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Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University Announces Global Initiative to Educate 100 Million Learners by 2030

Arizona State University

The Francis and Dionne Najafi Global Initiative is a one-of-a-kind inclusive, innovative, impactful global initiative that will advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, Quality Education for all. Goal is for 70% of participants to be women. Thunderbird School of Global Management, home of the world's No. 1 ranked Master's in Management at Arizona State University (ASU), ranked No.1 for innovation in the U.S., announced today a transformative new global initiative to educate and empower 100 million learners by 2030. The announcement coincides with the World Economic Forum’s State of the World sessions. Thanks to a historic $25 million donation from the Francis and Dionne Najafi Global Initiative, Thunderbird will offer an accredited online Global Management and Entrepreneurship Certificate, consisting of five world-class courses in 40 different languages. Of the 100 million learners the program will reach worldwide, it is estimated that 70% will be women and young women. Never before has such an ambitious global higher education program been launched. The certificate will be covered by full scholarships and thus no cost to students because of the philanthropic support undergirding the initiative. The Francis and Dionne Najafi Global Initiative has been made possible through a generous initial gift of $25 million from prominent Phoenix businessman and Thunderbird alumni F. Francis Najafi ’77 and his wife Dionne Najafi ’06. “Our lives were transformed by access to quality education at Thunderbird and we wanted to extend that same transformative experience to people around the world who lack access to quality education,” said the Najafis. “We are excited and deeply humbled to be part of such a bold initiative.” The United Nations estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has erased 20 years’ worth of educational gains and digital online education has accelerated and expanded dramatically to fill the gap. In addition, the uncertainty and disruption that has come to characterize this era of rapid technological change has displaced many workers and professionals all over the world, increasing the need for upskilling and reskilling in order to seize the immense opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “Thunderbird is the most global and digital leadership and management academy in the world and has touched over two million learners in its renowned 75-year history. Over the last four years, we have engineered the greatest turnaround in higher education history. At Thunderbird, our vision is a world of sustainable and equitable prosperity, and as part of Arizona State University – the #1 school for innovation seven years running – we measure success not by whom we exclude, but rather by whom we include,” said Thunderbird Director General and Dean, Dr. Sanjeev Khagram. “As a refugee of Idi Amin’s Uganda, my life was transformed by having access to world-class education, so this is deeply personal for me. The Najafi Thunderbird Global Initiative is educational inclusion, innovation, and impact at a worldwide scale!” The learners in the Francis and Dionne Najafi Global Initiative will receive a badge for each course they complete and a 15-unit accredited certificate upon successful completion of all five courses. They will gain 21st century skill sets to catapult their professional careers. They will also have an almost limitless number of lifelong learning options and alternative educational pathways through Thunderbird and ASU, or will be able to transfer the credits to other universities worldwide. Providing these opportunities over the long-term ensures that the Global Initiative will continue to pay dividends well into the future, breaking down barriers and opening new educational opportunities for individuals across generations worldwide. “Access to higher education and the need for equity and inclusion is one of a global scale. One of the reasons Arizona State University is so pleased to have Thunderbird as part of our enterprise is because it is a school that has been focused on sustained prosperity worldwide for decades,” said ASU President Michael Crow. “The commitment made to the school by Francis and Dionne Najafi will impact communities around the world and be a force that brings all of us closer together. We are grateful for their commitment to a borderless expansion of the opportunities that come with higher education.” Educating 100 million learners by 2030 will require a strategic, phased approach. In year one, the Global Initiative aims to reach learners in Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Indonesia, Egypt, India, Senegal, Brazil, and Vietnam in their native languages. By year two, the program will be expanded across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America to at least 25 languages. By year four or earlier, the Global Initiative will have expanded to Europe and Central Asia and 40 total languages - thus available for learners worldwide. Eventually, the initiative will be available for learners worldwide, reaching our goal of 100 million learners. The Francis and Dionne Najafi Global Initiative will provide millions of people with the global management and entrepreneurship skill sets that are not only imperative to accelerate personal success and economic prosperity but also to address persistent poverty and increase inequality worldwide. Interested individuals can request additional information and pre-register at: https://thunderbird.asu.edu About F. Francis and Dionne Najafi F. Francis Najafi is the American Dream come to life. He came to America from Iran to get an education and earned four degrees from three universities. In 1982 he founded Pivotal Group, a real estate opportunity fund with uncanny market timing and wisdom. Later he broadened Pivotal Group’s mandate successfully investing in private equity and growth venture opportunities. As his success grew, so did his philanthropy: Mr. Najafi has given millions of his own money to an incredibly wide range of causes, headlined by his recent $25 million donation to Arizona State University. About Thunderbird School of Global Management Thunderbird School of Global Management is a unit of the Arizona State University Enterprise. For more 75 years, Thunderbird has been the vanguard of global management and leadership education, creating inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide by educating global leaders capable of tackling the world’s greatest challenges. Thunderbird’s Master of Global Management was ranked #1 in the world for 2019 by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. ASU is ranked No. 1 “Most Innovative School” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for five years in succession. To learn more visit thunderbird.asu.edu. About Arizona State University Arizona State University Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it. For more information, please visit ASU.edu. Contact Details Tomas Bilbao +1 202-714-1153 Tomas.Bilbao@thunderbird.asu.edu

