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TUESDAY | NOVEMBER 4, 2024 | #ISSUE 38
AYÉYA LAUNCHES NEW LINE OF ETHICAL BODY AND HOME CARE
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PURE STRATEGIES PRESENTS A UNIQUE LEARNING
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SINCE
Reduction of Women in Senior Leadership KEY FACTORS TO COUNTERACT
Leading NOW, the award-winning leadership authority and advisor to organizations seeking to create more equitable cultures, announces its latest research from the Gender Dynamics Institute: The 9 Critical Differentiators™ necessary for women in the workplace to reach Executive level roles.
Recent research from McKinsey/Lean In and WBC show a trend for women at the Vice President level and above dropping by 10% in 2023, and the percentage of women CEOs in the S&P500 dropping to 7.8%, begging the question: Why do women stall in their careers? Finally, that question has been answered. By utilizing our proprietary research on the barriers to women in leadership (The Missing 33%® and Gender Dynamics in the Workplace™) as a foundation, the GDI examined key factors over the past 10+ years that have impacted women's leadership progression. The result is an unprecedented discovery of The 9 Critical Differentiators™ which reveals the specific skills and competencies that women need to develop to move from Director level to Vice President and up to senior executive level roles. The research also explores and identifies what organizations must do to develop talent deeper within the talent pipeline to eradicate this trend.
Kelly Lockwood Primus, CEO of Leading NOW, says "Although women have made strides into senior leadership roles, the majority of those roles are in staff positions such as marketing, human resources, legal and finance. Without the requisite experience or knowledge of the enterprise's operations, these roles rarely lead to that of CEO. Our latest research shows that women do not have the operational expertise, nor have they had the opportunity to develop in these areas, to get to the C-Suite. This research further proves that until organizations take succession planning into account for the lack of women in the leadership talent pipeline, even the most powerful companies will continue to face a shortage of women in senior leadership roles."
Leading NOW provides cutting edge research and leadership development programs for our global clients based on real world business experience and insights. With two new generations in the workforce, our latest research towards closing the leadership Gender Gap is another step in achieving parity for women in senior leadership roles.
ABOUT LEADING NOW
Leading NOW guides current and future leaders in creating more equitable organizations. We focus on building cultures of inclusion, developing inclusive leaders, and preparing underrepresented talent for career advancement. A global team of experienced business people, we solve the problems businesses face in talent management. And, our uniquely customized leadership development programs are highly engaging and experiential to help build a pipeline of future leaders for your organization.
As award-winning recognized experts, we work alongside you—to drive immediate and sustainable outcomes for your organization. We have a strong track record of success spanning nearly 20 years, working with a wide range of organizations and industries around the world.
Leading NOW is defining the future of inclusive leadership for the 21st Century.
SOURCE Leading NOW, llc.
FINANCE
Synchrony Foundation Reinforces Commitment to Elevate Women in Trades
A $100,000 Donation to Women in HVACR to Support Scholarships as Part of Synchrony’s Education as an Equalizer Initiative. Synchrony, a premier consumer financial services company, is a steadfast advocate for womens’ representation in trade jobs as a driver of economic opportunity. The company is reinforcing that belief with a $100,000 donation from the Synchrony Foundation to Women in HVACR . The commitment will fund scholarships for women pursuing careers in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry.
“Synchrony’s support plays a crucial role in our shared mission to encourage networking, education, mentoring, and increasing the presence of women in the trades,” said Lori Tschohl, President, Women in HVACR. “We believe fostering diversity and providing opportunities for women in HVACR enriches our industry and ensures a broader range of perspectives and solutions.”
The donation, presented at WHVACR’s 21st Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas, includes $50,000 to be awarded in 2024 and an additional $50,000 in 2025. This contribution builds on Synchrony’s existing sponsorship of WHVACR, which includes organizational memberships and support for educational events throughout the year.
“By investing in scholarships for women in trades like HVACR, we’re not only supporting individual career growth but also strengthening the industry as a whole,” said Curtis Howse, EVP and CEO, Home & Auto, Synchrony. “Our partnership with Women in ACR aligns with Synchrony’s commitment to expanding access to education and supporting diversity in trade industries.”
