Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Education and Schools, Manufacturing, NonProfit and Charities

Beyond Benign and Dow expand collaboration to advance Green Chemistry education

WILMINGTON, Mass. -- Today, Dow (NYSE: DOW), a global leader in materials science, and Beyond Benign, a nonprofit organization focused on making green chemistry an integral part of education, announce an expanded multi-year collaboration. Building upon a foundation of cooperation, both organizations aim to advance chemistry education by empowering educators with the tools and resources to incorporate green chemistry into higher education curricula.

The collaboration, fueled by Dow's commitment to sustainability, will bolster Beyond Benign's initiatives in several key areas:

* Expansion of the Green Chemistry Commitment program: Over the next three years, Beyond Benign plans to accelerate the recruitment of universities globally into its Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) program, an institutional approach to advancing green chemistry in higher education (currently, more than 160 have joined). This expansion will further the integration of green chemistry principles into academic institutions worldwide.

* Design of on-demand professional training in Green Chemistry: Beyond Benign and Dow will partner with educators to design a cutting-edge on-demand training program focused on green chemistry. This initiative will provide educators and industry professionals with accessible resources to enhance their understanding and teaching of sustainable chemistry practices.

* Green Chemistry Education Challenge awards: Beyond Benign will provide university awards to support the advancement of Green Chemistry in teaching, research and service for 15-30 university educator teams.

* Support for Dow employee volunteer opportunities: Dow employees will have opportunities to engage as advocates, educators and learners in Green Chemistry initiatives, amplifying the impact of this collaboration across communities.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our efforts with Dow," says Amy Cannon, Beyond Benign Co-Founder and Executive Director. "This collaboration will allow us to deepen our connections with educators to provide key resources to train future scientists with the knowledge and skills to design safer chemical products. We will also provide support to universities through educational grants and peer support to enable further adoption of green chemistry in higher education."

With expanded support from Dow, Beyond Benign aims to collaborate globally, prioritizing relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the U.S. Beyond Benign seeks to increase participation of Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the GCC program to enhance the representation of scientists in the green chemistry field, empower faculty to integrate sustainability principles into chemistry education, and expand the diversity of the talent pool equipped to address critical sustainability challenges in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

"Beyond Benign's commitment to advancing green chemistry education is inspiring," says Bob Plishka, global director of Strategic Corporate Partnerships and Dow Company Foundation president. "This collaboration reflects Dow's commitment to sustainability and STEM & skilled trades, empowering educators to instill environmental stewardship in the next generation of scientists."

Growing this collaboration symbolizes a significant stride in transforming chemistry education. Green chemistry places sustainability at the forefront of product and process design, providing the framework for scientists to address sustainability in the design stage of a product lifecycle. Supported by Dow, Beyond Benign launched the GCC 25×25 initiative in 2020, aiming to ensure 25% of graduating U.S. chemists possess green chemistry expertise by 2025. Over 107 U.S. universities, including many of Dow's academic partners, and over 160 universities globally have already joined, highlighting the widespread embrace and impact of green chemistry principles. To learn more about the GCC program and which universities have signed the pledge, please visit Beyond Benign's website: https://www.beyondbenign.org/he-green-chemistry-commitment/

About Beyond Benign:

Beyond Benign, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, envisions a world where the chemical building blocks of products used every day are healthy and safe for humans and the environment. Beyond Benign is fostering a green chemistry education community empowered to transform chemistry education for a sustainable future. Beyond Benign's continuum of sustainable science educational programs including, teacher and faculty training and curriculum development from K-20 are helping to build the next generation of scientists and citizens with the skills and knowledge to create and choose products that are safe for human health and the environment. Over the past 17 years, Beyond Benign has an extensive history of service, having trained over 6,500 K-12 teachers in sustainable science and green chemistry, designed over 200 open-access lessons, reached over 35,000 youth and community members through outreach, & partnered with over 160 universities to transform chemistry education. Together we can catalyze the development of green technological innovations that result in safer products and processes in support of a sustainable, healthy society.

