Tag Archives: DEI

PR Newswire

GameU Advances Inclusivity in Video Game Design with Autism In Entertainment Workgroup

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GameU signs educational partnership with not-for-profit, Autism in Entertainment, highlighting career pathways in coding for the neurologically diverse

FLEMINGTON, N.J. and IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — GameU – the provider of premium online coding courses, with a social mission to promote inclusivity in video game design – has signed an educational partnership with California-based not-for-profit initiative, the Autism in Entertainment Workgroup.

Under the terms of the agreement with Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG), the governing body of Autism in Entertainment (AIE), GameU will both sponsor AIE programs as well as run a series of complimentary game design webinars for AIE members. Delivered by working professionals in the computer game industry, the GameU webinars will teach basics in game design, highlight the strong links between coding proficiency and autism, and provide pathways for future learning.

The first of those webinars, From Consumer to Creator: Becoming a Video Game Developer, will take place Thursday 21st November 2024, 3pm EST.

Register for the first GameU – AIE webinar here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwocOippzItHNTD1hlNZcsFtf4V6mwWC26E#/registration 

“GameU is focused on equipping students, including those with special needs, with the skills to thrive in today’s and tomorrow’s digital economy,” said GameU President and CEO, Mike Kawas. “AIE’s belief that individuals on the autism spectrum can forge strong careers in entertainment-related fields, including game design, means our missions are well-aligned.

“We’re excited to work alongside AIE to help build career pathways in STEM-based fields for those in our community with high-functioning autism, including game design, coding and 3D modeling.”

OCASG President and Chair of the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup, Judi Uttal, said “Connecting AIE talent with industry-grade learning opportunities is an important aspect of enhancing employment prospects for neurodivergent individuals. We are thrilled to have GameU as our newest educational partner.

“Working hand-in-glove with an autism-friendly game design course provider, like GameU, enables AIE to better-help its members acquire skills and industry connections that pave the way to employment,” said Uttal. “The AIE – GameU Education Partnership is an example of tangible benefits that help drive inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment sector.”

For a free trial, of any one of GameU’s 1-to-1 All Abilities classes, sign-up here:
game-u.com/pages/free-trial-abilities

Register for the first GameU – AIE webinar here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwocOippzItHNTD1hlNZcsFtf4V6mwWC26E#/registration 

About GameU

GameU is a leading provider of premium online video game design courses, which teach students the skills they need to succeed in the video game industry. With curriculums crafted and taught by education experts and professional game developers, GameU virtually delivers a wide range of programs across three main avenues:

  • All Abilities: Private one-to-one classes, tailored to each students’ needs, including neurologically diverse individuals
  • For schools and districts: Built for specifically for K-12 school environments, GameU’s Hybrid+ Program transform students’ love of gaming into valuable STEAM skills with a blend of live instruction, on-demand learning and 1-to-1 training for in-classroom educators
  • On-demand: Access to recorded classes, curriculum and game design software via Orbit, GameU’s Self-Guided Learning Platform

GameU provides a comprehensive learning experience that includes both live instruction and self-paced study. GameU is dedicated to empowering students and educators alike, helping them stay ahead of industry trends, to prepare them for the future of game development.

For more information, visit game-u.com

To keep up-to-date with GameU classes, programs, events and more, follow GameU on social media: LinkedIn (GameU), Facebook (@GameUSchool), YouTube (@Gameunj), Instagram (@gameuschool), TikTok (@gameuschool_), X (@GameUSchool)

For regular news and thought leadership regarding video game design, video game coding and more, subscribe to GameU’s blog here: www.game-u.com/pages/contact-us

About Autism in Entertainment

Autism in Entertainment (AIE) is the result of a strategic collaboration between the non-profit Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG), disability-focused staffing and consulting firm Zavikon, and generous grant funding from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). AIE seeks to connect entertainment top brass with work-ready job candidates who are on the spectrum. Established in May 2022, the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup includes educators, professionals, and family members who believe that individuals on the autism spectrum can contribute in entertainment-related fields, including film, television, social media, and game design. The goal of AIE is to drive employment efforts in entertainment-related careers.

For more information, visit autisminentertainment.org

About Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG)

The Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG) is the proud parent organization of Autism in Entertainment (AIE). OCASG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for autistic teens, adults, and their families in the community. We achieve this through providing support, organizing social activities, and education. Our goal is to empower the autism community by creating a safe and welcoming environment where individuals and families can connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. We believe that through support and education, individuals with autism can achieve their full potential and become valued members of the community. For more information, visit www.ocaspergers.org or contact ocasupport@gmail.com

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PR Newswire

LILYSILK Partners with Leading Nonprofits to Celebrate National Nonprofit Day, Empowering Communities and Promoting Sustainability

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NEW YORK, Aug. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — LILYSILK celebrates its 14th anniversary and Brand Month this August and proudly commemorates National Nonprofit Day on August 17 by announcing two new partnerships with the World Woman Foundation and I Support The Girls. Additionally, LILYSILK continues its collaboration with longstanding partners, including National Breast Cancer Foundation®, Baby2Baby, and One Tree Planted, demonstrating a sustained commitment to community support and environmental sustainability.

