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Duke Energy Launches $500,000 Grant Opportunity for Organizations Supporting Western North Carolina Recovery Efforts

Why We Must Overcome Fragmentation to Optimize AI for the Benefit of All

DaVita Supports Thousands of Patients and Teammates Affected by Southern California Wildfires

<img alt="&quot;We're delighting consumers with the taste, texture and flavor options they desire in plant-based protein.&quot; - Mike Shantz, Senior Category Manager, Griffith Foods Global Alternative Proteins" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c64023b0-c4e6-4951-ab1f-26fcf8f32ed2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/mike-shantz-discusses-future-sustainable-alternative-proteins-growing-global_GRIFFITH-FOODS_013025.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />Mike Shantz, Senior Category Manager for Griffith Foods’ Global Alternative Proteins business, knows the importance of developing alternative proteins to complement traditional animal protein. 
“As the world’s population grows to an estimated 10 billion by 2050, finding ways to increase food production with fewer resources is essential to ensuring the health of people as well as our planet,” said Mike. Alternative proteins are sustainable, offer health and nutrition benefits, and are accessible and affordable. According to Mike, Griffith Foods’ Alternative Protein Portfolio meets the taste, texture and flavor variety demands of consumers. 
Visit our website and download our <a href="https://bit.ly/4fvxFeU" target="_blank">Alternative Protein Portfolio</a> to learn more.

At Griffith Foods, our purpose defines who we are, what we do, and why we exist, highlighting what makes us distinct and authentic in the marketplace. We help our partners meet the evolving needs and desires of consumers in ways that respect and sustain the planet. Our care and creativity mean we’ll find the right mix of global reach and local impact to serve the earth and nourish all of us who call it home.

Our Sustainability Platform of People, Planet, and Performance guides how we behave, conduct business, and treat people, ensuring that everything we do leads to responsible growth for our entire ecosystem.

People 
We take care of our employees and the communities in which we do business. Planet 
We all share one Earth, and we take environmental action to responsibly care for it.  Performance 
We operate ethically and strategically to create a positive impact for our business and for all of those with whom we interact.

View original content <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/griffith-foods_mike-shantz-senior-category-manager-for-activity-7276598870585815040-8F16?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" target="_blank">here</a>.

Griffith Foods on Sustainable Alternative Proteins for a Growing Population

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Vanilla plant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9fe2dc78-8962-4fb1-a00b-a0b3295ac9a2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/1-Madagascan-Vanilla_Bath-and-Body-Works_020525.png" width="640" height="1075" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Madagascar is the largest source of natural vanilla for Bath &amp; Body Works and grows the majority of the world’s Vanilla Planifolia species.</figcaption></figure>As an important part of Bath &amp; Body Works’ ESG journey, we’re working to create lasting, positive impacts through sustainable sourcing practices. Beginning in 2023, we partnered with Antea Group, an international expert in sustainability, to build a tool that allows us to better understand the social and environmental implications of the materials used in the most important areas of our business (for both merchandise and non-merchandise purchasing). This tool was developed to help support our ESG commitments toward improving the sustainability profile of priority ingredients and contributing to resilient communities.

Based on this initial assessment, we embarked on our journey to pilot programs that help us make progress on our commitments, starting with Madagascan vanilla.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Vanilla beans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ab83a04-bbdf-46d7-bac4-15273dd631d6" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/vanillaimage_BBW_021125.jpg" width="640" height="1066" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Madagascar is the largest source of natural vanilla for Bath &amp; Body Works and grows the majority of the world’s Vanilla Planifolia species.</figcaption></figure>Madagascar is the largest source of natural vanilla for Bath &amp; Body Works and grows the majority of the world’s Vanilla Planifolia species. Madagascar is rich in biodiversity, but the impacts of natural catastrophes, such as droughts, and economic conditions pose a risk to vanilla farmers.

