CVS Health Collaborates With Ronald McDonald House To Bring Fall Fun to Families

CVS Health — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

WOONSOCKET, R.I., November 9, 2026 — CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is continuing its collaboration with Ronald McDonald House® Global to support families during their children's medical journeys. On October 28, the company decorated Ronald McDonald House® Connecticut & Western Massachusetts, located in New Haven, Connecticut, with seasonal products from Joyward™, CVS Pharmacy’s collection of decor, gifts and more. CVS also hosted several themed activations to get children and families in the Halloween spirit, including a build-your-own boo basket station, face painting with CVS Beauty Consultants, photo booth, seasonal treats and more. Families also came together for a special Halloween-themed Bingo night alongside CVS Health and Ronald McDonald House representatives.

To bring the Halloween spirit to Ronald McDonald House families, common areas were decked out with Joyward’s festive home accents, including soft ghost throws and pillows adorned with spiders and skulls, pumpkin lights, a witch’s cauldron, colorful Jack-o-Lanterns and more. CVS Health also provided curated care packages of Well Market™ snacks and personal care essentials from CVS store brands.

“We’ve seen through our collaboration with Ronald McDonald House how small moments of comfort and joy can make a meaningful difference for families navigating some of life's most difficult challenges,” said Jenny McColloch, VP, Community Impact and Chief Sustainability Officer, CVS Health. “When a child is receiving care, families need support in every form. Our hope is that through events like this, and the work we do with Ronald McDonald House all year, we’re helping families feel supported and connected, so that they can focus on what matters most: their child’s well-being. Together, we are strengthening communities and creating healthier futures for all.”

"When a child is undergoing medical treatment, families often face extraordinary challenges that can make holidays and milestones especially difficult. We are honored to partner with CVS Health as their employees help create memorable experiences for the families we serve this October" said Michelle D'Amore, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Connecticut & Western Massachusetts. "This collaboration goes far beyond a seasonal celebration. It demonstrates the power of community, compassion, and shared purpose in supporting families through times of uncertainty. Together, we are expanding our impact and helping ensure that families have the care, comfort, and strength they need throughout their child's healthcare journey."

The New Haven event is part of a longer-term collaboration between CVS Health and Ronald McDonald House Global, which was announced last year. Through a $600,000 grant, CVS Health colleagues across 10 regions have been participating in organized volunteer activities that focus on supporting Ronald McDonald House families, such as preparing meals and hosting activity nights. At Ronald McDonald House New Haven, 34 colleagues have volunteered over 100 hours of their time since the start of the collaboration to help with things like setting up rooms, cooking meals and creating snack and activity kits for families to grab on the go. Colleagues nationwide have also been creating their own volunteer events – empowering them to help make an impact in their own communities and advancing the two organizations’ shared commitment to supporting better health outcomes for families.

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About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of June 30, 2026, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

About Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that cares for families when they have children who are ill or injured. Through a global network of over 250 independently operated Chapters in 60+ countries and regions, Ronald McDonald House surrounds families with the resources, services and support they need, removing barriers so they can be at the heart of their child's care and ensure the best possible health outcomes. For more information, visit ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.

Keeping Customers at the Center: Meet Radina Vasileva

GoDaddy — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Originally published by GoDaddy

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

My name is Radina, and I was born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria. I moved to the United States about five years ago, but my career with GoDaddy began nearly 12 years ago in Sofia.

I joined TSOHost as a Technical Support Guide and was one of the first support employees in the Sofia office. At the time, there were fewer than 20 people in the office, but we quickly grew to more than 200. Not long after starting in Technical Support, I moved into a leadership role.

When TSOHost was acquired by GoDaddy, I was leading the TSOHost Technical Support and Chat teams in Sofia. At that time, I had the opportunity to transition into a new challenge: helping establish the Secure Certificate Services (SCS) team in Sofia. This was a GoDaddy team focused on SSL certificate issuance, and it was an exciting opportunity to build a new function from the ground up, develop specialized expertise, and work closely with teams across the company.

A few years later, I moved into leadership for Website Security Support and Website Security Remediation, including our Sucuri services. In 2024, I also began managing the Account Recovery team. That team transitioned to another department in July 2026, and I am now once again focused fully on Website Security Services.

When I joined TSOHost, it was only my second professional job.

In many ways, I grew up professionally with GoDaddy. The company, its culture, and the people I have worked with have played a significant role in shaping the leader and person I am today.

Looking back, what stands out most is that I have had the opportunity to grow alongside the company. While the teams and products I have supported have changed over the years, the common thread has always been helping people navigate complex challenges and creating better experiences for customers.

What experiences prepared you for a senior leadership role?

There was not one single experience that prepared me for senior leadership. It was the combination of many different situations, from supporting individuals through personal and professional challenges to leading complex initiatives involving multiple teams, stakeholders, and competing priorities.

What prepared me most was learning to pay close attention and genuinely care about the people, products, services, and customers connected to the work. I try to understand situations deeply rather than simply reacting to what is visible on the surface. That means asking questions, staying curious, learning continuously, and bringing the right people together to solve problems.

One of the most important shifts in my leadership journey was realizing that my role was no longer to solve every problem personally. It was to create clarity, connect the right people, and empower others to find and own the solution. As a leader, the greatest impact often comes from helping others succeed rather than being the person with all the answers.

Developing a strong interest in technology has also been important, but I always try to connect technology back to the customer experience. I ask what a decision, process, or product change will mean for the customer’s overall journey. Keeping the customer at the center helps create clarity, even when situations are complex.

Senior leadership has also taught me that I do not need to have every answer myself. My responsibility is to create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing what they know, challenging assumptions, and working together toward the best outcome.

What is something people don’t realize about Technical Services?

People often assume that Technical Services is primarily about technical knowledge. Technology is certainly a significant part of our work, but the role is just as much about people, customers, operations, and collaboration.

Our job is to understand the problems our teams and customers are facing, work with partners across the organization, and find ways to improve the experience from beginning to end. We have to consider not only whether a technical change works, but also what it means for the customer journey and the employees supporting that journey.

One thing people may not realize is that many of the issues we help solve happen during stressful moments for customers. Whether a website is unavailable, a security threat has been identified, or a business-critical service is impacted, customers are often coming to us during a time of uncertainty. Technical expertise is important, but so are empathy, communication, and the ability to simplify complex situations.

Technical Services is also a valuable feedback loop for the organization. Because our teams are so close to the customer experience, we often see trends, pain points, and opportunities for improvement before anyone else.

At its core, Technical Services is about translating complexity into better experiences for both customers and employees.

What communication habits or rituals help keep your supervisor team aligned and informed?

We have developed a consistent and well-established communication rhythm across the leadership team. We use a combination of Slack channels, one-on-one conversations, team meetings, and regular written updates so that information does not depend on a single person or communication method.

More importantly, we have created a culture where different perspectives are welcomed and valued. We discuss things openly, ask questions, and encourage people to raise concerns or challenge ideas. Alignment does not mean everyone immediately agrees. It means everyone has the opportunity to contribute, understands the context, and knows the direction we are taking.

One of the practices I especially value is our weekly review of what has happened across the organization. We share accomplishments and highlights, identify items that need attention, review team performance, and discuss anything that may require follow-up. This allows us to celebrate progress while proactively addressing potential risks.

Another habit that helps us stay aligned is documenting key decisions, owners, and next steps. Alignment should continue after a meeting ends, and clear follow-through creates accountability and trust.

The most important communication habit, however, is consistency. Communication works best when it is part of the team’s normal operating rhythm rather than something that only happens when there is a problem.

How do you work to identify and remove obstacles that slow down your teams?

We look at multiple sources of information because obstacles do not always appear in the same way. Sometimes the first signal is a change in a key performance indicator. When we see something unexpected, we become curious and investigate what is driving it rather than focusing only on the number itself.

We also listen closely to our frontline teams. They speak with customers every day and are often the first people to notice a new issue, an inefficient process, or an unintended consequence of a product change. Maintaining an open line of communication between frontline employees, leadership, and engineering teams allows us to respond more quickly.

When we identify an obstacle, we try to understand the root cause rather than treating only the visible symptom. We bring together the right partners, evaluate the impact, and determine what needs to change. Sometimes the solution involves improving a process. Other times it may require clearer communication, additional training, a product enhancement, or an engineering fix.

AI has become an important part of this work. We use it to develop small tools and plug-ins that automate portions of a workflow or transform complex information, such as technical logs, into something easier to understand and act on. We also empower the highly technical members of our teams to contribute to the development of these solutions.

Ultimately, removing obstacles starts with listening, staying curious, using data thoughtfully, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable raising concerns and offering ideas for improvement.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family, whom I love very much. I have a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter who keeps us busy, and we enjoy spending time outdoors, visiting parks, and simply exploring together.

Travel is also an important part of our family life. We travel between Arizona and Bulgaria several times a year, which allows us to stay connected with family and my Bulgarian roots. While we're in Europe, we also enjoy taking smaller trips whenever we can to explore different countries and cultures together as a family.

I also try to stay active through exercise and yoga. Yoga helps me take care of both my physical and mental well-being, manage stress, and maintain the energy I need for work and family. For me, spending time with the people I love, traveling, and staying active provide an important sense of balance.