National Nonprofit Day serves as a reminder of the collective efforts of individuals and organizations to create a more equitable and compassionate world, highlighting the critical role in addressing societal issues, promoting social justice, and providing essential services to those in need.

Credit: I Support The Girls
Credit: I Support The Girls

LILYSILK is thrilled to partner with the World Woman Foundation as their sustainable fashion partner. This collaboration aims to empower women across North America and Europe by promoting sustainability and leadership through the use of sustainable silk products.

“We are thrilled to partner with LILYSILK, a brand that shares our commitment to sustainability and women’s empowerment,” said Rupa Dash, CEO of the World Woman Foundation. “This partnership is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable future while uplifting women worldwide.”

LILYSILK proudly supports I Support The Girls (ISTG) by donating over US$8,000 worth of bras to promote dignity for all. Dana Marlowe, founder and Executive Director of ISTG, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “LILYSILK’s generous donation enables us to support hundreds of individuals in need.” ISTG collects and distributes essential items to women experiencing homelessness and distress, fostering dignity and confidence.

Since 2022, LILYSILK has been a steadfast supporter of National Breast Cancer Foundation®, contributing over US$5,000 and US$43,000 worth of eye masks to aid women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

LILYSILK continues its support for Baby2Baby, helping the organization continue to provide essential items like diapers. In celebration of Mother’s Day this year, LILYSILK helped Baby2Baby distribute 250,000 diapers to mothers and their babies. Additionally, in 2023, LILYSILK partnered with One Tree Planted to plant 35,000 trees in Brazil and Mexico, reaffirming their commitment to sustainability and reforestation efforts.

“We express our deepest gratitude to our nonprofit partners who enable us to make a positive impact,” said David Wang, CEO of LILYSILK. “By collaborating with nonprofits, we underscore our commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.”

PR Newswire

Kangsters Unveils Revolutionary Treadmills at Rollettes Experience 2024: Celebrating Innovation and Empowerment

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LOS ANGELES, July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Kangsters, the pioneering South Korean adaptive tech startup, proudly announces its participation in the Rollettes Experience 2024. This renowned event, now celebrating its 11th anniversary, will be held from July 11-14 at the Sheraton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Known as the world’s largest event for women and girls with disabilities, the Rollettes Experience has a profound impact nationwide and stands as a beacon of empowerment and independence.

Kangsters' Wheely-X, an innovative cardio trainer designed for wheelchair users
Kangsters’ Wheely-X, an innovative cardio trainer designed for wheelchair users

This year, the Rollettes Experience will offer a dynamic array of activities, including vibrant dance classes led by renowned choreographers like Chelsie Hill, and insightful panels on health, wellness, and business. Kangsters joins this inspiring event, championing inclusivity, community, and forward-thinking solutions. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, Kangsters will showcase its groundbreaking innovations, including the Wheely-X treadmill designed specifically for wheelchair users.

“At Kangsters, we are driven by a passion for inclusivity and accessibility,” remarked Tyrion Kim, CEO and Co-founder. “The Rollettes Experience 2024 embodies everything we stand for: innovation that empowers individuals with disabilities to lead active, fulfilling lives.”

Visitors to the Kangsters booth at Rollettes Experience 2024 can look forward to an immersive experience with cutting-edge technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact firsthand with Kangsters’ XR-based indoor cardio trainers, designed for wheelchair users to compete and train with friends in an exhilarating environment, and witness the revolution in accessible fitness.

For more information about Kangsters and its pioneering products, please visit [www.wheely-x.com](http://www.wheely-x.com).

PR Newswire

Intelligent Baby Care: Explore Paris Rhône Advanced 2K HD Video Baby Monitor

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PARIS, March 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Paris Rhône, a century-old household brand that continues to innovate baby monitoring solutions, is now offering an early bird discount of at least $60 off on its recently-launched baby monitor with app for today’s busy parents.

Launched in February of 2024, Paris Rhône best baby monitor revolutionizes parenting experience with a comprehensive of innovative features including leading 2K picture-perfect quality, clear night vision, split-screen, smart AI tracking and more. If you’re seeking an ultimate parenting essential, look no further than Paris Rhône. You can grab the Paris Rhône smart baby monitor with the code “STARIN60” at only $99.99 now.

Let’s delve into the exceptional features of Paris Rhône video baby monitor and start safer and smarter parenting.

