Business

NetApp Elevates DEI with New Senior Leadership

Pamela Hennard, a seasoned HR leader with 27 years of experience, has been named Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at NetApp. Known for championing veterans, women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ professionals, Pamela’s leadership is driving innovation by embedding equity into every layer of the business. Her work reflects NetApp’s commitment to fostering inclusion as a cultural and business imperative.

Read key takeaways and analysis in Perspectives on Leadership on LinkedIn.

Read more from Business Wire at NetApp's official release.

Social Issues

CSUF Launches Native Resource Center During Heritage Month

Cal State Fullerton celebrates Native American Heritage Month by honoring the Tongva and Acjachemen Peoples and reaffirming its commitment to Indigenous sovereignty and equity. This year marks the opening of the Native American and Indigenous Resource Center, designed to build community and support Native students. The campus invites everyone to participate in activities promoting awareness of Native history, culture, and contemporary issues.

Read more from Alexis Naucler at Cal State Fullerton’s website.

Social Issues Roundup

• Voters Back Progressive Social Policies Nationwide: From raising the minimum wage to $15/hour in Alaska and Missouri to protecting abortion rights in seven states, voters overwhelmingly supported measures advancing economic, racial, and gender justice. Highlights include Alaska’s ban on anti-union captive meetings, Nevada’s abolition of slavery in prisons, and widespread rejection of school vouchers to protect public education. These results showcase growing momentum for policies centered on equity and opportunity. Read more from Emma Cohn and Jennifer Sherer at the Working Economics Blog.

• Rising Anti-South Asian Sentiment in Canada: Anti-immigrant rhetoric and exclusionary policies are fueling a surge in anti-South Asian hate across Canada. From online conspiracy theories like the “Great Replacement Theory” to verbal and physical assaults, South Asians, especially those in gig and service jobs, face growing discrimination. As immigration policies tighten, experts warn of the dangerous normalization of hate speech and its impact on vulnerable communities. Read more from Ryan General at The Guardian via NextShark.

Health & Education

College Launches Life Skills Academy for Adults with Autism

Brookdale Community College’s Achieve Academy for Adults with Autism, launching in 2025, aims to bridge the gap for individuals who lose public school support at 21. The program offers life skills training, job coaching, and hands-on work experiences, fostering independence and purpose. With features like a mock apartment and a café for community engagement, the academy begins with 10 participants and plans to expand.

Read more from Rebecca Heath at NJ.com via Disability Scoop.

Health & Education

• Teen Innovates Affordable Skin Cancer Solution: Heman Bekele, TIME’s Kid of the Year, developed a soap infused with nanoparticles of the skin cancer drug imiquimod, offering a potential low-cost alternative to expensive treatments. Inspired by sun exposure's effects he witnessed in Ethiopia, Bekele’s invention earned him the 2023 Young Scientist Challenge award. Now conducting research at Johns Hopkins, his groundbreaking idea holds promise for accessible cancer care worldwide. Read more from Esme Mazzeo at PEOPLE.

Politics

Omar and Tlaib Win Resounding Re-Elections

Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) secured landslide re-election victories, overcoming fierce opposition and significant financial backing for their challengers. Known for championing Palestinian rights and bold leadership, the Congresswomen continue to be unwavering voices for justice and equity in the political sphere.

Read more from MG Staff at Muslim Girl.

Politics Roundup

• Harris Inspired Record Support Among AAPI Women: Vice President Kamala Harris has energized Asian American women voters, with 72% supporting her in the 2024 election. Her identity as a Black and South Asian woman, coupled with her focus on reproductive rights, healthcare, and social justice, has inspired greater political engagement. Grassroots movements like “South Asians for Harris” highlight the growing influence of AAPI women in U.S. politics. Read more from Ruichen Ge at AsAmNews.

Culture

Drag Queen Wins Prestigious Science Award

@onlinekyne

❤️ once upon a time ….

Kyne Santos, a Drag Race Canada alum and TikTok sensation, received the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Award for Excellence in Science Communications. Combining her drag persona with STEM education, Santos makes math fun and accessible for her 1.6 million followers. Her groundbreaking work promotes inclusivity in STEM, proving that diverse voices can inspire and educate.

 Read more from Christopher Wiggins at The Advocate.

Culture Roundup

• ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ to Hit the Stage as a Musical: The Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire is being adapted into a musical by Indian American Tony Award-winner Ken Davenport, with composer A.R. Rahman returning to create new songs and reimagine hits like “Jai Ho.” Inspired by a personal connection to his father’s Indian heritage, Davenport promises an electrifying celebration of culture and storytelling. Read more from Bryan Ke at NextShark.