The donation to WHVACR is part of Synchrony’s broader Education as an Equalizer initiative, which aims to unlock economic opportunity for underserved communities through expanded access to higher education, skills training, and financial literacy.
“Education as an Equalizer is at the core of our philanthropic efforts,” said Synchrony Foundation President Denise Yap. “By supporting organizations like WHVACR, we’re helping to create pathways
for underrepresented groups to access education and build successful careers in high-demand fields.”
In 2023, Synchrony and the Synchrony Foundation donated over $19 million to more than 400 charitable organizations.
The company’s commitment to corporate citizenship extends beyond financial contributions, with employees logging over 19,200 volunteer hours in 2023. Learn more about Synchrony’s corporate citizenship initiatives here.
About Women in HVACR Women in HVACR (WHVACR) exists to improve the lives of its members by providing professional avenues to connect with other women growing their careers in the HVACR industry. The organization empowers women to succeed through networking opportunities, mentoring, and education.
ASK YOUR MONEY COACH
By: Jen Nash, AFC®
Money doesn’t just live in our wallets. It lives in our relationships, our health, in the food we eat, in how we spend our time… It determines how many options we have. It can be a constant source of stress or it can give us the freedom to live life on our own terms.
Most people carry their financial challenges in solitude. It wasn’t spoken of in their home growing up and they don’t talk about it now. Don’t worry. I won’t pressure you to break your silence. Instead, I come bearing a safe, anonymous space for you to share your concerns freely and receive compassionate, expert financial guidance. This is a place where judgment has no home, and your struggles are met with empathy, understanding and actionable solutions.
Q: I recently received a large tax refund. Should I save it, pay off debt, or invest it?
A: When it comes to managing a large, onetime sum, it’s important to be intentional. Here’s an order of operations that can maximize its impact:
Save: If you don’t have an emergency fund, this is the first place to start. Aim to have at least one month of core expenses saved.
Pay off debt: AFTER you have a one-month emergency fund, redirect additional funds towards paying down high-interest debt, such as credit cards. Reducing your balance will save you significant money in interest over time.
Investing? Maybe not just yet. Take full advantage of your company’s retirement plan match, but
hold off on additional investments until you’ve paid off all high-interest debt and built a solid 3–6-month emergency fund. Why? It’s hard to justify paying 25% in credit card interest when your investments are unlikely to yield a return higher than that. By eliminating debt first, you free up more resources to invest smarter and grow your wealth faster in the long run.
Q: I’m a caregiver for my elderly parent and feel overwhelmed by medical expenses. What can I do?
A: Caregiving is one of the most selfless roles you can take on, but it often comes with financial stress. Here are some steps to ease the burden: Track all expenses associated with caregiving. Medical bills, transportation costs, and even time away from work add up quickly. By tracking them, you can identify areas where you might save. Explore benefits and assistance programs through Medicaid, Medicare, local government services or non-profit organizations that can assist with costs. Use a health savings account (HSA). If your parent is on a high-deductible health plan, an HSA will allow you to use pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses, which can reduce the overall tax burden on these necessary costs.
Remember that financial wellness is a journey, not a destination. The goal is really just to be 1% better today than you were yesterday. You’re not alone in this journey—reach out, let us know what’s keeping you up at night. We’re here to support you.
Uncle Funky’s Daughter Announces MPoWR Her Grant to Empower Female Entrepreneurs at Texas Southern University
Uncle Funky’s Daughter, a leading natural hair care brand, has partnered with Texas Southern University (TSU) to empower female entrepreneurs through the MPoWR Her Grant. This initiative, supported by a $50,000 endowment from The Rhoten Morris Family Foundation, will be awarded annually to an African-American female student at TSU’s Entrepreneurial Hub, providing critical financial support for their startup ventures.
This initiative is especially significant in light of the current entrepreneurial landscape. According to J.P. Morgan, African-American women are the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the United States, increasing by a staggering 50% between 2014 and 2019, compared to the 24% increase among women-owned businesses overall. However, despite their growing presence, AfricanAmerican female founders receive less than 0.35% of total venture capital funding in the U.S., forcing many to rely on personal savings and credit to fund their ventures.
A recent 2023 report from the Federal Reserve Bank revealed that 65% of Black women business owners rely on personal funds to start and grow their businesses, compared to just 55% of their white counterparts.