AllianceBernstein: Emerging-Market Debt: The Next Frontier for AI Disruption?

AllianceBernstein — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 09:15:00 -0500

Adriaan du Toit | Head of Emerging Market Sovereign and Corporate Credit Research (ex-Asia)
Elizabeth Bakarich, CFA | Head—Emerging Market Corporates
Christian DiClementi | Head—Emerging Market Debt

The rise of artificial intelligence could redefine leaders and laggards in emerging markets.

Artificial intelligence (AI) leadership is no longer a developed-market monopoly. Emerging markets (EM) now have their own AI champions, and productivity gains may follow. For bond investors, we expect the implications to differ by country—driven by industry composition, capital intensity, digital infrastructure and speed to adoption.

Methodology Matters When Evaluating EM Corporates

For EM corporate bond investors, the key issue is credit differentiation. AI can strengthen or weaken industry economics by changing costs, competition and pricing power. To assess those effects consistently across industries, we focus on the mechanisms that we believe matter most for credit outcomes:

Functional displacement—Does AI threaten the industry’s core economic function?
Entry barrier erosion—Does AI weaken structural barriers to competition?
Margin structure vulnerability—Are profits supported by scarcity or informational advantage?
Structural tailwind potential—Does AI strengthen industry economics through cost, demand or scale?

A matrix analysis summarizes key exposures, vulnerabilities and opportunities (Display).

AI Creates Diverging Credit Exposures Across EM Industries
Framework Mapping EM Industries: AI-Driven Tailwinds vs. Risk of Disruption

_{Current analysis does not guarantee future results. For illustrative purposes only.}
_{CEEMEA: Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa; LatAm: Latin America; P&C: property and casualty}
_{As of April 30, 2026}
_{Source: AllianceBernstein (AB)}

Applying the Framework: AI Exposures Across Industries

In our assessment, industries with a low risk of functional displacement and clear structural tailwinds from AI span the economy, from metals and mining to software and hyperscalers. Because AI is resource-intensive, companies tied to critical inputs—such as copper mining and energy production in commodity-rich countries—appear well positioned to benefit from rising demand without facing near-term erosion of industry economics.

By contrast, consumer-facing digital services show greater vulnerability. In media and entertainment and on online platforms, AI-driven search and agentic interfaces threaten established discovery and advertising models. Large online service providers in China, for example, face the risk that traditional feed-based engagement gives way to AI-mediated interaction, potentially compressing margins.

Financial-services issuers generally fall between these extremes. Brokerages, asset managers and exchanges rely heavily on information and analytical advantages that AI could partially erode. However, licensing, regulation and scale remain meaningful barriers to entry, limiting the extent of structural disruption—even as competitive pressure intensifies.

Regardless of industry or macro trends, evaluation of individual corporate bond issuers should remain anchored in cash-flow durability and balance-sheet resilience, in our view.

A Complementary Framework for Sovereigns

We believe that assessing AI-related risks and opportunities at the country level requires a different lens. Our sovereign analysis centers on structural leverage within the AI ecosystem—particularly where countries sit in critical supply chains.

Which countries hold structural leverage in AI supply chains?
Which critical commodities underpin Al infrastructure and deployment?
Which countries control the production, processing or supply of those inputs?
Which economies are most reliant on services with meaningful Al exposure?

Although developed economies appear better positioned to capture AI-driven growth in the near term, strategic control of key supply-chain chokepoints may give some EMs longer-term advantages.

The economies with the strongest indicators of AI structural leverage (Display) include Asian EMs that provide essential components and manufacturing capabilities for AI infrastructure. Several EMs also offer less-visible “backdoor” exposures—such as power and thermal management and data-center components—that are critical to AI deployment.

AI Structural Leverage Is Concentrated in a Few Critical Countries
Countries Ranked by Control over Key Supply-Chain Chokepoints

_{Historical and current analyses do not guarantee future results.}
_{EUV: extreme ultraviolet}
_{As of April 30, 2026}
_{Source: AB}

AI-Critical Commodities Concentrate in Emerging Markets

The build-out of AI technology and the infrastructure to support it depend on a narrow set of commodities—and the capabilities to extract and process them. Many of these materials, including key metals and rare earth elements, are concentrated in the developing world. Accordingly, EMs lead the global extraction and processing of several AI-critical inputs, giving some countries structural exposure to the AI build-out through upstream supply chains (Display).

AI Infrastructure Relies on Commodities Concentrated in EM
Key Commodities Needed for AI and the Countries That Lead Their Production and Processing

_{Historical and current analyses do not guarantee future results.}
_{GPU: graphics processing unit; TPU: tensor processing unit; DRC: Democratic Republic of the Congo}
_{As of April 30, 2026}
_{Source: AB}

In our view, as AI adoption and innovation surge, fueling greater demand for these essential commodities, some countries—such as China, Chile, Brazil and Indonesia—could see an uptick in economic growth and overall creditworthiness.

Service-Based Economies Face Greater AI Disruption Risk

Much of the routine service and software needs of developed economies have been outsourced to EMs, creating a greater potential exposure to AI disruption. Some large economies with meaningful exposure—particularly if they fail to adapt—are in Asia; these include the Philippines, India and Malaysia. Parts of Central and Eastern Europe may also be vulnerable, in our analysis, given their reliance on IT and business-services outsourcing (Display).

AI-Exposed Services Play an Outsize Role in Some Emerging Economies
Services as a Share of GDP in 2024 (Percent)

_{Historical and current analyses do not guarantee future results.}
_{As of February 28, 2026}
_{Source: World Bank and AB}

Keep an Eye on AI Impacts—and Diversify Exposure

While the effects of AI on EM corporate and sovereign bonds have yet to fully materialize, the mechanisms of exposure are becoming clearer. Assessing their impacts will require ongoing research and monitoring as AI adoption evolves across economies, industries and supply chains.

For bond investors, selective diversification across EM regions, countries and fixed-income sectors remains important. We believe that allocations to EM corporates can complement sovereign-debt exposures and US credit exposures by broadening country and issuer coverage, increasing exposure across different parts of the credit cycle and, in some cases, offering a spread premium relative to sovereign debt.

As AI adoption advances, distinguishing lasting credit effects from temporary noise will matter more than predicting the pace of change.

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations, do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams and are subject to change over time.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.

South Puget Sound Banker Marks 50 Years of Service

KeyBank — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Stephanie Miller, a relationship manager with Key Private Bank, is celebrating a rare milestone this month: 50 years with the same banking organization, KeyBank. Miller joined the company in October 1976 and has spent her entire career serving clients throughout the South Puget Sound region.

Over five decades, Miller has built long-standing relationships with individuals, families and businesses, helping clients navigate significant financial decisions while earning a reputation as a trusted advisor. Her career has spanned major changes in both banking and technology, yet colleagues say her focus on personal relationships and client service has remained constant.

Outside the office, Miller has also been deeply involved in the community, supporting organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association, as well as serving on the boards of local arts organizations, including Tacoma Opera and Northwest Sinfonietta.

KeyBank leaders say Miller's impact extends well beyond her client work. Throughout her career, she has mentored teammates, shared her industry knowledge and helped strengthen connections across the communities she serves.

As she reaches her 50th anniversary, Miller's career stands as a testament to the enduring value of trusted relationships, community involvement and a commitment to helping others succeed.

Smile Train Honored as a Winner in Innovation in Health for The 6th Annual Anthem Awards

Smile Train — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 09:00:00 -0500

NEW YORK, November 9, 2026 /3BL/ - Smile Train announced today that it has been named a Silver winner in Innovation within the Health category at the 6th Annual Anthem Awards.

Smile Train is the world’s largest cleft-focused organization transforming access to cleft care by empowering local medical professionals with the training, resources, and support they need to provide life-changing treatment in their own communities. Its Immersive Clinical Simulation Training Platform brings together innovative virtual reality and hands-on simulation tools, including high-fidelity 3D physical simulators from Simulare Medical (A Division of Smile Train), a Virtual Surgery Simulator, and a Virtual Reality Operating Room to help surgeons build skills, strengthen clinical confidence, and improve patient outcomes. Reaching tens of thousands of users across more than 140 countries, the platform is helping expand access to high-quality surgical education and build sustainable local capacity for cleft care worldwide.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition, which reflects our commitment to making high-quality surgical education accessible to medical professionals everywhere,” said Sara Horne, Director of Education and Training at Smile Train. “By combining immersive technology with hands-on simulation, we’re creating new opportunities for surgeons to develop and refine their skills, regardless of where they live or the resources available to them. Ultimately, this investment in local medical professionals strengthens the capacity of health care systems and helps ensure more children can access safe, quality cleft care close to home.”

The 6th Annual Anthem Awards received more than 2,500 submissions from 43 countries worldwide, the organization’s largest competition to date. The Anthem Awards are recognizing the work that is setting the standard for good worldwide.

“The work of social impact doesn’t pause when conditions get harder, and this year’s Anthem Winners proved it,” said Anthem Awards General Manager, Patricia McLoughlin. “Facing new challenges, they kept building, kept organizing, and kept delivering for the people and causes they serve. They set a new standard for good, one defined as much by persistence as by results.”