Stunning 2K HD Quality

With the advanced 2K resolution of Paris Rhône baby camera, you can see your little one’s every action and facial expression in breathtaking detail. Capture every precious moment with sharp detail, from your baby’s playful antics to peaceful sleep. Record memorable milestones like first crawls, stands, and words effortlessly, with ample storage up to 256GB on the SD card, ensuring you never miss a special development.

Split-Screen Convenience

Say goodbye to the hassle of constantly switching between watching your baby sleep and checking on your toddler at play. With the Paris Rhône baby monitor camera, you can effortlessly view two separate video feeds on the same screen. Keep a close eye on both of your children, even when they are in different rooms, with a single glance. This video baby monitor ensures their safety while empowering you to handle multiple tasks with ease.

Intelligent AI Tracking

Built-in high-precision sensor, the Paris Rhône infant monitor detects your baby’s movements or cries and instantly sends you alerts via your smartphone and monitor screen, enabling you to feel secure in being aware that you are constantly connected with your little one.

Crisp Nighttime Checkup

Adopting the invisible infrared light, the baby monitor WiFi provides a clear line of vision even in the dark, so you can easily watch over your baby without needing to frequently enter their room and risk disturbing their sound sleep.

Intuitive App Control

Thanks to the user-friendly app, you can flexibly check in on your child on your phone anytime from anywhere, whether you’re in the next room, at the office, or travelling. The video baby monitor with phone app allows easy access to a wide range of functions like 2K HD resolution app display, instant alerts, two-way audio communication, three-person remote voice calls, camera angle adjustment, video recording, photo capture, lullaby playback, night light customization, etc.

Stay Connected & Closer

The WiFi baby monitor enables you to keep in touch with your child and your loved ones with the three-person remote voice call function on the app. Soothe your child or share updates with your partner in real time no matter where you are.

Clear Two-Way Communication

Experience seamless two-way communication through this baby monitor with app and screen, allowing you to comfort your baby remotely with just a click, bringing you peace of mind even when you’re physically apart.

Environmentally-Friendly Parenting

Equipped with an energy-efficient screen, the Paris Rhône baby monitor with WiFi operates for up to a week on a single charge. Monitor your baby effectively without concerns about battery longevity or wasteful energy consumption.

Enhanced Privacy Protection

Rest assured with the Paris Rhône baby monitor‘s advanced AES-128 encryption for privacy and security. Establish a secure connection to safeguard your baby’s room from unauthorized access and maintain the confidentiality of your interactions.

Additional Features for All Your Needs

In addition to the features mentioned above, the Paris Rhône video baby monitor with app offers a feeding reminder to help you maintain a healthy routine. Enjoy real-time monitoring of room temperature and humidity levels, personalized night light options, and a selection of 14 comforting lullabies for creating an ideal sleep environment for your baby.

Mary, a delighted customer shared, “As a new mom, this high-tech baby monitor has become an invaluable tool in my daily routine. The 2K HD resolution makes a big difference in keeping an eye on my little one. The clarity and detail in the video feed help me feel more secure and connected despite being in another room. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I can monitor my baby’s sleep, movements, and sounds, which helps me respond quickly to any needs or concerns. It greatly reduces my anxiety and helps me balance personal health while caring for my newborn.”

Whether you want to monitor your child while doing housework, rest knowing your kid is sleeping comfortably, or even check in remotely while you’re away, the Paris Rhône baby monitor with camera and audio boasts advanced features to enhance your parenting experience. Use the code “STARIN60” to purchase the single camera at the special price of US$99.99 on the Paris Rhône website. Don’t miss out on the exclusive offer.

About Paris Rhône

Since 1915, Paris Rhône has been dedicated to innovating user-friendly household appliances that enrich customers’ lives globally. Embodying “Bettering Your Life,” Paris Rhône specializes in the smart and practical parenting solutions like the advanced 2K HD Video Baby Monitor, simplifying childcare for busy parents and caregivers. Enjoy stress-free parenting with Paris Rhône smart baby monitors and cherish every minute with your little ones. To learn more, please visit https://parisrhone.com/

Stay updated on our latest developments by following us on social media:

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PR Newswire

3D Printing Trailblazer ELEGOO Announces Initiative to Boost Women’s Roles in STEM

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SHENZHEN, China, March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of International Women’s Day, ELEGOO, a trailblazer in the 3D printing industry, has initiated a project dedicated to inspiring and empowering women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This long-term endeavor is designed to highlight their stories and encourage a greater number of women to participate in these fields.

Annika Mordelt, a PhD researcher in neuroscience and immunology, is one of the women featured in the project. Specializing in stem cell disease modeling, Annika innovated a strategy for co-maturing immune cells and neurons from stem cells last year, enabling developmental interaction studies.