Photo: by Pixabay
Synchrony Foundation donates $100,000 to Women in HVACR to support scholarships as part of Synchrony’s Education as an Equalizer Initiative.
Uncle Funky’s Daughter Cont’d on page 8
Synchrony Foundation Cont’d on page 8
AXA XL Unveils New Cyber Insurance
Extending Coverage to Help Businesses Manage Emerging Gen AI Risks
To help businesses manage risks arising from developing their own Generative AI (Gen AI) models, AXA XL unveiled new coverage, available by endorsement, to its cyber insurance coverage globally, extending coverage to address specific Gen AI risks.
According to Michael Colao, AXA XL’s Global Chief Underwriting Officer, Cyber, “Looking to improve efficiency, improve customer experience, and so much more, more companies are investing in developing their own Generative AI to unlock new possibilities. They must also be mindful of the risks that come with it, such as potential misuse, com plia nce issues, and the need for robust safeguards to ensure responsible and secure deployment.”
AXA XL’s new endorsement addresses the following new Gen AI risks that clients may face:
Data poisoning: Manipulating or contaminating the training data, not just the client’s data, used to develop machine learning models. By introducing misleading or false information into the training data, attackers can compromise the performance and accuracy of the resulting AI systems, leaving businesses with a costly data
cleanup and litigation risks. Usage rights infringement: Negligently failing to obtain appropriate permissions to use particular items or data, such as
copyrighted materials, software licenses, and intellectual property in machine learning.
Regulatory violations: Liability
Pink Collar Crime
Bloomington Woman Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme
The last remaining defendant in the November 4, 2024, trial in the Haji’s Kitchen indictment has pleaded guilty to her role in the $250 million
resulting from the European Union’s AI Act which aims to regulate the development and deployment of AI systems.
“Our clients sought help navigating this unchartered territory and, with our brokers’ input and feedback, we’re pleased to develop an innovative, market-leading insurance solution to provide clear coverage for these risks and help them leverage GenAI without the worry of potential risks and extra costs that could hinder their efforts,” Mr. Colao added.
The new Gen AI coverage is available by endorsement to AXA XL’s CyberRiskConnect policy, available throughout the U.S and Canada, U.K. and Lloyd’s market, and Europe and Asia.
Globally, AXA XL offers a range of cyber insurance products and services to help businesses protect themselves against cyber threats. Offerings include coverage for investigating and managing cyber incidents, financial protection against liabilities, and risk management services to strengthen cybersecurity.
SOURCE AXA XL
Girls Inc. and #HalfTheStory Announce National Education Partnership
To Support Girls’ Healthy Relationships with Technology
Girls Inc. and #HalfTheStory announced a groundbreaking digital wellness partnership for girls in underserved communities across America. This innovative collaboration between the two organizations offers a unique opportunity to address the pressing issue of digital wellness for young girls at scale, reaching underserved communities across America.
as body image, friendships, healthy digital habits, and safety from sexual predators. Programming will emphasize online safety education, responsible social media engagement, and mental health support, equipping girls with the tools to navigate their environment confidently and resiliently.
At launch, this partnership will focus on preteens, targeting prevention efforts to mitigate the harms of social media at a critical age. The organizations have an expansive vision to extend their impact, reaching girls from elementary through high school with additional resources and funding.
According to court documents, in February 2020, Farhiya Mohamud, 65, of Bloomington, created Dua Supplies & Distribution Inc. (“Dua Supplies”), a business that purported to supply food to paying customers. Mohamud’s customers participated as vendors in the Federal Child Nutrition Program, including co-defendants Haji Osman Salad and Fahad Nur. The money from Salad and Nur, which purported to be for “food supply” or “food services,” accounted for most of the funds that Mohamud deposited into her business bank accounts.
For 160 years, Girls Inc. has served millions of girls across the United States and Canada— particularly girls from low-income communities and girls of color.
In reality, Mohamud knew that she purchased relatively minimal amounts of food and thus supplied little, if any, food to Salad and Nur. Instead, she used the funds to purchase real estate, which she did at the direction of her son, Sharmarke Issa, and for his benefit.