Anthem Winners are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Judges for the 6th Annual Anthem Awards include Heather Elliott, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, National 4-H Council; Angie Lawry, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Colorectal Cancer Alliance; Shelby Georgis, CCO, HLK; Max Friedman, Co-Founder & CEO, Givebutter; Heather Malenshek, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Land O’Lakes, Inc.; Alex Schmider, Senior Director of Entertainment, GLAAD; Elizabeth Gray, Chief Executive Officer, National Audubon Society; Aurelia Figueroa, Chief Sustainability Officer, Breitling; Jonathan Adashek, SVP, Chief Global Affairs Officer, IBM; Megan Ranney, Dean, Yale School of Public Health; Mariko Silver, President and CEO, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; Gwynne Gauntlett Global Lead, Digital Giving + Engagement, United Nations Development Programme; Thiago Elias, EVP, Executive Director of Design, Edelman; Alexandra Gordon, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Acumen; among others.

About Smile Train:

Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children’s lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train’s sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.

About The Anthem Awards:

Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards recognizes impactful brands, nonprofits, and individuals that are setting the standard for good worldwide. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Belonging & Inclusion; Education, Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Sustainability, Environment & Climate; and Technology. This season’s partners and sponsors include NationBuilder, Sustainable Brands, NationSwell, The Bloom, the Social Innovation Summit and The Nonprofit Alliance. The Awards were founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, GLAAD, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ.

About The Webby Awards:

Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites and Mobile Sites; Video & Film; Advertising, Media & PR; Apps, Software & Immersive; Social; Podcasts; Games; Creators and AI. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide this year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include Adobe, WP Engine, Patreon, ElevenLabs, Framer, Meta, NAACP, KPMG, The Wall Street Journal, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, SXSW, The Podcast Show, and Authentic.

Media Contact

Emily Gay | Public Relations
egay@smiletrain.org | (561) 308-0089

Chemours STEM Education in Action: Inspiring Students Through Hands-On Learning

Chemours — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 08:00:00 -0500

At Chemours, innovation begins with curiosity. The problem-solvers who will tackle tomorrow’s challenges are often inspired by the experiences they have as students today. That's why we're helping young people explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on learning and real-world experiences.

As part of our commitment to creating vibrant communities, Chemours works to expand access to STEM education through employee volunteerism, community engagement, school partnerships, and immersive learning experiences. Chemours also supports employees in giving their time to causes and communities through volunteer programs and company-supported opportunities to engage with local organizations and students.

Chemours employees engage students, families, and educators through a variety of STEM-focused events designed to make science accessible, engaging, and fun.

How Chemours Employees Bring STEM to Life

Opening Our Sites to Learning

At Chemours sites around the world, students and families had opportunities to see STEM in action. At New Johnsonville, participants explored STEM, workplace safety, and manufacturing through a site visit, while students at the Mechelen site in Belgium took part in laboratory activities, STEM workshops, and a production facility tour. At Offerman, students learned about mineral sands mining, mineral separation, and the role minerals play in everyday life.

Creating Hands-On Experiences

Members of the Chemours Black Employee Network (CBEN) partnered with Jack and Jill to engage students in hands-on chemistry activities, including slime-making, tie-dye creation, and a miracle berry taste test, while highlighting the contributions of African American scientists.

In El Dorado, the team supported a community STEM night featuring interactive science activities, technology demonstrations, and career exploration opportunities for local students and families. At the Wilmington Headquarters, employees' children took part in hands-on STEM activities designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.

Exploring STEM Through Robotics

Through the Chemours Robotics Initiative, CBEN introduced students and families to robotics, coding, and engineering through FIRST LEGO League demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities.

Chemours volunteers also partnered with EastSide Charter School for Family Fun Night, leading robotics demonstrations and chemistry experiments that encouraged students and families to explore STEM together.

As we recognize National STEM Day, we're proud of the employees, educators, families, and community partners who help bring STEM learning to life. Through hands-on experiences and real-world connections, students gain opportunities to explore new ideas, build confidence, and discover what's possible. By sparking curiosity and supporting STEM learning, Chemours is helping inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers.

Explore our approach to vibrant communities in Chemours' Sustainability Report.

Trusted Connections: How Partnership Is Scaling Savings Groups for Women

Care USA — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Over the past 35 years, CARE has seen savings groups reach 31 million members across 67 countries. Together, they saved $1.8 billion in the past year alone. Partnerships are now building on that foundation to support women as they expand local businesses.

Women in savings groups are already saving, repaying loans, and growing their businesses. The report shows how a growing circle of partners is helping them go further. Local leaders are forming and supporting new groups in their own communities. Governments and banks in 16 countries are working with CARE on policies that help savings groups grow. Digital platforms and lenders are turning women’s reliable saving and repayment records into access to larger loans. Business support and market connections are helping their products reach new buyers. This support matters more than ever: 3 in 4 women in savings groups say crises like drought and floods are making it harder to earn a living.

“We no longer need to convince others that savings groups are worth investing in,” says Vidhya Sriram, Senior Director at CARE. “Governments, companies, and, most importantly, communities themselves are already doing it, at scale.”

Read the full report to see how these trusted connections are building a system that works for women and will keep working long after CARE steps back.

Read the report → https://www.care.org/our-work/economic-growth/savings-groups/annual-report/

Building a Future in STEM: The Power of Partnership Between Trane Technologies and Project Scientist

Trane Technologies — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 07:30:00 -0500

For over a decade, Trane Technologies and Project Scientist have joined forces to confront one of STEM’s most persistent challenges: ensuring young girls have access to meaningful STEM experiences, role models, and pathways to success. Through their partnership, they’ve given thousands of girls across the United States and Mexico the confidence, skills, and sense of belonging to envision themselves as future innovators.

The Origins of Partnership: Purpose and Commitment

The partnership began with a shared vision for innovation, sustainability, and workforce development. Trane Technologies and Project Scientist understood that long-term collaboration yields deeper, more far-reaching impacts than one-time investments. By working together, they’ve built a model for sustained corporate-community engagement, reaching families, educators, volunteers, and local communities in regions across the United States including California, Minnesota, North Carolina, Michigan, New York, Wisconsin and more in addition to Monterrey, Mexico.

At the heart of the collaboration are bilingual, hands-on STEM learning and real-world career exploration programs, offered tuition-free to families. Educators and parents at Project Scientist echo the value of cutting-edge STEM curriculum and high-quality materials that students would have otherwise not experienced without this collaboration, “The program is so real. When we did the Mars-themed session, we built cars, they had floor maps where they created boulders and a simulation of what it was like on Mars. All of that is new to them. That's not something that I would have the ability to do without the help of Project Scientist.” (Kristin O., Educator)

Girls are introduced to STEM role models and mentors—industry professionals who share their experiences and inspire the next generation. These connections encourage curiosity and help dismantle the barriers that can keep girls from seeing themselves as scientists, engineers, or innovators.

Educators are also key to these programs, receiving professional development, knowledge, and strategies that they need to inspire a sense of belonging in STEM among their students. Wendy Ceja, a parent and educator based in California, values the high-quality support that she has received each year, “I really enjoy how you do the training once a month where we're meeting other educators from other states, and learning what they're doing—that opens up ideas for us teachers. It's like you're creating a community which is really nice. And I feel like you have been so supportive to all the teachers by providing all the lessons and it’s less work for us.”

Measurable Impact: Empowering Girls and Communities Through STEM

Since 2014, Trane Technologies and Project Scientist together have reached over 7500 students through the support of 370 educators and over 1000 volunteers. But this partnership isn’t just about numbers. It’s about changing lives:

Thousands of girls experience transformative STEM programs that build confidence, spark curiosity and foster belonging;
Educators are equipped with curriculum, materials and strategies to deliver innovative and impactful lessons;
Volunteers (Trane Technologies employees) engage in meaningful, rewarding community service and leadership opportunities
Communities are strengthened by inclusive pathways to career opportunities for their children

The investment in STEM talent begins long before college or career choices. By nurturing curiosity and ambition at a young age, Trane Technologies and Project Scientist are creating lasting change. Project Scientist’s programs including Summer Innovation Lab, out-of-school Explorers Club and Scholars Circle provide a continued pathway for students to be engaged in STEM programs from the age of 4 to 18 years.

Dana Barksdale French’s child Cypress (age 16) has been with Project Scientist since the age of 6—”I love how the program has grown with Cypress. We started with the Summer Lab, went on expeditions, then the STEM Club, and now Scholars (Circle). It's just been wonderful to see the support that Cypress has received and the growth that Cypress has had by being in the program. I've noticed their confidence has grown. They ask amazing questions. Their critical thinking skills have improved.”

Like Cypress, Cali M. (age 17), has been a student with Project Scientist since the second grade. When asked about STEM topics and careers she has discovered through this program, Cali mentioned, “A lot of math based ones, especially accounting and finance have really caught my eye. Those [STEM fields] are what I'm looking into now for careers, especially when applying to colleges.”

Creating Belonging in STEM, Building a Stronger Future

As the demand for STEM talent grows, ensuring that girls from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported is essential. When asked about the challenges she faced in accessing STEM opportunities outside of Project Scientist, Cali said, “A lot of them are male based. So, there's not a huge female group, especially at the local high school where the homeschooled kids can join, like the Robotics Club. I think 80% of it is male and then 20% of it is female. That's not very fun.”