Throughout her research, Annika Mordelt has found 3D printing technology to be an invaluable tool. “In the field of stem cell research, scientists are engineering and 3D-printing with biomaterials to create platforms for the cells to grow in,” she said. “By adjusting parameters, we can create different platforms to study cell growth, proliferation rates, and general function in different environments. That can be customizable with the 3D printing.”

“Especially for students, during lectures or presentations, it’s nice to let people see the actual models we are doing. Not merely as 2D representations on a screen, but in their full 3D splendor, brought to life by 3D printers,” Annika explained.

Annika also discussed her journey’s challenges. She once equated scientific prowess with being less “girly”. However, her growth in the scientific world led to a realization: her off-work interests don’t define her research quality. Ultimately, it’s the research quality that matters, she doesn’t need to be less “girly” to excel as a scientist.

Moreover, Annika encourages other women in scientific research to be bold and try new things. “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can do or what you cannot do,” she said. For women who underestimate themselves and stick to mastered areas, Annika said, “you can learn and grow into things. Trust yourself more and dive into the things that you always wanted to know more about it.”

Rebecca Ngau, branding director of ELEGOO, said, “as a 3D printing leader, we’ll continue to highlight the achievements of women in the field. Our goal is to promote gender equality and diversity, inspiring more women to delve into STEM and the exciting realm of 3D printing.”

For more information, please visit http://www.elegoo.com/. 

PR Newswire

SINGAPORE’S NOZAMA TEAM EMERGES CHAMPION IN HUAWEI DEVELOPER COMPETITION 2023 UNDER ASIA PACIFIC REGION CATEGORY

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 DONGGUAN, China, Nov. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The 2023 edition of the Huawei Developer Competition, which attracted more than 19,000 developers and 3,000 teams from more than 30 countries and regions, came to its finale on November 19, 2023.

Themed “Spark Infinity”, the event’s Finals and Awards Ceremony were wrapped up successfully at Huawei’s Songshan Lake in Dongguan, Guangdong province, China.

For Asia Pacific, the five-month long competition, which focus on cloud foundation segment, attracted 136 teams from 12 countries and regions with a 116 entries submitted.

After rigorous selection, three teams from Singapore successfully made it to the Top 9 in the Huawei Developer Competition Asia-Pacific Region segment, while the rest were from Malaysia (two teams) and one apiece from Hong Kong, mainland China, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

The nine teams pitched their solutions at the final round held in Songshan Lake.

Kang Ning, President of Huawei Cloud Ecosystem
Kang Ning, President of Huawei Cloud Ecosystem

Kang Ning, President of Huawei Cloud Ecosystem, said in his speech: “The global digital economy is thriving, with foundational models emerging that are reshaping the industry. Developers, who are at the heart of this ecosystem, are also experiencing unprecedented opportunities. Huawei stands ready to collaborate with developers to explore the realms of multi-architecture computing, AI, and cloud native technologies, paving the way for a digital future.”

Singapore’s Nozama, comprising Cedric Khua, Daren Tan, Daniel Choo and Glenda Teo emerged the grand winner and took home US$10,000 with their entry “Magik” that targeted children’s development through play.

Grand prize winner - team Nozama from Singapore
Grand prize winner – team Nozama from Singapore

“Kids need play. But when busy parents choose to rely on electronic devices to provide entertainment for their children, it leads to adverse effects such as a decreased attention span, addiction, overstimulation, and a lack of motor skills and problem solving skills,” the team said in their presentation.

According to Nozama, their Magik bridges the gap between physical toys and digital ones by offering a hybrid play experience, combining the benefits of both mediums of play to provide engaging and fun filled games for children.

The first runner-up and prize money of US$5,000 went to Thailand’s Netizen team which focused on the surge in food delivery services that has led to a complex accounting process for businesses to reconcile revenue received.

Their “Reconcile Process Automation” solution allows accounting departments to check the reconciled balance, and executives can see the daily sales summary of each branch the next day.

1st runner-up winners - Netizen from Thailand and DecentraRating from Singapore
1st runner-up winners – Netizen from Thailand and DecentraRating from Singapore

Singapore’s DecentraRating team also win the first runner-up prizes with their solution on addressing fake reviews and malicious content on E-commerce platforms.

In his speech, Andy Jin Hui, Huawei Cloud APAC Vice President and Head of Marketing and Industry Development, said the Huawei Developer Competition is a global initiative opened for global developers aimed at promoting technological achievements, identifying outstanding projects and applications, and building an open, thriving developer ecosystem with the cloud as its foundation.

“Many excellent projects unfortunately did not make it past the shortlisting rounds, but they still deserve our applause, and we welcome them to participate again next year,” said Mr Andy.

Mr Andy also proclaimed that in addition to the main programs, Huawei also organized two technical empowerment training sessions, answering over 100 questions raised by participants during the competition.

About 400 individuals participated in the competition, making it a tremendous achievement for garnering such a response from developers.

