Healthy Americas Foundation Launches Hispanic Family Equity Fund With Support Of Centene Charitable Foundation

May 27, 2021

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Healthy Americas Foundation (HAF), the supporting organization of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, today announced the launch of the Hispanic Family Equity Fund. The $100 million fund aims to advance equity in health and well-being for Hispanic families in communities nationwide. Centene Corporation through its foundation The Centene Charitable Foundation have pledged to match the first $1 million in corporate donations to the fund and issued a call to companies and foundations to contribute to the initiative and help play an active role in reducing inequities that challenge Hispanic communities.

The fund includes three components:

$20 million in immediate equity grants to leading community-based organizations to support community family services. The grants will be used to facilitate the hiring of community navigators who will help close the gap in utilization of early education, childcare, food security, health insurance, economic support, and job training.
$5 million to monitor national, state, and community policies to ensure Hispanic families recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
$75 million as a fund to support emerging opportunities and foster innovation in the delivery of services to close the well-being gap for Hispanic families.

The fund’s launch comes at a time when less than 2 percent of philanthropic dollars are invested in Hispanic-serving organizations. Now, as Hispanic Americans face disproportionate negative health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need to address longstanding inequities.

“By investing directly in communities and bolstering resources at the local level, the Healthy Americas Foundation can best meet the needs of Hispanic families,” said Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS, President and CEO of the Healthy Americas Foundation. “We look forward to working with Centene to ensure more equitable outcomes in the health and well-being of Hispanic communities. With so much now at stake for Hispanics, inaction cannot and will not be an option.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on the health and economic inequities faced by Hispanic communities nationwide,” said Michael F. Neidorff, Chairman, President and CEO of Centene Corporation. “As we now emerge into a post-pandemic world, we have been given a clear opportunity to close the well-being gap faced by far too many Americans. We encourage businesses and foundations to join Centene in supporting efforts to provide opportunities for Hispanic communities, our nation’s largest minority group, while also looking for innovative ways to ensure equity within their own organizations.”

The Hispanic Family Equity Fund will benefit from the expertise of the Healthy Americas Foundation staff, with decades of experience managing multi-site national health and human services programs. The Healthy Americas Foundation will be administering the funding to a variety of communities. These will include large Hispanic population centers as well as emerging population centers as well as rural and urban communities.

For more information about the Hispanic Family Equity Fund, visit www.healthyamericasfund.org/hispanicfamily.

About Healthy Americas Foundation

The Healthy Americas Foundation (HAF) seeks to improve the health of individuals and families throughout the Americas by innovating, incubating, and investing in community-based and designed efforts. HAF’s initiatives are grounded in the experience of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and its many partners. HAF fosters community-driven efforts grounded in and celebrating the role of culture; redefining health as not merely absence of illness; and, nurturing wellness in body, mind, and spirit. Given its health mission HAF does not accept funds from tobacco, alcohol, or sugar sweetened beverage companies. For more information, please visit www.healthyamericasfund.org/hispanicfamily.

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SOURCE Healthy Americas Foundation (HAF)

Significant Shift in Consumer Behavior Reveals Implications for Brands to Accelerate Transformations Coming Out of the Pandemic, According to New MoneyGram Data Index

May 26, 2021

DALLAS, May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The past year has created a dramatic shift in consumer behavior that has forever changed the retail environment to be more digital and customer-centric. MoneyGram, a global leader in the evolution of digital P2P payments, today announced the results of its first-ever MoneyGram Data Index¹ – a national poll focused on how consumer behavior and expectations toward companies have evolved since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data shows that everything from how consumers spend and send money to how they interact with brands has changed in this new normal. The following trends highlight the importance for direct-to-consumer brands and financial services firms to adapt their strategies to emerge from the pandemic even stronger.

The MoneyGram Data Index reveals that convenience is the key driver of value and main reason consumers would be willing to pay more for a product or service, and the shift to digital is accelerating with more than half of consumers saying they have bought more products and services digitally in the last year. When it comes to how financial situations have changed, the findings also tap into the stark inequalities between high-earners and low-earners – especially in the immigrant community. Situations between women and men also differ with fewer women reporting they now have more money.

Lastly, the influence of social media – particularly through family and friends online – outweighs social or political feelings. The data highlights the influence of social media with one in five consumers saying they bought a product or service in the last year because a friend or family member – rather than an influencer – recommended it on social media. However, despite enflamed political commentary over the past year, few consumers say they decided to stop using a product or service because a company took an opposing political position.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has truly accelerated a shift in consumer behavior, and we expect these trends to be permanent as consumers of all ages value digital-first convenience from brands,” said Alex Holmes, MoneyGram Chairman and CEO. “In an age where companies have entered the political debate more than ever before, the importance of family and friends remains paramount – especially within the immigrant community who report that they continue to send more money to support living expenses of those abroad. As MoneyGram continues to build upon the momentum in our direct-to-consumer channel, our focus on consumer insights will ensure our company continues to thrive in this new, forever changed retail environment.”