January 20, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Velocity Global Named Official Global Work Platform of the LPGA and LET

Velocity Global

The LPGA announced today that Velocity Global, the leading provider of global expansion solutions, has been named the Official Global Work Platform of the LPGA and Ladies European Tour (LET) in a multi-year agreement. Velocity Global will work with the LPGA Tour and LET to highlight the global impact of their players, representing more than 60 countries, through enhanced storytelling opportunities and player recognition. “This partnership highlights that global talent pushes greater competition,” said Rob Wellner, Velocity Global Chief Revenue Officer. “Golf is truly a global sport and to achieve success, you must perform against anyone, anywhere. We’re proud to partner with the LPGA and LET to support the game’s global players just as our Global Work Platform supports talent and businesses around the world.” The partnership introduces the Velocity Global Impact Award, celebrating players who have helped to grow the sport of golf and inspire the next generation of athletes through their actions. More details on the Velocity Global Impact Award, including the structure of the 2022 nominations, will be shared in the coming months. “We’re excited to welcome Velocity Global to the LPGA Partner family and create this Impact Award to showcase our players outside the ropes,” said the LPGA’s Chief Sales Officer Kelly Hyne. “As a like-minded global business, Velocity Global will help illustrate the impact our players make in the game of golf and in their home countries. We look forward to many years of collaboration.” The LET will utilize the Global Work Platform from Velocity Global to simplify compliance, benefits and payroll for their talent to deliver tour events in 25 countries across multiple continents this year. “We are delighted to partner with Velocity Global to utilize their world-class expansion and talent solutions to help accelerate the growth of our business and international footprint,” said LET CEO Alexandra Armas. “We fully embrace this opportunity to best service our players and continue growing the game globally.” Additionally, as an Official Partner of the LPGA’s Women’s Network, Velocity Global will utilize the LPGA platform to highlight those initiatives internally focused around women’s leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion through additional programming. Velocity Global furthered its support of the women’s game with the recent announcement that LPGA Tour players Lexi Thompson and Albane Valenzuela joined six-time PGA TOUR champion Billy Horschel and four-time APGA Tour champion Kevin Hall as its global golf brand ambassadors. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience to employ any talent anywhere with just a click through its proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across six continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. About the LPGA The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women, with a goal to change the face of golf by making the sport more accessible and inclusive. Created in 1950 by 13 Founders, the Association celebrates a diverse and storied history. The LPGA Tour competes across the globe, reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries. The Symetra Tour, the LPGA’s official qualifying tour, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA also holds a joint-venture collaboration with the Ladies European Tour (LET), increasing playing opportunities for female golfers in Europe. Across the three Tours, the LPGA represents players in more than 60 countries. Additionally, the LPGA Foundation has empowered and supported girls and women since 1991, most notably through LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the only national program of its kind, which annually engages with nearly 100,000 girls. The LPGA Amateur Golf Association and LPGA Women’s Network provide virtual and in-person connections to female golfers around the world, while LPGA Professionals are educators, business leaders and gamechangers dedicated to growing the game of golf for everyone. Follow the LPGA on its U.S. television home, Golf Channel, online at www.LPGA.com and on its mobile apps. Join the social conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. About the LET The LET inspires women and girls to pursue their passion and realise their potential through the game of golf. At our core, we aim to build and deliver an extensive competitive schedule of events to enable our strong, energetic, proud, and confident players to compete at the highest level, pursue their dreams and lead by example. Our diverse and multicultural membership of 316 professional golfers represents as many as 36 countries. We are a global tour with roots in Europe. We aim to entertain and excite, but also to enhance health and quality of life, as a responsible, committed and respectful partner. Inspiring – our players are inspiring role models to follow and encourage others to pursue their own dreams. Passionate – we are driven by a passion to perform to our full potential and get better every day. It’s not just about the money or the glory, but a true love for the game. Committed – we are fiercely committed to continuous improvement and recognise the grit that it takes to achieve long-term goals. 2022 marks the 44th season of golf tournaments since the professional tour was founded in 1978 and the third edition of the Race to Costa Del Sol. This year’s schedule includes 31 events in 21 different countries and a record-breaking prize fund of €24.5 million. The LET Access Series is the official development tour of the LET, formed to give players an opportunity to compete and progress onto the LET and achieve their dreams in professional golf. Ladieseuropeantour.com #RaiseOurGame Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com LPGA Christina Lance christina.lance@lpga.com LET Bethan Jones bethan.jones@ladieseuropeantour.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