Find us on X/Twitter @beyondbenign, on Instagram @beyondbenign, and follow us on Facebook @beyondbenign or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-benign-inc/.

About Dow:

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world's leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting https://www.dow.com/.

Related link: https://www.beyondbenign.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Education and Schools, Manufacturing, NonProfit and Charities

Beyond Benign and Dow expand collaboration to advance Green Chemistry education

WILMINGTON, Mass. -- Today, Dow (NYSE: DOW), a global leader in materials science, and Beyond Benign, a nonprofit organization focused on making green chemistry an integral part of education, announce an expanded multi-year collaboration. Building upon a foundation of cooperation, both organizations aim to advance chemistry education by empowering educators with the tools and resources to incorporate green chemistry into higher education curricula.

The collaboration, fueled by Dow's commitment to sustainability, will bolster Beyond Benign's initiatives in several key areas:

* Expansion of the Green Chemistry Commitment program: Over the next three years, Beyond Benign plans to accelerate the recruitment of universities globally into its Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) program, an institutional approach to advancing green chemistry in higher education (currently, more than 160 have joined). This expansion will further the integration of green chemistry principles into academic institutions worldwide.

* Design of on-demand professional training in Green Chemistry: Beyond Benign and Dow will partner with educators to design a cutting-edge on-demand training program focused on green chemistry. This initiative will provide educators and industry professionals with accessible resources to enhance their understanding and teaching of sustainable chemistry practices.

* Green Chemistry Education Challenge awards: Beyond Benign will provide university awards to support the advancement of Green Chemistry in teaching, research and service for 15-30 university educator teams.

* Support for Dow employee volunteer opportunities: Dow employees will have opportunities to engage as advocates, educators and learners in Green Chemistry initiatives, amplifying the impact of this collaboration across communities.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our efforts with Dow," says Amy Cannon, Beyond Benign Co-Founder and Executive Director. "This collaboration will allow us to deepen our connections with educators to provide key resources to train future scientists with the knowledge and skills to design safer chemical products. We will also provide support to universities through educational grants and peer support to enable further adoption of green chemistry in higher education."

With expanded support from Dow, Beyond Benign aims to collaborate globally, prioritizing relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the U.S. Beyond Benign seeks to increase participation of Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the GCC program to enhance the representation of scientists in the green chemistry field, empower faculty to integrate sustainability principles into chemistry education, and expand the diversity of the talent pool equipped to address critical sustainability challenges in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

"Beyond Benign's commitment to advancing green chemistry education is inspiring," says Bob Plishka, global director of Strategic Corporate Partnerships and Dow Company Foundation president. "This collaboration reflects Dow's commitment to sustainability and STEM & skilled trades, empowering educators to instill environmental stewardship in the next generation of scientists."

Growing this collaboration symbolizes a significant stride in transforming chemistry education. Green chemistry places sustainability at the forefront of product and process design, providing the framework for scientists to address sustainability in the design stage of a product lifecycle. Supported by Dow, Beyond Benign launched the GCC 25×25 initiative in 2020, aiming to ensure 25% of graduating U.S. chemists possess green chemistry expertise by 2025. Over 107 U.S. universities, including many of Dow's academic partners, and over 160 universities globally have already joined, highlighting the widespread embrace and impact of green chemistry principles. To learn more about the GCC program and which universities have signed the pledge, please visit Beyond Benign's website: https://www.beyondbenign.org/he-green-chemistry-commitment/

About Beyond Benign:

Beyond Benign, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, envisions a world where the chemical building blocks of products used every day are healthy and safe for humans and the environment. Beyond Benign is fostering a green chemistry education community empowered to transform chemistry education for a sustainable future. Beyond Benign's continuum of sustainable science educational programs including, teacher and faculty training and curriculum development from K-20 are helping to build the next generation of scientists and citizens with the skills and knowledge to create and choose products that are safe for human health and the environment. Over the past 17 years, Beyond Benign has an extensive history of service, having trained over 6,500 K-12 teachers in sustainable science and green chemistry, designed over 200 open-access lessons, reached over 35,000 youth and community members through outreach, & partnered with over 160 universities to transform chemistry education. Together we can catalyze the development of green technological innovations that result in safer products and processes in support of a sustainable, healthy society.

