RBS March/April and May Newsletter

• Did You Know?

• HR News

• RBS Staff News

• RBS Program Spotlight

• Karen Walters Cooks!

A Message from Dean Lei

The spring semester is always very busy at RBS, with many events and activities. Thank you to everyone on the front lines of providing an excellent RBS student experience, whether it’s through advising services, career management, or other programming efforts. This March, RBS will be even busier as we undergo an accreditation review by the AACSB, which occurs every five years for all colleges and universities that are AACSB accredited. I’d like to thank all of you who have been actively involved in the preparation. And then soon after, we will be heading into graduation season, which is always a time of great excitement and pride for our students, with many special events, award ceremonies and celebrations leading up to the convocations. Thank you for your strong support and for helping to make these events meaningful and memorable for our students and their families. Go RBS!

Newsletter Committee Updates

Inside RBS continues to seek enthusiastic guest contributors to share their expertise, department news, local reports, and creative writing with staff. Do you have a special talent or hobby? What innovative things are happening in your department? Can you recommend a favorite day trip destination, ethnic restaurant, or a good book to read? We want to hear from you!

Please help us keep the RBS Staff Newsletter interesting, current, and collaborative, and send your photos, articles, and suggestions to RBSstaffnews@business.rutgers.edu.

Interested in joining the newsletter team? We are open to new members! Please email us to let us know you are interested in joining the team.

Special Announcement

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. women. Approximately 13% (about one in eight) of U.S. women are going to develop invasive breast cancer in the course of their life. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 833.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 24 for the kickoff meeting of Breast Cancer Thrivers: Embracing the New Normal every other Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in Center for Law & Justice, room 202. Join warrior, Dr. Audrey Redding-Raines, as she facilitates a community of faculty, staff, and caregivers facing cancer, together. If you’re interested in helping facilitate this group and/or sharing resources in preparation for the fall, please email joymcd@rutgers.edu.

This issue’s contributors: Mala Bhola, Alyssa Clauhs, Karin Crimmins, and Melissa Rivera.

Staff Spotlight

Stephanie Elliot Academic Advisor Office of Undergraduate Programs

Q. What is your favorite food?

A. My mom’s Italian Wedding Soup.

Q. What are some of your hobbies?

A. I enjoy reading, crafting, and going on walks. I am also a self-proclaimed pro at building Ikea furniture.

Q. What’s the most unique part about working at RBS?

A. The most unique part about working at RBS is the students that I get to interact with. Everyone is so unique and has different goals, and it makes it enjoyable to be able to assist them through their time here.

Q. What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

A. If I hadn’t become an Academic Advisor, I may have explored teaching. I enjoy the education field.

Q. What would you name the autobiography of your life?

A. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you!”

Q. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

A. I would take care of my family and friends. Then, I would go on some trips.

Staff Spotlight

Zachary Corby

Senior Academic Program Coordinator

Master of Quantitive Finance

Q. What is your favorite food?

A. My favorite food is mac and cheese, I could eat that every day without getting tired of it.

Q. What are some of your hobbies?

A. I am a huge sports fan with a weird mix of teams: Boston Celtics, Indianapolis Colts, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are my favorite. I take a yearly baseball trip and am trying to visit all 30 stadiums in the MLB, currently I am at 10 of 30. I like to try to make new cocktails that’s definitely a passion of mine.

Q. What’s the most unique part about working at RBS?

A. I think the most unique thing about Rutgers so far is the people. Every staff member I met is really committed to doing the best possible job for their students which is not always the case at such a large place!

Q. What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

A. I originally studied Finance and IT when I was in my undergrad so I would probably be doing something with that if I wasn’t here.

Q. What television show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

A. I love the Bachelor/ Bachelorette, I started watching a few years ago and I have not stopped since no matter how much I try.

Q. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

A. If I won, the lottery I would take a trip around Europe. I haven’t ever been, so I am looking forward to planning multiple trips over the next couple of years.

Department Spotlight

Office of Support, Engagement, and Leadership (RBS SEAL)

SEAL aims to maximize RBS students’ success and satisfaction from enrollment through graduation and beyond. They offer various programs and resources to provide pragmatic extracurricular and co-curricular opportunities.