January 18, 2022 07:01 AM Mountain Standard Time

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Osmo From BYJU’s Names Peter Glovin Senior Vice President of Educational Sales

Osmo for Schools

Award-winning STEAM brand, Osmo from BYJU’S, announces Peter Glovin’s appointment as Senior VP of Educational Sales, effective immediately. In this role, Glovin, a seasoned senior edtech sales executive, will develop and implement a U.S. sales strategy for the brand’s educational sales division, Osmo Education, as well as expand its sales team, targeting the Pre-K to Grade 5 education market. Osmo Education celebrated its fifth anniversary last March. “Peter’s proven background in edtech sales and business development will undoubtedly help open doors for Osmo in the education field,” says Cherian Thomas, Senior Vice President of International Business at Osmo from BYJU’S. “While we’ve seen tremendous support from kindergarten and elementary teachers in the past five years who individually purchased Osmo to use inside classrooms across the country, we’d love to build sales and begin support for the education community at the district level.” Glovin’s remarkable track record of success and longevity in sales is defined by his expertise in creating and implementing innovative sales programs, and providing targeted solutions for high-level customers. He was previously Senior Vice President of Sales at MIDAS Education where he led sales efforts for K-12, Higher Ed and Workforce development markets. “I see enormous growth potential for Osmo in the education market,” says Glovin. “The combination of tactile exploration and innovative technology is a powerful package that will help transform the way students learn while in school, and I’m energized by the shared vision that its learning system will be used by many more school kids in the near term, in addition to the focus and dedication of the team leading Osmo. I’m very excited to be part of the worldwide growth of BYJU’S.” Prior to MIDAS Education, Glovin was Vice President of District Relations at BrainPOP, where he led sales efforts for the K-12 supplemental content segment, increasing sales 500% between 2008 and 2019, and helping to expand the company’s domestic K-12 market share to 35%, plus building presence in key states like Texas, New York, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and California. He was also closely involved in STEM-related product launches and liaising with industry advocacy groups. Before BrainPOP, Glovin held a number of business development roles for educational technology companies. In his early career, he held marketing roles with a number of media and publishing companies. Glovin has a B.A. from Hobart College. About Osmo from BYJU’S Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand, wholly owned by BYJU’S, the leading global edtech company. Osmo from BYJU’s and Osmo Education products are used in over 2.5 million homes and 50,000 classrooms, respectively. Osmo builds a universe of hands-on, curriculum-based learning experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The brand brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Learn more at PlayOsmo.com and Osmo Education. Contact Details Osmo Lisa Fujioka lisa@tangibleplay.com Company Website http://schools.playosmo.com