The MoneyGram Data Index: By the Numbers

Surge in sending money during the pandemic: 77% of American consumers say they sent or received money from someone in the last year. Numbers are similarly high for immigrants living in the U.S., with 75% saying they sent or received money from someone in the last year. The main motivators for American consumers to send money include that it is more convenient (24%), that it has been harder to visit in person (22%), and that they have owed more money to people (22%). Amongst immigrants living in the U.S., the main reasons are to help family/friends both in the country and abroad with living expenses.

Shift to Digital is Accelerating with Apps Leading the Way: The move to digital has been enormous in the last year, including amongst older consumers, and when it comes to sending money, more people are using apps.

More than half (53%) of consumers say they have bought more products/services digitally in the last year. This percentage holds steady with immigrants living in the U.S., 53% of whom say they have bought more products/services digitally in the last year.
Since the start of the pandemic, three out of four consumers (77%) say they bought a product/service digitally – using a website or mobile app.
More than one in three consumers (35%) say they have bought products/services online that they used to buy in person more than 6 times in the last year.
43% of consumers over the age of 65 say they have used digital more to buy products/services since the start of the pandemic.
Convenience and delivery are two of the main benefits of digital and the main reasons American consumers would be willing to pay more for a product or service. 54% say they would pay more for a product/service that is convenient, and 53% say they would pay more for something that is delivered to their door.
When it comes to sending money, more people are using apps. Amongst immigrants living in the U.S., the top reason they say they send more of their money transfers digitally is speed (47%), followed by ease of use (41%), and not needing to leave the house (30%).

Stark Inequalities of COVID-19: When it comes to how financial situations have changed since the start of the pandemic, high-earners and low-earners have had completely different experiences – especially in the immigrant community. Situations between women and men also differ with fewer women reporting they now have more money.

Asked whether they feel they have more or less money than before the pandemic, only one in four (24%) low-earners say they now have more, while 36% say they now have less.
On the other hand, almost one in two (47%) high-earners say they are better off financially since the start of the pandemic, while only 14% say they now have less money.
Immigrants living in the U.S. show similar trends. 22% of immigrants who are low-earners say they now have more money, while 43% say they now have less. On the other hand, 46% of immigrants who are high-earners say they now have more, while only 16% say they now have less.
When it comes to gender, there is also a divide. Almost four in ten men (38%) feel they have more money now, but for women, this number is closer to one in four (27%).
Overall, for Americans, one-third of consumers (32%) say they now have more money, 24% say they have less, and 39% say they now have about the same amount as before.

Social Media Outweighs Social or Political Feelings: When it comes to where American consumers choose to spend their money, social media influence outweighs social or political feelings. Surprisingly, when looking at who has the most impact online, family and friends trump influencers.

More consumers say they were swayed by family or friends on social media than by influencers. One in five consumers (21%) say they bought a product/service in the last year because a family member or friend recommended it on social media, while only 11% say they bought a product/service because an influencer promoted it on social media.
Despite enflamed political commentary over the past year, including numerous calls to boycott companies for a variety of political or social positions, only 14% of consumers say they decided to stop using a product/service because a company took an opposing political position.
Though ESG is not a top factor in making purchasing decisions, out of the three components, the ‘S’ is most important to consumers. When asked to choose between environmental, social and governance priorities for businesses to put first, 35% of Americans chose social priorities, while 24% chose environmental priorities. Only 12% opted for governance priorities, while 28% said they do not know.

¹Survey Methodology
MoneyGram partnered with Kekst CNC to field the MoneyGram Data Index nationally. This poll was conducted between April 12-30, 2021, among a national sample of 2,000 adults based in the U.S., plus 1,000 adults based in the U.S. who are immigrants from other countries around the world. The interviews were conducted online, and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, region and country of origin. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.2 percentage points.

About MoneyGram International, Inc.
MoneyGram is leading the evolution of digital P2P payments. With a purpose-driven strategy to mobilize the movement of money, a strong culture of fintech innovation, and leading customer-centric capabilities, MoneyGram has grown to serve nearly 150 million people across the globe over the last five years.