Corporate-community partnerships like this set a model for how meaningful, sustained investment can transform lives—not just for students, but for educators, families, and entire communities. Kristin O., an educator based in North Carolina, mentioned the need for partnerships like these, “The generosity of the Project Scientist program makes these girls feel so incredibly special. The numbers are real—girls and minority girls do not go into STEM related fields. By providing these girls with the opportunity to engage in STEM, by the time they get in middle school, they are much more likely to continue with that subject than they are if they don't [have access to STEM programs].”

Carolyn Chisolm, an educator and parent from Minnesota mentions the impact of the real-world connections offered by this partnership in the form of expeditions to Trane Technologies and the opportunities to connect with their employees, “A lot of our students don't have everyday experiences with engineers and scientists. Being able to see the [Trane] facility helps them see themselves eventually in these spaces and professions. Having STEM Storytellers helps them to see what they were like when they were younger, the actual steps they took and helps them see themselves in a STEM Storyteller. Most of our students say ‘When I grow up I want to work here (Trane Technologies).’”

Together, Trane Technologies and Project Scientist are not just preparing girls for the jobs of the future; they’re helping them envision themselves as leaders and innovators who will shape that future.

Empowering Employees Through Mentorship and Service

But it's not just the students who benefit from this corporate-community engagement. Employees at Trane Technologies expressed a strong appreciation for a company culture that encourages employees to get involved in their local communities and take advantage of the leadership and mentorship made available through this partnership: Louise Rasmussen, Sr. HR Business Partner at Trane, has been a project coordinator for the Summer Innovation Lab in Brea, California: “When I think about our future, finding talent is extremely challenging that also fits us culturally in addition to technically. Part of that is finding people who are comfortable engaging, caring and supporting each other. When you're a volunteer you're getting to do all of that— when there's an organization [like Project Scientist] that we can stand with and stand for together that's very powerful.”

Zainub Larji, a Controls Hardware Engineer and volunteer says, “It's a super gratifying experience. It's really important for employees to support individuals interested in the STEM field—it's a huge mentorship opportunity. Even a week-long event can do so much for the students. The students have so much to say and contribute and it's nice to see things from the younger audiences' perspective. They are not restricted by rules and sometimes they inspire you. They're free, open and a little bit chaotic but it's nice to have that energy around.”

A New Chapter of Impact

Since 2014, Trane Technologies’ sustained investment has helped Project Scientist develop and refine a proven, scalable program model that combines hands-on STEM learning, culturally responsive curriculum, STEM role models, career exploration, and opportunities to build STEM identity and belonging. The opportunity now is to put that model to work at a greater scale and bring it to more under-resourced classrooms across the country —a need that is echoed by educators like Kristin O., “The program is so valuable. It is such a quality program, and I have done a lot of programs through different school districts. This one, this is special. I wish every classroom in every school could do it. It really is that valuable. I see such a change in the girls over time.”

Curiosity in Action: Celebrating 15 Years of Hands-On STEM Learning

Henkel — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 13:35:00 -0500

Every child should have the opportunity to discover what they’re capable of—to ask questions, explore possibilities and gain the confidence to bring their own ideas to life. STEM learning can open that door, nurturing curiosity and problem-solving skills that help children shape their futures.

Henkel believes investing in that potential starts with creating opportunities for discovery. By bringing scientific expertise together with educators and community partners, children ages 8-10 experience the excitement of science through hands-on learning.

On this National STEM Day, November 8, Henkel is celebrating the milestones behind those moments of discovery. Globally, Researchers’ World marks 15 years of engaging more than 130,000 children in over 20 countries. In North America, the initiative celebrates five years and reaching more than 12,000 students since its launch in 2021.

"As a company built on science and innovation, we understand the importance of helping children develop an interest in STEM early on. That’s why we invest in the next generation through Researchers’ World and work with educators to connect classroom learning with hands-on experiments. We want children to understand how science relates to their lives and begin to see the possibilities for their own futures—including careers in STEM."
Jenny Schiavone, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Americas at Henkel

Research reinforces the value of connecting STEM subjects through classroom instruction. A 2025 meta-analysis of 40 studies found that students receiving integrated STEM instruction performed better on academic achievement tests than those receiving traditional instruction.

Connecting science and community

In North America, Henkel’s partnership with Mill River Park Collaborative in Stamford, Connecticut, brings that commitment to life. Launched in 2021, the dedicated Researchers’ World classroom is one of four classrooms worldwide. Students visit during the school day for a half-day experience, stepping into the role of researchers to explore scientific ideas firsthand.

The lessons align with Next Generation Science Standards and school curriculum requirements, helping students build on what they learn in school.

In addition to the classroom at Mill River’s Whittingham Discovery Center, the park is a thriving urban green space where students can explore their local environment and take classroom discoveries into nature.

"Children start to see science differently when they can test an idea through hands-on exploration and discover the answer themselves. Our partnership with Henkel brings those moments to life right here in their community, helping children build confidence in asking questions, resilience through trial-and-error exploration, and curiosity about the world around them."
Kristia Janowski, Director of Education and Sustainability at Mill River Park Collaborative

Building on a shared commitment

As Henkel celebrates its 150th anniversary, Researchers’ World reflects how its commitment to innovation extends to investing in the next generation. By 2030, Henkel plans to invest a double-digit million-euro amount to expand the initiative, establishing five new permanent learning locations—including a new STEM center at the Düsseldorf headquarters and four additional labs around the world. Mobile programs are also planned for six additional countries, with the goal of extending Researchers’ World to more than 30 countries.

While Henkel’s global footprint continues to grow, the true measure of success remains the impact on each individual student. Every new lab and mobile program represents another chance to spark a child’s curiosity and show them what they are capable of. By investing in these early moments of discovery today, Henkel is helping to shape the confident problem-solvers who will lead the innovations of tomorrow.

CIEL Textile: Environmental and Social Performance as a Business Priority

Cascale — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 13:35:00 -0500

For CIEL Textile, sustainability is more than a reporting exercise. It is a business priority that connects product design, responsible sourcing, resource efficiency, and employee well-being across a global manufacturing network.

A vertically integrated apparel manufacturer with 19 facilities across Mauritius, Madagascar, India, and Bangladesh, CIEL Textile uses standardized measurement to track performance, identify improvement opportunities, and demonstrate progress. Its approach combines shared industry methodologies with targeted action to advance environmental and social performance.

The approach comes through clearly in the company’s 2024 Sustainability Report, which outlines progress across environmental performance, workforce inclusion, responsible supply chain management, and community impact. It is also reflected in facilities such as Aquarelle Samudra in India, highlighted by the late Sarbajit Ghose, former Asia Executive Director at CIEL Textile, in a 2024 episode of Cascale’s “Source of Good” podcast. Details in this case study are sourced from these materials; Cascale has not independently verified the information.

CIEL Textile, at a glance:

19 manufacturing facilities across Mauritius, Madagascar, India and Bangladesh.
More than 20,000 employees.
Over 32 million garments produced annually.
A Cascale member since 2017.

Turning sustainability ambitions into measurable progress

CIEL Textile uses the Higg FEM and Higg FSLM, stewarded by Cascale and exclusively available on Worldly, to measure performance consistently across its global operations. By applying standardized assessment frameworks, the company is able to benchmark facilities, identify opportunities for improvement, and communicate environmental and social performance with greater transparency and credibility.

As expectations for supply chain transparency rise, apparel manufacturers face growing pressure to demonstrate environmental and social performance with credible, comparable data. For companies operating across multiple countries and facilities, meeting those expectations requires consistent measurement and a clear understanding of where improvements can have the greatest impact.

The Higg Facility Environmental Manager (Higg FEM) and Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (Higg FSLM) help CIEL Textile bring greater consistency to facility-level assessments. By using common methodologies, the company can benchmark performance, identify priority areas, and monitor progress across its operations.

The assessments also support a more coordinated approach to sustainability throughout the value chain. Shared frameworks help align expectations between manufacturers and their business partners, improve comparability, and reduce duplication in how facilities measure and communicate performance.

Designing lower-impact manufacturing from the start

CIEL Textile’s environmental strategy begins before production. By reducing waste at the design stage, choosing more sustainable materials, and making manufacturing processes more efficient, the company works to reduce its environmental impact at every step.

Its reported initiatives include:

Virtual product development: Completing 60 percent of development through virtual sampling and evaluating physical samples through an Eco Index.
Responsible materials sourcing: Using 100 percent certified sustainable trims and 95 percent certified sustainable fabrics.
Renewable energy: Phasing out coal, reaching 96 percent renewable energy use at key sites, and targeting 80 percent renewable energy across operations by 2030.
Waste reduction: Advancing circularity and reporting that seven factories have achieved zero waste to landfill.
Resource efficiency: Investing in wastewater recycling, water conservation, and responsible resource management.

These efforts are evident at Aquarelle Samudra in India, a facility designed around lower-impact manufacturing and employee well-being. Its zero-coal model and focus on renewable energy, natural ventilation, water stewardship, and resource efficiency provide a practical example of how manufacturing infrastructure can support sustainability ambitions.

The facility’s LEED Net Zero achievements sit alongside CIEL Textile’s reported milestone of becoming the first and only manufacturer globally to achieve a 100 percent verified Higg FEM score. Together, these examples underscore the company’s focus on pairing operational action with structured assessment and verified environmental performance.