January 18, 2022 05:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

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Hong Kong Baptist University research reveals that bisphenol S exposure may promote breast tumour progression and increase cancer risk

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 18 January 2022 - A study led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has revealed that different degrees of exposure to bisphenol S (BPS), an industrial chemical widely used in paper products and plastic containers, are associated with the growth and deterioration of breast tumours in a mouse model. The research results suggest the need for more in-depth and comprehensive research on the potential negative impact of BPS on human health, and the ongoing search for a safer alternative for use in industrial production may be warranted. A research team led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU, has revealed that different degrees of exposure to bisphenol S are associated with the growth and deterioration of breast tumours in a mouse model. Apart from the HKBU scientists, the research team also included researchers from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Xi’an Jiaotong University. The research results have been published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, an international scientific journal. Association between BPS and breast cancer under-researched In the past, bisphenol A (BPA) was widely used in the production of a diverse range of products, such as baby bottles, food and beverage containers, and the thermal paper used for printing receipts. As previous research has shown an association between BPA exposure and human endocrine system disruption, metabolic disease and an increased risk of breast cancer in recent years, scientists have looked for alternatives to BPA, and BPS has been used as one of the substitutes. Despite reports on the adverse effects of BPS on human health, its impact on tumour progression and how it disrupts the relevant metabolic processes in breast cancer remain poorly understood. A research team led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU, carried out several experiments to explore how BPS exposure at environmentally relevant levels affects the development of breast tumours, including the tumour’s morphological characteristics as well as lipid and protein distribution, with the aid of mass spectrometry imaging technology. BPS exposure increases tumour volume and weight The research team conducted experiments on three groups of mice model that had been transplanted with human breast cancer cells. In the first dosing group (BPS-10 group), the mice were fed daily with a lower dosage of 10 micrograms of BPS per kilogram of body weight for eight weeks. In the second group (BPS-100 group), the mice were fed with a higher dosage of 100 micrograms of BPS per kilogram of body weight. The mice in the control group were fed olive oil. Tumour proliferation in the mice was then investigated, and the team used morphological analysis to study the breast tumour tissue. In general, increases in tumour volume and weight represent proliferation of tumour tissues. When a tumour further develops, the condition of its necrotic region and its peripheral tissues will change. However, the volume and weight of the tumour may reduce as a result of changes in the conditions of the tissues. After the eight-week experiment, the average volume and weight of the tumours in the BPS-10 group were 13 times and 11 times higher than that of the control group respectively, and the average volume and weight of the tumours in the BPS-100 group were 4 times and 4.5 times higher than that of the control group respectively. Therefore, the results show that exposure to BPS was closely related to the proliferation and deterioration of breast tumours. Different dosages associated with tumour proliferation and deterioration The research team analysed the necrotic region and neoplastic region of the breast tumours in the three groups of mice. The two regions are common pathological features of solid tumours. An increase in the relative proportion of the necrotic region reflects the proliferation of the tumour, while an extended neoplastic region indicates the deterioration of the tumour. In the control group, the status of tumour cells in the necrotic region and the neoplastic region was stable, and the mice from the group showed no significant tumour proliferation and deterioration after the experimental period. However, in the two BPS treated groups, an increase in tumour size was observed along with changes in the arrangement and distribution of tumour cells conducive to tumour proliferation and deterioration. After the experiment, the necrotic regions in the BPS-10 and the BPS-100 groups accounted for 54.7% and 11.5% of the average section area of the tumours respectively. The results indicate that a low dosage of BPS induces faster tumour growth, and a high dosage of BPS may ultimately lead to deterioration of the tumour, as shown by the relatively small average size of the necrotic region and the extended neoplastic tissue in the BPS-100 group. BPS affects the distribution of tumour-related lipids and proteins The research team identified six lipid biomarkers that regulate tumour growth. With the analysis of tumour tissues’ morphological characteristics and the use of mass spectrometry imaging, it was found that in the two BPS-exposed groups, these lipids were highly abundant in the necrotic regions of breast tumours when compared with the control group. The team inferred that the metabolism of these tumour-regulating lipids was interrupted in the breast tumours following exposure to BPS. The team also discovered the distribution of twelve protein biomarkers, including the proteins associated with breast tumour proliferation and deterioration. The results demonstrate the important function of BPS exposure-related lipids and proteins, and future research will further explore their role in breast cancer. BPS may increase human breast cancer risk The research team then compared the distribution of lipids and proteins in the BPS-exposed mice groups with those observed in human breast cancer tissue samples, and similar patterns were identified. While not all tumours will become cancerous, based on the benchmark results, the team deduced that exposure to BPS will increase the risk of breast cancer in humans. “BPA was replaced by the less studied chemical BPS in industrial production. Our research findings show that BPS may potentially be associated with breast tumour proliferation, and further study is deemed necessary to unveil more about the chemical’s possible negative impact on human health. In the long run, industry may need to identify safer substitutes for both BPA and BPS. Policymakers should also establish relevant safety standards and regulations for the use of BPS,” said Professor Cai. Contact Details Hong Kong Baptist University Winnie Shum from the Communication and Public Relations Office +852 3411 5262 hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk Company Website https://www.hkbu.edu.hk/