The Company leverages its modern, mobile, and API-driven platform and collaborates with the world’s leading brands to serve consumers through MoneyGram Online (MGO), its direct-to-consumer digital business, its global retail network and its emerging embedded finance business for enterprise customers, MoneyGram as a Service.

For more information, please visit ir.moneygram.com and follow @MoneyGram.

Media Contact
Stephen Reiff
[email protected]

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SOURCE MoneyGram

Discover Cube Celebrates The Return Of Science! Orange Country and Los Angeles Locations Reopen May 28, 2021

May 26, 2021

Come ReDiscover the Fun of Science. Discovery Cube is Open, May 28

Discovery Cube Celebrates The Return Of Science! Orange County and Los Angeles Locations Reopen May 28, 2021

Come ‘ReDiscover’ All the Fun of Science with New Campus Renovations, New STEM Exhibits and Interactive Science Activities

SANTA ANA, Calif., May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Discovery Cube, Southern California’s leading children’s science museums, is excited to announce the official reopening of both the Orange County and Los Angeles locations, starting Friday, May 28, 2021.

Just in time for the busy Memorial Day weekend, Discovery Cube is inviting science lovers young and old to come ‘ReDiscover’ the fun of new STEM exhibits, adventures and interactive play.

“We’re thrilled to finally welcome our Cube friends back to experience a ‘New Cube’ where families can explore, engage and experience the science behind everyday activities,” said Joe Adams, CEO, Discovery Cube. “Through the generous contributions of our donors, corporate partners and state and local governments, we were able to spend this past year upgrading our facilities and enhancing the science experience with all new STEM exhibits and activities.”

Multi-Million Dollar Renovation
Both Discovery Cube Orange County and Los Angeles underwent extensive interior and exterior renovations, totaling more than $10 Million. To ensure the health and safety of museum employees and visitors, each campus location implemented several ‘safe science’ installations including a MERV13 HVAC filtration system with UV lights, the adoption of COVID-safe guidelines and protocols as well. Additional enhancements to both locations include hands-free restrooms, onsite cleaning crews, contactless ticketing system and upgrades to the paint, carpet and much more.

New STEM Exhibits and Activities
Part of the reopening highlights include several new, state-of-the-art STEM exhibits, immersive science adventures and interactive gameplay for kids K-6 grade. The Orange County campus will showcase four new STEM themed areas with more than 15 new interactive exhibits while Los Angeles will unveil five new themed areas and 10+ new interactive exhibits. Both locations will showcase many of the STEM favorites as before including, Inspector Training Course, Early Learners, Planetary Research Station and more.

What’s New in OC?

Organic Waste Lab: The new exhibit teaches children the benefits of composting and renewable waste and includes the all-new “World of Organic Waste” interactive game. Sponsored by Orange County Waste & Recycling.
Science of Hockey: Young hockey fans will score big with this exhibit as they engage in several new activities including simulated gameplay, scientific problem solving, observation and interaction with the game. Sponsored by the Samueli Foundation and the Anaheim Ducks.
Physics Lab: Encouraging hands-on exploration and observation, the new Physics Lab will introduce kids to the relationship between objects, forces and energy. The Physics Lab includes seven new activities including a raceway, bed of nails, paper airplane creation, aerodynamics chamber, laser maze and much more. Sponsored by the California Natural Resources Agency and Mr. And Mrs. James “Walkie” Ray

What’s New in LA?

Festival of STEM: Featuring five STEM-themed areas and 10+ hands-on activities and adventures highlighting the invention and inspiration of STEM-based innovators and industries. Sponsored by Chevron Corporation
Imagination Station for our Early Learners: Parents and educators will love this area for our littlest visitors as they stimulate their imaginations with concepts like reading books, listening and playing music, role playing and much more. Sponsored by First 5 of Los Angeles

“All of our exhibits have a correlation with Next Generation Science Standards. We also created exhibits that allow children to explore the Engineering Design Process as they ask questions, explore solutions, design models, test prototypes, evaluate performance, and then do it all over again to improve upon their design!” said Tina Rolewicz, Vice President of Education at Discovery Cube. “As we welcome teachers and students back to the Cubes for field trips, teachers can rest assured that their field trip program will satisfy grade level standards as their students have fun interacting with the exhibits.”

Safe Science Protocols
Safe science is the best science! In observance of state and local guidelines, Discovery Cube has instituted a number of health and safety protocols as part of the reopening.

All staff and volunteers who work at the Discovery Cube are vaccinated
Guests are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets online ahead of their visit
Masks are required for all employees and guests over the age of three
Guests encouraged to safely social distance while onsite
Museum capacity will be reduced to 50% across OC and LA campus’
Sanitizing stations have been placed in/around both campus’
Discovery Cube’s own Clean Crew will be actively cleaning and disinfecting high-touch, common areas and exhibits.