Throughout the competition, a plethora of interesting and community-based projects that could benefit from integration with various applications from Huawei were exhibited.

Among other projects that made it to the final round were Thailand’s entry on “Watchable Content in Native Language” that looks at the Soca’s AI platform that power’s seamless communication and creation across any language.

The CyberWhiz team from University Putra Malaysia on the other hand flaunted a transparent and friendly complaint lodge system for the public, highlighting the need for a system to report and complain about potholes and bad roads in the country.

City University of Hong Kong’s Laboratory for SMART Animal Management came out with an innovative AI-driven solution that revolutionizes livestock management.

Not only did the winning teams and individuals in the competition received accolades and prize money, Huawei also offered support through four major programs: Huawei Developer Program, Spark Program, HCDG, and HCSD.

At the award ceremony, Huawei also presented the Huawei Cloud Campus Ambassador Certificate to the Top 9 student team leaders in the competition.

Among the selected students were Cao Yuxuan (Nanyang Technological University of Singapore), Jet Maquiling, from STI College of Philippines , Cedric Khu Yan Han from National University of Singapore, Nidhi Mahejabeen Hossain from City University of Hong Kong and Muhammad Anas Mohd Marzuki from Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Huawei is committed to advancing the integration of software, hardware, edge, device, and cloud, as well as partnering with development ecosystems, increasing investment in R&D innovation, and collaborating with developers across different industries to drive global technological progress.

For more than 30 years, Huawei has been committed to technological innovation, making new breakthroughs and using technology to propel the world forward.

The Huawei Developers Competition provides huge opportunities for hundreds of ambitious developers to reach new heights and embrace the challenging world.

About HUAWEI CLOUD

HUAWEI CLOUD has been committed to building an open and win-win ecosystem with the cynosure placed on developers. Currently, HUAWEI CLOUD has more than five million global developers, more than 42,000 partners, and exceeding 10,000 cloud store SaaS applications. HUAWEI CLOUD has cooperated with more than 110 universities across the country to cultivate tens of thousands of professionals and have deeply integrated production, learning, research, and application, resulting in a far reaching and stable core technology ecosystem. In the era of rapid development of big models, HUAWEI CLOUD provides the Pangu big model R&D engineering suite for developers to build an open model community and big model cloud school, helping developers quickly develop big models. In the past, it took five months to complete an end-to-end development of a 100 billion parameters-large model. Now, with current cutting-edge AI cloud services and the large model development suite, the development preparation can be significantly diminished to just one month. HUAWEI CLOUD hopes that developers can build a prosperous ecosystem based on Huawei’s root technologies and leverage the computing power of the cloud and the powerful capabilities of the Pangu model.

PR Newswire

Cicada Innovations appoints Dr Katherine Woodthorpe as Chair, progressing diversity in STEM and deep tech

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SYDNEY, Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Australia’s flagship deep tech incubator Cicada Innovations has appointed Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FTSE FAICD as its new Chair, resulting in one of Australia’s flagship and longest-standing deep tech institutions now being helmed by two women for the first time in 23 years.

Dr Katherine Woodthorpe & Sally-Ann Williams
Dr Katherine Woodthorpe & Sally-Ann Williams

Dr Woodthorpe will replace outgoing Chair, Andrew Rothery, who occupied the role for almost 8 years alongside CEO Sally-Ann Williams. Mr Rothery will now dedicate his valuable skills and experience to his extensive portfolio of board and committee roles.

Dr. Woodthorpe brings 30+ years’ experience commercialising technologies across a broad range of critical industries, including environmental and climate science, renewable energy, and healthcare.

She is a serial Chair, non-executive director (NED), CEO, director, and President, and recently became the first woman elected as President of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE).

Notable former board roles include the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC, Sirtex Ltd, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Antarctic Science Foundation, the Commonwealth Government’s National Climate Science Advisory Committee which developed the “Climate Science for Australia’s Future” report, Natural Hazards Research Australia, and Fishburners.

She still retains NED roles at the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, RACE for 2030 CRC, AnteoTec Ltd, and Bioplatforms Australia.

Dr Woodthorpe played a key advisory role in creating the home of Cicada Innovations, formerly named the Australian Technology Park or “ATP”, and now known as the South Eveleigh precinct. She was also on the advisory board of Cicada Innovations even before it was named ATP Innovations.

Her appointment demonstrates the strength, capabilities, and critical role women can and must play in deep tech and STEM which, according to Cicada Innovations, will be critical to Australia achieving its full potential in commercialising the critical technologies that will create the industries of tomorrow.

Sally-Ann Williams, CEO of Cicada Innovations, said: “Having a female trailblazer join Cicada’s board with the sheer breadth and depth of experience Katherine brings is a strong signal to everyone that there is a critical role for women to play in leadership in this crucial sector.

