such as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and medical support for the White House.
• Led digital transformation initiatives, including the rollout of the Oracle/Cerner IT platform across hundreds of facilities, driving $100M+ in savings and improving financial, pharmacy, and clinical operations.
• Partnered in organizational turnarounds, restructuring operations and strengthening enterprise capabilities, compliance, and effectiveness across complex organizations.

Recognized as an impact player who thrives in times of crisis, ambiguity, and transformation, Major General Woyak has become a sought-after leader for boards navigating risk, enterprise change, or scale. Her unique breadth of executive, clinical, and governance experience—spanning both government and private-sector healthcare—brings exceptional strategic insight, fiscal discipline, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to every role she undertakes.

“Her remarkable record of service, her clarity of vision, and her ability to lead mission-critical transformation make Major General Woyak an extraordinary addition to EWA,” said Larraine Segil, Chair and CEO of the Exceptional Women Alliance. “She exemplifies the caliber of leaders who define our Alliance.”

She now joins a powerful and growing community of C-suite and board-level women leaders across disciplines who share a common goal: to lift one another, cultivate influence, and expand opportunities for women around the world.

About Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA)
 The Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA) is an invitation-only peer mentorship organization where high-level Exceptional Women from across multiple industries are hand-selected and invested in, to grow, learn, share, and succeed. In addition to the achievement of significant success, the criteria for acceptance include character traits that are defining of the EWA Culture – Kindness, the Spirit of Generosity, Transparency, Gratitude, and Willingness to Share their knowledge. The Foundation is a powerhouse of peer-to-peer mentoring that provides guidance, deep connection, and leadership, propelling each woman to sustainable success—one woman at a time. The life-long program enables each participant to be connected as alumnae in the ever-expanding EWA global community, as their fellow women leaders continue to move into positions of significance.

Learn more at www.exceptionalwomenalliance.com

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SOURCE Exceptional Women Alliance

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — We have likely all given to and know the importance of monetary donations to non-profit organizations. However, donations, particularly grants from foundations and corporations, often come with strict guidelines as to how and by when the funds must be utilized. Grant applications typically require organizations to specify certain programs or initiatives the funding is needed for, as well as the precise budget and timeline for the project.

While this type of funding is vital for specific projects, Susanne Cole, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh-based social services organization Pressley Ridge, wishes more funders would recognize the immense value of unrestricted giving to non-profit organizations.

Unrestricted gifts are funds that have no specific requirements on how the money is spent and can be used to support an organization’s overall mission. Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has drawn attention to the concept in recent years. Since 2019, she has given more than 2,500 unrestricted grants to organizations throughout the U.S. totaling over $19 billion – including an unsolicited $10 million gift to Pressley Ridge in 2022. Scott conducts rigorous research to identify worthy beneficiaries that serve under-supported needs. Once the money is given, she trusts the organizational leadership to make decisions on how and when to spend the funds.

Unrestricted giving can be transformational for non-profit organizations. Without constraints, organizations can be innovative with programming or choose to fund overhead costs such as staff recruitment, retention and training and purchasing necessary equipment. Most importantly, unrestricted gifts provide stability for long-term planning and goals. Fiscally strong non-profit organizations like Pressley Ridge, which is debt-free and foundation-backed, need the financial flexibility to develop and adapt program structures as necessary.

Cole hopes that more funders will consider following MacKenzie Scott’s example and begin providing organizations with funding without strict limitations.

“MacKenzie Scott’s generosity sets a high bar for other philanthropists,” Cole said. “I’m grateful that she recognizes nonprofits are doing incredible work and supports them in a way that allows for growth and innovation.”

Scott’s generous, unhindered investment in Pressley Ridge was instrumental in allowing the organization to thoughtfully build a strategic plan designed to enhance their ability to serve the increasingly complex needs of youth and families over the next five years.

Pressley Ridge, which was established in Pittsburgh in 1832 and now serves families in seven states, is fortunate to be financially stable. In the early 1990’s, the organization formed a foundation to oversee investments and maximize endowment assets. The Pressley Ridge Foundation does not support the current portfolio of programs, which are funded by county contracts. Rather, it allows the organization to be innovative and explore new services, make capital improvements, perform in-depth research on program outcomes and to offer additional support for the basic needs of the families they serve.

