ETS Strategic Capital increases latest MPOWER funding round to $30 million

March 11, 2021

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MPOWER Financing, an innovative fintech platform and the leading provider of educational loans to high-promise international and DACA students, announced that it has secured a $5 million investment from ETS Strategic Capital on behalf of ETS, the world’s largest nonprofit educational assessment, research and measurement organization.

The investment is in addition to a recent $25 million round, led by Tilden Park Capital, to further automate MPOWER’s digital loan platform and expand the company’s impact to thousands of additional international & DACA students. ETS’s investment in MPOWER was executed by ETS Strategic Capital, a new unit of ETS created to advance the organization’s mission of expanding global reach in education through strategic investments, partnerships, and acquisitions.

“Our investment in MPOWER is a reflection of our mandate to leverage innovative entrepreneurial tech companies and emerging business models to expand on capabilities and align to the mission of ETS,” said Ralph Taylor-Smith, the Managing Director of ETS Strategic Capital. “The MPOWER mission and vision of expanding educational opportunities to underserved populations worldwide aligns incredibly well with the strategic global objectives that ETS is focused on.”

“MPOWER is delighted to be working with ETS and exploring ways to support the millions of students who test with them globally every year. By democratizing access to financing, we hope an even greater number of qualified students around the globe will venture to study in North America.” said Manu Smadja, MPOWER Financing’s CEO and Co-founder. “As impact-oriented firms with a global outlook, our teams instantly connected and are excited to help students attain the best possible educational outcomes.”

This year, MPOWER will be growing its team in Washington, DC, and Bangalore, India where it plans to hire 50+ employees across Engineering, Marketing, Operations, Underwriting, Analytics, HR, and Finance. MPOWER was named one of the best places to work in Washington DC, one of the best tech workplaces for diversity, and one of American Banker’s top fintech firms to work for three years in a row. Predominantly ex-international students themselves, the MPOWER team directly relates to the challenges that international students face due to the COVID-19 pandemic and fast-changing immigration policies, and the company is honored to support international students at this critical time in history.

MPOWER Financing, headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with offices worldwide, is a mission-driven fintech company and provider of global educational loans. It is the only student lender in the world that leverages both overseas and domestic credit data, as well as future earning potential, to serve high-promise international and DACA students. MPOWER Financing works with over 350 top universities and colleges across the U.S. and Canada to provide financing to students from over 200 countries. Since 2014, it has received over $2B in loan application volume on its platform. MPOWER Financing helps students build their credit histories and provides them with personal finance education and career support to help prepare for life after school. www.mpowerfinancing.com

ETS Strategic Capital serves as the private equity investment and M&A execution arm for ETS, its subsidiaries and its partners sourcing transactions within both the domestic United States and internationally. The unit partners with the broader EdTech ecosystem to identify and execute deals, coordinate with other ETS business units to identify opportunities and needs, network with professional services firms with education expertise, and build direct relationships with businesses internationally — especially within Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa (MENA) regions. ETS Strategic Capital targets private equity investments that are typically in Series B, C or later; acquisitions that are middle-market in scale; and growth partnerships that may involve joint ventures (JVs), channel-partner or distribution agreements, Intellectual Property (IP) licensing and technology-transfer relationships. www.ets.capital

Media contact: Sasha Ramani, [email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452834/ETS_Strategic_Capital.jpg

SOURCE MPOWER Financing

Collaborating for Local Change

March 11, 2021

Toyota Employees Collaborate for Local Change Infographic

Toyota Employee Resource Groups Across Country Collaborate to Direct Funding for Social and Racial Justice Programs; Grants Awarded to 48 Nonprofits in 17 Communities Nationwide

PLANO, Texas, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Late last year, Toyota North America launched an initiative to bring employee voices to help address disparities in communities across the country.

The idea: Create a grassroots employee-led fund to address social and racial justice issues spearheaded by Toyota’s 100 employee resource group chapters.

Toyota employee resource groups representing Asians, Blacks, Christians, People with Disabilities, Latinos, LGBTQ+, Parents, Pet Advocates, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals, as well as Environmental causes worked together to identify and direct funding to programs in their local communities.