#HalfTheStory is a non-profit dedicated to improving the next generation’s relationship with technology. Through this new education program, Girls Inc. and #HalfTheStory will work to equip girls with the tools needed to thrive in the digital age, fostering healthier, more balanced relationships with technology.
“As a young girl who nearly lost my life to social media, it’s a dream come true to bring #HalfTheStory’s work to the masses through Girls Inc.,” said Larissa May, founder and CEO of #HalfTheStory. “As #HalfTheStory celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, this partnership marks a pivotal moment in our mission to reach one million youth by 2030 and improve the next generation’s relationship with technology. We can’t save the world through fear—only through solutions.”
Mohamud, who is the 23rd defendant to plead guilty to charges relating to the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, appeared today in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel and pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
#HalfTheStory launched its education platform, Social Media U, to scale its impact to schools across the US, UK, and Canada. This educational intervention program helps mitigate the harms of technology while educating teens on how their digital habits impact their digital wellness.
#HalfTheStory’s strength-based program with Girls Inc. will equip girls in the digital age with the skills they need by addressing key issues such
“It is an honor to partner with #HalfTheStory to bring digital health programming to girls across the Girls Inc. Network,” said Dr. Stephanie J. Hull, President & CEO of Girls Inc. “We believe that when girls develop the skills to leverage the digital space in healthy, positive, and productive ways, the benefits are limitless. They are stronger and more adept leaders who build solid social and emotional connections.”
SOURCE #HalfTheStory
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert, Joseph H. Thompson, and Harry M. Jacobs are prosecuting the case. SOURCE Justice.gov
PHOTO BY THISISENGINEERING
MEET THE FOUNDER
How Caroline Blanck, Founder of Mandy, is Redefining the Male-Dominated Tool Industry
Caroline Blanck believes that every woman can do-it-herself with the right tools, which is why she recently launched Mandy. Mandy was created to revolutionize the male-dominated tool industry through the creation of DIY tools specifically designed for women and was born out of her frustration with the lack of stylish, functional tools for women. “I wanted to create something that made women feel confident and excited about taking on home projects,” said Blanck. “Mandy is about giving women the tools—literally and figuratively—to create spaces they love without sacrificing style or practicality.”
As young women move frequently and make the most of small spaces, the Hot Girl Toolkit, Mandy’s flagship product, offers a solution that is both beautiful and functional, proving that style and capability can go hand in hand. Each pink toolkit includes seven essential tools in a special custom table book for easy storage to help women bring their DIY projects to life. Mandy’s vision is to build a world where women don’t have to choose between being feminine and being capable, bringing a new perspective to the DIY industry.
“Mandy is not just a brand, it’s a movement. We are here to redefine what it means to be handy and to ensure that every woman has the tools and knowledge to turn their desire into reality.”
Leveraging AI to Empower Women
The company is also leveraging emerging technology through the Mandy Toolbot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to answer questions and help women tackle any DIY project, including questions about décor and
handy tips on how best to create and build projects to improve your home environment.
About the Founder Caroline Blanck is a dynamic entrepreneur with a rich background in sustainability, law and emerging technologies. Blanck has cultivated a unique blend of expertise that is intricately woven into the fabric of Mandy. Passionate about breaking down barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces, she has channeled her love for DIY and commitment to empowerment into creating Mandy. Her vision is to revolutionize the DIY space by providing women with tools that are not only functional, but beautifully designed. This ensures that every tool reflects the strength and elegance of its user. Blanck is a graduate of Brown University (B.S. 2019), Columbia School of International and Public Affairs (M.P.A. 2020) and will graduate from Stanford in 2025 (J.D./M.B.A.).
About Mandy
Mandy is a female-founded brand that reimagines traditional DIY tools to empower women through stylish, functional designs. Founded by Caroine Blanck, a current JD/MBA student at Stanford, Mandy aims to revolutionize the male-dominated tool industry through the creation of DIY tools specifically designed for women. Mandy is mission-driven and committed to quality, innovation, education and support, inclusivity, sustainability and community building. Hot Girl Toolkits are available online and at local retailers, including 3NY in Soho, NY and Aloof lcon in Southampton, NY.