January 18, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Surety Industry Launches Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program

SFAA

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) and the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) are pleased to announce they have jointly developed and launched the surety industry’s new Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program. This free program helps small, new, emerging, minority-owned and other disadvantaged contractors learn how to qualify for construction surety bonds, thereby expanding their business opportunities and providing the services and benefits of these bonds. The Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program includes two components: a set of eLearning modules available online 24/7, which can be taken on demand at the learner’s pace, and an optional mentor program with industry professionals who can provide practical advice and recommendations for the mentee to follow in their efforts to achieve bonding. “The surety industry has a longstanding commitment to providing resources and programs to new and emerging minority contractors. The Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program was specifically designed by industry experts to provide the education needed to understand the bond qualification process,” said Lee Covington, president and CEO of SFAA. “By combining the modernized eLearning platform with a mentoring component, minority, and other contractors now have the opportunity to learn firsthand from professionals inside the industry, gaining valuable insight into the bonding qualification process to expand their business opportunities.” “Many small construction businesses simply are unaware of the value that surety relationships can bring to their business,” related Mark McCallum, CEO of NASBP. “This state-of-the-art educational program conveys those advantages and empowers them with knowledge.” SFAA and NASBP have been joined by several leading construction trade associations to spread awareness of the new educational opportunity including the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), and the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC). “We look forward to making this program available to our AGC members, specifically underserved or disadvantaged contractors,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America. “It provides a great foundation on the bonding application and qualification process and will help these contractors expand into new markets.” “The new Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program is a valuable resource for underrepresented contractors,” said Michael Bellaman, president and CEO of Associated Building and Contractors. “The mentoring component is a critical piece, as these contractors can utilize the experience and expertise of professionals in the surety industry to gain practical knowledge about qualifying for a bond.” For more information about the Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program, or to register, visit www.contractorbondinged.org. ### The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry. Based in Washington, D.C., SFAA works to promote the value of surety and fidelity bonding by proactively advocating on behalf of its members and stakeholders. The association’s more than 425 member companies write 98 percent of surety and fidelity bonds in the U.S. For more information visit www.surety.org. Founded in 1942, the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) is the association of and resource for surety bond producers and allied professionals. NASBP members specialize in providing surety bonds for construction contracts and other purposes to companies and individuals needing the assurance offered by surety bonds. https://www.nasbp.org Contact Details SFAA Peter Roth - Vice President – Strategic Communications, Marketing & Research +1 703-401-0676 proth@surety.org Company Website https://surety.org/