“This initiative brought us together, providing a collective voice for good on issues that affect us all,” said Sandra Phillips Rogers, group vice president, chief legal officer and chief diversity officer, Toyota Motor North America. “It also gave our employees the opportunity to take concrete action within the communities where they work and live.”

The result: A total of $475,000 in grants awarded to 48 nonprofits in 17 communities across the country, addressing critical needs such as food insecurity, healthcare access, economic self-reliance, youth mentoring, job training, and education.

One such nonprofit to benefit from the program is YWCA Charleston, in West Virginia. The organization is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, dignity and freedom for all. Funding will support their ongoing implicit bias training and outreach programs.

“Through this grant we can reach more people in the region and provide training and resources to increase understanding of how they can help eliminate racism,” said Debby Weinstein, chief executive officer, YWCA Charleston, W. Va.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30 million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Media Contact

Victor Vanov

[email protected]

469-292-1318

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1453238/Toyota_Employees_Collaborate_for_Local_Change.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/439685/Toyota_Corp_Red_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

As the need continues, StarKist® and Feed the Children Help Dallas-Area Families Affected by the Severe Winter Storm

March 11, 2021

StarKist donates more than $25,000 of product for disaster relief

DALLAS, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — StarKist Co., a food company that provides trusted, healthy, shelf-stable seafood and chicken in the United States, has partnered with Feed the Children, a leading nonprofit focused on alleviating childhood hunger, to help families affected by the recent winter storm. StarKist donated its lean protein products valued at more than $25,000 to support residents who live in some of the hardest hit communities in the Dallas metro area.

The two organizations worked with local community organizations, Belknap Ministries/Inspired Vision Compassion Center, to distribute donated product from StarKist and resources to families Tues., March 9. The event, hosted by Belknap Ministries/Inspired Vision Compassion Center at the Vision Inspired Church in Dallas, will benefit as many as 2,000 families who need a little extra help during this challenging and uncertain time.

“The aftermath of that severe February storm is still very real,” said Michelle Faist, Head of Corporate Affairs, StarKist Co. “It’s an honor to provide much needed food for families in Texas who are still recovering. We appreciate our strong partnership with Feed the Children to make it happen, and will continue to work together to help families in need across the country.”

StarKist has been a partner of Feed the Children for 12 years, supporting various initiatives such as providing education supplies to teachers and students, as well as responding to natural disasters. StarKist’s generosity has played a significant role in how Feed the Children fights childhood hunger and poverty, going above and beyond just addressing food insecurity issues.

“It is only through partnership that we can reach at-risk families and respond to critical emergencies,” said Travis Arnold, president and CEO of Feed the Children. “Through our partnership with StarKist and Belknap Ministries, we can support America’s most vulnerable during these difficult times, providing much-needed food and essentials.”

Visit feedthechildren.org/disaster-response to learn more about how Feed the Children works with a vast network of community partners to provide disaster relief.

About StarKist Co.

StarKist Co. provides trusted, healthy, food products in the United States. An industry innovator, StarKist was the first brand to introduce single-serve pouch products, which include Tuna Creations®, Salmon Creations® and Chicken Creations®. As America’s favorite tuna, StarKist represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust and a commitment to sustainability. StarKist’s charismatic brand icon, Charlie® the Tuna, swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd.

About Feed the Children

At Feed the Children, we feed hungry kids. We envision a world where no child goes to bed hungry. In the U.S. and internationally, we are dedicated to helping families and communities achieve stable lives and to reducing the need for help tomorrow, while providing food and resources to help them today. We distribute product donations from corporate donors to local community partners, we provide support for teachers and students, and we mobilize resources quickly to aid recovery efforts when natural disasters strike. Internationally, we manage child-focused community development programs in nine countries. We welcome partnerships because we know our work would not be possible without collaborative relationships.

Visit feedthechildren.org for more information.