SOURCE: Mandy
Goal Beyond Launches the Beyond Restart Program with over 3,000 Fellows
Through career development and financial wellness support, learners are given a fresh start. Goal Beyond Inc., a 501c(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting learners in achieving durable economic mobility, is proud to unveil the launch of its Beyond Restart program. Fellows (individuals who obtained certain private loans to pay for their education) are being granted relief from their defaulted private student loan debt so that Goal Beyond can help them sharpen their professional skills, obtain financial wellness support, and create a fresh start. Goal Beyond was awarded a $25,000 grant from California Education Assistance, Inc. (CalEdAssist) to acquire the charged off debts and cancel all collections activity as part of a research pilot to test user engagement and track longitudinal career and economic outcomes.
As part of the program, Fellows will be notified of the amount of debt relief and offered the opportunity to opt into two tracks focused on career development and financial counseling in partnership with AscentUP and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling respectively. Goal Beyond will continue to track outcomes for up to 5 years to understand how these interventions impact career trajectories, credit scores, and income for Fellows. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at providing learners with pathways for both professional and financial success – thus enabling durable economic growth.
The pilot will include a group of approximately
3,400 Fellows in the United States and leverage provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which provides that there is no federal income tax imposed on student loan forgiveness through December 31, 2025.
Goal Beyond intends to raise additional catalytic, philanthropic capital to purchase more charged-off private student loan portfolios to scale the reach and impact of the pilot. Ken Ruggiero, Goal Beyond’s Chief Executive Officer, has extensive experience in both the finance and higher education industries – giving him a unique vantage point in terms of how to holistically address the needs of a wide variety of learners. “Goal Beyond was founded to promote learner success – both academically and economically. By focusing our efforts on two critical levers – access to a quality education and financial opportunity – we believe that our Fellows will be positioned on a pathway to durable economic mobility. That is what makes this initiative so exciting, and we look forward to sharing our preliminary outcomes in the near future.”
About Goal Beyond:
Goal Beyond is a non-profit organization, founded in 2020 and based in San Diego, CA, with a mission to create the ecosystem that enables all learners to access a quality education and employers to source talent in a rapidly evolving labor market.
SOURCE Goal Beyond
Ayéya Launches New Line of Ethical Body and Home Care Products Supporting Women
New Sustainable Wellness Brand, Ayéya, dedicated to preserving African traditions and empowering local women through ethically sourced body care and home products, is thrilled to announce its official launch. Beginning today, Ayéya is debuting a range of bath soaps, laundry and dish tablets, and home cleaning supplies at Whole Foods Market nationwide. On a mission to provide economic independence to women in Africa and mitigate climate change globally, Ayéya is redefining what it means to create impact through conscious consumerism.
Created with the intention to honor the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, Ayéya is committed to creating meaningful employment for African women and supporting community development through their sustainably sourced products made with authentic, functional and high-quality ingredients, and recyclable packaging. With every purchase, Ayéya supports fair wages and sustainable employment for over 300,000 people in Ghana and Togo.
The brand’s debut at Whole Foods Market, as well as direct-to-consumer, launches Ayéya into the $11 billion natural and organic skincare space with a portfolio of purpose-driven, transparently sourced, artisan made products, including:
• Naked Soaps and Bath Bombs, exclusive to Whole Foods Market
• Home Cleaning Laundry Tablets, Dish Tablets, Multi-Function Spray and All Purpose/ Multi-Surface Cleaner Tablets, first to market at Whole Foods Market
• Ina by Ayéya Bar Soaps, Bath Bombs, and Bath Salts, exclusive to Sprouts Farmers
Market And many more Ayéya was founded by Olowo-n’djo Tchala, who sought to catalyze positive change in West Africa by creating not just skincare and haircare products, but also a socially conscious enterprise that uplifts
communities. With over 20 years of experience working directly with African communities, Ayéya stands as a beacon of empowerment and cultural respect.
“Our brand is about more than just beautiful
products,” said Olo Tchala, founder of Ayéya. “It’s about creating a virtuous cycle where business success is intertwined with social impact. We believe in the strength of women and the potential of local communities to thrive through meaningful economic opportunities.”