“Katherine understands the architecture, leadership and advocacy needed at a national level to facilitate growth in complex economies founded on science and engineering businesses. I believe she will help to elevate Cicada Innovation’s role not just nationally but also internationally.

“We need more women and people from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM and deep tech, because their skills, capabilities, experience, and different ways of thinking drive better decision-making and outcomes. Creating visibility around this also helps to remove the stereotypes and artificial barriers that tell the world there isn’t a place or role for women in STEM. This is patently untrue. Everyone is welcome, and everyone is needed.”     

Dr. Katherine Woodthorpe, incoming Chair of Cicada Innovations, said: “Australia is still struggling to find enough scientists and engineers to ensure we hold our place in an increasingly tech-orientated future. If we don’t encourage half the population to view STEM as a fulfilling career – and then create an environment where this is actually the case – then we are wasting half of our nation’s brain power.

“As the adage goes, you can’t be what you don’t see. In this context, the more normalised and uncontroversial we make it for women to occupy senior roles in STEM, the more girls and young women will see that there are genuine career opportunities awaiting them too.

“I look forward to the day when no one actually notices that there are two women at the helm of deep tech because it has become commonplace, a fact of life. As we strive towards this, I look forward to working with Sally-Ann to enable more deep tech entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential, while cementing Cicada Innovations as the leading deep tech incubator in the region.”

Andrew Rothery, outgoing Chair of Cicada Innovations, said: “Women have been under-represented in so many areas of business and public life, and we are all the poorer for it. We have to remedy this, if we are to achieve our full potential as a nation.

“I wholeheartedly welcome Dr Woodthorpe to Cicada Innovations. She brings significant experience and skills to the board table. I am confident that she will help elevate Cicada Innovations to another level of impact in the deep tech commercialistion space.

“In my time here, I have had the privilege of working with two exceptional CEOs, Petra Andrèn and Sally-Ann Williams. Both of these extraordinary women have excelled in their role of advancing the interests of deep tech commercialisation in Australia. It’s difficult to speak about deep tech commercialisation in Australia without referring to Cicada Innovations in the same sentence. If there is a place for women to be championed and encouraged into deep tech and STEM more generally, it’s undoubtedly in this organisation.”

According to The state of STEM gender equity in 2023 report, women make up only 37 percent of enrolments in university STEM courses, hold just 15 percent of STEM-qualified jobs, and earn 17 percent less than men in STEM fields overall.

Women also occupy just 23 percent of senior management roles in STEM, however this figure drops to a concerning 8 percent in the C-suite.

Cicada Innovations (www.cicadainnovations.com) is the home of deep tech in Australia. Founded in Sydney, Cicada Innovations has a 23-year track record of developing deep tech ventures that tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems. Cicada’s national incubators, commercialisation training, and community brings together the entrepreneurs, scientists, business leaders, and policymakers to solve complex challenges with deep tech like the future of human health, food security and the climate crisis.       

Since its inception more than two decades ago, Cicada has seen an unprecedented $1.3 billion in exits from six deep tech ventures, and has helped over 300 companies raise more than $1.8 billion in funding. It has twice been named the ‘Top Incubator in the World’ by the International Business Innovation Association and has delivered commercialisation training to thousands working in the science and technology sectors.

PR Newswire

UN WOMEN’S HEFORSHE ALLIANCE CALLS TO RESPECTFULLY DISRUPT THE PATRIARCHICAL STRUCTURES AND STATUS QUO

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Amid a growing pushback against women’s rights, leaders from across government, business, non-profit and academia step forward to respectfully disrupt status quo and accelerate progress toward achieving gender equality at UN Women’s HeForShe Summit. 

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Alongside the United Nations General Assembly, key stakeholders from the global private and public sector gathered at UN Women’s HeForShe Summit to reinforce commitments, share innovative solutions, and increase collaboration across sectors to achieve gender equality.

UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, delivered opening remarks. UN Women/Ryan Brown
UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, delivered opening remarks. UN Women/Ryan Brown

With a growing pushback against women’s rights, institutions and individuals have an increasing role and responsibility to play in the pursuit of gender equality. As a key moment along the midpoint for Generation Equality, the world’s leading initiative to boost investment and implementation of gender equality, the HeForShe Summit calls for everyone to play their part and respectfully disrupt the patriarchal status quo that holds us back from closing current gender gaps.

 “It should particularly alarm us that the attitudes of young men seem to be going backwards, unfortunately,” said Sima Bahous, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. “A UN Women-supported survey showed that 58 per cent of young men aged 16-19 believe that men are better political leaders than women. How then will we achieve equality of women’s leadership?  Nearly 1 in 4 young men believe that there are acceptable instances to hit a partner or spouse.  How then will we end the scourge of violence against women?”