Their mission includes three pillars of student success: support, engagement, and leadership. Below is a snapshot of what programs the RBS SEAL office oversees.

TeamUP –

TeamUP program pairs undergraduate and MBA students with business professionals in industry for one-on-one mentorship over the course of the semester. The exclusive mentoring pool of business professionals allows students vast real world learning opportunities. Nearly 500 mentors include early career professionals that are alums of RBS to people far into their career serving in c-suite level roles.

Women BUILD –

This is a 2-year leadership development program reserved for high-achieving students dedicated to gender equity in business. This cohort model program is supported by 7 corporate sponsor companies, and allows students to develop strong networks while building exceptional business and leadership skills. The program consists of various components including leadership roundtables, a 3-credit course, mentorship, social responsibility projects, a leadership capstone, and more. Fun fact - This signature program has been featured in the Financial Times!!

UFirst –

This hybrid model mentoring program connects first-generation college students with first-generation graduates working in the business field. Students who participate in this year long program are matched with a one-on-one mentor in their industry and engage in group mentoring workshops focused on important collegiate and professional topics like networking, financial literacy, and more. The program helps bridge the gap for students transitioning from college into the business world.

Peer Mentoring –

Our peer mentoring program connects first year and transfer RBS students with returning students for mentorship. This helps acclimate students to campus, familiarize them with RBS, and guide them in their academic, social, and extracurricular journey. 112 mentoring pairs connected in the 2023-2024 academic year!

RBS Student Clubs/Orgs –

The team works with the leadership of 44 business school clubs across Newark and New Brunswick to support their student led engagement efforts. This includes advising on programming, events, and initiatives. We aim to create a cohesive relationship between administration and students to create a supportive, two-way relationship.

Did You Know?

Rutgers University Employee Perks

Did you know that Rutgers offers an employee discount program through Abenity? Abenity offers a wide variety of discounts on food, entertainment, travel, and more! You can take advantage of this perk by creating an account. Access Abenity through your MyRutgers Portal to start your adventures in savings!

LinkedIn Learning

Did you know that as a Rutgers Employee, we have free access to LinkedIn Learning? If you are not familiar with LinkedIn Learning, it is a video-based learning platform that offers courses on business, technology, and creative skills. It is a subsidiary of LinkedIn, which is a social networking site for professionals. LinkedIn Learning offers over 16,000 courses in seven languages. The courses are taught by industry experts, and they cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Business: Accounting, finance, marketing, sales, and more

• Technology: Programming, web development, data science, and more

• Creative: Graphic design, photography, music, and more

LinkedIn Learning also offers personalized recommendations, so you can find courses that are relevant to your interests and career goals. You can also track your progress and see how you are doing compared to other learners. LinkedIn Learning is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to develop their professional skills. It is also a great way to learn new skills and stay up to date on the latest trends in your field. Here are some of the benefits of using LinkedIn Learning:

• Learn from industry experts:

The courses on LinkedIn Learning are taught by people who are experts in their fields. This means that you can be sure that you are getting the most accurate and up-to-date information.

• Personalized recommendations:

LinkedIn Learning offers personalized recommendations based on your interests and career goals. This means that you can easily find courses that are relevant to you.

• Track your progress:

LinkedIn Learning allows you to track your progress and see how you are doing compared to other learners. This can help you stay motivated and on track.

• Learn new skills:

LinkedIn Learning offers courses on a wide range of topics, so you can learn new skills and stay up to date on the latest trends in your field.

If you are looking for a way to develop your professional skills, LinkedIn Learning is a great option. With its wide range of courses, personalized recommendations, and ability to track your progress, LinkedIn Learning can help you achieve your career goals. Access LinkedIn Learning through your MyRutgers Portal today!

Men’s Basketball at Rutgers University-Newark:

Rutgers University-Newark will be running its 22nd annual Summer BASKETBALL Program for children ages 6-17. The program is 4 weeks:

July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, and July 29-Au-Aug. 2, 2024. Camp runs each day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We offer early drop off 7:30-8:30 a.m. and late pick up 4-4:45 p.m. Free of Charge. The cost for one week is only $185. Discount rates if you attend multiple weeks. If you would like a Camp Brochure please call Joe Loughran at 973-353-1483 or email at Loughran@rutgers.edu. We are expecting a great response. It is a great way for children to have fun & to learn more about the game of basketball.