Through a new partnership with the Givaudan Foundation, we’re working to improve the living conditions of Madagascan vanilla farmers. We are subsidizing 3,000 Madagascan-produced, energy-efficient cookstoves over three years for 3,000 farming households in the Sava region of Madagascar, which is where most of the natural vanilla in our products originates.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Vanilla Planifolia tree" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dbc8d5cc-8d88-4295-a674-88472107f7fa" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Madagascan-Vanilla_Bath-and-Body-Works_020525-2.jpg" width="736" height="980" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>We believe that finding ways to positively impact these farmers is the right thing to do to help ensure this ingredient is available for future generations.</figcaption></figure>Similar projects like this in the past have shown to:

<ul><li>Reduce number of trees harvested to use as fuel in cooking.</li>
	<li>Reduce time spent by households to collect firewood.</li>
	<li>Reduce smoke exposure for households.</li>
	<li>Create local jobs as stove resellers in the region.</li>
</ul>We believe that finding ways to positively impact these farmers is the right thing to do to help ensure this ingredient is available for future generations. We look forward to using learnings from our Madagascan vanilla program to learn, grow and most importantly, deepen our focus on what truly matters — our people, communities and planet.

Bath & Body Works’ First Sustainable Sourcing Social Impact Program: Madagascan Vanilla

<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2025-02/aflac_supplemental_coach_of_the_game%20%281080p%29.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

<a href="https://newsroom.aflac.com/Prime-Time-upgrade-Colorado-coaching-roster-expands" target="_blank">Originally published on Aflac Newsroom</a>

If there’s one thing fans and media have learned by now, it’s to always expect the unexpected with University of Colorado Head Football Coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders. Known for keeping things interesting, like being the only athlete to play in both the Super Bowl and the World Series, Coach Prime never misses a chance to surprise.
<img alt="Coach Prime and Piper. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="05d9dd63-7e29-4db9-aeb2-0efc1b6b5e66" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Coach%20Prime%20and%20Piper_Aflac_2.11.25A.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="660" loading="lazy" />On Sept. 17, at the news conference leading to the Colorado vs. Baylor showdown, Coach Prime added another twist. In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, he introduced 8-year-old cancer survivor and lifelong Buffs fan, Piper Lardes, as the Aflac Supplemental Coach of the Game.
<img alt="Piper shown with her Aflac Duck." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a92d21c8-2c37-484d-a9b4-fd579c2d2d14" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Piper%20MSAD_Aflac_2.11.25B.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="960" loading="lazy" />Piper, a true Buffs fan through and through, took a few questions from reporters with confidence and shared how excited she was to team up with Aflac and Coach Prime to help support the Buffs in their upcoming game. Sporting her Blenders sunglasses and wrapping up with a heartfelt "Sko Buffs!," Piper stole the show.

Piper’s connection with Coach Prime goes back to this past summer when they met at a children's hospital during a My Special Aflac Duck® delivery, but Piper’s journey started much earlier. At just 4 years old, she began experiencing unexplained arm pain, which led to an emergency MRI. On Halloween 2020, she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare tumor pressing against her spinal cord.

After enduring 28 weeks of biweekly chemotherapy and 31 days of radiation, Piper was declared cancer-free. Today, she enjoys reading, playing softball and helping raise awareness for pediatric cancer. She even had the chance to do just that during the first quarter of the Colorado vs. Baylor game on Sept. 21.
<img alt="Piper and her Alfac Duck at Colorado vs. Baylor game on Sept. 21." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77d6ea1e-0672-4202-a543-54225ab7a75b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Piper%20MSAD_Aflac_2.11.25C.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="416" loading="lazy" />On the field, <a href="https://cubuffs.com/news/2024/8/19/buffalo-sports-properties-supplementing-the-headset-game-aflac-and-colorado-buffaloes-unveil-first-of-its-kind-coaching-staff-headset-lineup" target="_blank">Piper wore the first-of-its-kind Aflac-branded coaching staff custom headset</a> that coordinated with the team’s helmets. Piper and her family were honored on Folsom Field, where her story was shared with fans. The stadium erupted in applause and cheers when it was announced that Piper is now cancer-free. Fans congratulated her and took photos with her as she made her way to her seat.
<img alt="Piper and her family at the Colorado vs. Baylor game." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87e3c7de-bd11-49af-9059-52b3063795cd" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Lardes%20family_Aflac_2.11.25D.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="717" loading="lazy" />As the Aflac Supplemental Coach of the Game, Piper now boasts a perfect 1-0 coaching record after the Buffs fought hard and clinched a thrilling overtime victory against Baylor. It’s a game — and an experience — Piper and her family will never forget.