Find us on X/Twitter @beyondbenign, on Instagram @beyondbenign, and follow us on Facebook @beyondbenign or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-benign-inc/.

About Dow:

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world's leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting https://www.dow.com/.

Related link: https://www.beyondbenign.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, ElderSAFE Center, General Editorial, NonProfit and Charities, Real Estate, Ring House Independent Living

Experience the Epitome of Center-Stage Senior Living

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) announced today a series of fun and enriching LifeLAB events for March and April 2024. Offering a glimpse into the vibrant senior living lifestyle at CESLC, these complimentary events promise to engage, educate and entertain attendees on a variety of captivating subjects.

LifeLAB events range from delightful musical performances and fun, engaging social events to insightful panel discussions on the unique essence of residing at Charles E. Smith Life Communities and in-depth webinars delving into the latest advancements in wellness and science. These events offer something for everyone.

"We're thrilled to introduce our new LifeLAB events, designed to cultivate a passion for lifelong learning," remarked Bret Stine, the Executive Director for Ring House Independent Living. "Our upcoming series promises a delightful fusion of fun and education, tailored to nourish not just the mind but the heart and soul as well. We invite you to join us for one or all three of the events and embark on this enriching journey."

Upcoming Spring LifeLAB Events:

CHERRY BLOSSOM SIP N PAINT

Date & Time: Thursday, March 28, 3-5:30 p.m.

Location: Ring House at 1801 E Jefferson St, Rockville, MD 20852

Join us for a delightful afternoon of creativity and relaxation at the Cherry Blossom Sip N Paint event. Unleash your inner artist as you sip on refreshments and paint alongside fellow enthusiasts. All necessary supplies will be provided.

APPRAISAL ROADSHOW

Date & Time: Wednesday, April 10, 3-5 p.m.

Location: Ring House at 1801 E Jefferson St, Rockville, MD 20852

Discover the worth of your cherished antiques at our Appraisal Roadshow event. Just like the popular TV show, expert appraisers specializing in antiques and collectibles will evaluate your items for their historical, cultural and financial significance. Guests are encouraged to bring items or photographs for assessment.

RING HOUSE COMMUNITY LIVING 101

Date & Time: Tuesday, April 16, 10-11 a.m.

Location: Zoom Webinar

Delve into the intricacies of community living at Ring House in this informative webinar. Whether you're a solo ager or part of a couple, this LifeLAB event will provide valuable insights into entrance fee contracts, rental options, for-profit versus nonprofit structures and why Charles E. Smith Communities offers the best of all possible choices. Residents from Ring House will be on hand to answer your questions and share their experiences.

Don't miss out on these captivating opportunities to connect, learn and enjoy the vibrant lifestyle offered at Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Guests are more than welcome to bring along friends and loved ones to share in the experience.

RSVP today to secure your spot at any or all upcoming LifeLAB events. Call 301-381-5770 or visit https://liveatceslc.org/events/.

CESLC is committed to elevating both longevity and lifestyle, offering expansive options, comfortable surroundings, delicious dining, vibrant arts and so much more. The CESLC campus provides independent living, assisted living and memory care in upscale settings. As a nonprofit organization, money is invested back into their communities to benefit residents.