Media Contacts:
Michelle Faist at 412-323-7457 or [email protected]
Samaiyah Islam at 405-650-4914 or [email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1453867/StarKist_Donates.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1453868/StarKist_Feed_the_Children.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/950296/StarKist_Co_Logo.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/950345/Feed_the_Children_Logo.jpg

SOURCE StarKist Co.

Jose Eshkenazi Smeke Makes Donation To Child Safety and Development Organization

March 10, 2021

MEXICO CITY, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Jose Eshkenazi Smeke has made a significant donation to El Club de Ninos y Ninas de Nuevo Leon. This organization targets children and teenagers during their free time after school. The comprehensive programs offered by the charity take place in spaces that are healthy and protected spaces, and help reduce the risk of the youngsters engaging in criminal behavior.

In Nuevo Leon, 4 out of 10 boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age are the victims of violence and crime. Seven out of 10 teenagers in the state don’t continue on in their studies after high school. Unfortunately, many of the boys and girls in Nuevo Leon drop out of school due to their financial situation. The youngsters then work either informally, or otherwise within, a criminal cell.

These girls and boys have often already failed at school prior to dropping out. This puts them in grades that are below their ages. This reality is in stark contrast to the fact that Nuevo Leon boasts one of the highest rates of education with an average of 10 years.

As the representative and sports marketing specialist for two companies devoted to the outdoors and digital marketing, Jose Eshkenazi Smeke knows how important staying active can be for children who are at risk. With his sizable donation, El Club de Ninos y Ninas de Nuevo Leon will be able to help many more children who might otherwise turn to criminal behavior or become the victims of violence and crime during their vulnerable after school hours.

The aim of El Club de Ninos y Ninas de Nuevo Leon is to provide a range of educational programs to complement activities that support the club’s long-term goal of putting the state’s boys and girls first. By providing at-risk girls and boys with access to sports, education, art, and human development activities, the charity is facilitating their comprehensive long-term growth and development.

Through these safe and healthy alternatives, the boys and girls learn skills that help them not only in their lives at the present, but they can apply these skills throughout their lifetime. Strong values such as responsibility, teamwork, discipline, creativity, leadership, and solidarity position these girls and boys to face the challenges that a technologically-based and global society presents.

The best way to ensure that Nuevo Leon’s boys and girls don’t drop out of school is to strengthen their capabilities and skills. Children who complete school are better prepared for life as adults. Not only do they tend to make more money, but they are also less likely to lapse into criminal behavior. Girls and boys who are armed with the values and skills that are in demand in this global society are more likely to succeed.

About Jose Eshkenazi Smeke
Jose Eshkenazi Smeke is the director of Soccer Media Solutions, a Mexico-based sports marketing company, and a sports marketing and digital marketing specialist. He is passionate about the outdoors, digital advertising, and combining the two.

Location – Mexico City, Mexico
Media Contact – [email protected]

SOURCE Jose Eshkenazi

Health Heroes Launch #ThisIsOurShot Campaign to Promote COVID Vaccines, Fight Misinformation

March 10, 2021

#ThisIsOurShot to vaccinate for a COVID-free world.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Tens of thousands of health care providers have united with other frontline workers and more than two dozen state and national organizations to launch #ThisIsOurShot, a campaign to build trust in COVID vaccines. As the nation’s vaccine supply increases, getting accurate information to those considering vaccination can help achieve herd immunity as quickly as possible.

“Watching someone you know get vaccinated first makes you feel more comfortable getting vaccinated yourself. That’s powerful!” said Dr. Hussain Lalani, a Dallas-based internal medicine resident and co-founder of #ThisIsOurShot. “But we also know that misinformation is circulating online and failing to combat it can be lethal. #ThisIsOurShot is built on the premise that getting shots in arms is a team activity and we all have a role to play.”

The campaign, which grew organically as front-line workers turned to social media to document their own experiences receiving COVID vaccines, offers an opportunity for those with questions about the vaccines to network with health experts and others with personal experience getting vaccinated to provide facts and help allay fears.