Unrestricted gifts give organizations flexibility to use funds where and when they are most needed, increasing the ability to respond when crises arise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pressley Ridge needed to respond quickly to continue delivering services to the kids and families who were suddenly house-bound. They were able to draw on foundation reserves to purchase computers and technology to enable kids to access online schooling and families to receive telehealth therapy.

In the past year, Pressley Ridge has seen a 73% increase in unrestricted giving. With these funds, Pressley Ridge can go beyond the prescribed services to support their kids and families, including providing essential resources for children in foster care, enhancing educational opportunities for the students in their specialized schools and delivering additional provisions for families navigating crises.

These additional supports are made possible through the generosity of community partners like Huntington Bank, which has contributed to Pressley Ridge for over 12 years. Susie Shipley, Huntington’s regional president, understands the importance of unrestricted giving.

“Huntington Bank chooses to support the general operations of Pressley Ridge because we believe in empowering organizations that demonstrate strategic vision and measurable impact,” says Shipley. “Pressley Ridge’s ability to allocate resources where they are most needed ensures our investment meaningfully strengthens the communities we serve.”

Since Pressley Ridge does not rely on fundraising to sustain their operations and overhead, every dollar donated has a direct and measurable impact on improving services and supporting children and families in need. Even amidst the uncertain future of funding for human services, Pressley Ridge is prepared to adapt as needed to continue their mission of doing “whatever it takes to create success for kids and families” for many years to come.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/how-unrestricted-giving-transforms-lives-at-pressley-ridge-302571568.html

SOURCE Pressley Ridge

Leadership evolution marks next phase of Radius’s growth and innovation strategy under new CEO

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Radius Insights, a leading global market research and insights firm, today announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with several key appointments. These changes mark a significant milestone in the firm’s ongoing transformation, coming on the heels of Rob Wengel’s recent appointment as CEO and reflecting Radius’s deep commitment to strategic integration and client impact.

“We’re shaping a next-generation insights firm, one that’s built to help our clients lead through change,” said Rob Wengel, CEO of Radius Insights. “This leadership expansion reflects our commitment to outcomes-based research that’s tightly aligned with client priorities. By bringing together top talent across marketing, technology, and commercial strategy, we’re accelerating our ability to deliver on the full promise of our Brand Growth Navigator^™“.

Kristen Kalupski joins Radius as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing over 20 years of marketing experience driving brand, engagement, and growth for global technology and services firms. She will lead brand strategy, integrated marketing, and communications, with a focus on amplifying Radius’s market presence, strengthening client connections, and fueling the next phase of growth.

Jay Shutter, previously principal and CEO of the recently acquired Illuminas North America, will step into the role of Chief Technology Officer. In this role, Shutter will lead Radius’s technology strategy, including research operations, platform enablement, and business process improvement. He will also maintain his thought leadership presence, particularly within the technology sector.

Paul Donagher has been appointed Head of Client Growth, bringing deep experience in insights, consulting, and business development. He will focus on integrating client delivery and commercial growth—unlocking new opportunities across sectors through scalable, insight-led programs.

Carrie Angiolet will assume the role of Head of Illuminas, US, taking the reins of day-to-day operations while continuing to expand its high-impact work with leading clients. A co-founder and long-standing leader within Illuminas, Angiolet brings deep expertise in the technology sector, insight activation, and team development.

“This is a pivotal time in our industry,” added Wengel. “Clients are facing rising complexity, compressed decision cycles, and demand for activation-ready insights. With this team, we are well-positioned to meet those needs and drive the next chapter of Radius’s evolution.”

About Radius Insights

Radius Insights is a strategic market research and insights consultancy that helps brands navigate complexity, identify growth opportunities, and drive measurable results. Its Brand Growth Navigator framework integrates custom research, analytics, and consulting to align insights with business priorities. Radius has expanded its capabilities through the acquisitions of Strive Insight (now Radius EMEA), 7th Sense, and Illuminas North America, deepening expertise across technology, automotive, financial services, healthcare, and consumer markets. Headquartered in New York with offices across the U.S. and internationally, Radius partners with leading B2B and consumer brands worldwide. Visit www.radiusinsights.com for more information.

Meet us at TMRE 2025

Radius Insights is a sponsor at TMRE: The Market Research Event in Las Vegas this October. Don’t miss our panel discussion with Dell, Vanguard & Haleon, and visit our team at the Radius booth. Learn more at: https://informaconnect.com/tmre/sponsors/radius-insights

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SOURCE Radius Global Market Research

DETROIT, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a game-changing collaboration, two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter recently partnered with PLC Detroit, the only design-focused HBCU, to unveil the Apparel Creation STU/DEO by adidas at the sixth annual National Black Footwear Forum (BFF) in partnership with the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America(FDRA). This exciting event celebrated artistry, culture, and the empowerment of the next generation of designers.