Putting people at the center of performance

CIEL Textile’s social sustainability strategy focuses on building inclusive workplaces, expanding opportunities for employees, and supporting the communities surrounding its operations.

Through its Foster a Vibrant Workforce pillar, the company invests in digital learning, employee engagement, and diversity initiatives. Its goals include reaching 35 percent women in leadership by 2030 and targeting 5 percent of employees to be persons with disabilities.

Reported progress includes:

More women in management: The company reports an increase from 15 percent in 2022 to 18 percent, supported by its Go Beyond Gender program.
More inclusive workplaces: Facilities in Madagascar and India have introduced workplace adaptations and tailored training to support employees with disabilities.
Employee engagement: More than 16,000 employees participated in the company’s latest Great Place to Work survey, with an 87 percent positive rating reported.

Higg FSLM supports this work by providing a standardized approach to assessing social and labor performance and identifying opportunities for continued improvement. Used alongside targeted workplace initiatives, the framework helps connect social sustainability priorities with facility-level assessment.

Extending impact beyond the factory

For CIEL Textile, sustainability also encompasses the communities connected to its operations. Through its Act for Our Community and Act for Our Environment programs, the company reports delivering more than 1,000 projects since 2015, benefiting over 100,000 people across Madagascar, India, and Mauritius.

The initiatives span education, health, inclusion, and livelihoods, extending the company’s sustainability efforts beyond manufacturing sites. Together, they illustrate how CIEL Textile connects its broader sustainability strategy with operational practices and measurable goals.

Why This Approach Matters for The Industry

CIEL Textile’s experience demonstrates how standardized assessment and targeted action can work together to advance environmental and social performance across a complex manufacturing network.

Its approach highlights three lessons for the apparel industry:

Measurement creates a foundation for improvement. Consistent facility-level assessments help companies identify gaps, benchmark results, and track progress over time.
Sustainability works best when embedded in business strategy. Connecting environmental and social priorities with product design, sourcing, operations, and workforce development can help make progress part of everyday decision-making.
Shared methodologies strengthen supply chain alignment. Recognized frameworks give manufacturers and their business partners a common basis for evaluating performance, communicating progress, and working toward shared goals.

By applying industry-aligned methodologies across its operations, CIEL Textile demonstrates how consistent measurement can support transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. As sustainability expectations continue to evolve, the company offers an example of how manufacturers can translate commitments into measurable action – connecting facility-level performance with broader business priorities and contributing to progress across the apparel value chain.

Learn More: Higg Facility Tools

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Cascale October Policy Update: Key Global Developments

Cascale — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 11:15:00 -0500

Reflecting the period of October 1-30, this policy update highlights key developments shaping the consumer goods industry, with deeper analysis and insights available for Cascale corporate and affiliate members.

October brought significant policy developments across the EMEA, APAC, and the Americas, with implications for how consumer goods companies manage regulatory compliance, supply chain risks, and sustainability investments. Cascale’s October policy monitoring update highlights several developments of note:

Chemical restrictions take effect in the EU: New limits on PFHxA and related substances apply to consumer clothing, accessories, and footwear, with broader textile restrictions scheduled for October 2027.
Climate reporting deadlines approach: California finalized its initial climate disclosure regulation, with Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reports due November 10 for companies in scope. Meanwhile, sustainability reporting requirements continue to evolve in the EU and UK.
Carbon markets advance in APAC: India begins its first mandatory compliance reporting season under its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, while Vietnam establishes new rules governing carbon credit ownership and transfers.
Circularity remains a policy priority: The EU’s Circular Economy Act proposal is expected in November, while California continues developing implementation rules for its textile extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework.
Worker protections and climate resilience gain attention: Jordan and the ILO launched a garment sector labor program, while new reporting highlights the health, productivity, and financial implications of extreme heat in garment manufacturing.
Trade uncertainty continues: A legal challenge to U.S. Section 301 forced labor tariffs remains unresolved, with potential implications for sourcing costs and commercial planning.

Corporate and Affiliate members: Log in to Cascale Connect to view the full monthly policy monitoring update.

Implications for Global Supply Chains and Business Strategy

The October developments underscore how quickly the regulatory landscape is evolving across major sourcing and consumer markets. Companies face overlapping requirements covering chemical management, emissions reporting, carbon markets, product circularity, and worker protections.

These developments also highlight the connections between sustainability priorities and commercial decisions. Manufacturers face growing expectations around verified emissions data, chemical management, and workplace conditions, while access to financing, energy infrastructure, and supportive buyer-supplier relationships can influence their ability to respond.

For companies operating across multiple markets, differences in regulatory approaches and implementation timelines add complexity to compliance planning and supply chain data management.

What to Watch

Several near-term milestones warrant attention:

October 31: EFRAG consultation closes on proposed sustainability reporting standards for certain non-EU companies.
November 4: EU consultation on VAT rules to support circular business models closes.
November 10: California’s first Scope 1 and Scope 2 climate emissions reporting deadline under SB 253.
November 10: Revised EU Sustainability Reporting Standards enter into force.
November 12: CalRecycle holds its next workshop on California’s textile EPR implementation.
November 18: EU Circular Economy Act proposal expected.

Get the Full Picture Through Cascale

This update offers a snapshot of the policy developments shaping the consumer goods industry. Cascale members receive deeper analysis of emerging legislation, regional policy developments, implementation timelines, and potential implications for their businesses and supply chains.

Through its public affairs and policy work, Cascale helps members stay informed and understand how evolving requirements intersect with industry priorities.

Want deeper policy insights and opportunities to engage in industry-wide discussions? Become a Cascale member and stay ahead of the developments shaping the future of consumer goods.

Become a Member

Covia’s Ahuazotepec Plant Earns ESR Recognition for Commitment to Social Responsibility

Covia — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 10:05:00 -0500

Covia’s Ahuazotepec, Mexico plant was recently awarded the Socially Responsible Company (ESR) designation by Cemefi (the Mexican Center for Philanthropy), recognizing the plant’s strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. The ESR distinction is awarded to organizations that successfully integrate social responsibility into their business strategy while creating positive impact for employees, communities, and the environment. As part of the evaluation process, the Ahuazotepec team submitted extensive documentation highlighting the plant’s community engagement, governance, workforce management, and environmental stewardship initiatives. This achievement recognizes Covia as an important member of a community of organizations dedicated to creating lasting social, environmental, and economic value.

The following are just a few of the initiatives that helped the plant earn the ESR designation:

Environmental Stewardship: For over a decade, the Ahuazotepec Plant has collaborated with municipal authorities to donate and plant approximately 25,000 trees annually.
Community Engagement: The plant supports educational programs that promote environmental awareness among children and adolescents. These programs include reforestation projects, workshops, community events, and student contests. For example, the team recently held a drawing competition that encouraged students to share their ideas on how to protect and care for the environment. Additionally, funds are invested in schools and community activities each year.
Workforce Management: For three consecutive years, the plant has maintained compliance with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare’s voluntary labor registration program. This demonstrates the plant's dedication to responsible labor practices. Additionally, the plant’s Program of Self-Management in Safety and Health at Work (PASST) certification demonstrates their commitment to safety first.
Access to Water: Between 2023 and 2025, the plant helped to deliver five rainwater collection systems to schools across the region. Six additional systems are planned over the next two years.

Please join us in congratulating the Ahuazotepec team on their well-deserved recognition and collective efforts in earning this distinction.

AEG’s Tamala Lewis Named 2026 Woman of the Year by Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce

AEG — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Tamala Lewis, Senior Director of Community Relations at AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park, has been named the 2026 Woman of the Year by the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her more than two decades of community leadership and civic engagement across Southern California’s South Bay.

Lewis received the honor at the Chamber’s 119th Annual Community Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 5, 2026 in Redondo Beach, CA. The annual awards recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations whose leadership and service contribute to the local community.

Lewis has overseen community affairs, public service events and charitable programming for Dignity Health Sports Park since joining the venue in 2003, the year AEG opened the 125-acre, multi-sport complex. Over the course of her tenure, she has helped strengthen relationships between the venue and the communities it serves while supporting a wide range of civic and charitable initiatives. She also founded Dignity Health Sports Park’s annual Women in Entertainment Luncheon, which has brought together hundreds of women from across the industry.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” said Tamala Lewis. “For more than two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside people and organizations that care deeply about our communities. The relationships we’ve built and the opportunity to bring people together are what make this work so meaningful.”

Beyond her work at the venue, Lewis has maintained a longstanding commitment to civic and community service across the South Bay. She has served on numerous boards, including the Torrance, Carson, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach Chambers of Commerce; South Bay Workforce Investment Board; Gardena-Carson Family YMCA, and Boys and Girls Club of Carson.

The Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Community Awards recognizes businesses, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, public employees and community leaders contributing to the strength and vitality of Redondo Beach.

KeyBank Invests $50,000 in NavWay to Expand Attainable Housing Access and Workforce Housing Solutions in Florida’s Collier County

KeyBank — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Access to attainable housing is critical to the long-term health and economic vitality of communities. In Florida's Collier County, where housing affordability continues to be a challenge for residents and employers alike, innovative solutions are helping make housing resources more accessible and easier to navigate.