January 13, 2022 09:55 AM Eastern Standard Time

Velocity Global and Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks gives respite and relief to Marshall Fire victims

Velocity Global

$30,000 donation to relief fund VIP tickets to Red Rocks for those affected by the fire Velocity Global has partnered with Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks to donate $30,0000 to the Boulder County Wildfire Fund to assist with recovery from the Marshall Fire, as well as a special VIP Red Rocks experience for those affected by the worst wildfire in Colorado history. “Our hearts go out to our neighbors who lost all of their possessions and precious life in the blink of an eye,” said Ben Wright, Velocity Global founder and CEO. “Money helps in times like this, but so does a brief escape from the realities of recovery. We chatted with our partners at Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks to find a way to provide that getaway, even for just a night at Red Rocks.” Denver-based Velocity Global, the leading platform for global talent solutions, is a presenting sponsor of Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks, a partnership between Icelantic Skis, The Pinecone Project, and AEG Presents Rocky Mountain. The group is donating VIP tickets to those affected by the Marshall Fire. “Music and community can help heal and we’re thrilled to be in a position to offer both to those impacted by this tragedy,” said Sam Warren, director and founder of Winter on the Rocks. “We’re asking anyone who knows someone affected to let us know and we’ll give them a night at Red Rocks.” The only winter concert at Red Rocks is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year with Diplo, Sofi Tukker, Talib Kweli, DJ Matt Cassidy, and JACOBY on January 28th. Velocity Global will distribute tickets to those affected through its social media accounts on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram starting today. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience to employ any talent anywhere with just a click through its proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across six continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

January 13, 2022 07:01 AM Mountain Standard Time

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Mary’s Meals Launches New School Feeding Program in Yemen