HR News

Staff Hires & Separations

Hello Everyone, please join me in welcoming our new employees to the RBS family! We are excited to have them join us and we look forward to meeting you all!

New Employees:

Name: Jessica Polledri

Title: Senior Academic Program Coordinator Department: RBS Academic Programs

Name: Amanda Pagan

Title: Program Coordinator Department: RBS IDEA

Name: Ronald Prusarczyk

Title: Unit Computing Specialist Department: OTIS

Name: Maureen Duchatellier

Title: Administrative Assistant Department: Undergrad NB

Good-bye to these RBS family members. We wish them continued success in all of their future endeavors.

Russell Clarke - Director OTIS

Community News

Get some fresh air this spring and summer with a visit to Rutgers Gardens, a 180-acre botanical garden open daily Tuesdays to Sundays. Free. https://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/

The Newark Meuseum of Art has an exhibit for everyone! I encourage to you to get lost in the beauty of the exhibits with friends and family, or even alone! https://newarkmuseumart.org/

New Brunswick City Center: A Culinary Journey Across the Globe- Indulge your palate in the diverse and artistic culinary landscape of New Brunswick City Center, where a myriad of flavors await. From private tastings to date night specials, bottomless brunches, and chef specialties, the city’s culinary scene this winter is flourishing. https://www.newbrunswick.com/

Genesis Festival Of New Plays ‘24- The Genesis Festival this season will celebrate a constellation of exciting, gifted writers in an experience that brings artists and audiences together under one roof and in one most extraordinary event and shared conversation. https://www.crossroadstheatrecompany.org/

Shen Yun 2024- The moment the curtain opens, you enter a wondrous dream. Shen Yun takes you on an extraordinary journey through China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. https://www.shenyun.com/

Crossroads Theatre Company presents August Wilson’s Fences May 29-June 9 at NBPAC, a play filled with passion, humor, love, the blues, and ultimately a powerful lesson in forgiveness.

Central New Jersey has a hot new talent show on June 1 for ages 5-25. Jersey Talent provides a platform for youth to express themselves through art in a safe non-competitive environment before a supportive audience at the State Theatre New Jersey.

The 29th New Jersey International Film Festival will take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, May 31-June 9, and will be presented online as well as in-person on Rutgers College Avenue Campus.

Rutgers CHOP Elite Football Camp offers sessions on June 2, 9, and 16 for anyone in grade 9 and up. Rutgers CHOP Elite Specialists Football Camp takes place June 16 for specialists in grade 9 and up.

Steve Pikiell Basketball Camp offers two sessions at Jersey Mikes Arena for boys ages 8-18 with sessions in June and July.

Rutgers United Volleyball Camps will take place throughout June and July and include single or multi day sessions.

Finance-Pro

Journal Categories Reference Guide

The Journal Categories Reference Guide provides a one-page review of journal categories in the Financial Management System (FMS). The guide contains an overview of key terminology, journal categories, and links to additional job aids.

UFA Report Catalogue

Are you looking for a report and cannot find it? Has your bookmark for a report changed? Use the UFA Report Catalog which contains a listing of the most used and requested reports available. The Report Catalog provides a quick and easy way to find, search, filter, and group reports . You can access the Report Catalog from the Go To Reports page or through a direct link. A Job Aid is available. Try it!

Finance Reporting Quick Reference Guide

The Finance Reporting Quick Reference Guide was designed with user convenience in mind. The guide provides a comprehensive overview of important reports along with scenarios, report links, and pertinent information regarding a specific report. Features include:

• Scenario: contains clear examples of what you are trying to identify, e.g., You want to see the balances and transactions for a project, or compare the project budget, raw costs, F&A, and revenue for a project and/or task.

• Report: displays the report name and hyperlink to the report.

• Additional Information: helpful tips and links to information for using the report.