An HBCU graduate of HAMPTON University, Carter championed the collaboration to empower aspiring designers. With a career spanning over three decades and more than 70 credits in film, television, and theater, Carter is the trailblazing, two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer, renowned for her ability to bring vibrant, culturally rich costumes to life. She has collaborated with legendary directors such as Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Ava DuVernay, and Ryan Coogler. Her groundbreaking work on Black Panther made history as the first Black person to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, securing Marvel Studios’ first Oscar. She continued to make history with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, becoming the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards in any category and the first costume designer to win for both a feature film and its sequel.

The launch of the apparel creation stu/deo featured contributions from talented PLC Detroit alumni, Angel Buckens and Rodney Banks, who played an integral role in the design process. Their innovative ideas and fresh perspectives are a testament to the educational opportunities at PLC Detroit, underscoring the institution’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of creatives.

Detroit’s own fine arts painter and muralist Sydney G. James created the mural for the creation space. This vibrant artwork serves as an inspiring backdrop for the new stu/deo and highlights the rich cultural contributions of local Detroit artists.

When I was a young designer, I hoped for places like the Apparel STU/DEO. I’m grateful that my longstanding career has allowed my work to honor our history and culture while inspiring others to tell their own stories. To stand here now, seeing students at PLC Detroit take that same dream and shape it into something new through my name, is profoundly moving. Moments like this remind us that design is more than fashion—it is storytelling, it is culture, it is legacy. I am honored to mentor these brilliant young creatives as they begin to write their own chapters, and I cannot wait to see how their vision transforms the future of design. — Ruth E. Carter

BFF, known as ‘The Industry’s Homecoming,’ provided an ideal platform for the unveiling of the stu/deo. It serves as a dynamic hub for innovation and empowerment, featuring keynotes, panel discussions, and activations that unite footwear professionals, students, and allies. This year’s forum emphasized the importance of ‘Owning Your Power and Defining the Future,’ aligning perfectly with Carter’s vision.

Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, president of PLC Detroit, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “This marked the second time PLC collaborated with Ruth E. Carter. It was truly special to share this moment with over 1,000 BFF attendees, alongside our talented students and dedicated faculty.”

The event was a celebration of design and creativity and embodied a commitment to community, legacy, and the future of design. The unveiling was a transformative event that motivated and empowered both established designers and the emerging generation of talent.

Media Contact:
Phyllis Caddell
pcpr@pcpr.co 

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SOURCE Pensole Lewis College

Credit Union Launches Annual Scholarship Program For High School Seniors, Donates Books and Filled Backpacks to Students and Communities in Need

BETHPAGE, N.Y., Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FourLeaf Federal Credit Union announced today that applications for its annual Scholarship Program will officially open in October, inviting local high school seniors to apply for financial assistance as they prepare for college. Designed to support hardworking, community-minded students, the program provides awards that can help offset the rising costs of tuition, books, and other college expenses.

“Our scholarships are one way we can help ease the financial burden on families while encouraging students to pursue their dreams,” shared Kimberly Ruiz, Manager Community Engagement New Markets. “Each year, we proudly award 10 accomplished students, knowing that investing in young people is an investment in the future of our communities.”

The upcoming scholarship program is part of FourLeaf’s broader back-to-school commitment to education across Long Island. Earlier this season, the credit union partnered with Book Fairies to bring the joy of reading to local students, collecting 1,350 books at its branches. The donations were distributed to under-resourced school districts and communities, putting books directly into children’s hands, sparking a love of reading while ensuring equitable access to literacy resources.

FourLeaf also donated more than 200 ready-to-use backpacks to the Uniondale School District before the first day of school. With the support of staff and volunteers, the credit union filled each backpack with essentials like notebooks, pens, pencils, and folders, ensuring students had the tools they need to succeed in the classroom from day one.

“At FourLeaf, we always look forward to the Back-to-School season because it’s a great way to support schools in all the communities we serve,” said Kelly Young, Manager Corporate Engagement & Events. “Whether it’s our ongoing partnership with organizations like Book Fairies, donating to local school districts such as Uniondale, or opening our annual scholarship applications, FourLeaf is committed to giving students the opportunities they deserve.”