To support that effort, KeyBank has invested $50,000 in NavWay, a new digital platform being developed by The Housing Alliance to connect residents, housing providers, employers, developers and community organizations with attainable housing resources. The investment designates KeyBank as a NavWay Champion, one of the initiative's highest levels of support, and reflects the bank's commitment to strengthening communities through affordable housing and economic opportunity.

Using Technology to Simplify Housing Access

Navigating housing programs, resources and opportunities can often be complex and time-consuming. NavWay was created to serve as a centralized online hub that brings those resources together in one place, helping users more easily identify housing options and connect with relevant community partners.

"Housing accessibility is critical to the long-term vitality of our community," said Michael Puchalla, CEO and Executive Director of The Housing Alliance. "KeyBank's investment helps accelerate a technology-driven solution that will make it easier for individuals and families to find housing opportunities while supporting employers and community partners working to address local housing challenges."

Supporting Economic Opportunity Through Housing

Access to stable, attainable housing influences far more than where people live. It affects workforce participation, economic mobility, business growth and overall community well-being.

"At KeyBank, we believe stable, attainable housing is foundational to economic opportunity and community well-being," said Michael Schneider, Florida Market President for KeyBank. "NavWay is an innovative solution that brings together technology, collaboration and community engagement to help residents access housing resources and strengthen the workforce that drives Collier County's economy."

The investment aligns with KeyBank's broader commitment to supporting affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization and community development initiatives that create lasting impact.

Building a Stronger Future for Southwest Florida

The Housing Alliance expects NavWay to become an important resource for advancing housing accessibility and supporting sustainable growth throughout Collier County. Community leaders, employers and residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the platform during the NavWay Launch Celebration on January 8, 2027, at Paradise Coast Sports Complex.

Through their partnership, KeyBank and The Housing Alliance are leveraging technology, collaboration and community investment to help address one of the region's most pressing challenges. By creating a more connected and accessible housing ecosystem, NavWay has the potential to expand opportunity for residents, strengthen the local workforce and contribute to a stronger future for Southwest Florida.

The Climate Trust’s McIntyre Ranch Project Becomes First Completed Issuance Under CAR’s Canada Grassland Protocol

SCS Global Services — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0500

CARDSTON COUNTY, ALBERTA, Canada, November 6, 2026 /3BL/ - SCS Global Services, a leading third-party sustainability certification and verification body, and The Climate Trust (TCT), a nonprofit carbon project developer, today announced successful completion of the initial verification of carbon credits generated by the McIntyre Ranch grassland project in Alberta, Canada — the first to be registered under Climate Action Reserve's (CAR) Canadian Grassland Protocol. The project was developed by The Climate Trust and is owned by McIntyre Ranching Co. Ltd.

The verified project area permanently protects native grassland from conversion to cropland through the placement of a 55,000+ acre perpetual conservation easement that restricts crop cultivation and soil disturbance. The project activity results in avoided greenhouse gas emissions associated with soil carbon loss according to locally relevant farming practices in the baseline scenario. It is part of a broader conservation effort between the Thrall family, Nature Conservancy Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada, that resulted in Canada’s largest agricultural conservation agreement to date. Conversations about the easement began more than two decades prior and required the careful alignment of family consideration, conservation partnerships, and carbon finance to formalize this project.

"Grassland conservation is one of several underutilized approaches with high potential to deliver climate change mitigation benefits. As the project developer, TCT's thoughtful and close partnership with the landowners involved with the McIntyre project allowed for a smooth and efficient assessment process," said Heather Rosa, SCS Global Services' Director of Carbon Offset Verification, Energy, Industry, and Agriculture. "We were delighted to lead the verification of the first project under CAR's Canada Grassland Protocol to ensure the credits are of high integrity. This is a milestone worth celebrating, one that we hope opens the door to scaled investment in grassland protection across North America."

SCS Global Services, The Climate Trust, and McIntyre Ranch managers examining grass during the verification site visit. Photo credit: Kate Brow, The Climate Trust

“Large expanses of in-tact grassland like this are increasingly hard to find in the Great Plains, yet they represent one of our most important – and most at risk - natural carbon sinks. TCT is thrilled to add this project to our grasslands conservation program to support lasting soil carbon storage and biodiversity benefits” said Travis Croft, Program Manager at The Climate Trust.

With the addition of McIntyre Ranch, TCTs grassland carbon portfolio now encompasses over 250,000 acres of permanently protected grassland across 15 projects. To date The Climate Trust has developed over 30 nature-based carbon projects supporting working lands and natural climate solutions throughout North America.

“The McIntyre Ranch is one of the most rare and significant grassland ecosystems in North America given its size and largely unchanged condition. Its diverse native plant communities, healthy wildlife populations, and natural processes still mirror historic grassland dynamics,” said the Thralls. “It is an honor for our family to help protect this land.”

The verification was conducted by SCS Global Services in accordance with the Climate Action Reserve Canada Grassland Protocol, with Carolin Judd serving as the lead auditor and Saroop Sandhu serving as technical reviewer. Conservation easements protecting the McIntyre Ranch property are held by Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in San Francisco, California and celebrating over 40 years in business, SCS Global Services has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS Global Services is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS Global Services is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

About The Climate Trust

Founded in 1997, The Climate Trust (TCT) is a nonprofit project developer focused on utilizing carbon markets to scale natural climate solutions. TCT believes that carbon emissions reductions and good land stewardship go hand in hand - a core belief that has driven the organization’s work for over 25 years. TCT seeks to promote healthy ecosystems and resilient communities by mobilizing markets to solve ecological issues in three areas of carbon project development and financing: Reforestation/Afforestation, Grassland Conservation, and Improved Forest Management. For more information, visit www.climatetrust.org

Media Contacts

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

Travis Croft
Program Manager
The Climate Trust
Email: tcroft@climatetrust.org

New Report Warns El Niño Could Bring Severe Flooding to the Horn of Africa, Calls for Early Action To Prevent the Worst

Action Against Hunger — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:45:00 -0500

NEW YORK, November 5, 2026 /3BL/ - A strengthening El Niño is expected to bring heavier-than-normal rains to the Greater Horn of Africa through the end of the year, putting millions of people in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti at risk of severe flooding, according to a new report from Action Against Hunger and its partners. The report, “El Niño Preparedness & Response Situation Update,” outlines the latest forecasts, the areas at highest risk, and preparedness and readiness activities, as well as what is needed now to prevent the worst consequences through anticipatory action. The report was produced by the Institutionalizing Interoperable Multi-Hazard Preparedness and Anticipatory Action (IMPAACT) program, a regional initiative led by Action Against Hunger and funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).

Action Against Hunger and its partners have already released funding to help families prepare before the heaviest rains arrive. In October, once forecasts crossed locally agreed triggers, the consortium activated funds for anticipatory action including cash transfers, early warning messages, and pre-positioned supplies, so families can protect themselves, their livestock, and their food stocks before the water rises. For example:

In Ethiopia, nearly €88,000 will reach 86,623 people in the Gode and Adadle woredas of the Somali Region and the Moyale and Miyo woredas of Oromia.
In Somalia, Action Against Hunger and local partner Somalia Climate Action Platform (SCAP) allocated more than €99,000 to support 1,100 households, about 6,600 people, in Beletweyne district in Hiraan and the Hudur, Wajid, and Elbarde districts in Bakool, primarily through cash assistance.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development's (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) forecasts up to a 90% chance of above-average rainfall over southern Ethiopia and central and southern Somalia between October and December, driven by El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that El Niño could reach very strong intensity. Hotter-than-normal temperatures are also expected across the region, adding to the risk of flash flooding.

“We know the rains are coming, and we know which communities are most at risk. Acting now, before the floods, means families can move their animals, secure their food, and get to safer ground instead of waiting for help after they have lost everything,” said Muluneh Girma Mekonnen, Interim Regional Consortium Coordinator (IMPAACT Program) and Head of the Department for Nutrition and Health in Ethiopia at Action Against Hunger. “Every dollar spent ahead of a disaster goes further than one spent after it.”

The consortium is monitoring triggers there and working with national authorities on a plan for flood and heat risks, yet the scale of the threat significantly exceeds current funding.

In Somalia, about 3.4 million people in flood-exposed districts are at risk, and around 1.1 million could be displaced by the end of the year. The 2023 Deyr floods affected more than 2.5 million people in the country.
In Ethiopia, the national disaster risk management commission has triggered anticipatory action in 114 districts home to an estimated 9.3 million people, with particular concern for communities along the Wabi Shebelle, Genale, and Dawa rivers.

These floods are coming on top of an already severe hunger crisis. The latest IGAD regional report on food crises estimates that 40.3 million people across six countries in the region, including Djibouti and Somalia, face high levels of acute food insecurity in 2026. Years of drought, conflict, displacement, and rising prices have left many households with little to fall back on. Floods can wipe out crops and livestock, cut families off from markets, and push malnutrition rates higher, especially among young children.

Funding is the biggest gap. Somalia's Disaster Management Agency estimates that US$350 million to US$500 million could be needed in a worst-case scenario. In Ethiopia, resources for anticipatory action fall well short of the area at risk, and the national flood framework has yet to be finalized. In Somalia, some of the hardest-hit districts, including Bu’aale, Jilib, and Tiyeglow, are difficult for aid groups to reach.