Ms. Bahous praised the HeForShe Champions from across government, business, non-profit and academia for stepping forward and taking action as gender equality advocates and allies. “Our corporate champions have increased participation of women in their Boards to a minimum of 40 per cent. This is commendable”, she said.

The Summit was marked with a spoken-word performance by poet, activist and artist, Rupi Kaur, who premiered her unpublished poem “to believe in equality”, as well as a musical performance by pianist, composer and activist, Chloe Flower.

Throughout the event, leaders reiterated a resounding call to action to respectfully disrupt. Michael Roberts, CEO of HSBC US and Americas, and Maha AlQattan, Group Chief Sustainability Officer of DP World, urged business leaders around the world to introduce mechanisms for accountability in making gender equality a business priority. Dr. Joy Buolamwini, Founder of the Algorithmic Justice League and author of Unmasking AI, and Dr. Sasha Luccioni, recently named one of MIT Technology Review’s 2023 35 Innovators Under 35 in Artificial Intelligence, both reinforced the need to balance progress of Artificial Intelligence with the threat of perpetuating and deepening gender bias. Masculinity experts such as Richard Reeves, nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institute and President of the American Institute for Boys and Men, as well as Michelle Terry, CEO of Movember, called for a new model of masculinity – one that inspires solutions and reframes the gender equality conversation away from a zero-sum game.

The recent UN Women and UN DESA report, “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2023” shows that progress on gender equality is way off track and demonstrates the need of an additional USD 360 billion in investment per year to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment by 2030. The mission of the HeForShe Alliance is not only to inspire strategic investment, but ultimately to respectfully disrupt patriarchal structures that sustain and perpetuate gender bias and its manifestations throughout industries, governments, nonprofit organizations, universities, and everyday lives.

Join the conversation: Follow @HeForShe @UN_Women on Twitter using the hashtag #HeForSheSummit

About UN Women
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide.

For more information, visit www.unwomen.org. 

About HeForShe:
Created by UN Women, Heforshe is a solidarity movement for gender equality that invites men and boys to act for a more equal world. HeForShe provides targeted platform where a global audience can engage and advocate for the achievement of gender equality in our lifetime. The movement invites people around the world to stand together as equal partners to craft a shared vision of a gender-equal world and implement specific, locally relevant solutions. For more information, visit: www.HeForShe.org/en.

 Media Contacts: 

Janine Kandel, UN Women – janine.kandel@unwomen.org, media.team@unwomen.org

Kiri Jo Ginnerup, UN Women – kiri.ginnerup@unwomen.org

Poet, Activist and Artist, Rupi Kaur, delivered a spoken-word performance. UN Women/Ryan Brown
Poet, Activist and Artist, Rupi Kaur, delivered a spoken-word performance. UN Women/Ryan Brown
PR Newswire

“Kangsters”, A South Korean Able-Tech Startup, Selected for Acceleration Program by Praxis Labs

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DOVER, Del., Aug. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The landscape of innovation is set to witness a groundbreaking moment as Kangsters Inc., a pioneering able-tech startup hailing from South Korea, has been handpicked to participate in the 2023 Praxis redemptive acceleration program. This achievement positions Kangsters as the first-ever Korean startup to secure investment from the esteemed Praxis Fund, propelling its smart wheelchair treadmill called Wheely-X on a global scale.

Praxis Labs is renowned for its forward-thinking entrepreneurs, visionary investors, and industry leaders committed to fostering cross-border collaborations; and propelling revolutionary ventures that address global challenges.

Kangsters, a member company of Born2Global Centre, has emerged as a trailblazer in the able-tech industry, driven by a passionate team committed to reshaping the way we perceive and interact with technology, particularly in the field of able-tech. Its groundbreaking innovation, Wheely-X, is an advanced smart wheelchair treadmill that empowers individuals with mobility impairments to enhance their physical fitness and overall well-being.

The selection of Kangsters for the 2023 Praxis Labs offers a golden opportunity for the startup to network with influential entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. This prominent platform will enable Kangsters to showcase the Wheely-X and foster potential partnerships that could accelerate their global expansion.

Tyrion K. Kim, the founder and CEO of Kangsters said “this recognition is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication to developing transformative solutions that positively impact the lives of millions of people worldwide. We firmly believe that this opportunity will not only enable us to scale our business but also foster greater inclusivity in society.”

As Kangsters embarks on this remarkable journey, the company carries the aspirations of not only its dedicated team and supporters but also the hopes of the entire able-tech industry. This milestone achievement is set to inspire other Korean startups to pursue their innovative ideas and impact the world on a global scale, further solidifying Korea’s position as a hub for groundbreaking technology and entrepreneurship.

PR Newswire

Conversation with Jane | Spain Welcome Travellers to Explore Off-The-Beaten-Path

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Through the “Conversation with Jane” series, Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun will engage leaders and individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries – with one goal in mind: an open discussion on the most trending topics.