For additional health and safety guidelines, guests are encouraged to visit www.DiscoveryCube.org for more information.

Plan Your Visit
The Discovery Cube will reopen both locations with health and safety measures in place starting Friday, May 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. Discovery Cube will be open every Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. For additional information on ticket prices, membership, summer camp and Covid-19 safety guidelines, guests can visit www.DiscoveryCube.org.

About Discovery Cube
The Discovery Science Foundation serves as the non-profit and educational program-development arm for Discovery Cube Orange County and Los Angeles. Established in 1989, the Discovery Cube, continues to inspire, educate and impact millions of young minds through engaging science-based programs and exhibits. Discovery Cube was named one of the “10 Most Trusted Brands” in Orange County and awarded the National Medal of Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services at The White House in 2014. Last year, Discovery Cube adopted a digital-first approach to STEM education with the launch of Discovery Cube Connect, a digital platform for the development and distribution of interactive STEM educational offerings, activities and gameplay. For more information, visit discoverycube.org and discoverycubeconnect.org

Follow the latest on our social channels (@discoverycubela, @discoverycubeoc, @oceanquestoc, @discoverycubeconnect).

MEDIA CONTACTS
Tania Weinkle
917-359-6799
[email protected]

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SOURCE Discovery Cube

Blinds.com Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation

May 26, 2021

HOUSTON, May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blinds.com, a Home Depot company and flagship property of Global Custom Commerce, is celebrating 25 years of innovative technology that streamlines the customer shopping experience and enables personalization and customization of everything for home renovation and decoration, including window treatments, countertops, screen and storm doors, decking and millwork.

PRESENTING ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY
In 1996, Blinds.com (then called NoBrainerBlinds) debuted on the internet as the first e-commerce platform to sell custom, made-to-measure window treatments entirely online. The advent of Autobahn – Blinds.com’s technology platform that allowed customers to “build” and order their custom window treatments directly online – marked a significant turning point for the brand. The company continued development of its configurator technology, expanding its capabilities to be able to sell any customizable product.

“Autobahn allowed us to leverage technology in a significant way,” says Seth Todd, Senior Director of Interconnected Retail for Global Custom Commerce. “When customers could easily build and configure their custom window treatments, it not only grew the Blinds.com business, but also gave unlimited space for the technology to grow as a platform.”

Today, customers can easily create complex projects with the help of innovative capabilities. DesignBuilder allows customers to work seamlessly on their remodeling projects at The Home Depot stores, as well as online at homedepot.com, and Measure and Install enables them to add professional, in-home services for custom window treatments when placing orders in-store and online.

LOOKING BACK TO PROPEL FORWARD
Embracing safety and sustainability from early on, Blinds.com and its manufacturers created custom materials using new printing technology that reduces waste of both water and excess fabric. In 2020, Blinds.com introduced SimplyEco Shades, which are eco-friendly window treatments made from recycled water bottles.

Throughout its 25-year history, Blinds.com’s focus has remained on best-in-class service and cutting-edge technology. The company will continue to develop solutions to enhance its robust, easy-to-use customer online shopping experience.

About Blinds.com:
Blinds.com is part of The Home Depot’s industry-leading family of brands and is the largest eCommerce retailer of window treatments in the world – covering over a million windows a year since 1996. Blinds.com makes it easy to shop from home for custom blinds, shades, shutters and outdoor shades, with easy online ordering and shipping right to your door. Blinds.com guarantees the perfect fit for windows, no matter the preference for DIY, expert design help, or measure and installation services. Shop online at Blinds.com.

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SOURCE Blinds.com

Blue Shield of California’s Innovative Pharmacy Initiative Reaches $20 Million in Drug Cost Savings as It Continues to Transform Pharmacy Care

May 26, 2021

OAKLAND, Calif., May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California today announced the nonprofit health plan’s innovative collaboration with Gemini Health has resulted in more than $20 million in drug cost savings in the initiative’s first two years.

The collaboration between the nonprofit health plan and the San Francisco Bay Area technology company provides patient-specific benefit, formulary, and cost information on prescription drugs to prescribers at multiple points-of-care, including patient-doctor visits. The goal is to empower prescribers with real-time information about medications and any lower cost options so that they can discuss with their patients and collaborate to reduce drug costs.

“Blue Shield of California seeks innovations that provide personalized health care options and to improve affordability for our members, and our collaboration with Gemini Health does exactly that through drug cost transparency for providers when they are evaluating and prescribing medications – when it matters most,” said Alison Lum, vice president of pharmacy at Blue Shield of California. “We are also expanding this initiative to include pharmacists and other health care providers in our network as we reimagine how health care is delivered for all Californians.”