Payroll News

Rutgers Payroll Services is excited to introduce the U.S. Bank Focus Card, a new, convenient, and safe alternative to direct deposit. The prepaid debit card offers benefits such as cash back rewards, access to cash at thousands of in-network ATMs1, text and email alerts, and funds protection2 if your card is lost or stolen. Employees have the option to receive their pay completely through the Focus Card or direct deposit, or to split their pay between the two formats. Click here for more information: https://finance.rutgers.edu/financial-services/payroll/pay-card

University Procurement Training Support

The university offers various self-help resources to support your use of Procurement tasks. Click this link for a listing of what training is available and to access the files. https://procurementservices.rutgers.edu/resources/training-support

If you missed the April Cornerstone updates, you can find the presentation here: https://cornerstone.rutgers.edu/ wp-content/uploads/sites/392/2024/04/Cornerstone-Forum-April2024.pdf

IP&O News

Springtime at the Rutgers Cinema

Now playing at Rutgers Cinema: IF. Coming May 24, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga; June 7, Bad Boys 4; June 14, Inside Out 2. Free slushies every Wednesday!

KinderCare Summer Programs

KinderCare Learning Centers located on Rutgers RBHS Newark and Piscataway campuses are offering summer programs. Rutgers faculty and staff may use up to 25% Tuition Benefit discount at the Newark or Piscataway Center; 10% at all other KinderCare locations. Programs offered are for children from six weeks to 12 years old.

The Rutgers Health Service Corps - Promoting the health of our beloved communities through a commitment to service. Rutgers Health Service Corps (RHSC) prepares students, faculty, staff, and community members to have a positive impact on our health and wellness across Rutgers and New Jersey through education, innovation, and service. Our vision is to be a national model, inspiring the next generation of health care and public health heroes to improve the health and equity of our communities. We recognize that health conditions are affected by biological, psychological, social, and structural factors. To make a meaningful change, multilevel interventions are essential, while always respecting and uplifting our diverse communities in New Jersey and beyond. RHSC offers training and opportunities in an ever-growing array of service-learning areas, in partnership with a wide range of organizations. All students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to apply to join RHSC. Applications become available at the beginning of every fall and spring semester. Members will be accepted based on interests and experiences, ability to think critically and work in interprofessional teams, and—above all— their desire to serve the community.

Craft Trainee Opportunity

The Craft Trainee Program is designed to develop well-trained, skilled workers to fill critical trade positions within the Rutgers Division of Institutional Planning and Operations. The Program provides an education and on-the-job training, as well as progressive employment and promotional opportunities leading to full journeyman status upon successful completion and graduation from the program.

In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor, Rutgers University administers the Craft Trainee program. Prerequisites for the program:

* High school/vocational school diploma or equivalent education

* Valid driving license and at least two years driving experience

* Successful completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course

This program also offers a robust mentorship program.

Job postings for the Craft Trainee program open annually in the beginning of each year.

For additional information contact: Jeff Williams - Associate Director at (848) 932-5112 jeffery.williams@rutgers.edu.

RComm Updates

Rutgers R Resources for Your Transition!

It’s great to see so many units and departments beginning to use the Rutgers R for communications and marketing materials. The visual identity guidelines outline the new system, and resources that support your use of it are in place. Check out the following resources to help with your transition to using the Rutgers R as the primary university logo.

How do I get an R logo for my unit?

Over 400 Rutgers R unit logos have been created by UCM and are available to download - just search here.

Which Rutgers R should I use for social media?

Use the red Rutgers R with black text underneath (a vertical signature) for your unit’s social media profile picture. This will help ensure a powerful and consistent presentation of the Rutgers. Additionally, UCM has updated our Social Media Playbook and Social Media Guidelines to help all units use social media effectively.

How do I update my email signature?

Read this knowledge article outlining how to update your email signature in most email applications. All red, rightsized, SVG files for email signatures can be found in the unit logo graphic packages, or the main university or chancellor unit email signature files can be downloaded here.

What other Rutgers R resources are available?

• Business Cards – Your business team can use the RU Marketplace Dupli punchout for Rutgers R business cards

• Swag – All Rutgers R logos have been added to swag.rutgers.edu to make ordering your promotional items quick and easy

• Campus Photos– Check out the digital asset library for new photos of branded Rutgers scenes and people that are ready for you to use

• Templates – PowerPoint templates and Zoom backgrounds with the Rutgers R can be downloaded here

• Trained Vendors – The ACE Program has a new list of vetted and trained vendors who can help units apply the Rutgers R to marketing and communications materials

How Can I Get Help?