These memorable moments serve as powerful reminders about the importance of supporting children with cancer. Watch below for a special message from Piper to Team Aflac.

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2401022C

Prime Time Upgrade: Colorado Coaching Roster Expands

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Three people reading a book" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="213e4090-8efd-49ed-9f9e-39c8708c9603" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/reading_IOC_2425.png" width="640" height="720" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>© CATHERINE LEUTENEGGER PHOTOGRAPHY</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/2025-phd-students-and-early-career-academics-research-grants-awarded" target="_blank">International Olympic Committee news</a>

In the framework of the PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme, the IOC Olympic Studies Centre (OSC), with help of its Grant Selection Committee, has selected four research projects based on their academic quality and link with Olympic studies.

The selected candidates and their chosen projects are:

<ol><li>Ellie GENNINGS (GBR) 
	Research project: A Concept Mapping Study of High-Performance Adolescent Athlete’s Perspectives of Safety in Sport 
	Bournemouth University (GBR)</li>
	<li>Catalina MELENDRO BLANCO (COL) 
	Research project: From hegemonic Global North perspectives towards Global South realities: Exploring sport leaders’ views towards an intersectional sport safeguarding strategy 
	Canterbury Christ Church University (GBR)</li>
	<li>Monica NELSON (USA) 
	Research project: Strength in Difference?: Examining sex- and gender-based training practices in women’s Olympic Weightlifting 
	University of Waikato (NZD)</li>
	<li>Mikaela SPRINGSTEEN (USA/EST) 
	Research project: Rating and Ranking in the Pursuit of Perfection on Ice 
	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)</li>
</ol>The chosen candidates benefit from a grant which allows them to carry out their research project and, if relevant, to consult the Olympic Studies Centre’s resources in Lausanne (Switzerland). The results of their research must be submitted to the OSC at the end of 2025.

35 candidates from 20 countries and 5 continents applied

For this 26th edition of the programme, 22 applications were submitted by doctoral students and 13 by early career academics.

Background of the programme

The PhD Students and Early Career Academics Grant Programme is one of the two research programmes that has been organised by the OSC, aiming to support Olympic-related academic research since 1999. It contributes to promote the presence of Olympic studies in the universities by reaching out to the next generation of professors.

What is the selection process?

The grant holders were selected by a committee composed of academic experts who are renowned for their involvement in Olympic studies and of OSC representatives. The selection committee for the 2025 edition of the programme comprised the following academic members: Mahfoud Amara (Qatar University, Qatar), Dikaia Chatziefstathiou (Canterbury Christ Church University, Great Britain), Angela Schneider (Western University, Canada), Tracy Taylor (RMIT University, Australia) and Paul Wylleman (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium).

Other research grant opportunities

University professors, lecturers and research fellows who have completed their doctorate and who currently hold an academic/research appointment covering the period of the grant are eligible to apply to the <a href="https://stillmed.olympics.com/media/Document%20Library/OlympicOrg/Olympic-Studies-Centre/Academic-Activities-and-Network/Academic-research/Advanced-Olympic-Research-Grant-Programme-Rules.pdf" target="_blank">Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme</a>. The call for applications for the 2025-2027 edition is now open and the deadline for submitting applications is 27 January 2025.

This programme aims to promote advanced research by established researchers with a humanities or social sciences perspective in priority fields of research identified by the IOC.

The full list of research projects funded by the Olympic Studies Centre since the creation of its grant programmes in 1999 is available <a href="https://stillmed.olympics.com/media/Document%20Library/OlympicOrg/Olympic-Studies-Centre/Academic-Activities-and-Network/Academic-research/List-of-awarded-projects.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.