The initial focus to provide physicians with real-time prescription information and comparable lower cost alternatives through their electronic health record systems has resulted in strong provider adoption. Currently, more than 77,000 prescribers across California have access to this service, including some of the state’s largest medical groups – UCSF Medical Center, Hill Physicians Medical Group and Providence Medical Foundation.

“It has been gratifying to hear from physicians and pharmacists alike how these services simplify and empower their work by identifying patient-specific, cost-savings opportunities,” said Ed Fotsch, CEO of Gemini Health. “The technology also allows medical professionals to consolidate their work into easy-to-use interactive digital applications, integrated into their workflows to reduce administrative burden and focus on what they are passionate about – caring for their patients.”

The services are now available to pharmacists so that they can also have the same real-time information as physicians to address medication management needs with patients, facilitating greater collaboration between providers and pharmacists. Raymond Chan, chief medical officer of EPIC Health Plan Inc. said, “The Blue Shield service helps to efficiently analyze a patient’s current medications. We can then interact with our physician colleagues and provide them with specific opportunities to lower costs for our patients. In addition, the detailed reporting makes it easier to measure the impact of our work and follow up on new opportunities.”

The majority of Blue Shield’s network providers groups employing pharmacists are using Gemini Health’s patented Drug Savings Reports™ service, and more are expected to enroll by the end of the year. These pharmacists now have access to patient-specific medication reports delivered through a secure portal where pharmacists can also document their activities related to existing medication taken by their patients. Experience to date has demonstrated that up to 40% of patient’s existing medications have a lower cost equivalent alternative.

“Seeing drug and lower cost alternatives at prescribing, at each patient encounter and on demand by our pharmacists allows us to use the technologies across the continuum of care to lower drug costs for our patients and their families,” said Christa Ellsworth, PharmD, Managed Care Pharmacists at Providence Medical Foundation in Anaheim, Calif.

Blue Shield’s collaboration with Gemini Health is another example of the health plan’s Health Reimagined effort, an ambitious vision to transform health care for individuals, families, and communities throughout California.

About Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with over 4.5 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $21 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid, and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $150 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last four years to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.

Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

CONTACT:	Jonna Constantine
	Blue Shield of California
	510-607-2359
	[email protected]

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California

Washington State Department of Health Launches ‘A Mindful State’

May 26, 2021

A people-powered approach to mental and emotional wellness for Washingtonians.

OLYMPIA, Wash., May 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Washington State Department of Health, in partnership with Governor Inslee’s Social Supports Community Leaders Group, announces an innovative campaign to address the growing mental and emotional health consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. To help people across the state build resilience and begin healing, A Mindful State harnesses the greatest resource the State of Washington has: the people themselves.

A Mindful State is fueled by the lived experiences of Washingtonians sharing personal stories of their own struggles and triumphs. It offers practical advice from experts and advocates in mental health and a growing list of resources to find help and hope.

“This campaign offers a people-powered experience,” explains Lyle Quasim, member of the Governor’s Social Supports Community Leaders Group, “A Mindful State has woven together a rich tapestry of personal stories and expert advice that show we are not alone, but part of something bigger than ourselves — and connected in ways never realized.”

An estimated 50% to 60% of Washingtonians (three to four million people) are expected to have clinically significant mental and behavioral health symptoms resulting from the impact COVID-19 has had in their lives and communities. Clinically significant symptoms are substantial enough to impair social, occupational or other areas of functioning.

“The issue of emotional well-being is a growing concern,” notes Sonya Campion, Social Supports Community Leaders Group Chairperson, “but the good news is these statistics suggest there are three to four million more people who can help others who are struggling. We want to encourage people to simply check-in with five people a week. You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference — you can be there for people, listen and help them know you care,”

A Mindful State is supported by an integrated communications campaign designed to reach all Washingtonians — particularly historically underrepresented groups. A Mindful State is available to everyone and people everywhere are encouraged to listen, learn and share their own stories.

Any content or material shared by A Mindful State is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional help for people in crisis.

Connect with A Mindful State at:
A Mindful State – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

Learn more about the Governor’s Social Supports Community Leaders Group

Contact: Holly Rosenfeld
M: (206) 566-1037
[email protected]

SOURCE Washington State Department of Health

Conagra Brands Forms Multi-Year Partnerships with Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Hispanic Scholarship Fund

May 26, 2021

Conagra Brands, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies.