ABOUT CESLC:

Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving more than 1,100 older adults, is located on a 38-acre campus in Rockville, Maryland. Established as Hebrew Home of Greater Washington in 1910, CESLC is committed to providing residents meaningful connections, intellectual pursuits, artistic expression, active social lives and cultural exploration. CESLC offers independent living at Revitz House and Ring House; assisted living at Landow House; memory care at Cohen-Rosen House, with services, including post-acute care and long-term skilled nursing care at Hebrew Home of Greater Washington; medical care at Hirsh Health Center; and temporary shelter and advocacy for victims of elder abuse at the ElderSAFE(tm) Center.

Learn more: https://liveatceslc.org/

Related link: https://liveatceslc.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business, Education and Schools, NonProfit and Charities, Postdoc of the Year Award

Hokanson, Peterson & Williams Clayton Win 2024 Top Postdoctoral Awards

SEATTLE, Wash. -- During its annual conference, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) announced that Sarah Hokanson, Ph.D., Karen Peterson, Ph.D., and Sade Williams Clayton, Ph.D., are the 2024 winners of the organization's three most prestigious awards.

"These three awards represent the top honors that the NPA can bestow on individuals," said Caleb M. McKinney, Ph.D., M.P.S., chair of the NPA board. "We should all pause to reflect on this trio of excellence in mentorship, distinguished service to the postdoctoral community, and impeccable leadership while in one's postdoc position."

The NPA Gallagher Mentor Award recognizes the very best of mentors across the nation who advocate for postdoctoral scholars, celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) values, and empower their postdoc scholars to succeed. The NPA is dedicated to both recognizing champions and serving as a model for greater DEIB across the postdoctoral community.

Dr. Sarah Hokanson was selected as the 2024 Gallagher Mentor of the Year today to a field of applauding peers. "Mentoring is my most important, fulfilling, and joyful responsibility," she explained. "I am so grateful to be in collaborative learning relationships with such outstanding postdoctoral scholars and to have the opportunity to support them to make an impact through our work." Hokanson is assistant vice president and assistant provost of research development for Ph.D. and postdoctoral affairs at Boston University.

The NPA Distinguished Service Award recognizes the highest appreciation for an individual who has demonstrated a profound, sustained, or leadership contribution to improving the postdoctoral experience. Today, that honor was bestowed on Dr. Karen Peterson, an early advocate and former board member of the NPA.

"I'm very honored to receive this award from the NPA," commented Peterson, "which is leading the way to improve the lives of postdoctoral fellows and has been instrumental to my own career development over the past two decades." Peterson is the scientific ombudsman and director of the Office of Scientific Career Development at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

This year, the NPA presented its first Postdoc of the Year Award, bestowing that honor on Sade Williams Clayton, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow at Washington University in St. Louis. The award recognizes a postdoc who has advanced the postdoctoral community in an exceptional manner beyond their work duties and in alignment with the NPA mission and core values.

"I am so humbled by this recognition," said Williams Clayton. "I applaud the National Postdoctoral Association for providing this award as a platform to uplift the hard work that postdocs provide at and away from the bench to better the academic community."

"I'm thrilled that we are able to celebrate the incredible achievements of Dr. Williams Clayton beyond those of her day job," said Tom Kimbis, executive director and chief executive officer of the NPA. "The launch of the NPA Postdoc of the Year Award sends another strong signal that the NPA recognizes the irreplaceable role of postdocs in the greater research environment."

Individuals and organizations can follow the work of Drs. Hokanson, Peterson, and Williams Clayton online while also collaborating with the NPA, which is committed to advancing the skills and careers of our nation's hard-working postdoctoral scholars.

About the National Postdoctoral Association:

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) charitable and educational association headquartered in Bethesda, MD. Founded in 2003, the NPA envisions an inclusive community where all postdocs are empowered, valued, recognized, and supported in their current and future endeavors. The NPA serves the entire postdoctoral community, including its 20,000 individual and 250 organizational members.