MADRID, July 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — In this edition, the focus is on tourism, a topic close to Jane’s heart and one relevant to Spain’s Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosana Morillo. During their meeting in Madrid earlier this month, the two leaders exchanged views on tourism, technology, among other topics.


From “sun and beach” tourism to a quality-focused industry

Spain is one of the world’s most-visited countries in the world, according to the country’s official statistics. After the pandemic, Spain’s tourism has seen a strong rebound, with two famous destinations, Barcelona and Madrid, listed in the top five most-booked summer destinations by Trip.com’s European customers.

“The travel forecast for this summer season is spectacular,” Ms. Morillo shared with Ms. Sun. “The number of visitors has surpassed the pre-pandemic level, and most importantly, travellers are spending more on travel this summer when compared to 2019.” However, Ms. Morillo added that the quantity of visitors isn’t their only focus. Currently, Spain’s tourism strategy has evolved from “mass, sun and beach” tourism to sustainable and quality tourism.

“Spain has a diverse range of landscapes and culture. While we have well-established destinations, we need to focus not just on increasing the number of visitors to these places but also on improving the quality of their experience. We should also aim to attract more travellers to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations,” said Ms. Morillo.

Having visited various parts of Spain, Ms. Sun agreed that the country has many hidden gems waiting to be discovered, adding that Trip.com Group has been preparing for the return of Chinese travellers to Spain since the outbreak of the pandemic. The online travel service provider has launched successful campaigns to keep customers interested in the country through content marketing strategies. These include influencer campaigns on its travel content platform, launching an official StarHub account for Spain, and creating curated lists for customers to explore travel inspiration in Spain.

While Spain has always been one of the most popular destinations for Chinese travellers, has there been a shift in their travel patterns or preferences in recent years?

Ms. Sun said, “The new generation of Chinese travellers seeks authentic and unique experiences in Spain. We provide them with the most exciting travel inspiration and reliable recommendations through our advanced technology and marketing capacity.”


Technology reshaping the future of tourism

Technology is revolutionising the tourism industry, and Trip.com Group is leading the way by using cutting-edge AI technology to enhance the customer experience. In 2016, the company pioneered the widespread adoption of AI technology for customer service, and over 75% of flight and hotel-related issues raised by customers are resolved through the AI chatbot today, without the need for these customers to speak to a customer service agent.

Earlier this year, Trip.com launched “TripGen”, a real-time AI travel assistant that provides users with instant suggestions on pre-trip decisions and in-trip arrangements. This innovative tool has made the entire travel process more enjoyable and stress-free.

Ms. Morillo agrees that technology is transforming the tourism industry in all aspects, not only from the stages of pre-booking, booking, and customer service, but it is also reshaping the ways of talent training and destination development.

“Technology will not only change the way people buy products but also the future of destinations. For example, we have seen many cities implementing technologies to direct the flow of passengers and improve mobility in the city, which will ultimately enhance the travel experience,” Ms. Morillo commented.


Women are the backbone of an organisation

Ms. Morillo assumed the State Secretary for Tourism role in December 2022, following a successful career spanning multiple sectors, including software, investment banking, and hospitality. “I think everybody should work in the public sector at some point in his or her life, because you can give back to the society and make a difference,” said Ms. Morillo.

Ms. Morillo is a strong advocate for gender equality in the workplace and encourages more women to take up leadership positions. “While the gender ratio in middle management teams in Spain is equal, it becomes increasingly unbalanced at higher management levels. This needs to change,” Ms. Morillo shared.

The Spanish government recently approved a draft Equal Representation Law that aims to promote more equal representation of women and men in politics, business, and other spheres of public life. While Ms. Morillo views this as a positive step, she believes that more needs to be done to create a truly gender-inclusive workplace.

Ms. Sun agrees and believes that striving for equal gender representation in senior management teams is the right thing to do and will lead to more rational and considerate decision-making for governments, companies, and organisations.

“With more than half of Trip.com Group employees and one-third of middle managers being female, women are the backbone of our business,” said Ms. Sun. “I look forward to further enhancing the figure in the near future.”

During their discussion, Ms. Sun also shared with Ms. Morillo’s the Group’s recently launched Childcare Subsidy programme. Under this new scheme, full-time employees with newborn children after 1 July 2023 will receive a subsidy of RMB 10,000 for each child on their first, second, third, fourth and fifth birthdays. The Group plans to invest RMB 1 billion as subsidies to support its employees in family planning and promote working families.

Over the years, Trip.com Group has introduced several family-friendly policies, including hybrid work and assisted reproduction benefits.

“As we have always said, our employees are our greatest asset. The launch of this new initiative is a testament to our commitment to supporting our employees to achieve their family and career goals,” said Ms. Sun. “Going forward, we will continue to create family-friendly workplaces across our various offices.”

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

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