CHICAGO, May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) announced today new partnerships with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black college community, and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations supporting higher education, to support Black and Brown students. The partnerships will help ensure students receive equitable access to quality higher education opportunities and reinforce Conagra’s commitment to supporting the communities where its employees live and work.

Conagra will make donations to each organization to fund several college scholarships. Additional resources will be provided to each institution to support scholarship recipients as they navigate internships and other services that prepare them for their future careers. Conagra employees will also actively engage with scholarship recipients to provide unique professional development opportunities that strengthen career prospects for students’ post-college, including resume building assistance, job interview preparation, and additional workplace readiness experiences.

“Conagra is committed to advocating for Black and Brown students in their educational pursuits. A significant barrier to higher education remains its cost. Our partnerships with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Hispanic Scholarship Fund will help overcome that barrier to ensure equity and education go hand-in-hand,” said Henry Jones, Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Conagra Brands. “By providing diverse students with not only the financial resources, but also with skills and experiences to succeed in their chosen career, we will play a role cultivating our next generation of leaders.”

Key components of Conagra’s comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy include building a strong entry-level pipeline; providing development opportunities for underrepresented groups internal and external; and committing to develop and advance talent in order to increase the amount of racial, ethnic and gender diversity and representation within the company. This scholarship initiative will help ensure Black and Brown talent are supported in their pursuit for academic excellence and as they enter today’s workforce.

“We are delighted to have the support of Conagra Brands,” said Betsy Burton-Strunk, Vice President of Development at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “Our commitment to increasing the pipeline and pathways for young Black talent is directly aligned with their dedication to making a difference in the Black community through higher education. We are grateful for their direct support of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.”

“We at HSF are pleased to have Conagra Brands as a partner, who shares our belief that scholarships and support services can make the crucial difference for talented youth to complete a bachelor’s degree and ultimately launch careers in fields that matters to our society and our world,” said Fidel A. Vargas, President & CEO at the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. “Conagra’s contribution will help our scholars achieve their full potential.”

To learn more about Conagra’s commitments to diversity and inclusion, see the company’s 2020 Citizenship Report. For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for scholarships, please visit tmcf.org and hsf.net.

About Conagra Brands
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America’s leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company’s portfolio is evolving to satisfy people’s changing food preferences. Conagra’s iconic brands, such as Birds Eye®, Duncan Hines®, Healthy Choice®, Marie Callender’s®, Reddi-wip®, and Slim Jim®, as well as emerging brands, including Angie’s® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke’s®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.ConagraBrands.com.

About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs.

TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit: www.tmcf.org.

About the Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, Scholars, and Alumni as possible. HSF strives to make college education a top priority for every family across the nation, mobilizing communities to proactively advance that goal—each individual, over a lifetime, in every way they can. HSF also seeks to give its Scholars all the tools they need to do well in their course work, graduate, enter, and excel in a profession, help lead our nation going forward, and mentor the generations to come. As one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations supporting higher education, HSF has awarded over $650 million in scholarships and provides a broad range of programs and support services for students, parents, HSF Scholars, and HSF Alumni. For more information about HSF, please visit HSF.net .

For more information, please contact:
MEDIA:
Tim Wrona
312-549-5400
[email protected]

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SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc.

Dixon, Honda Claim Pole For 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500

May 25, 2021

Honda's Scott Dixon captured the pole Sunday for next weekend's 105th running of the Indianapolis 500.

SPEEDWAY, Ind., May 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For the fourth time, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon will lead the field to green at the Indianapolis 500. The 2008 Indy 500 winner and six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion claimed pole in an electric Firestone Fast Nine final qualifying session Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a four-lap average speed of 231.685 mph.

Dixon will line up on the front row alongside Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta, who briefly held provisional pole with his own four-lap run of 231.655 mph.

Two of Dixon’s Ganassi teammates, Tony Kanaan and Alex Palou, also made the Fast Nine and will line up on row two, while row three is all Honda-powered, featuring Andretti Autosport’s Ryan Hunter-Reay, Meyer Shank Racing’s Helio Castroneves, and Ganassi’s Marcus Ericsson.

Honda’s HI21TT V-6 Indy car engine powered seven of the qualifiers in today’s Fast Nine session, as well as nine of the top 11 qualifiers on the grid for next Sunday’s Indy 500.

This year’s 105^th running of the Greatest Spectacle of Racing will feature the fastest Indy 500 field in history, with an average qualifying speed speed of 230.325 mph, eclipsing the previous record set in 2014.

