Author: Rabindra

Que Shebley Challenges Industry Giants with Bold, Anti-Bullying Stance Through Artistic Footwear

Dearborn, MI, May 31, 2024 –Que Shebley, known for his innovative designs and commitment to social causes, first made waves with a meticulously crafted luxury boot featuring hand-painted artwork on the bottom of the sole. This artwork poignantly depicted the struggle between the oppressed and the oppressor, resonating deeply with a global audience. The accompanying fashion campaign, launched on Instagram, quickly went viral, showcasing Shebley’s knack for blending high fashion with powerful messages.

Building on this momentum, Shebley has now introduced a groundbreaking idea that further cements his role as a bold voice in the industry. In a series of Instagram posts, he announced plans to release custom-made sneakers emblazoned with artwork and the phrase “Free Palestine.” This move comes in direct response to actions by large brands (that can’t be named directly but you know who you are), which have reportedly canceled customer orders containing similar pro-Palestinian messages.

“Fashion has always been a platform for expression,” says Que Shebley. “With the FP Project, I aim to give a voice to those who feel silenced and to stand against the bullying tactics of major corporations that prioritize profits over principles.”

Shebley’s decision is not without risk. In an industry dominated by conglomerates with vast resources, challenging the status quo can be daunting. However, the support from his growing community on social media underscores a shifting paradigm – consumers are increasingly looking for brands that align with their values and stand up for social justice.

The FP Project’s luxury boots, along with the upcoming “Free Palestine” sneakers, are available on Shebley’s official website, qshebley.com. Followers can also stay updated on the latest releases and campaigns through his Instagram and TikTok profiles, @queshebley.

Que Shebley’s work is a testament to the power of independent designers in shaping cultural conversations and pushing the boundaries of what fashion can achieve. As his message continues to spread, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of Shebley’s impactful journey in the world of fashion.

Crystal Clean Green Cleaning Receives Prestigious Health and Wellness Awards, Leading the Way for Small Businesses in Sarasota

Sarasota, FL, May 31, 2024 –Crystal Clean Green Cleaning, a family-owned business dedicated to sustainability and community well-being, has been honored with two significant awards: the 2024 Platinum Workplace recognition from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Healthy Sarasota County Worksite Designation, by the Sarasota County Health Department. These accolades underscore the company’s commitment to fostering a healthy work environment and making a positive impact on the local community.

Promoting Health and Well-Being in the Workplace
Receiving these prestigious awards highlights the potential for small businesses to make a substantial impact. “These recognitions are not just a testament to our team’s hard work but also a beacon of hope for other small businesses,” said Steven Pajevic, CEO of Crystal Clean Green Cleaning. “They show that even small steps can lead to significant community benefits.”

The Platinum Workplace recognition from the AHA is part of the Well-being Works Better™ Scorecard, which evaluates companies on their efforts to promote health equity, prevent burnout, and provide comprehensive employee benefits. This award places Crystal Clean Green Cleaning among an elite group of businesses dedicated to the health and well-being of their employees.

Additionally, the Healthy Sarasota County Worksite Designation recognizes the company’s efforts to create a health-conscious workplace. Being one of fewer than 20 businesses in Sarasota to receive this recognition highlights Crystal Clean’s leadership in promoting workplace wellness.

Community Engagement and Sustainability Efforts
Crystal Clean Green Cleaning’s impact extends beyond the workplace. Their active participation in community events, such as the recent Earth Day at The Bay, and their ongoing food drives, which have supported over 2,200 local families, demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

“Our goal is to impact 10,000 families by 2030, and these awards validate the path we are on,” said Pajevic. “We are proud to be part of a community that values health, sustainability, and mutual support.”

Encouraging Other Small Businesses
Steven and Kristina Pajevic encourage other small businesses to take proactive steps toward creating healthier work environments and engaging with their communities.
“If we can achieve this with limited resources, it’s an indication that any business can make a difference,” added Kristina Pajevic.

BDA Advises on Acquisition of Cigniti Technologies by Coforge

New York, NY, May 31, 2024 — BDA Partners is pleased to announce that its client, Coforge Ltd (NSE: COFORGE), a leading global Digital Services and IT Solutions company, has signed definitive agreements with the promoters and select public shareholders of Cigniti Technologies (NSE: CIGNITITEC), to acquire a majority stake.