Learn more: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

NPA Annual Conference 2024:

Learn more: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/events/eventdetails.aspx?id=1779542

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Education and Schools, NonProfit and Charities

National Postdoctoral Association Announces Free Membership for HBCU Students

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today announced that it would provide free membership to any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at any Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU). The same is true for any postdoctoral scholar ("postdoc") working at such an institution.

"Black History Month provides time for both reflection and action," said NPA executive director and chief executive officer, Thomas P. Kimbis. "We want to do our small part at pushing back against the tide that has historically disadvantaged certain Black students from attaining their desired jobs through first obtaining postdoc positions."

Data show that Black researchers are underrepresented in postdoctoral and university faculty positions. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, "6 percent of faculty were Black, specifically 4 percent Black female and 3 percent Black male" in 2021. Meanwhile, the U.S. Census Bureau finds that Black students make up 15.7 percent of all enrollments in higher education during the same time period, creating a significant disconnect between student and faculty positions.

According to a White House initiative, "HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. These institutions train young people who go on to serve domestically and internationally in the professions as entrepreneurs and in the public and private sectors."

"Building an inclusive community of support is foundational to the mission and the vision of NPA," said NPA chair of the board of directors, Caleb C. McKinney. Starting immediately, the NPA will offer free access to all of its resources to individuals at HBCU institutions to broaden understanding in the Black community of the pathways opened through postdoc positions.

As the national voice of the postdoctoral community, the NPA provides professional development, networking, skills education, and leadership opportunities to postdocs following a path to top academic, industry, entrepreneurial, nonprofit organization, and government positions.

About National Postdoctoral Association:

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational association headquartered in Rockville, MD. Founded in 2003, the NPA envisions an inclusive community where all postdocs are empowered, valued, recognized, and supported in their current and future endeavors. The NPA serves the entire postdoctoral community, including its 20,000 individual and 230 organizational members.

Learn more: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/Join

RELATED LINKS:

https://nces.ed.gov/

https://jbhe.com/2023/01/black-enrollments-in-post-pandemic-higher-education/

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Education and Schools, NonProfit and Charities

National Postdoctoral Association Announces Free Membership for HBCU Students

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today announced that it would provide free membership to any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at any Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU). The same is true for any postdoctoral scholar ("postdoc") working at such an institution.

"Black History Month provides time for both reflection and action," said NPA executive director and chief executive officer, Thomas P. Kimbis. "We want to do our small part at pushing back against the tide that has historically disadvantaged certain Black students from attaining their desired jobs through first obtaining postdoc positions."

Data show that Black researchers are underrepresented in postdoctoral and university faculty positions. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, "6 percent of faculty were Black, specifically 4 percent Black female and 3 percent Black male" in 2021. Meanwhile, the U.S. Census Bureau finds that Black students make up 15.7 percent of all enrollments in higher education during the same time period, creating a significant disconnect between student and faculty positions.

According to a White House initiative, "HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. These institutions train young people who go on to serve domestically and internationally in the professions as entrepreneurs and in the public and private sectors."

"Building an inclusive community of support is foundational to the mission and the vision of NPA," said NPA chair of the board of directors, Caleb C. McKinney. Starting immediately, the NPA will offer free access to all of its resources to individuals at HBCU institutions to broaden understanding in the Black community of the pathways opened through postdoc positions.

As the national voice of the postdoctoral community, the NPA provides professional development, networking, skills education, and leadership opportunities to postdocs following a path to top academic, industry, entrepreneurial, nonprofit organization, and government positions.

About National Postdoctoral Association:

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational association headquartered in Rockville, MD. Founded in 2003, the NPA envisions an inclusive community where all postdocs are empowered, valued, recognized, and supported in their current and future endeavors. The NPA serves the entire postdoctoral community, including its 20,000 individual and 230 organizational members.