Honda Drivers and Teams in the 2021 Indianapolis 500:

•	1^st Scott Dixon-W	Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
•	2^nd Colton Herta	Andretti Autosport Honda
•	5^th Tony Kanaan-W	Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
•	6^th Alex Palou	Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
•	7^th Ryan Hunter-Reay-W	Andretti Autosport Honda
•	8^th Helio Castroneves-W	Meyer Shank Racing Honda
•	9^th Marcus Ericsson	Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
•	10^th Alexander Rossi-W	Andretti Autosport Honda
•	11^th Ed Jones	Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan Honda
•	13^th Pietro Fittipaldi-R	Dale Coyne Racing with RWR Honda
•	15^th Takuma Sato-W	Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
•	16^th James Hinchcliffe	Andretti Autosport Honda
•	18^th Graham Rahal	Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
•	20^th Jack Harvey	Meyer Shank Racing Honda
•	23^rd Santino Ferrucci	Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
•	25^th Marco Andretti	Andretti Autosport Honda
•	28^rd Stefan Wilson	Andretti Autosport Honda

W – Previous Indianapolis 500 race winner
R – Indianapolis 500 rookie

Quotes
Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Honda) Fastest in Indianapolis 500 first-round qualifying: “Huge shout-out to Honda, kudos to them for getting seven of the [Fast Nine] spots, as this series is just so competitive. The longer I’m involved in this sport, the more I appreciate the accomplishments we achieve as a team, as I realize just how hard they are. To have four Chip Ganassi Racing cars in the top nine, every team would dream of that. It’s hard work, and it’s never any one person singularly responsible, we have a great team and everyone works super-hard to make it all work.”

Colton Herta (Andretti Autosport Honda) Starting from the middle of the front row, second, in his second Indianapolis 500: “I’m so happy just to have the chance to [make the fast nine and] run for the pole today. I just can’t wait for next Sunday. I know we have a great race car, we just lacked that first and second lap [qualifying] speed that Scott [Dixon] had today. But I’m happy with how today went. I’m super happy for Gainbridge, the whole Andretti Autosport team, and proud to be powered by Honda. You saw how many cars were powered by Honda in the Fast Nine [seven], it’s incredible.”

Tony Kanaan (Chip Ganassi Racing) Starting from the middle of the second row, fifth, in his 20^thIndianapolis 500: “The conditions today were pretty decent. I got a question [from his team] right before my run asking if I wanted to trim out more and I decided not to, and I regret it. But it was a great run for us, I was pretty comfortable. But I’m happy for Scott [Dixon]. We have such a great atmosphere on this team. Of course, I wanted it to be me [on the pole], but I’m really happy for Scott and the Ganassi team.”

David Salters (President, Honda Performance Development) on Honda’s pole and overall qualifying effort for next Sunday’s Indianapolis 500: “I’d just like to show our appreciation and massive admiration for Chip Ganassi Racing and Scott Dixon, and also the Andretti Autosport organization and Colton Herta. Both teams – along with Meyer Shank Racing – put on a tremendous show today, for our fans and the public. I’d like to massively thank our team of Honda engineers and associates at HPD, who push every day. It’s lovely to see their efforts rewarded. To sum it up as a native Englishman, this was the bollocks.”

Kelvin Fu (Director, Program Management, HPD) on Honda’s overall qualifying performance this weekend: “It was an incredible weekend for Honda and HPD. It’s a real tribute to all the hard work everyone [at HPD’s headquarters] in Santa Clarita [California]. Congratulations to Scott Dixon and Chip Ganassi Racing for getting all four of their cars in the Top Nine shootout, the perfect overnight repairs to Alex Palou’s car [damaged in a crash on Saturday] and running a flawless week.”

Fast Facts

This is Honda’s 14^th pole in 21 races at the Indianapolis 500, and 7^th pole with multi-manufacturer competition.

This is Scott Dixon’s fourth Indianapolis pole in 19 Indianapolis 500s, with his previous pole runs coming in 2008 (when he also won the race), 2015 and 2017. Dixon also led the way in Saturday’s first-round qualifying. It is the sixth Indianapolis 500 pole for Chip Ganassi Racing.

Following the conclusion of qualifying, INDYCAR held a two-hour practice session for the full, 33-car starting field. Once again, Honda drivers and teams led the way, claiming eight of the top-10 positions on the speed chart, led by Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou at 225.649 mph.

Other drivers in the top 10 of the Sunday afternoon practice included Marcus Ericsson, Tony Kanaan, pole qualifier Scott Dixon, defending race winner Takuma Sato, Graham Rahal, Stefan Wilson and Marco Andretti.