Together, the scholarship program, book donations, and backpack drives represent FourLeaf’s ongoing investment in education and opportunity. Each initiative—whether easing the cost of college, fostering a passion for reading, or helping children start the school year prepared—demonstrates FourLeaf’s promise to uplift and empower the next generation.

Applications for the 2026–2027 FourLeaf Scholarship Program will open in October 2025. Students and families are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and application instructions at www.fourleaffcu.com/community/education-scholarships

About FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union (FourLeaf) is a financial institution committed to enriching the lives of its members, employees, and the communities it has served for over 80 years. FourLeaf is the 16th largest credit union in the nation. In addition to giving back to its members in the form of competitive rates and fees, the FourLeaf Cares Program supports local initiatives through charitable giving, financial literacy, and volunteerism.

A Certified Great Place to Work^® and a Glass Door Best Place to Work for Small & Midsize companies, FourLeaf is a federally chartered credit union, available to people nationwide who open a $5 membership account. FourLeaf offers a robust digital platform that allows members to bank from anywhere. FourLeaf is part of the Co-op network that gives members access to their accounts at over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide and 5,000+ shared branches across the U.S. As a financial cooperative, FourLeaf is a best-in class financial institution that offers a wide array of products and services to meet members’ needs. For more information on FourLeaf’s robust portfolio of banking, borrowing, and investment services, visit fourleaffcu.com or call 1-800-628-7070.

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SOURCE FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

Faith Leader Military Awareness and Support Training during Blue Star Welcome Week launches CVN-BSF strategic collaboration

STAMFORD, Conn., Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national not-for-profit integrated network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families, and Blue Star Families (BSF), a non-profit dedicated to strengthening military families, today announced a new national partnership to expand access to critical resources and support for the military and veteran community.

This collaboration establishes a framework for mutual referrals, ensuring military families can seamlessly connect with the mental health services offered by CVN and the diverse programmatic offerings of BSF. The partnership will also foster joint programming between CVN and its Cohen Clinics and BSF and its local chapters, and increase awareness of available resources. By combining their strengths, the organizations will amplify their collective impact to address the unique challenges faced by military families.

“We are proud to partner with Blue Star Families, an organization that has long been a champion for military and veteran families,” said Dr. Anthony Hassan, president and CEO of Cohen Veterans Network. “Together, we are building a stronger, more connected network of care that addresses the unique experiences these families face, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to thrive.”

Aligned with the launch of this partnership, the organizations will jointly host a virtual Faith Leader Military Awareness and Support Training during the sixth annual Blue Star Welcome Week on October 1 from 12:00-1:30 PM EST. Recognizing that faith communities are often a primary point of connection for families relocating to a new area, CVN developed this training to equip faith leaders of all denominations to better serve military and veteran families within their congregations. Blue Star Welcome Week is a national initiative by Blue Star Families, designed to help the more than 600,000 military families who move each year feel connected and supported in their new communities.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve your country, but it can be tough, and when it’s hard, military and veteran families need support from providers who understand military life,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Star Families. “This landmark national partnership with Cohen Veterans Network will make it easier for the 380,000+ families in our membership to access mental health resources from a trusted partner when they want and need them. I am delighted to kick off this partnership during Blue Star Welcome Week, showcasing CVN’s innovative faith-based leadership training, which our research tells us is one of the most powerful connection points for military families moving into new communities.”

Since 2016, CVN has provided care to nearly 90,000 clients in over 800,000 clinical sessions. CVN addresses a range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, military transition challenges, adjustment issues, PTSD, anger, grief and loss, family issues, relationship challenges, and children’s behavioral problems. Care is available through the network’s 22 Cohen Clinics serving 20 states in-person and via CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy. 

Learn more about the Faith Leader Military Awareness and Support Training here.

ABOUT COHEN VETERANS NETWORK

Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is a 501(c)(3) national not-for-profit philanthropic organization for post- 9/11 veterans, active duty service members and their families. CVN focuses on improving mental health outcomes, operating a network of outpatient mental health clinics in high-need communities, in which trained clinicians deliver holistic evidence-based care to treat mental health conditions. It was established in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen with a commitment of $275 million to build the network. Learn more about CVN at cohenveteransnetwork.org.

ABOUT BLUE STAR FAMILIES

Blue Star Families
 (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, Reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here.

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SOURCE Cohen Veterans Network