Learn more: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/Join

RELATED LINKS:

https://nces.ed.gov/

https://jbhe.com/2023/01/black-enrollments-in-post-pandemic-higher-education/

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, LA Sports Awards, Los Angeles Sports Council Foundation, NonProfit and Charities, Sports and Activities

LA Sports Council Announces New President & CEO Matthew Cacciato

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The LA Sports Council, the region's premier sports trade association, is proud to announce the hiring of a new President and CEO of the organization, Matthew Cacciato.

Before joining LA Sports Council, Cacciato served as the Executive Director for Ohio University College of Business' AECOM Center for Sports Administration, and their renowned Master of Sports Administration graduate program. He also held the titles of Executive in Residence and Assistant Professor of Instruction. Prior to joining Ohio University, he spent 23 years in the cable sports television industry as a distribution executive for ESPN, Fox Cable Networks and the Yankees Entertainment & Sports Programming Network (YES Network).

"Matt has built an exceptional career for more than three decades across multiple industries providing strong leadership and advancing every organization he's led," said Dave Klewan, Chairman of the Board of Directors for LA Sports Council and General Manager of the Genesis Invitational. "Matt has the right mix of deep experience in the sports world and an understanding of the importance of community and education that can ensure the LA Sports Council continues to be a leader in uniting the worlds of sports and business."

As President, Cacciato's first initiative will be the organization's 19th Annual LA Sports Awards, a flagship celebration honoring the best in LA sports and top moments of the year. Cacciato will also oversee LA Sports Council's community program, Ready, Set, Gold!. RSG! is a community health, fitness, and social and emotional learning program that partners Olympians and Paralympians with Southern California schools to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

"I am excited to join an organization that plays such a vital role in promoting everything LA sports are about: the athletes, organizations, business leaders, and community members that help make Southern California the epicenter of the sports world," Cacciato said. "In a region the size of Los Angeles, you really see the unique power that sports have to bring us together. Our work to unite the LA sports industry can only lead to greater strength and a stronger and healthier community and economy for all."

Cacciato previously served on the board of the Ohio nonprofit organization Recreation Unlimited, a year-round 24/7 respite facility committed to providing the best and safest sports and recreation experiences for youth and adults with disabilities and health concerns. Cacciato also co-founded Blue Beautiful Skies, a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness and funding for lung cancer research benefitting The Ohio State University's James Comprehensive Cancer Center's Thoracic care unit, where his late wife Annie received world class care and treatment for eight years.

About the LA Sports Council:

Founded in 1988, the LA Sports Council, a non-profit 501(c)(6), is the premier sports trade association in the Los Angeles region. Through year-round programming including the LA Sports Awards, LA Sports Innovation Conference, and Ready, Set, Gold!, the LA Sports Council brings together and celebrates the greatest sports community in the world.

The LASC Board of Directors also represents the Board of the Los Angeles Sports Council Foundation and the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games (SCCOG). Although separate organizations, all entities work together for a common goal.

For more information, visit https://www.lasports.org/.

About Ready, Set, Gold!

Founded in 2006, Ready, Set, Gold! is a community health, fitness and social and emotional learning program that promotes healthy and active lifestyles to children in Southern California schools. RSG! is a public-private partnership between the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games (SCCOG), The Foundation for Global Sports Development, and several public-school districts. RSG! believes that every student should have equal access to resources that support physical health and academic achievement. For more information, visit https://www.readysetgold.net/.

Related link: https://www.lasports.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, NonProfit and Charities

BioAustinCTX Adds Cindy WalkerPeach and Ryan Hawkins to the Board of Directors

AUSTIN, Texas -- BioAustinCTX, Central Texas' Life Science industry organization, announced today the appointment of Cindy WalkerPeach, PhD and Ryan Hawkins to its Board of Directors.

Cindy WalkerPeach has been involved in the Central Texas life science ecosystem since 1996, having relocated to Austin to join a bioscience startup. She currently leads the development of the Nexxus Project at the University of Texas at Austin and serves on the national faculty for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Programs. Prior to UT, she was the Chief Product Development Officer at the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). Prior to government service, Dr. WalkerPeach has 20+ years experience in the biotechnology sector as a member of several life science company management teams, all located in Central Texas, where she led product development and commercial operations.