Adequate preparedness is critical to enabling an early response if the floods escalate into a crisis, particularly in communities that are already vulnerable and exposed to multiple risks. Action Against Hunger is calling on donors and governments to invest in flexible financing for preparedness and anticipatory action, strengthen early warning systems that reach communities in local languages, and support coordination across borders, where floods and displacement do not stop at national lines.

IMPAACT is implemented by Action Against Hunger with ICPAC, the Pastoralist Association for Peace and Development Agency (PAPDA) in Ethiopia, and SCAP in Somalia.

For Press Inquiries: ckim@actionagainsthunger.org

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About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger is a global leader creating a future where every life is well nourished. We innovate to prevent malnutrition and respond to hunger hotspots, working in more than 50 countries and reaching more than 21 million people each year. Together, we are promoting resilience and working to end hunger for everyone, for good.

East Africa Knows El Niño Is Coming. Will We Act in Time?

Action Against Hunger — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 15:15:00 -0500

By Rotimy Djossaya

In just five days in early October 2026, Bardheere town in Somalia’s Gedo region received 93 millimeters of rain, double what it received in the whole of October 2025. In Mombasa, Kenya, a single overnight downpour caused massive flooding and destruction. Bunda in Tanzania and Kampala in Uganda have faced the same sudden heavy rain in a short span of time. Extreme rainfall is now commonplace across East Africa, and a very strong El Niño is still on its way.

For months, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that El Niño is strengthening and could reach very strong intensity, with significant implications for regional weather patterns. We all know El Niño is coming. Are we prepared for its impact?

The 2023 El Niño led to massive flooding and destruction across the region, with UNOCHA estimating that 705 people died and more than 2 million were displaced. Meteorologists and climatologists have indicated that 2023 may be only a fraction of the El Niño now expected across the region, which is forecast to begin in November and peak in February 2027.

A tale of two opposing weather patterns

East Africa has been swinging between extremes. Since October 2025, below-average rainfall has led to poor harvests and a lack of adequate pasture for livestock. In Kenya, the maize harvest declined by over 36%, and limited pasture caused an acute milk shortage. In Uganda’s Karamoja region, between 50% and 70% of food crops were destroyed by poor rainfall. In Ethiopia, the main harvest season, known as Meher, could be up to 30% below average after the poorest rains on record, with little to no harvest in many parts of Tigray because of the ongoing conflict.

Risk to communities

Millions of people across the region depend on subsistence agriculture for survival, and weather that swings between drought and flood is dismantling their livelihoods. This El Niño comes at the worst possible time. Many families were already struggling with hunger and conflict, and back-to-back droughts and floods have given them no time to recover.

Predicting hunger before it happens

In Kenya, Action Against Hunger and the University of Maryland have built a forecasting tool called MERIAM (Modeling Early Risk Indicators to Anticipate Malnutrition). It combines information on health, nutrition, weather, harvests and conflict to predict, up to six months ahead, how many children in each community are likely to become malnourished, and how severely.

Yet the forecast itself is not a breakthrough. Predicting hunger is only useful if it prevents hunger. The real breakthrough is stopping the prediction from coming true.

Some governments are moving. Kenya has written its national disaster agency into law, given it a budget and brought in the private sector to help. That is the shift every country in the region needs to make: from reacting to disasters after they happen to preparing before they arrive, and making sure the money reaches local communities, not just capital cities.

International donors need to change too. Acting early costs three to seven times less than responding after the damage is done, yet funding too often arrives only once a disaster is on the news, and by then lives are already being lost. In Ethiopia and Somalia, we have started using flexible emergency funds that local groups can draw on as soon as the forecasts show trouble coming. That approach needs to grow.

So I have three asks.

First, invest in forecasts that reach the people who need them in time. Today our tool covers just two counties in Kenya. Imagine if it covers every county, and every country at risk.

Second, help communities make their own plans, working with local officials and aid groups, so warnings turn into action on the ground.

Third, set aside flexible money in advance, so families can prepare, clinics can stock up, and people in flood zones can move somewhere safe where they can live with dignity.

The forecasts are clear and the first heavy rains have already fallen. Every week of delay costs lives and money. East Africa knows El Niño is coming. The question is whether we act now or wait for the headlines to force us to.

The writer is the Chief Impact Officer at Action Against Hunger. rdjossaya@actionagainsthunger.org

For Press Inquiries: media@actionagainsthunger.org

Charity Navigator Rates Direct Relief 100% for 2026

Direct Relief — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:15:00 -0500

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., November 5, 2026 /3BL/ - Charity Navigator, America’s top independent nonprofit evaluator, has awarded Direct Relief an overall 100% charity rating for 2026. The recognition marks Direct Relief’s 16th consecutive Four-Star rating, underscoring sustained excellence, accountability, and measurable impact in advancing its humanitarian mission.

Direct Relief is one of just three organizations nationwide included on Charity Navigator’s Best Highly Rated Charities list, which recognizes nonprofits with perfect scores across all of Charity Navigator’s rating metrics.

“The exceptional charities on this list have earned perfect scores across all metrics in all four beacons in our Encompass Rating System,” Charity Navigator says. “Based on our metrics, these organizations are highly impactful in their given cause area, are fiscally responsible and transparent, and follow leadership and organizational culture best practices.”

In addition, Charity Navigator cites Direct Relief as one of the Best Humanitarian Charities, and recommends it to donors seeking to respond to the Ukraine humanitarian crisis, Venezuela earthquake, Nepal flood, and Hawaii flooding.

Direct Relief’s Charity Navigator Ratings

Direct Relief earned a 100% rating in each of Charity Navigator’s four “beacons”—Accountability & Finance, Impact & Measurement, Leadership & Planning, and Culture & Compensation—and received the highest possible score in every subcategory, from “impact” to “program planning” to “program expense ratio.”

“Every gift to Direct Relief represents the trust donors place in us to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life,” said Amy Weaver, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Relief. “Honoring that trust means acting with integrity, using resources efficiently and staying focused on the people we serve. Whether across oceans or across the street, our responsibility is to turn that generosity into better health and more opportunities for people to live full, healthy lives.”

Humanitarian Impact in 2026

In 2026, Direct Relief advanced its global humanitarian mission through initiatives including:

Delivering Lifesaving Medicines: In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, Direct Relief donated and delivered 342.3 million defined daily doses of medicine (up from 308 million defined daily doses in fiscal year 2025) to more than 2,700 healthcare facilities across 94 countries and all 50 U.S. states. In total, Direct Relief donated pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and supplies with a wholesale value of $1.8 billion and provided $59 million in grants to healthcare providers around the world.
Ebola Response: Direct Relief is working with local partners to help contain the virus and keep the broader health system functioning. As of Nov. 5, Direct Relief has delivered 53 tons of medical aid worth $15 million to partners in Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, including more than 425,000 PPE items to protect health workers, as well as supportive care for the complications most common in Ebola patients, anti-infectives and diagnostics, chronic-disease medications, and field infrastructure and safety equipment.
Nepal Flooding: Direct Relief responded to August’s catastrophic flooding in Nepal that left at least 1,454 people dead and 5,285 missing, sending 25.2 tons of medical aid worth $4.6 million (wholesale) to local hospital and mobile-team partners, and disbursing $175,000 in emergency operating grants to three local organizations.
Venezuela Earthquake: Following the June 24 earthquakes that killed at least 6,509 people in Venezuela’s north-central states. Direct Relief has delivered 74 tons of medical aid worth $39 million (wholesale) to health partners in Venezuela, and disbursed $550,000 in emergency grants to seven Venezuelan organizations
Aid to Ukraine:  Direct Relief has provided more than $2.5 billion in medical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, including 3,200 tons (6.4 million pounds) of medical aid, 546 million defined daily doses of medicine, and over $75 million in financial commitments, making it one of the largest private philanthropic supporters of the country’s health system.
Expanding Access to Type 1 Diabetes Care: Direct Relief partnered with Life for a Child to support more than 60,000 children living with type 1 diabetes across 41 countries, providing insulin, blood glucose monitoring and insulin delivery supplies, and testing to monitor long-term blood sugar levels and kidney health.
Supporting Safe Births: In September, Direct Relief announced a $40 million campaign to support more than 2.5 million safe births worldwide. Direct Relief provides Midwife Kits containing essential items for safe delivery, as well as emergency funding to support midwives in areas affected by disaster and humanitarian crisis. It also provides medical aid to address pre- and post-natal complications, including Perinatal Health Kits and Fistula Repair Modules.

Stewardship and Financial Transparency

Direct Relief is committed to maximizing the impact of every donation, ensuring funds are used responsibly and effectively to support those in need:

Honoring Donor Intent: Every contribution earmarked for specific programs or emergencies is applied exclusively to those purposes, giving donors full assurance that their intent is honored.
Independently Funded Operations:  Direct Relief operates solely on private charitable contributions, declining government funding to maintain independence and focus on its mission.
Leveraging In-Kind Contributions: Strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations amplify the impact of donations. Contributions of medicine and medical supplies, valued at their wholesale cost, constitute the majority of Direct Relief’s revenue, allowing cash donations to reach further and support more people.