“As a doctor, I answer patients’ questions every day,” said Dr. La Tanya R. Hines, a southern California-based obstetrician and gynecologist and leader in the #ThisIsOurShot movement. “But as a vaccine recipient, I have a very personal experience that I can share as well. I had questions. I had doubts. I did my research, got my shots and now I want others to also.”

The campaign also advocates for equitable distribution and administration of vaccines and helps address historical and culturally specific barriers to vaccine acceptance. In the process, the group is working to empower patients while building deeper trust between patients and their health care providers.

“We know there are deep disparities and inequities throughout our healthcare system. Issues of equitable access and mistrust are not limited to vaccines,” said Dr. Hines. “By working to strengthen that trust through vaccine distribution, we believe we can create lasting changes in the way we talk about, prioritize and deliver health care to all Americans.”

In addition to empowering physicians, nurses, other healthcare providers and trusted messengers in communities of color, #ThisIsOurShot is working to develop a parallel Spanish-language campaign, #VacunateYa.

“Los latinos como parte de los trabajadores de primera línea, hemos sacrificado tanto para mantener nuestras comunidades abiertas mientras nos exponemos y a nuestras familias al COVID. También desgraciadamente tenemos acceso inconsistente a la atención médica. Y no podemos olvidar que hasta la fecha hemos tenido menos acceso de tener acceso a las vacunas a comparación a otros grupos comunitarios”, dijo el Dr. Ilan Shapiro, Pediatra y director médico bilingüe de Educación para la Salud y Bienestar en Los Ángeles y el condado de Orange. “Debemos abordar todas estas barreras que hacen que mantenerse saludable sea un desafío en nuestras comunidades. #VacunateYa busca garantizar que la falta de acceso a información sobre las vacunas COVID no se convierta en una barrera más para la equidad en salud”.

“Right now, we are in a race between the virus and the vaccines,” Dr. Lalani added. “We want to ensure that as shots arrive in a community, there are arms ready to receive them.”

#ThisIsOurShot was founded by Dr. Lalani, Dr. Atul Nakhasi of Los Angeles, and Dr. Alex McDonald of the Inland Empire (California). The Executive Committee includes: Dr. Jay Bhatt, an internist in Chicago, IL; Dr. Sunny Jha, an anesthesiologist in Houston, TX; Dr. Vicki Chan, an ophthalmologist in Los Angeles, CA; Dr. Anna Yap, an emergency medicine resident in Los Angeles, CA; Dr. Asha Shajahan, a family physician in Detroit, MI; and Dr. Nicole Baldwin, a pediatrician in Cincinnati, OH. The California Medical Association provides in-kind support to administer the campaign. CMA’s Foundation, Physicians for a Healthy California, serves as the fiscal sponsor to facilitate and manage #ThisIsOurShot donations.

#ThisIsOurShot will be co-hosting a free webinar along with U.S. PIRG and Doctors for America, “The Pandemic at One Year: A Race Between Vaccines and Variants.” Those interested can register at bit.ly/VaccinesVariants.

#ThisIsOurShot is a grassroots campaign to elevate the voices of health heroes to build trust toward a COVID-free world. It seeks to train and empower advocates to disseminate evidence-based information to build vaccine trust and combat misinformation. #VacunateYa is a parallel effort built for Spanish speakers. For more information or to get involved, please visit ThisIsOurShot.info or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can follow the #ThisIsOurShot and #VacunateYa hashtags across social media.

The California Medical Association (CMA) proudly supports nearly 50,000 physicians across all modes of practice and specialty with comprehensive practice tools, services and support, including legislative, legal, regulatory, economic and social advocacy. CMA has worked to protect the science and art of medicine, protection of public health and the betterment of the medical profession for over 160 years. CMA’s foundation, Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), is dedicated to improving community health, growing a diverse physician workforce and promoting health equity. For more information, please visit CMAdocs.org and PHCdocs.org.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1453418/TIOS_Logo.jpg

SOURCE ThisIsOurShot

National Alliance for Hispanic Health Supports VA release of Mental Health and COVID Coach mobile app in Spanish