For more information on the Olympic Studies Centre and its programmes and services, visit <a href="https://olympics.com/ioc/olympic-studies-centre" target="_blank">its website</a> or contact <a href="mailto:studies.centre@olympic.org" target="_blank">studies.centre@olympic.org</a>. To discover the full OSC’s collections including 40,000 publications and 1.5km of IOC historical archives, visit the <a href="https://library.olympics.com/?_ga=2.183620015.803017843.1705668673-1506282706.1649664582" target="_blank">Olympic World Library</a>.

The Olympic Studies Centre is the official centre of reference for Olympic knowledge. Its missions are to make Olympic knowledge accessible, foster and support education, teaching and research among students and academics and stimulate the dialogue between the academic community and the Olympic Movement.

2025 PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grants Awarded

<img alt="Yolanda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c517076e-b149-4eda-ae2b-451c015f01ae" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/1-yolandas-commitment-empowering-others_CUMMINS-INC_020525.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="620" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.cummins.com/news/2025/01/13/yolandas-commitment-empowering-others-cummins" target="_blank">Cummins</a>

"Mentoring is about sharing your time and experience to help others grow and succeed," says Yolanda D.

Yolanda’s career at Cummins Inc. is rooted in a journey of growth and empowerment, both for herself and others. She began her career at Cummins in 2022 as part of the Meritor acquisition then transitioned to Accelera by Cummins in 2023. As a program manager, Yolanda has overseen the design, development and production of ePowertrain products. Today, she’s focused on the launch of Accelera’s BP104E battery product for customers in North America.

Beyond her technical expertise, Yolanda’s passion for mentoring has shaped her journey at Cummins. "Mentoring always finds me," she says. It all started shortly after joining Cummins, where Yolanda connected with early-career employees through her involvement in community service, eventually leading her to mentor several interns. "It was a natural transition," Yolanda explains, "to begin talking to colleagues about their career goals and sharing tips I’ve used to grow my own career."

Her formal mentoring role at Cummins started when she joined the Cummins Black Network (CBN) Employee Resource Group and expressed her interest in becoming a mentor. She was recruited to mentor CBN summer interns, including her first Cummins mentee from East Carolina University, Luc, who was interning at the Jamestown, NY facility.
<img alt="Yolanda standing next to someone in a classroom, with her arm around them." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb033b61-bce0-4d2c-8e9d-c8a0a7d6d155" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2-yolandas-commitment-empowering-others_CUMMINS-INC_020525.jpg" class="align-center" width="400" height="400" loading="lazy" />For Yolanda, mentoring isn’t just about offering advice—it’s about creating opportunities for others to grow. “Mentoring means giving back your time and talents to help others gain from your life experience,” she says. And Yolanda takes this responsibility seriously, seeing it as a way to build strong relationships and support employee engagement within Cummins. “Mentoring helps employees grow in the company culture, build career relationships and stay engaged with their work. It helps people succeed, and that’s what matters most.”

The most rewarding aspect of mentoring, Yolanda shares, is seeing her mentees succeed. "When I see them promoted or land new roles, it’s like a proud parent moment. But it’s even more fulfilling when they, in turn, become mentors themselves."

Mentoring is a two-way street, Yolanda adds, and it’s not only mentees who benefit. She explains that she’s gained valuable connections and insights from the people she mentors. “Mentoring is reciprocal,” she says. “I’ve been introduced to new opportunities and broadened my network through my mentees. It’s one of the many ways mentoring benefits both the mentor and the mentee.”

Cummins supports mentoring through various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and community service initiatives, creating a network where employees can find guidance and build relationships across the company. "Cummins is a big company, with many leaders and departments, so finding a mentor is crucial to navigating your career here," Yolanda explains.

Mentoring plays a central role in Cummins’ company culture, helping with retention, career progression and employee engagement. “Mentoring helps people feel supported and more invested in the company’s success," says Yolanda. "It’s a great tool for developing the next class of leadership.”

Yolanda’s advice to new employees is simple: “Find a mentor early on. Don’t just show up and do your job—make sure you’re building relationships and learning from those around you.”

Looking ahead, Yolanda is excited to continue her mentoring journey and inspire the next generation of leaders at Cummins. She also plans to find a new mentor for herself, seeing it as an opportunity to further grow and expand her network. “Mentoring isn’t just for those early in their careers—it’s valuable at every stage,” Yolanda says.