Cigniti is a Digital Assurance and Digital Engineering Services company. Coforge has also launched an open offer to acquire an additional 26% stake in Cigniti.

Both companies are multinationals, with origins and stock market listings in India and have a senior leadership presence in the US and India with a sizeable revenue base in the US.

This acquisition will help Coforge to expand its capabilities across the Retail, Hi-Tech/ISV and Healthcare verticals and scale up its clientele presence across the Southwest, Midwest and Western US markets.

Manoj Balwani, Head of Technology, US & India, BDA Partners, said, “We’re delighted to play a significant role in this marquee transaction. Hearty congratulations to the Coforge leadership team as they embark on this highly synergistic journey. This is BDA’s tenth successful transaction in the US-India corridor in the last three years. It demonstrates our market leading share in the Tech Services M&A space, especially in the US and India regions, working alongside our strategic partner, William Blair.”

BDA Partners acted as the exclusive financial advisor on this transaction.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the coming months, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

BDA Deal Team
Manoj Balwani, Partner, Head of Technology US & India
Milap Maru, Director, Mumbai
Dhwani Desai, Associate, Mumbai
Jyotin Gagrani, Managing Director, Mumbai
Shubham Verma, Vice President, Mumbai

KidZania Unveils India’s First Toddler Centric Play Zone, KidZania Neighborhood

31st May 2024, Delhi/NCR: KidZania, the global leader in interactive family entertainment and learning, proudly announces the launch of its first-ever toddler-centric play zone, ‘KidZania Neighborhood’, in India. The new zone was unveiled on Thursday, 30th May 2024, at KidZania’s Delhi/NCR center. The zone will be operational from 1st June 2024.

The ‘KidZania Neighborhood’ is a space developed especially for toddlers, featuring paved roads, battery-operated vehicles, buildings, a functioning economy, and its currency, all tailored for toddlers aged 1 to 6 years. This innovative zone aims to provide a unique, immersive environment where young toddlers can learn through role-play and storytelling.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rahul Dhamdhere, Chief Marketing Officer of KidZania India, said, “KidZania is currently present in 27 cities across 24 countries, and we are thrilled to present India’s first, and overall, the twelfth, KidZania Neighborhood to you. Around 60 percent of our visitors are families who seek the best for their toddlers. Over the years, we have learned that parents visiting with toddlers also want to connect with their kids through our unique blend of learning and fun.”

The KidZania Neighborhood includes various engaging and educational activities such as a Science Lab, Play Gym, Construction Site, Gas Ztop, Open Stage, and Face Painting, to name a few. These activities are designed not only for fun but also to improve toddlers’ motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and self-knowledge. Through interactive and hands-on experiences, toddlers can explore their interests and learn about the adult world they will one day join.

The Neighborhood offers a safe, engaging, and skill-building environment that has been extensively researched and influenced by various early childhood development frameworks such as Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and Gymboree Aistear’s early years curriculum. It encourages cognitive development through tasks and challenges, promotes collaboration and communication, and enhances motor skills with hands-on activities. Notable features include the Exploration Lab for science experiments, the Gas Stop for learning driving rules, and the Construction Site for building coordination and strength. The space spans 3,500 sq. ft. with stringent safety measures and hygiene prioritization, ensuring a clean and secure environment for toddlers.

Additionally, hygiene is a top priority in the KidZania Neighborhood. The facility ensures a clean and safe environment through various innovative solutions, including a ball washing machine to sanitize the balls in the Exploration Lab. The entire area is equipped with fire-resistant EPDM flooring, comprehensive CCTV coverage without blind spots, and designated fire exits. These measures provide parents with peace of mind, knowing their toddlers are playing in a secure and hygienic setting.

One signature tie-up is the Play Gym, in partnership with Amiown – Amity’s Caring Preschool. Founded in 2005 and operating in multiple branches across Delhi NCR, all Amiown Preschools ‘built on the foundation of love and care’ are committed to ‘nurturing happy and lifelong learners’ through the play and activity-based approach, experiences, and curriculum. In the Amiown Play Gym, toddlers can play and enjoy a variety of educational games in a soft-play area designed just for them. They can explore gentle obstacles, vibrant colors, and endless fun as they crawl, climb, jump, and learn to balance. Activities in the Amiown Play Gym nurture both fine and gross motor skills, spark cognitive engagement, foster emotional growth, and enhance social confidence and cooperation skills. We invite you to ‘Come play with us!’ says Amiown Chairperson Ms. Sapna Chauhan.