March 10, 2021

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “We applaud the National Center for PTSD for making sure language barriers do not prevent anyone from being able to access information they need to manage stress levels during this difficult time,” said National Alliance for Hispanic Health President and CEO, Jane L Delgado, Ph.D.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expands the language capability of the COVID Coach app to help Spanish speaking Veterans and civilians cope with mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. App users can easily switch from English to Spanish, allowing Veterans with limited English proficiency equal access to a variety of practical tools, information and resources to track well-being, mood swings and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The COVID Coach is not intended to replace needed professional care.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an outsized impact in some communities, with Black, Latino and Native communities experiencing disproportionate rates of infection and death from the virus. Among Veterans, Veterans from these communities account for 46% of all infections while representing only 26% of the overall Veteran population.

“This pandemic has not been felt by all communities equally and VA must take this inequity into consideration when providing services to our customers,” said Acting Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Carolyn Clancy, M.D. “Developing this app to be accessible to Spanish-dominant Veterans and their families is just a small part of our effort to make sure all VA services are attuned to the needs of all Veterans.”

COVID Coach was developed by VA’s National Center for PTSD’s Mobile Mental Health Team, in conjunction with the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Direct links to resources are available within the app for those who may need additional professional support.

Dr. Delgado added, “Having the COVID Coach app in Spanish ensures this tool to manage COVID-related stress is available to a broader audience.” The COVID Coach app was created for everyone, including Veterans and Servicemembers, to support self-care and overall mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

COVID Coach is available in English and Spanish. To switch the language, go to the Menu > Personalize, and then select the language using the picker at the bottom of the screen.

Download the app on iOS and Android devices or from VA’s Mobile App Store .Contact [email protected] regarding questions about COVID Coach.

About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (The Alliance)
The Alliance is the nation’s foremost science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States with a mission to achieve the best health for all. For more information visit us at www.healthyamericas.org

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1454196/NAHH_COVID_Coach.jpg

SOURCE National Alliance for Hispanic Health

Wellness Travel Hits the Road with Lexus “Retreats in Motion”

March 10, 2021

Five-day, four-night driving retreats allow guests to take a scenic, restorative drive in a new 2021 Lexus IS between two of the brand’s luxury hotel partners, with curated self-care activities along the way.

PLANO, Texas, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Lexus is elevating the American road trip. To meet the growing need for deeper, meaningful experiences that promote wellbeing, Lexus is putting travelers behind the wheel in its first-ever “Retreats in Motion” program. These five-day, four-night driving retreats allow guests to take a scenic, restorative drive in a new 2021 Lexus IS between two of the brand’s luxury hotel partners, with curated self-care activities along the way.

“These days, the desire to escape on the open road to rejuvenate mind and spirit has never been more enticing,” says Vinay Shahani, Lexus vice president of marketing. “The ‘Retreats in Motion’ program not only provides perfectly planned, luxurious getaways in a Lexus vehicle, but they also elevate the classic road trip with much-needed recuperative experiences.”

The Lexus partner hotels selected for the “Retreats in Motion” program have been hand-picked for their exceptional service, beautiful design and culinary offerings. Guests will spend two nights at each resort – with an average three-hour drive between each property – before returning to the originating hotel. Participating hotels in the three California-based retreats include:

Cavallo Point Lodge to Post Ranch Inn
Bardessono Hotel & Spa to Pebble Beach Resorts
Terranea Resort to Post Ranch Inn

In spring 2021, those visiting the East Coast will be able to travel between XV Beacon and Chatham Bars Inn in Massachusetts.

Travelers will be paired with the new 2021 Lexus IS sport sedan at their originating hotel before embarking on a customized route featuring suggested stops and wellness activities to enjoy throughout their drive. They’ll feast their eyes on beautiful views, relax with aromatherapy or guided breathwork, and have the option to indulge their taste buds with healthy gourmet meals at the end of each day.

Unlike typical getaways, the “Retreats in Motion” program incorporates the vehicle as an integral part of the wellness experience. More than just transporting travelers from each partner hotel, the Lexus vehicle is a destination and sanctuary in and of itself and is equipped with a mobile wellness kit to help travelers get the most out of their journey.