For Yolanda, the beauty of mentoring lies in the shared growth, the mutual respect and the lasting connections it creates. “It’s about helping each other, learning from each other and succeeding together,” she says.

Yolanda’s commitment to mentoring is an example of how Cummins fosters a culture of empowerment, collaboration and continuous development. It’s a philosophy that has shaped her own career and is helping others find success at Cummins every day.

Yolanda’s Commitment to Empowering Others at Cummins

<img alt="Robert Knight, Director of Enterprise Applications and IT Architecture at Covia." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="779d6e1c-579a-4dcc-91fe-4e54c0109429" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/infrontofstage_Covia_20525.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1600" loading="lazy" />Covia is proud to recognize the critical impact our team members make, both through their work and their dedication to their communities. Today, we spotlight Robert Knight, Director of Enterprise Applications and IT Architecture, whose leadership in technology implementation and optimization has helped position Covia for future growth and innovation.

From Code to Covia: A Journey Back Home

With 35 years of IT experience, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at Covia. His journey began as a COBOL programmer at a hardwood lumber company, where he gained comprehensive IT experience in a small department. His career path led him through diverse industries, managing IT operations for a men’s fashion company before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, to join an automotive parts company.

Robert spent 12 years in the Peach State, but a desire to move back to be closer to family meant it was time to head back to Northeast Ohio. “Our family made the decision to move back to Cleveland, leaving Atlanta to return to our former home,” Robert explained.

Shortly after moving back to Ohio, he found an opportunity at Covia. His decision to join Covia in July of 2023 was more than just a good fit, it closed the circle on a childhood connection.

“I don’t know if it's fate or destiny, but I grew up in Chardon,” Robert said. “My dad drove a truck for a local company that hauled sand from <a href="https://www.coviacorp.com/insights/posts/black-lab-chardon-committed-to-custom-toll-blending-excellence/" target="_blank">Covia's BESTSAND plant</a> when I was a kid. When I went out to do a plant tour after I started, I saw the familiar trucks still hauling out of there. It brought back such fond memories.”

Streamlining Systems for Success

In his current role, Robert oversees the teams responsible for implementing and supporting Covia's business-critical applications. At the heart of these systems is the company's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which touches every aspect of operations from maintenance to sales and accounting.

One of Robert's key achievements has been leading the rationalization of Covia's application landscape. "When I came here, there were several different systems with overlapping uses," he explained. “It was my job to reduce our total cost of ownership and complexity of our application landscape while making it easier to support and less expensive to operate."

The successful cloud reimplementation of the ERP stands out as a particular point of pride. While Robert joined on day one of the go-live, he emphasizes how his team’s work led to minimal business disruption. Other projects like the rationalization of shipping systems helped standardize processes for loading out and shipping. Robert and his team have helped streamline various aspects of Covia’s business and position the ERP system for growth, allowing it to scale with Covia’s future needs.

"We're developing our plans and cadence to keep everything current,” Robert shared. “There are additional phases that we’re planning for 2025 to make enhancements and modifications that touch every aspect of our business.”

Looking to Build a Smarter Future

Robert's vision extends beyond day-to-day operations to include emerging technologies. By exploring new technologies and tools, Robert’s team’s plan is to help departments and individuals work smarter, not harder.

Robert highlights the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors as one example of how new technology can enhance operational efficiency. These sensors can gauge vibration and other factors that can predict issues and alert team members to <a href="https://www.coviacorp.com/insights/posts/driving-safety-and-product-quality-improvements-at-covia/" target="_blank">improve operational safety and avoid downtime</a>.

Artificial Intelligence is another notable focus for Robert and his team. Software vendors are introducing AI technology to create new opportunities for businesses in just about every industry. Robert is embracing AI and evaluating its potential to make Covia more agile.

“We’re able to shift gears and make changes as they come,” Robert shared. “By staying current, we can make software enhancements more rapidly to support the business as both technology and our business evolve.”