Ayéya works directly to support West African women and youth by providing them with sustainable wages, clean water and employment to break the cycle of economic injustice and gender equality through The Ayeya Family of Impact Organizations. This organization is dedicated to improving market access for women and youth in Ghana and Togo, addressing challenges such as economic opportunity and clean water access. By supporting African communities through sustainable wages and employment, Ayéya is breaking the cycles of economic injustice and gender inequality, while delivering products that shoppers can feel good about purchasing and using.
Additionally, Ayeya operates on climate forward brand practices by using sustainable ingredient choices, local processing, climate impact reduction and less packaging and plastics.
Available now on shelves is a line of unwrapped soaps and complementary bath bomb bars featured exclusively at Whole Foods Market in support of their “mood” campaign, with SKUs ranging from “Empower” and “Nurture” to “Uplift”, “Love” and “Cheer.” Additional products including their Home Cleaning Line, Traditional African Black Soaps, and exclusive line with Sprouts will launch this November, with additional items continuing to roll out in 2025. All products are also available online and on Amazon for nationwide shipping.
Inspiration and Innovation at the WOC Symposium 2024
Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WOC)® is thrilled to announce the WOC Symposium 2024, a hybrid event designed to educate, connect, and empower women of color in the philanthropic sector. On November 13, 2024, the event will commence with a series of virtual sessions at 9:30 AM ET, concluding with a special inperson keynote conversation and networking reception at the AIANY | Center for Architecture, located at 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012, starting at 6:00 PM ET.
(NamasteData), Giselle Melo (Matr Ventures), Hawa Abdul (Hawa Cosmetics), Sara Lomelin (Philanthropy Together), Hali Lee (Asian Women Giving Circle, Anjelica Garcia (Ms. Foundation for Women), among others.
Dynamic Keynote Conversation
The in-person keynote will feature Yolanda F. Johnson, Founder and CEO of (WOC)®, in a thought-provoking discussion with Deborah Koenigsberger, Founder and CEO of Hearts of Gold Inc.
The highlight of the day will be an engaging in-person keynote conversation that explores the intersection of philanthropy and social impact.
Highlights of the Symposium Include: In-Depth Virtual Sessions
Participants will engage with experts on essential topics such as “Accelerating Innovation: A Conversation on Artificial Intelligence, Fundraising, and Philanthropy” and “Building and Maintaining a Successful and Inclusive Development Team.”
Speakers include industry leaders like Meena Das
Networking and Community Building
The evening’s reception provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to network, About Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WOC)® WOC® champions, supports, and uplifts women of color in the fundraising and philanthropic sectors, providing a strong community and unmatched professional development opportunities.
SOURCE Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WOC)
Pure Strategies Presents a Unique Learning and Engagement Opportunity
For Business Annual Membership Program for Corporate Nature Strategies
Pure Strategies, a sustainability consulting firm empowering brands and retailers to realize meaningful environmental and social improvement, is offering the Nature Action Forum Annual Membership program to help companies start and progress nature strategies and connect to climate strategies.
The Nature Action Forum for Business will be in its third year in 2025, and it now includes two paths, which can be combined:
• Introductory program, for those looking to learn more about corporate nature actions and how to get started, starting March 2025
• Annual program, for any professionals working on corporate nature programs looking to progress their efforts, starting January 2025
Both programs are structured to support peer interaction and learning opportunities with access to experts and resources to support action-oriented progress. Both memberships include seats for two people per organization, providing:
• Curated resources and tools for companies at any stage in their nature journey
• Action-oriented ways of advancing nature strategies
• Networking and peer learning
• Access to Pure Strategies and external experts
• Virtual meetings and in-person meetings
Demand for Jewelry as Gifts Drives Jewelry Market to Grow
by USD 107.9 Billion
Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. This month business trend is the jewelry market.
The jewelry market is experiencing a notable increase in demand due to the growing acceptance of jewelry among men. Fashion trends and celebrity influence are significant factors driving this trend. Men’s jewelry, including watches, ear piercings, cufflinks, rings, bracelets, and others, is becoming more popular for casual, professional, and formal occasions. High-profile figures and influencers showcase jewelry in their outfits, normalizing its use among men and encouraging experimentation.
The jewelry market is thriving with trends like earrings, brooches, and intricate designs in metalworking, stone setting, enameling, and filigree. Gold and silver remain popular choices for fine jewelry, while diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires add a touch of luxury.