The launch of the KidZania Neighborhood marks a significant milestone in KidZania’s mission to create safe, educational, and enjoyable environments for toddlers and their families. With its focus on early childhood development, the Neighborhood is set to become a favorite destination for families seeking enriching experiences for their young toddlers.

Schneider Electric Inaugurates One of its Largest Employee Campuses in India

Bengaluru, 31st May 2024: Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and nextGen automation, today inaugurated one of its largest employee campuses globally, at Bagmane Solarium City, Bengaluru, also known as India’s Silicon Valley. This state-of-the-art campus covers an area of ~ 630,000 sq.ft and features a Global Innovation Hub, Training center, R&D center, Skill center, and Digital Hub with a capacity to accommodate over ~ 8000 professionals.

This new campus reaffirms Schneider Electric’s commitment to be an employer of choice by providing world-class infrastructure for employees to collaborate, develop, and deliver industry-leading solutions for customers. It also reinforces the company’s pledge to “Make in India for India and the world,” showcasing ongoing investments in manufacturing, innovation, people, R&D, and skill building.

Underlining Schneider Electric focus on accelerating its investments in India, Peter Herweck, Chief Executive Officer, Schneider Electric, said, “I am delighted to open one of our largest employee campuses worldwide in India. This new investment underscores our dedication to accelerating our contribution to India’s rapid growth. We strongly believe in its potential as a springboard for innovative ideas benefitting local customers, while making a global impact.”

Commenting on the new campus inauguration, Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, said, “Our new employee campus goes beyond being just a workplace. It exemplifies the creation of a dynamic ecosystem aimed at fostering collaboration and igniting creativity across the entire energy sector value chain. Through this campus, we aim to provide an immersive, hands-on learning experience, offering comprehensive insights into energy management and industrial automation. Furthermore, it underlines our commitment to expanding our workforce of over 37,000 in India to drive the development of cutting-edge products and solutions not only for India but also for the global markets”

The Innovation Hub at Bagmane offers an immersive experience that integrates all Schneider Electric offerings to showcase a comprehensive journey, transforming sustainability ambitions into tangible actions at the intersection of automation, electrification, and digitization. This innovative approach underscores Schneider Electric’s commitment to providing a holistic view of its solutions and their impact on driving sustainable practices and outcomes.

The Bagmane Campus Training Center will feature interactive demonstrations, workshops, and expert-led sessions, ensuring that our employees, partners, and customers, gain practical knowledge and expertise in the latest technologies and solutions. It will harness internal expertise to foster a learning culture, offering an advanced learning environment equipped with the latest technologies and infrastructure.

Standing by its commitment towards sustainability, the Schneider Electric Bagmane Bengaluru Campus is designed to prioritize sustainability with off-site green power, energy-efficient chiller systems, and 100% greywater reuse via a sewage treatment plant. The campus has already applied for LEED Gold certification, demonstrating Schneider Electric’s commitment to international sustainability standards. Further, the Schneider Electric interior fit-out works are also striving for LEED – Platinum certification, reflecting the company’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in sustainable building practices.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India conducts a successful Road Safety Awareness Campaign in Vadodara, Gujarat

Vadodara, 31st May 2024: Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India reaffirms its dedication to road safety with another impactful awareness campaign in the city of Vadodara. On the grounds of Butler ITI College, HMSI achieved one of its milestones where it saw an active participation of more than 1800 college students and staff members. The road safety campaign featured interactive activities such as a safety riding theory session, danger prediction training, road safety quiz, helmet awareness, and Riding Trainer session that kept the participants engaged throughout the campaign.

HMSI believes that Safety of every individual is a topmost priority. In line with this commitment, HSMI has been actively conducting road safety awareness campaigns across various regions of the country, reaching out to people with vital information and guidance on safe driving practices. Vadodara is the latest stop in this initiative, where HMSI aims to empower the community with essential knowledge and skills to navigate.