Stay up-to-date with the latest Rutgers R resources and read the related Q&A at communications.rutgers.edu. All resources and details about using the Rutgers R will be posted by UCM. https://communications.rutgers.edu/ brand-policies-visual-identity-guidelines

RBS in April

On April 8, 2024 a total solar eclipse captivated the world and drew us out of our classrooms and offices to take in a once in a lifetime opportunity. Yes, they do happen once every 18 months or so, but this eclipse was cosmicly different than anything we have ever witnessed before. This was a total eclipse that Mexico, North America and Canada were able to witness. The 2024 eclipse caused more of a media frenzy than the previous eclipse in 2017. When is the next one? Well that won’t be until 2044! If you missed it, check out the eclipse festival that was held by NASA. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=I9Xp2cYJifg

Bring Your Child to Work Day

RBS celebrated “Bring Your Child to Work” is a national day that gives children in the United States a glimpse into the working world. Fun activities were planned for the children and a great time was had by all!

For the second year in a row, the RBS events committee hosted a Health & Wellness Day that explained the benefits of tea and encouraged staff to make their own calming tea blend.

Congratulations to Sofia! RBS friends celebrated the arrival of Sofia’s baby!

Students, faculty, and staff destress on a reading day with a petting zoo including baby goats, chicks, bunnies, and even a miniature horse and donkey.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

RBS had close to 1500 students who graduated in May; however, about 1350 participated in convocation this year at Jersey Mike’s Arena!

Proud staff member Amy Castillo shared the announcement that her son, Andrew, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers School of Engineering!! Congratulations!

Congratualtions to Matt Peyrek on receiving his Master of Education in Educational Administration & Supervision and Valbona Koxha (not pictured) received her Master of Education in Adult and Continuing Education! Congratulations to you both!

Leadership Initiatives AACSB Accreditation

All hands were on deck in March as the RBS Leadership Team, Alumni Relations and the RBS Deans Office worked together to prepare for the AACSB visit.

Spring Events

As the 2024 spring semester comes to an end, I would like to acknowledge the huge success of two signature RBS events.

The Blanche and Irwin Lerner Center for the Study of Pharmaceutical Management Issues held its Annual Healthcare Symposium on April 18th focusing on the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 on innovation and access to innovative new pharmaceutical products. The half-day symposium brought together over 100 participants including many executives of the biopharma industry, faculty, EMBA and MBA students, and alumni. Prominent speakers included the keynote speaker Paul Hastings, president and CEO, NKarta Therapeutics Inc.; panel speakers: Neal Masia, CEO of EntityRisk, John O’Brien, president and CEO of National Pharmaceutical Council, Patricia Goldsmith, former CEO of CancerCare, and Amadou Diarra, former vice president of Bristol-Myers Squibb; and Michael Lerner, chairman of the Lerner Center Board and partner and chair of Life Sciences Group. Congratulations Mahmud Hassan, director of the Lerner Center, for your strong leadership of the Lerner Center and our pharma management program which carries the legacy of Irwin Lerner!

The following day, on April 19th, the RBS Women BUILD Summit was also a great success with over 100 guests. The theme, “AI, Innovation, and the Digital Future,” generated lively discussion during the summit, which brings together students, alumni, faculty, mentors, and corporate sponsors who have enriched one another through professional networking as a result of the Women BUILD program. The summit received strong support from major corporations such as Nestle Health Science, Prudential, Ernst & Young, PwC, Vanguard, J&J, and US Bank. Congratulations Hannah Salto and the RBS SEAL team for putting together another fantastic event!

Go Team-RBS!

Lei

Karen Walters Cooks!

Hello all, my name is Karen Walters, and I am a long-time employee at RBS, but even a longer lover of cooking up amazing recipes for my family and friends. I am passionate about cooking, baking, and serving amazing great food! I have a desire to work with people and help them enjoy their experience making culinary masterpieces. I am usually pressed for time to cook dinner after work, but still want to deliver a fabulous meal to those I love.