In creating the program, the automaker has partnered with mindbodygreen, a health and well-being lifestyle media brand, to create custom content featuring some of the world’s most-loved wellness experts for each retreat. Highlights include podcasts on sustainability with best-selling author Jonathan Safran Foer and a guided walking meditation with teacher Mary Beth LaRue, along with content covering topics from mindful eating to movement for longevity. Additionally, an immersive in-car sound bath with expert Sara Auster – designed to be played through the signature Mark Levinson sound system – helps clear energy blockages and deliver a sense of calm.

“mindbodygreen has enjoyed being a trusted destination and resource for well-being for over eleven years, bringing together experts across all facets of health and wellness for our collective audience,” says Colleen Wachob, mindbodygreen co-founder and co-CEO. “Our team is so excited to work with an innovative, forward-thinking brand like Lexus on this partnership. Together, we’re creating something really unique and so vital to people’s well-being.”

Guests are responsible for the “Retreats in Motion” registration costs and travel expenses. Fees start at $2,700 for two guests, and include:

Five-day, four-night stay at each property;
Loan of a new 2021 Lexus IS vehicle;
Intimate access to curated wellness content, including self-care discussions, in-vehicle sound bath, meditation, guided breathwork and more;
Complimentary welcome wellness kit.

Lexus and its hotel partners deeply value the health and well-being of their guests. Comprehensive health and sanitization procedures have been put in place for each Lexus vehicle and the hotels have implemented their own measures. Please refer to each partner hotel website for more details on their COVID protocols.

For more information or to book a Lexus “Retreats in Motion,” visit www.mindbodygreen.com/lexusretreats.

About mindbodygreen
mindbodygreen is a full-service wellness company offering content, supplements, classes and trainings. With a mission to help people find the tools, routines, and products they need to live their best life, mindbodygreen is committed to delivering science and research-backed advice and products that stand the test of time. At mindbodygreen, the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional and environmental are interconnected in a 360-degree approach to well-being.

About Lexus
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its guests. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 243 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

www.facebook.com/lexus
www.twitter.com/lexus
www.youtube.com/lexusvehicles
www.instagram.com/lexususa
https://www.pinterest.com/lexususa

Note to Editors: Lexus product information and images are available online via our news media website http://LexusNewsroom.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Erin Portman	Jesse Zand
512-736-1640	310-883-5602
[email protected]	[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1453192/Lexus_IS.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1428802/Lexus_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Lexus

(Español) Horario de verano: empiece la nueva temporada con seguridad

March 10, 2021

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1973 and charged with protecting the American public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772, or visit http://www.saferproducts.gov. Further recall information is available at http://www.cpsc.gov. (PRNewsfoto/U.S. Consumer Product Safety Co)

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Ismael Cala convenes a free Meditation Challenge through the app “Escala Meditando”

March 10, 2021

It will be between March 15 and 22 with the theme of Elevating self-esteem.

MIAMI, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Communicator, author, and strategist Ismael Cala will guide the first meditation challenge of 2021 between March 15 and 22 through the app “Escala Meditando”, completely free, with the theme of Elevating self-esteem.

“Self-esteem is one of the most relevant factors for personal well-being and is key to relating to the environment in a positive way. Confidence and value as a human being are precious psychological resources. A healthy individual can resist unpleasant evaluations, both internally and externally, and that is called self-esteem,” explained Cala.

Those interested in participating need to:

Download the app “Escala Meditando” on a cell phone and register. Those who already have it simply need to activate notifications to receive an alert when it is available.
After registering, activate notifications to receive an alert when each meditation is available.
Participants will have 72 hours to complete the daily challenge.
Downloading and registration in the app are completely free.
“Escala Meditando” is available on Google Play and in the Apple Store.

“Meditation seeks to achieve a state of attention centered on a thought or feeling. It is a life tool that reduces stress and anxiety levels in addition to relieving muscle tension and insomnia,” added Ismael Cala.