HMSI extends its gratitude to the authorities of Butler ITI College, for their support in organizing this important initiative. Together, we can make a significant difference in creating safer road environments and reducing the incidents of accidents and injuries.

Since inception, HMSI has imparted education to nearly 4 lakh adults and children in the state of Gujarat, focusing on promoting responsible road usage and cultivating safe riding habits.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s CSR Commitment towards Road Safety:

In 2021, Honda globally made a vision statement for the year 2050 where it will strive for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles. In India, HMSI is working in line with this vision and the Government of India’s direction of reducing fatalities to half by 2030.

One critical aspect of achieving this goal is inculcating a positive mindset towards road safety in our children by the year 2030 and continuing to educate them thereafter. Road safety education at schools and colleges is not only to create awareness but to inculcate a safety culture in young minds and turn them into safety ambassadors. It empowers future generations to become responsible and significantly contribute to a safer society.

HMSI wants to be a company that Society wants to exist and is strongly focusing on Road safety awareness to all sections of society with unique ideas catering to each segment from school kids to corporations and society at large.

HMSI’s set of skilled safety instructors conducts daily programs at our 10 adopted traffic training parks (TTP) across India and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC) to make road safety education accessible to every part of society, and the initiative has impacted over 5.7 million Indian citizens. HMSI’s National Road Safety Awareness program made learning fun yet scientific through:

SCIENTIFICALLY DEVISED LEARNING MODULE: Honda’s skilled instructors set the foundation with theory sessions on road signs & markings, driver’s duties on the road, riding gear & posture explanation and safe riding etiquette.

1. PRACTICAL LEARNING: A special training activity on Honda’s virtual riding simulator was executed for all to experience over 100 possible dangers on road before actual riding.

2. INTERACTIVE SESSION: Participants were given danger prediction training known as Kiken Yosoku Training (KYT) which helps in enhancing rider/driver’s sensitivity to danger and ensures safe driving behaviour on roads.

3. EXISTING DRIVERS HONING RIDING SKILLS: Students & school staff members who are already existing riders tested & honed their riding skills through slow riding activities and riding on narrow planks.

Mark Montoya Named President of akoyaGO

Minneapolis, MN, May 31, 2024 –akoyaGO, a leading provider of innovative software solutions for community and private foundations, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Mark Montoya to President. With Mark’s rich history of leveraging technology to enhance the philanthropic space, this new role helps him drive significant advancements for greater impact.

Since joining in 2022, Mark Montoya has been a cornerstone of the akoyaGO leadership team. His previous roles at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona including Chief Operating Officer, Interim President, and Chief Experience Officer gave him valuable industry insights, which he now channels into driving efficient impact through technology and building key relationships with clients at akoyaGO. The journey from Chief Experience Officer to President is a testament to his unwavering integrity, inspiration, and forward-thinking approach to solutions in the philanthropic sector. That focus has directly led to the akoyaGO customer base growing by 80% in two years.

“Mark’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping akoyaGO’s strategic direction and operational excellence,” said John Long, CEO of akoyaGO. “His deep understanding of the nuances and needs of foundations, combined with his vision for technology’s role in this sector, makes him uniquely qualified to lead our company through its next phase of growth.”

During his tenure as Chief Experience Officer, Mark championed a culture of positivity and dedication, earning widespread respect and admiration across the organization, among our clients, and nationally. His ability to translate day-to-day foundation experiences to assist in developing scalable, impactful solutions has been a key factor in akoyaGO’s success, and he plans to continue this approach in his new role.

“Being part of akoyaGO has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It is a privilege to serve a team dedicated to creating, enhancing, and providing modern technology that will continue to expand and innovate, serving the field for years to come,” said Mark Montoya. “As President, I look forward to fostering innovation that meets the evolving challenges of the philanthropic community, helping them achieve their mission with greater efficacy. When I was leading CFSA, we searched for a technology partner to take us to the next level – not just doing the same things a little better. I’m excited to bring that to my colleagues in the foundation space.”

Under Mark’s leadership, akoyaGO is well positioned to redefine what is possible for foundation management software, emphasizing ease-of-use, dynamic solutions that empower foundations to focus on what they do best: making a meaningful difference in the world.