"It's an exciting time, as Central Texas continues its development into a first-class life sciences hub. BioAustinCTX has been, and continues to be, a critical component for connectivity within the region," said WalkerPeach.

Ryan Hawkins is an accomplished biopharmaceutical leader with 25 years' experience in the life sciences. Ryan serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Disruption Labs, a plant-derived delivery technology company serving the nutraceutical industry. Prior to joining Disruption Labs, Ryan was responsible for Technical Operations at Molecular Templates, a clinical stage biotechnology company and spent 20 years in the biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing industry.

"All of the ingredients are present in Austin and Central Texas to have thriving, dynamic life science community that creates benefits beyond the advertised value proposition. Being a part of creating our secret sauce recipe that attracts people, conversation, companies, and community building is very exciting. As a member of the BioAustinCTX board, I look forward to unlocking our community's potential in this regard," said Hawkins.

"Cindy and Ryan bring tremendous experience and knowledge and we look forward to the energy and expertise they will bring to advancing BioAustinCTX's pivotal role in growing the life science ecosystem in Central Texas," said Scott Collins, Board of Directors President.

About BioAustinCTX:

BioAustinCTX is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas focused on advancing the life science industry in the Central Texas Region. Visit BioAustinCTX for more information: https://bioaustinctx.com/.

Related link: https://bioaustinctx.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business, Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation, Catalyst Awards, NonProfit and Charities

Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation Celebrates First Annual Catalyst Awards

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. -- The Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation recently held the first annual Catalyst Awards luncheon at LaCigale in Delray Beach. Pastor Bill Mitchell of CityLead Boca and Delray Beach police Sgt. Danny Pacheco Jr. of Delray Kicks were each honored as the inaugural recipients of cash grants of $32,500 each. The Catalyst Award program was established to celebrate the spirit of the late entrepreneur and humanitarian Carl Angus DeSantis.

Launched officially just over a year ago, the Foundation has already distributed almost $4 million dollars to organizations and individuals who exemplify the spirit of community, leadership, and excellence personified by Carl DeSantis.

"Carl was a man of action, he made things happen," said Jeff Perlman, Executive Vice President at CDS International Holdings and Foundation Administrator. "He was compassionate, generous, and colorful. In a word, he was a catalyst. To honor his legacy in a way that embodies his character, we created this award to recognize the people in our community who show us what is possible when we take action to help others."

One of the two individuals honored as a Catalyst winner is Pastor Bill Mitchell of Boca Community Church, whose CityLead Boca program has made a huge difference in the city and has now been scaled to other towns in Florida and the Midwest. The monthly program provides lessons in life, business, family, and community. Founded in 2014, Pastor Mitchell saw an opportunity to speak to the business community of South Florida, with a vision to raise the bar of character and ethics in the area.

The other 2024 Catalyst winner is Sgt. Danny Pacheco Jr., who founded Delray Kicks, a soccer program that works with mainly immigrant children, who are often wary of law enforcement. As an immigrant from Peru, Pacheco Jr. understood the children's experiences and strove to create a program that has helped build relationships, taught citizenship, and brought positive change to the lives of the kids they serve, making Delray Beach a better community for everyone.

"There is no application for the Catalyst Award," explained Perlman. "The work these recipients do speaks so loudly, that it cannot help but be noticed."

The Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation also awards grants through an application process and these recipients were also recognized at the luncheon with presentations about each organization's mission, which will be accelerated by the Foundation's grant.

Organizations that were awarded funding this year include:

* The Indaba Foundation, which works diligently to change the lives of mothers and children in the winelands of South Africa.

* The Convoy of Hope, which helps local churches distribute supplies and aid to the survivors of the fires in Lahaina.