The Power of Giving Back

Outside of work, Robert finds joy in family, sports, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Since 2017, he and his wife have been actively involved in supporting The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They attended their first <a href="https://www.shamrockinforacure.com/" target="_blank">ShamRockin’ for a Cure</a> event in Atlanta, and the experience inspired them to get involved.

“We met a bunch of great people, and it just breaks your heart when you listen to their stories of people being born with cystic fibrosis and breathing issues,” Robert said. “My wife and I feel very blessed that all our children and grandchildren are healthy, and we wanted to give back."

While Robert and his wife now live in Cleveland, they still stay close with all the families they met and participate where they can. The Knights were also able to share their passion with Covia, and <a href="https://www.coviacorp.com/esg/positive-social-impact/the-covia-foundation/" target="_blank">we are proud to support their work</a> and help build a bright future for those impacted by cystic fibrosis.

Robert's combination of technical expertise, industry experience, passion for social impact, and personal connection to Covia's roots makes him a valuable leader in driving the company's digital transformation and supporting people across the country.

For more information about Covia’s Cybersecurity efforts, visit our ESG Report (<a href="https://www.coviacorp.com/media/4tfdlsll/covia_2023esgreport_english_web_verison-ada.pdf#58" target="_blank">Covia - 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report</a>).

Robert Knight: Driving Digital Innovation With Deep Roots at Covia

<img alt="People having a discussion on stage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd7c45d7-e7f1-4289-8a65-49f64dff872b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Davos1_Cisco_2425.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="720" loading="lazy" />I had the privilege of attending the <a href="https://ch.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum?trk=public_post-text" target="_blank">World Economic Forum</a> in <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/signup/cold-join?session_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Ffeed%2Fhashtag%2Fdavos&amp;trk=public_post-text" target="_blank">Davos</a>, Switzerland, where leaders, innovators, and changemakers came together to address the pressing challenges of our time.

The conversations reaffirmed that creating a regenerative future requires a balanced approach: reducing our footprint on the planet, amplifying our handprint through impactful actions, and leading with a heartprint that inspires collaboration and purpose.

From thought-provoking engagements to building new relationships, it was clear that partnerships and collective action are critical to driving meaningful impact. A key theme throughout the week was balancing the increasing demand for AI and digitization, with efforts to enhance energy efficiency and transition to clean energy. At <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco?trk=public_post-text" target="_blank">Cisco</a>, sustainability is an important priority—from enabling a resilient supply chain to advancing AI-powered climate solutions and digital grid modernization that help industries decarbonize and scale with efficiency.

Grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with others equally passionate about shaping a better tomorrow. Together, we can accelerate the progress needed to make environmental sustainability not just a goal, but a reality.

View original content <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/marydewysocki_davos-activity-7290814615871995906-VBlP/" target="_blank">here</a>.

I had the privilege of attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where leaders, innovators, and changemakers came together to address the pressing challenges of our time.

Cisco: Global Cooperation Will Shape a Future Prioritizing Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusivity

Mike Shantz, Senior Category Manager for Griffith Foods’ Global Alternative Proteins business, knows the importance of developing alternative proteins to complement traditional animal protein.

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="photo of Covia employees" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4e72a88b-bd90-4a7c-9e1d-f019e6ecaf98" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/protecting-digital-future_COVIA_021425.jpg" width="640" height="768" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Jonathan Shaper and Charles Ricciardi</figcaption></figure>At Covia, protecting our digital assets and team members plays a vital role in everything we do. From our plant locations to our corporate offices – cybersecurity remains a consistent focus to ensure the safety of our data, systems, and people.

In 2025, Covia continues to innovate our cybersecurity strategies and implement cutting-edge tools to further strengthen our digital defenses. Read on to learn more about our Cybersecurity team's important work, their innovative security measures, and how they're preparing for future challenges.

Cybersecurity Team Highlights: Jonathan Shaper &amp; Charles Ricciardi

Covia's approach to cybersecurity is comprehensive and proactive, led by experts who understand both the technical and human elements of digital security. Our Cybersecurity team ensures Covia's systems and data remain protected while enabling team members to work efficiently and securely.