Additional Nonprofit Recognition

In 2026, Direct Relief received additional independent recognition for humanitarian impact, transparency, and financial stewardship, including:

Platinum Transparency Seal from Candid: Signaling the highest level of openness about finances, programs, and results, and enabling donors to see clearly how resources are used.
A+ Rating from CharityWatch: Along with inclusion on its list of top charities for international relief and development.

How Advanced Connectivity Can Help Electrify Society

Nokia — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 10:05:00 -0500

Nokia
by Anni Rautakoura

The AI supercycle is changing the way the world’s energy systems operate. AI offers powerful opportunities for industry and society, but its rapid growth is also increasing demand for electricity and computing capacity, adding pressure to energy systems and infrastructure.

This challenge is particularly pronounced in Europe. Renewable electricity generation is growing quickly across the continent, with renewables accounting for nearly half of all EU electricity consumption last year. But electricity only represents approximately 23% of final energy consumption across the European Union today. That means transport, heating, and many industrial processes continue to rely significantly on fossil fuels. The European Commission sees greater electrification as a way to reduce that dependence while improving the efficiency, security and resilience of EU energy systems.

Electrifying society

In practice, electrification means replacing technologies that directly burn fossil fuels with alternatives powered by electricity. Combustion-engine vehicles can be replaced by electric vehicles, for example, while gas boilers can be replaced by electric heat pumps. As renewables account for a greater share of electricity generation, these changes can help shift energy demand away from fossil fuels.

Europe’s electrification push has three interconnected objectives:

Cleaner: moving demand towards renewable and low-carbon electricity.
More affordable: addressing energy costs and reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets.
More efficient: making better use of existing energy and infrastructure while expanding clean capacity.

The European Commission’s Electrification Action Plan, published in July 2026, aims to double the share of electricity to 46% of final EU energy consumption by 2040, to be assessed as part of the post-2030 Energy Union package. But electrifying more of society raises fundamental questions: Do we have enough clean and affordable electricity, are we using it efficiently, and does the grid have the capacity and intelligence to support growing demand?

The challenge is systemic

AI is frequently framed only as part of the problem because of the electricity required by the data centers that support it. But data centers could potentially become more flexible participants in the wider energy system. For example, some computing activities that are not time-critical may be scheduled for periods of lower grid demand where technical, operational and customer requirements allow, relieving pressure on local energy systems during peak periods. Utilities, meanwhile, need sufficient visibility and control to balance supply and demand while integrating increasingly distributed sources of renewable electricity.

This is an ecosystem challenge. Data centers, utilities, telecom networks, public authorities and communities are increasingly interconnected parts of the energy system. Their ability to exchange data, anticipate changing conditions and coordinate operations will influence how effectively electrification can move ahead.

An emerging European policy landscape

Several European initiatives attempt to address this problem. The Electrification Action Plan sets out measures intended to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to electricity across industry, transport and buildings. It also highlights the need to modernize electricity grids and make better use of existing infrastructure. The proposed Cloud and AI Development Act seeks to strengthen Europe’s cloud and AI ecosystem, support sustainable data center deployment and increase computing capacity. It sits within the EU’s broader policy agenda for strengthening cloud and AI infrastructure, competitiveness and technological sovereignty, alongside work exploring digitalization and AI in the energy sector.

These initiatives remain at different stages of development, and the final form of legislative proposals may change. Collectively, however, they indicate a more connected relationship between digital infrastructure and the energy system. This is where advanced connectivity can play an important enabling role

Connectivity as digital backbone to enable electrification

A more responsive energy system depends on data moving securely and reliably between data centers, telecom networks, electricity grids, and infrastructure at the grid edge. Advanced connectivity can provide the digital backbone through which these systems exchange information and coordinate their operations. Data centers need reliable networks to manage and move workloads. Utilities need timely information to understand changing grid conditions and manage distributed energy resources. Telecom operators need to manage network capacity efficiently while supporting the wider digital economy.

Nokia provides network infrastructure across all these environments, supporting grid modernization, data-center networking and more efficient use of telecom capacity.

Nokia’s solutions for power utilities can connect data centers, control centers and grid-edge environments using secure, high-performance infrastructure. Nokia is also expanding its IP routing portfolio for smart-grid modernization, supporting the communications requirements of increasingly digital and distributed electricity networks.

Within data centers, connectivity, visibility and automation can support more responsive operations. Nokia’s Event-Driven Automation platform supports data-center network automation, while its critical connectivity solutions are designed for high-performance data center environments.

Out-of-band management infrastructure can also reduce equipment and resource requirements. Nokia’s PON-based Aurelis out-of-band management solution is designed to reduce the active equipment, power and cabling required for out-of-band management compared with traditional switch-based architectures. By reducing the number of active switches by 90%, Nokia Aurelis for Data Centers delivers 50% or more power savings compared with conventional approaches, while simplifying operational effort and improving space efficiency.

Networking equipment must also carry growing volumes of data without requiring a directly proportional increase in energy and physical infrastructure. Compared with Nokia FP4 routing silicon, FP5 routing silicon delivers a 75% reduction in power consumption and more than three times the system capacity. This comparison is specific to Nokia’s FP4 and FP5 routing generations and demonstrates improvements at the routing-silicon and system level.

Telecom networks form another essential part of the ecosystem, connecting people, businesses, data centers and critical infrastructure. AI-enabled network management can help operators optimize how infrastructure and capacity are used. Nokia’s work on an AI-native, end-to-end network architecture shows how AI-driven optimization can help telecom networks adapt energy use more closely to actual traffic patterns.

Electrification requires ecosystem collaboration

Expanding grid capacity will be central to meeting rising demand and ensuring affordability. At the same time, energy, computing and network infrastructure must be used as efficiently as possible, and the transformation needs to be done with decarbonization in mind.

Progress will require collaboration among utilities, data center operators, telecom providers, technology companies, public authorities and communities. Nokia’s role is to provide connectivity infrastructure that helps these systems interact. By connecting data centers, telecom networks, utilities and grid infrastructure, advanced networks can help provide the digital foundation for a cleaner, more affordable and more efficient electrification of society.

Nokia looks forward to continuing this ecosystem conversation at Brussels Climate Week, where Subho Mukherjee, Vice President and Global Head of Sustainability will participate in a discussion with many of our key European customers on “Principles of Sustainable AI” on 12 October.

Fit Checks: How Aflac Is Turning Fashion Into a Powerful Reminder To Check for Cancer

Aflac Incorporated — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 09:30:00 -0500

Every day, countless people stand in front of a mirror, making simple yet meaningful decisions about how they want to look. Whether it's jeans, a necktie or a skirt they reach for, the colors they pair, the accessories they wear or the shoes they choose, every element contributes to a look that reflects their personality, confidence and self-expression.

As part of the broader Check for Cancer movement, the next evolution, Fit Checks, offers a fresh perspective on a familiar trend. Instead of focusing solely on what people wear, it encourages individuals to view everyday style through a different lens, connecting self-expression with the importance of prioritizing health. The initiative transforms fashion into an opportunity to encourage people to prioritize recommended cancer screenings. It’s fashion with a purpose.

Fit Checks: When a fashion trend becomes fashion with a purpose

The term "fit check" has become a cultural phenomenon. Derived from "outfit check," the viral social media trend invites people to share what they're wearing, highlighting the details that come together to create a complete look.

At its core, a fit check is about drawing attention to what's visible.

For Aflac, however, the trend presented an opportunity to spotlight something that often you cannot see — checking your health.

As a pioneer in cancer insurance, Aflac has spent seven decades helping individuals and families navigate emotional and financial challenges that can come with a cancer diagnosis. That history reinforces a reality that remains as important today as ever: early detection can help save lives.

Unfortunately, between work responsibilities, family commitments and other demands of everyday life, preventive care can easily fall lower on the priority list. In fact, roughly 3 in 5 Americans admit to avoiding important health checkups.¹

Cancer screenings, however, can play an important role in early detection. The challenge isn't always awareness. Often, it's taking the next step, and that’s where reminders can make a difference.

Some reminders come from a physician's office. Others come from loved ones. Fit Checks explores the possibility that reminders can also come from unexpected places — a checkered pattern, a social media trend or a moment spent standing in front of the mirror before heading out the door.

Turning the checkered pattern into a Check for Cancer
To bring the idea to life, Aflac partnered with renowned celebrity fashion stylist Rachel Zoe to transform a familiar pattern into an unexpected reminder to check in on yourself.

Together, they elevated the classic checkered pattern beyond a fashion statement, creating a conversation starter designed to make people pause, lean in and think differently about cancer screenings.

The result was a first-of-its-kind jacket featuring a QR code embedded directly into the checkered pattern, transforming an everyday garment into an interactive cancer screening assessment tool.

"At first glance, someone might simply see a stylish jacket. But a closer look tells a different story," Aflac Incorporated Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Ines Rodriguez Gutzmer said. "Fit Checks is about meeting people where they are, and by leveraging a fashion trend, we're helping make conversations about cancer screenings more approachable, more visible and harder to ignore."

Individuals can access a cancer screening assessment tool and learn more about recommended screenings that may be right for them by scanning the checkered pattern or visiting www.CheckForCancerNow.com.

¹ Aflac. “2026 Wellness Matters Survey overview.” Published August 2026.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

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