* The E. Gerald Kay Scholarship at Rutgers University, which honors the legacy of DeSantis' long-time friend and nutrition pioneer Jerry Kay.

* The Mayo Clinic to support cutting-edge Alzheimer's research.

* The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience to support Dr. Nico Spiller and his team's research into neuronal mechanisms related to memory, decision-making, and movement.

* The Florida Alzheimer's Center of Excellence at FAU, which coordinates services and support for families whose loved ones suffer from the disease.

* 4Kids which helps children in crisis through a variety of holistic programs.

* The Achievement Center for Children & Families, which provides quality early childhood education for the most-needy.

* The EJS Project provides teenagers with the opportunities to meet political, civic, and business leaders.

* Bound For College which guides and supports students through every step along the path towards success at college, breaking the cycle of poverty.

* Second Chance Initiative employs women who have overcome significant obstacles in their lives and provides the opportunity to create a brighter future.

For more information visit: https://www.carldesantis.org/

About The Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation:

Inspired by the innovative spirit and generous heart of entrepreneur and humanitarian, Carl Angus DeSantis, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Foundation that bears his name was established to honor his legacy while providing game-changing support for nonprofits and individuals whose initiatives model DeSantis's guiding principles. With a focus on Civic Innovation, Faith-based Giving, Health & Nutrition, and Leadership & Entrepreneurship, the Foundation's mission is to champion people of action who are a transformative force for good in this world. As the founder of the global vitamin leader Rexall Sundown and the visionary behind Celsius' international success as a fitness drink, DeSantis had an illustrious and an inspiring career as an entrepreneur, however, his true talent was helping others thrive. Through the Foundation's work, new generations will benefit from DeSantis' extraordinary influence.

Related link: https://www.carldesantis.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Education and Schools, General Editorial, NonProfit and Charities

10th Annual Cursive is Cool Contest Launches for Students in North America

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The American Handwriting Analysis Foundation announced that their annual "Cursive is Cool"® contest is now open to North American students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. The contest dates are January 23 through April 15, 2024.

Students are encouraged to enter early. Prizes will be awarded for First Place, Second Place, and Third Place based on legibility and neatness. One of each prize per grade will be awarded. There will also be a prize awarded for each grade for the most Creative Content and a random drawing will be held at the conclusion of the contest, so every entry has the chance to win a prize!

"We are helping young writers find their voices. Every entry has an equal chance to win. Our judges are excited and look forward to reading the kids' points of view. The entries are enlightening and often entertaining," remarked Lauren Mooney Bear CG, Campaign for Cursive Chair and President of the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation.

The annual cursive contest has many supporters. The North American contest supporters continue to grow, with Holistic Health Counseling Center, Blind Pig Press, Amsterdam Printing, CursiveLogic, Sheila Lowe Author, Dixon Ticonderoga, Fahrney's Pens, Itoya, Louise Borden Author, Caran D'ache, Gary's RV Repair in AZ, Christy Zwenger Author, New American Cursive, J6R6, Mirthos Paper, PEN World, Profolio, Sakura, and Writing Academy. People and businesses from the four corners of North America are enthusiastic about supporting the Cursive Is Cool contest.

"Write don't type! Cursive is creative and it's fun to try different kinds of pens to write with," says Dr. Marion Rollings, Vice-President of the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation.

The contest dates are January 23 through April 15, 2024.

For more information, contact Lauren Mooney Bear: CursiveIsCool@gmail.com.

Learn more: https://ahafhandwriting.org/AHAF_s_Campaign_for_Cursive

"You don't have to be the best writer this year

To win a prize that will bring you cheer.

Entering is the main thing to do

To win a prize to be sent to you!"

About the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation:

The Foundation is a 501-(c)6 non-profit organization, chartered and incorporated in California, and are the sponsors of Campaign for Cursive®, and will graciously accept donations.

Visit https://www.ahafhandwriting.org/.

Related link: https://www.ahafhandwriting.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022