We want to highlight two key members of our Cybersecurity team who have been instrumental in implementing and managing our security initiatives. Jonathan Shaper, Director of Information Security and Governance, and Charles Ricciardi, Information Technology Security Engineer, are invaluable team members who have played crucial roles in strengthening our cybersecurity posture.

Jonathan joined Covia four years ago and brings 15 years of experience in audit and cybersecurity. As the strategic leader of the department, he oversees the entire cybersecurity program and governance, ensuring Covia stays protected against evolving threats while maintaining an acceptable risk tolerance.

Charles' journey at Covia spans a decade, starting at the service desk and working his way up to his current role as security engineer. He ensures all Covia computers and devices remain up to date with the latest security software, manages critical security tools, and works closely with other teams to make security a top priority across all systems.

Proactive Prevention and Team Empowerment

Protecting an organization from cyber-attacks is a 24/7 effort, and that’s why Jonathan and Charles take great lengths to implement new software and best practices to stay ahead of potential threats.

The team analyzes more than 4 billion log entries each month for potential security risks, which includes all internet traffic, internal traffic, and any other activity tied to a Covia computer. Various controls and protections block a lot of the threats, but the team processes upwards of 40 security tickets daily, working closely with team members across the organization to investigate and resolve anything that remotely seems like a potential threat.

Their philosophy emphasizes quick, decisive action. While some tickets are false positives, everything is taken seriously to prevent a breach – even if it means occasionally having to apologize for being overly cautious.

This preventative approach is combined with active security awareness training and incentives to help team members contribute to Covia’s culture of safety. Ongoing training efforts – such as sending out test phishing emails and offering prizes to employees who report potential risks – have helped others in the organization take ownership over their own cybersecurity experience.

Outsmarting Email Threats Through Innovative Technology

Phishing attacks are the most common form of cybercrime, with an estimated <a href="https://www.stationx.net/phishing-statistics/" target="_blank">3.4 billion phishing emails sent each day</a>. In 2024, Covia implemented an innovative tool to detect compromised business emails, transforming the way we protect the organization against sophisticated email threats.

The tool uses machine learning to examine how different users talk and flag suspicious emails that deviate from normal patterns. The system reviews the languages and words used in every incoming email and catches threats that traditional email gateways might miss. Once flagged, the system presents warning banners when something <a>doesn't</a> look right, giving users a chance to think twice before responding.

The success of this initiative reflects Covia's larger strategy of implementing multiple layers of security. Combined with monthly phishing awareness training and strengthened password requirements, Covia successfully decreased our cybersecurity threat resolution time by 60-70% on average.

Embracing AI for Enhanced Protection

The business email compromise tool has already yielded notable results, and it’s one example of how the cybersecurity team <a>leverages</a> innovative technology to fend off threats. As one of the leading proponents of artificial intelligence in the cybersecurity industry, Jonathan <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rethinking-cybersecurity-aligning-tools-ttps-ai-jonathan-shaper-mba-cwqre/?trackingId=PBZc%2BFyvTNy5GNhu9DYGVA%3D%3D" target="_blank">actively seeks the latest AI-based tools</a> to see how they can help protect the organization. This search has led to new tools that review user access, automatically identify and block anomalous behaviors, and complete other key tasks.

“We are constantly talking to vendors and making proof-of-concepts on new software and tools that are out there,” Charles said. “Jonathan is always searching for new approaches, asking the team if there's anything that we have a need for or something that's going to help keep us secure.”

The cybersecurity team remains committed to staying ahead of emerging threats. Through continued innovation, employee education, and the implementation of cutting-edge technology, Covia's cybersecurity team works tirelessly to protect our organization's digital assets and <a href="https://www.coviacorp.com/insights/posts/robert-knight-driving-digital-innovation-with-deep-roots/" target="_blank">enable our team members</a> to work securely and efficiently.

Learn more about Covia’s cybersecurity efforts <a href="https://www.coviacorp.com/esg/responsible-governance-and-ethics/" target="_blank">here</a>.

At Covia, protecting our digital assets and team members plays a vital role in everything we do. From our plant locations to our corporate offices – cybersecurity remains a consistent focus to ensure the safety of our data, systems, and people.

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