Research Analysis
The jewelry market is a thriving industry that caters to the desire for personal adornment and luxury. Jewelry purchases are not just limited to special occasions but have become a regular part of fashion trends for men and women alike. High-income earners often invest in contemporary jewels designed by renowned designers to enhance their looks and add a touch of elegance to their wardrobe.
SOURCE Technavio
• Potential for collaborative projects
Further, the introductory program includes six web-based meetings per year. The annual membership program includes ten meetings per year, with two in-person meetings - one in February at GreenBiz ‘25 in Phoenix, AZ and the second in September during Climate Week in New York City.
Who should join?
Professionals from any industry including naturebased value chains or others and those from companies at any stage of progress on nature but have an interest in doing more.
Non-profit memberships are also available for those closely connected to advancing ecosystem and nature protection, restoration, and sustainable management connected to corporate efforts
“The Nature Action Forum Annual Membership
program is a unique learning opportunity that helps companies share challenges and successes with other practitioners,” notes Tim Greiner, Managing Director and Co-founder of Pure Strategies. “The program introduces frameworks and best practices to help companies address nature-related risks and impacts for their business.”
“Pure Strategies’ Nature Action Forum clarified the business case, frameworks, and nature metrics and introduced me to some of the tools we will take forward in our assessments,” notes Connie Norton, Sustainability Specialist, LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics. “We also valued the opportunities the Forum provided to share insights, validate common challenges, and leave me with food for thought, based on others’ experiences.”
SOURCE Pure Strategies, Inc.
Uncle Funky’s Daughter Cont’d from page 2
The MPoWR Her Grant seeks to address this inequity by providing critical financial support to early-stage African-American female entrepreneurs, alleviating some of the financial barriers that often hinder business growth.
Renee Rhoten Morris, Uncle Funky’s Daughter’s Chief Curl Officer and founder of the Rhoten Morris Family Foundation, expressed the importance of the partnership, “We must create channels
that change the playing field. HBCUs play an essential role in cultivating female African-American talent, and we’re proud to be part of TSU’s Entrepreneurial Hub, which will nurture the next generation of innovators. This grant underscores our dedication to empowering future female leaders, fostering education, and creating pathways for building generational wealth.”
TSU, a historically Black university with a strong tradition of leadership and social change, will benefit from the partnership as it enhances its academic environment and attracts talented,
entrepreneurial students. This collaboration, ahead of TSU’s 100th anniversary, reflects the university’s ongoing efforts to foster innovation and community empowerment.
Together, Uncle Funky’s Daughter and Texas Southern University are charting a course toward a brighter future—one in which education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment go hand in hand. For more information about the MPoWR Her Grant and the partnership between Uncle Funky’s Daughter and TSU, visit www.unclefunkysdaughter.com
ACROSS
1. The ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment
4. Send goods or services to another country for sale.
5. The action or business of promoting
7. A current medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes
8. A structured set of data held in a computer
10. A person employed for wages or salary
11. Have a desire to possess
14. An electronic device which is capable of receiving information
15. Based on or characterised by the methods and principles of science
16. The action of making or manufacturing
17. Something of necessity
DOWN
2. Bring goods or services into a country from abroad for sale.
3. A set of things working together as parts of a mechanism
4. A person or organisation that employs people.
5. The process of dealing with or controlling things or people
6. The action of selling something
9. The action of buying and selling goods and services.
12. The process or work of keeping financial accounts
13. The state of a country in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services
16. A financial gain
Synchrony Foundation Cont’d from page 2
About Synchrony Synchrony is a premier consumer financial services company delivering one of the industry’s most complete digitally enabled product suites. Our experience, expertise and scale encompass a broad spectrum of industries including digital, health and wellness, retail, telecommunications, home, auto, outdoor, pet and more. We have an established and diverse group of national and regional
retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations and healthcare service providers, which we refer to as our “partners.” We connect our partners and consumers through our dynamic financial ecosystem and provide them with a diverse set of financing solutions and innovative digital capabilities to address their specific needs and deliver seamless, omnichannel experiences. We offer the right financing products to the right customers in their channel of choice.
SOURCE Synchrony Financial