Honda has won more Indianapolis 500 races than any major automaker: 13 victories from 20 races – a win ratio of 65% – since the company entered the INDYCAR competition in 1994. Honda has had more race starts at the Indianapolis 500 than any other auto manufacturer: 388 starts. Honda drivers also have completed more race laps at the Indianapolis 500 than any other carmaker: 67,789 laps.

Honda and Honda Performance Development extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and many fans of Andre Ribeiro, who passed away this weekend in Sao Paulo, Brazil, age 55, following a battle with cancer. On August 20, 1995, Ribeiro recorded Honda’s first Indy car victory, winning from the pole in his Tasman Motorsports Reynard Honda at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Where to Watch the Indianapolis 500
Television coverage from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway starts at 9 a.m. EDT Sunday, May 30, on the NBC Sports Network, and will include a post-race show, also on NBCSN.

Live NBC network coverage of the 105^th running of the Indianapolis 500 begins at 11 a.m. EDT, with the green flag to start Sunday’s 200-lap contest at 12:45 p.m. EDT.

Honda Racing social media content and video links from Indianapolis can be found on Instagram (www.instagram.com/hondaracing_hpd), Twitter (twitter.com/HondaRacing_HPD) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD). Additional features and long-form videos can be found on the Honda Racing/HPD YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/HondaRacingHPDTV).

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1517462/Hondas_Scott_Dixon_Indy.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/83597/honda_performance_development__inc__honda_racing_logo.jpg

SOURCE Honda Racing/HPD

(Español) Comunicado de Prensa del Servicio Forestal: Decoraciones necesarias para el árbol de Navidad del Capitolio de EE. UU. 2021

May 25, 2021

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Poderistas Debuts State of the Latina Event Focused on Mental Health for Mental Health Awareness Month

May 25, 2021

LOS ANGELES, May 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Poderistas, a digital community built to celebrate Latina culture and help Latinas harness their power, announced it is hosting a roundtable conversation on mental health that will explore the ways that Latinas are uniquely affected by a range of issues. The two-hour event, “Salud y Poder: The (Mental) State of Latinas Today,” will be held May 27th at 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET.

Speakers include activist, actor, and Poderistas co-founder Eva Longoria; anchor of MSNBC’s American Voices Alicia Menendez; best-selling author Julissa Arce; confidence coach and licensed therapist Raquel Carrasquillo, LCSW; artist and creator of Brown Badass Bonita Kim Guerra, MFT; founder of Latinx Parenting Leslie Priscilla; NYC-based licensed therapist and founder and CEO of the Healing Strategy, Josie Rosario, LMSW, MSEd, RYT; as well as real members of the Poderistas community who have personal experience addressing their own mental health challenges, seeking out support, and lifting up others around them.

The roundtable will explore the unique mental health challenges faced by Latinas as a result of parenting and family stress, job loss, the impact of the pandemic on financial stability, systemic racism, and more. True to Poderistas’ unique format, the summit will balance engaging, expert panel sessions with educational lifestyle content featuring tips and resources from VeroshK, Marcella Arietta, and Desi Bartlett to help viewers manage stress, maintain balance, and find support.

“Over the past 15 months, our nation has faced one unprecedented crisis after another. As our communities begin to open back up, we need to deal with the aftermath of the pandemic and the mental health challenges that we will continue to face,” said Eva Longoria, activist, actress, producer, director, and co-founder of Poderistas. “Salud y Poder will bring together a group of incredible Latinas to unpack these topics and empower our sisters and friends to ask for help when they need it.”

“It is so important that we observe Mental Health Awareness Month during the month of May and that we continue the conversation about the many nuances of mental health and wellbeing year round,” said Mónica Ramírez, co-founder of Poderistas. “Discussing our mental health has been taboo for far too long. This summit will provide an opportunity to address some of these taboos, receive important information and to speak openly about the toll that historic trauma to the harm caused by the recent pandemic have had on the emotional and psychological health of Latinx community.”

Salud y Poder: The (Mental) State of Latinas Today will go live on the Poderistas Facebook and YouTube pages on May 27 at 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET. To tune in and for more information, visit poderistas.com.

ABOUT PODERISTAS™
Poderistas™, formerly known as She Se Puede, is a community built to celebrate our cultura and harness our PODER. Our ethos remains igual: To elevate, celebrate, and inspire Latinas to amplify their voices and actions on behalf of themselves and their communities. Poderistas™ is lifting Latina power and leadership. We are a place for affirmation and inspiration — the place that knows you, that gets you, and encourages you to go out and conquer the world. Welcome home. Visit poderistas.com for more — and follow us on Instagram!

Press Contacts
Cat Crandall/Brandon Bouchard
[email protected]

SOURCE Poderistas

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