The meditation challenges will be “The mirror – building my higher self”, “My body, my temple – the reflection of beauty”, “The family circle – free yourself and value yourself”, “Belonging – friendship”, “Rhythmic love – to the same beat”, ” Growth at work – my best self”, and “Being the change – a common good”.

More information: https://www.appescalameditando.com/reto

ABOUT ISMAEL CALA

Life coach and business strategist For five and a half years, he hosted the primetime show CALA on CNN en Español. Businessman and social entrepreneur He is the author of eight bestsellers on leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development, including “El Poder de Escuchar” and “Despierta con Cala”. Cala was born in Santiago, Cuba in 1969. He graduated from the executive program of the prestigious Singularity University in Silicon Valley (California). Personally trained with great teachers including Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, Robin Sharma, Dr. Bruce Lipton, Dr. Joe Dispenza, and John C. Maxwell among others. He is the ambassador of the concept of Corporate Happiness for Latin America. He is the founder and president of Cala Enterprises Corporation and the Ismael Cala Foundation.

SOURCE Cala Enterprises

Blue Shield of California Announces More than 1,200 COVID-19 Vaccination Sites Join California’s Enhanced Provider Network

March 10, 2021

OAKLAND, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California, as the state of California’s third- party administrator, has made significant progress in supporting the state’s goal of providing vaccines to all Californians equitably, safely and as quickly as possible, especially for communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

The state’s enhanced provider network now includes more than 1,200 vaccination sites across California, represented by nearly 90 healthcare providers that include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), community clinics, multi-county entities, hospital systems, medical groups, pharmacies and others.

Combined with the mega sites operated by the federal government, California is well on its way to exceeding the goal of creating statewide capacity to administer more than 4 million vaccinations a week by April.

“We are pleased with the tremendous progress Blue Shield has made in building capacity to deliver vaccinations to Californians quickly, safely and equitably,” said California Government Operations Agency Secretary Yolanda Richardson. “Due to the good work of the Blue Shield and state teams, as well as local public health leadership across the state, I believe California will be ready to administer the increasing supplies of COVID-19 vaccine we expect to receive from the federal government in the weeks ahead.”

The latest list of participating vaccine providers can be found at this link.

“Our goal is to save lives by helping to provide all Californians equitable access to the vaccines, especially in those communities hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Paul Markovich, president and CEO, Blue Shield of California. “We are working diligently with local, county and state officials, healthcare providers, and other important stakeholders to build a high-performing network that’s only constrained by the supply we receive. Together, we can defeat this pandemic, reopen our economy and more quickly return to normalcy.”

Below are more details on the enhanced network:

More than 1,200 vaccination sites currently in the state’s enhanced provider network
All multi-county entities have contracted
OptumServe locations are being expanded
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the Wave 1 counties have signed the third-party administrator network contract
Finalizing details on vaccination options for home bound residents and Californians with disabilities
Finalizing agreements with counties, including equity plans that engage community-based organizations

It is important to note that during the March transition period, the providers already administering the vaccine will continue to receive doses to ensure vaccines are available to as many Californians as possible. The aim is to enhance the vaccine provider network to increase its capacity and support the state’s goal to administer 4 million doses a week.

Blue Shield continues to work expeditiously to have as many eligible providers participate in the enhanced network including FQHCs, community clinics, multi-county entities, hospital systems, medical groups, pharmacies and others. Together, the goal is to build a network that reaches every corner of the Golden State, especially those communities that have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic.

Blue Shield is a nonprofit health plan that’s answering the call by the state to support its vaccine distribution efforts to help save lives. The health plan is working closely with each county, their public health leaders, and state officials to build a vaccine network to help meet the state’s goal to ensure all Californians have access to the vaccines equitably, efficiently and as quickly as possible.

The health plan is taking on this effort at cost without making a profit from the state. Blue Shield is not charging the state for its staff time devoted to this effort. It will only bill the state actual expenses to support the network up to the limit of the contract.

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 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 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 $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 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:	Erika Conner
	Blue Shield of California
	510-607-2359
	[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/810201/blue_jpg_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Blue Shield of California

1...1,8011,8021,803...3,058 Page 1,802 of 3,058