Chicken Chow Mein

(serves 2, but you can double up the recipe to serve 4)

Stir- fried noodles mingling with scallions, cabbage, and succulent chicken, all tossed in a delicious sauce - restaurant-style Chicken Chow Mein is a cinch to make at home! All you have to do is cook the noodles with a stir-fry sauce (I recommend Kikkoman), tamari soy sauce (Kikkoman again!), and sesame oil for that umami-rich flavor. Lastly, finish cooking the dish by adding scallions and sesame seeds on top.

Ingredients:

5-6 oz ramen noodles (I use 2 bags of Top Ramen, minus the taste packets)

2 scallions

8 oz chicken breast - cut into strips or nuggets (I do bite size nuggets). Whatever you prefer!

14 oz cabbage blend, you can use a coleslaw blend instead

3 oz stir-fry sauce (I use Kikkoman brand)

1 tbsp tamari soy sauce (I use Kikkoman brand)

1 ½ tsp toasted sesame oil

¼ oz toasted sesame seeds

A neutral oil (I use peanut oil)

Salt and pepper

Add water to a medium pot and bring to a boil. Add the 5-6 oz of ramen noodles. I used 2 bags of Top Ramen. DO NOT use those taste packets! Throw them away or save to flavor some other dish. Stir noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the noodles are al dente. Drain the noodles, and then rinse with cold water. Toss noodles with 1 tablespoon neutral oil.

Trim the scallions and cut them into 2-inch pieces, keeping dark greens separate from the white and light greens. Pat the chicken strips (or nuggets) dry. In a medium nonstick skillet, heat 1 tbsp of neutral oil over high until it just begins smoking. Add 7 oz of the cabbage blend (or you could use coleslaw blend) and the scallion whites and light greens to the cabbage blend and season with salt and pepper. Cook the cabbage blend, being sure to stir and toss often, until tender and lightly browned, between 2 to 4 minutes. When done, transfer the cabbage blend to a plate. Heat 1 tbsp of neutral oil in that same skillet over high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken without disturbing it, until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Stir and cook, about 2 minutes more, until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to the plate with the cabbage.

Using the same skillet again, heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in the same skillet until the oil is just beginning to smoke. Add the noodles, being sure to spread them into a single layer. Leave the noodles to cook (about 4 to 5 minutes) until they start to brown and crisp on the bottom. Add the stir-fry sauce, tamari, and 1 ½ tsp sesame oil. Continue cooking, stirring, and tossing, until noodles are coated, about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from heat. Add in the chicken, cooked cabbage, scallion dark greens, and sesame seeds. Toss it all together until the scallion dark greens are wilted. Lastly, season chicken chow mein with salt and pepper (I suggest having a taste before adding additional salt and pepper though!) Serve and enjoy!!! You just made a high-quality Chinese restaurant entrée dish!

Karen Walters Cooks!

Low Calorie Shrimp Boil Oven Packets

(serves 2, but you can double the recipe to serve 4)

The best thing about this recipe is that you can eat this meal right out of the oven, and right out of the foil! This shrimp boil packet includes buttery shrimp, potatoes and corn and is sure to please! You can also pair this meal with a side salad.

2 red potatoes

½ lb pkg shrimp

¼ oz seafood seasoning (you can use Old Bay or spice it up with Cajun seasoning)

5 oz corn

¼ oz fresh parsley

olive oil (I use spray olive oil)

butter garlic

kosher salt & ground pepper

Preheat your oven to 450ºF with a rack in the center. Scrub potatoes, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave until just tender but not falling apart, stirring halfway through cooking time, about 5 minutes. If potatoes are not tender, continue to microwave in 1 minute intervals. This will depend on how big your red potatoes are.