Mary's Meals USA

Mary’s Meals, the global school feeding charity, has started a new program in Yemen. The organization currently feeds more than two million children every school day in some of the world’s poorest communities, offering children not only the sustenance of a nutritious meal, but also the chance of an education and hope for a brighter future. Working in partnership with established international nongovernmental operation (NGO), Yemen Aid, Mary’s Meals will now provide four schools in the Al Mansoora district of Aden with daily meals for more than 4,000 children. This district is particularly vulnerable as it is home to a large number of internally displaced people (IDPs) and other marginalized populations who all experience high levels of hunger. Building on Yemen Aid’s existing relationships with these communities and their leaders, Mary’s Meals successfully implemented a daily meal of a filled pita bread sandwich with fruit or vegetables for every child in school. In Yemen, poverty and conflict often keep children out of education and coercion into child labor can become a real threat. The serving of a nutritious lunch encourages children and attracts them back into the security of the classroom. Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, Founder and CEO of Mary’s Meals, said, “Mary’s Meals always has a desire to support those in the greatest need. Given that Yemen can be described as the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world, and so many children are suffering, we are delighted to begin serving our daily school meals there – meeting the immediate need of the hungry child and, crucially, at the same time, enabling their education. We thank all those supporting our work in ways that make it possible for us to keep moving forward towards the next child waiting.” Yemen Aid was founded in 2016 by CEO Summar Nasser and a group of fellow Yemeni Americans in response to the protracted humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Mary’s Meals contacted Yemen Aid to see how a school feeding program might benefit the children in Yemen, after reading about the organization’s crucial work. Kathryn Gemmell, Program Partner Manager at Mary’s Meals International, said, “Yemen Aid has been doing invaluable work in the country for several years now and they have developed strong links with local communities. We are grateful to be able to learn from their experience and to work in close partnership with them to serve the children of Yemen.” Summer Nasser, CEO of Yemen Aid, said, “As we embark on this new relationship with Mary’s Meals, our hope is to increase support to children by tackling hunger through strategic, sustainable approaches in the education sector. The school feeding program will broaden the horizon for these students who have been losing interest in school and provide more security for parents.” Currently, Yemen Aid provides thousands of food baskets to displaced people and communities and supports thousands of malnourished children. They also provide support and advice with hygiene, health and welfare issues. Additionally, they run a number of women’s programs, supporting female farmers, supplying resources to female businesses and offering skills enhancement and psychosocial support. Background info on the Crisis in Yemen UNICEF references Yemen as the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, with around 21 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, including more than 11 million children. The escalating conflict and economic decline mean nearly 2.3 million children under five years of age are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year, says a February 2021 report by four UN agencies. 400,000 of these fledgling children are expected to die if they do not receive urgent treatment. Note to Editors: Interviews with Mary's Meals leadership and additional images are available upon request. About Mary’s Meals Mary's Meals is a global movement that sets up school feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities, where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. Mary’s Meals works with in-country volunteers to provide one daily meal in a place of learning to attract chronically poor children into the classroom, where they receive an education that can be their ladder out of poverty. Mary’s Meals began by feeding just 200 children in Malawi in 2002. Today, the organization feeds 2,058,099 hungry children every school day across five continents, in the following countries: Benin, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Myanmar, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. For more information about Mary’s Meals visit: www.marysmeals.org. Follow Mary’s Meals on Facebook or Instagram. Contact Details Mary's Meals USA Paul McMahon +1 781-910-0904 paul.mcmahon@marysmeals.org Company Website https://www.marysmealsusa.org/

January 13, 2022 08:13 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Volatus Aerospace accelerates its Public Safety Initiative with the addition of advanced UAV Mobile Command Units

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (“Volatus”) is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Illinois-based DRAXXON to market and sell fully integrated mobile command centers configured to support drone operations in a public safety environment. Demonstrations of these Mobile Command Centers and various public safety drones will provide an opportunity for first responders to evaluate customized solutions to meet their tactical requirements. The Mobile Command Center enhances Volatus’ integrated solutions for public safety agencies. “The public safety market is rapidly adopting the use of tactical drones and the application of Drones as First Responder. We are committed to being a leading provider of turnkey solutions in this sector,” said Glen Lynch, Volatus CEO. “Mobile Command Centers provide all the components of a rapid response unit including drone communications, flight operations, and live data feeds. DRAXXON is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, specialized vehicles designed for multi-mission capabilities. Innovation and quality make them a perfect partner for our public safety initiative.” DRAXXON CEO Brock Wilkerson remarked, “Partnering with Volatus and integrating their various drones, mission control systems, and intelligence offerings with our high quality, specialized vehicle solutions, results in powerful resources for first responders.” According to Markets&Markets in their 2021 report ‘Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market,’ the global government and law enforcement market is forecast at US$5.72B by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 17.1%. The public safety market is a targeted growth sector for Volatus. “Delivery of the first vehicle is scheduled for January 25 th and our North American roadshow will begin in March," said Dean Attridge, VP of Solutions Engineering. "We will be showcasing our fully integrated solution at the International Security Conference & Exhibition (ISC) West tradeshow.” About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions. Operating a vast pilot network with offices throughout Canada, the United States, and South America, Volatus provides enterprise and industrial solutions including training, equipment sales & support, imaging & inspection services, drone cargo solutions, design & manufacture, and research & development. With a rapidly expanding network of strategic partnerships and acquisitions, Volatus is driving the full potential of UAV technologies around the world and shaping the industry of tomorrow. Forward-Looking Statement: This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Corporation with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding (i) the business plans and expectations of the Corporation; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Corporation, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Corporation’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and anticipated and unanticipated costs and other factors referenced in this news release and the Circular, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Circular under the caption “Risk Factors”. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Contact Details Volatus Aerospace Corp. Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