Rinse shrimp and pat dry (first thaw if frozen by rinsing it under cool water). Add the shrimp to a bowl and sprinkle all of the seafood seasoning and 1 tablespoon oil (I spray it with spray oil). Cut 2 pieces of foil or parchment into 12x20-inch rectangles. Thinly slice 2 large garlic cloves. Divide the potatoes and corn and add it to the foil or parchment sheets, keeping the piles in the center; season with salt and pepper. Place shrimp and sliced garlic over veggies. Top each pile with 1 tablespoon butter, or to taste. Fold foil or parchment over top and pinch edges to seal. Put the packets on the rimmed baking sheet and roast on center oven about 15 minutes. Let packets sit an additional 5 minutes before opening. If you’d like, you can chop parsley and add it when you open the packets.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the contributions of women and reduce barriers to their advancement. In 1981, Congress designated the second week of March as National Women’s History Week, and in 1987, President Reagan proclaimed the entire month of March as Women’s History Month at the request of the National Women’s History Project. Since then, every president has issued annual proclamations to designate March as Women’s History Month.

Here is a quote from President Biden during the annual proclamation this past March- A Proclomation on Women’s History Month, 2024 “Throughout history, the vision and achievements of powerful women have strengthened our Nation and opened the doors of opportunity wider for all of us. Though their stories too often go untold, all of us stand on the shoulders of these sung and unsung trailblazers — from the women who took a stand as suffragists, abolitionists, and labor leaders to pioneering scientists and engineers, groundbreaking artists, proud public servants, and brave members of our Armed Forces.” To read more of President Biden’s speech, click here https://www.whitehouse.gov/ briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/02/29/a-proclamation-on-womens-history-month-2024/

During Women’s History Month, people reflect on the progress women have made in areas such as education, earnings, and job opportunities. Sadly, women still earn less then men, in many of today’s leading jobs. In 2024, women in the US earn an average of 84 cents for every dollar a man earns for the same job, which is similar to the pay gap 20 years ago. The pay gap is even larger for women of color and women with disabilities. For example, in 2024, Black women earn 64% of what non-Hispanic white men earn, Latinas earn 55%, and Native American women earn 59%. This is also a time to recognize the struggles women have faced in their fight for rights in general, as well as the rights of other underrepresented groups in the United States.

March 8th is also International Women’s Day, which originated in New York City in 1857 when female textile workers protested unequal rights and unfair working conditions.

Celebrate Diversity Month takes place each April. It was initiated in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity of the world around us. It is a time to recognize and understand our differences, be it gender, race, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation and other factors while honoring the common essence of humanity. By appreciating our similarities and differences, the month aims to encourage a deeper understanding of others, regardless of who they are or how they live. It’s also an opportunity to increase diversity in the workplace and various academic fields. Diversity Month pushes us to seek this knowledge so that we can build a tolerant world that welcomes everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from. — Source: National Today.

To learn about the History of Celebrate Diversity Month and view a list of scholarships that celebrate racial and cultural backgrounds visit National Today and Scholaroo.

Ways You Can Celebrate Diversity

Talk to someone from a different culture about the customs, traditions, values, and practices they observe— and share yours with them.

Ask colleagues to share examples of music, food, and traditions from their culture or heritage during your next meeting.

Watch a movie or documentary that explores different cultures, topics, and lifestyles and offers a glimpse of life through a multicultural lens. Consider hosting a multicultural movie night with family and friends.

Read a book about a culture that is not your own or by a writer of an ethnicity different from yours. Need suggestions? Try these: 14 of the Best Books for Exploring New Countries and Cultures; 7 Novels About Multicultural Families; 25 Must-Read Books by Asian and Asian American Authors

Visit Google Art and Culture to explore the art of the world.

Explore local ethnic restaurants and markets to sample food from a different culture.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we want to shed light on an important truth: Nearly one in five Americans lives with a mental health condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. And even though conversations around mental health are becoming more common, barriers still exist to accessing mental healthcare in the United States.

If you or your dependents are feeling the pressure of work, life, or both, here are some ways you can proactively take control of your mental health journey.

• Create a culture of support around mental health. Despite the high incidence of mental health distress, there is still significant stigma around mental health. Allow your family members and yourself to talk openly about mental health, actively acknowledge stressors and stigmas, and leverage the tools and benefits available to you when they’re needed.

• Get educated on your mental health benefits. As an enrollee in a SHBP/SEHBP medical plan, you have access to a variety of mental health resources to help support not just yourself, but your covered dependents as well.

Mental health issues can have a negative impact on all of us. That’s why it’s important to act sooner than later. Learn more today about how these mental health resources can provide support as you and your family navigate through the many challenges that life throws our way.