January 12, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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College of DuPage MPTV Student Produces Annual Fundraising Video for Spay Illinois

College of DuPage

College of DuPage Motion Picture and Television (MPTV) program student David Roudebush recently wrote, produced and directed a five-minute public service announcement highlighting Spay Illinois, a non-profit organization providing low-cost care to pet owners facing financial hardship. “It was my first time doing anything like this,” he said. “I learned on the spot and soaked in every last bit. That sometimes meant working 14-hour days, but it was worth it because it’s not really work when you love what you do.” Roudebush was approached by COD MPTV Professor Tony Venezia earlier in the semester to see if he would be interested in spearheading the video project to help Spay Illinois raise funds for their annual giving campaign. “I jumped at the opportunity because being able to use what I’m learning in the classroom for a professional client would be invaluable experience,” he said. “I also knew that I was passionate about Spay’s mission, and the more I talked to their staff, the more I felt a connection to the organization.” Roudebush got a chance to experience firsthand what goes into making a professional production from start to finish. As the writer, producer, director and editor for the project, he spent weeks planning every meticulous detail, including the technical aspects like lighting and sound, as well as creating a story arch and an emotional hook. “I had to think about what was going to land the ultimate goal of getting this organization the critical funds that they needed to help more pet owners in need,” he said. “I wanted to give the client something that was professional grade and reflected their mission statement.” Once Roudebush found a willing client whose dog’s life was saved when Spay Illinois stepped in to help, his vision came to life. Through firsthand storytelling, Roudebush’s finished product was an emotional and raw video that helped the non-profit organization reach its year-end fundraising goal. Venezia said he was impressed with the professionalism Roudebush displayed throughout the project. “I am highly impressed with the artistry of the project and David’s drive and dedication to his work,” he said. “The camera work is extraordinary and fully supports the message of the video. I also am impressed with the professionalism, care and involvement from everyone involved, including the staff from Spay. Excellent, amazing, professional work from all sides.” Roudebush credits his success on the project to his experience at COD. “At the end of the day, having COD as a resource and a safe place gave me the confidence that I could be successful working on a professional grade project that involved wearing multiple hats,” he said. “COD has really prepared me for what’s to come. I had this level of confidence that’s been missing for a long time.” Watch Roudebush’s fundraising video he produced for Spay Illinois. Finding Purpose at COD Roudebush enrolled in COD’s MTPV program at age 29 after spending nearly a decade working a variety of jobs. “Before finding my way at COD, I never thought I could made money off of dream jobs,” he said. “But one night I was watching the credits of a movie and saw that there were hundreds of names scrolling down the screen from lighting designers to photographers to writers. With the rise in streaming platforms, the needs of a crew are only going to grow, so I figured why not try it. When I finally got to COD, the MPTV department was able to provide me resources, knowledge and a safe place to explore my craft. And I’m still learning. I signed up for another semester because I truly don’t want to leave.” Eager to gain as much experience as possible, Roudebush began working as a student worker in the MPTV department helping students learn various multimedia equipment and assist students with studio rentals. “Working in the department allows me to have a center seat at the table,” he said. “The students that are the most successful are the ones that, like myself, completely commit to what COD has to offer. It’s about showing engagement with what is possible here. At a commuter school it’s so easy to come and leave, but getting involved is so important.” Hear more about Roudebush’s experience in COD’s MPTV program. Contact Details College of DuPage Angela Mennecke +1 630-942-3134 menneckea@cod.edu

January 12, 2022 02:19 PM Eastern Standard Time

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