Daiichi Sankyo US

I’m pleased to share that I have recently been qualified and registered as an immigration advisor with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) With ongoing changes in UK immigration policy, many organisations are facing increasing challenges in attracting and retaining overseas talent while maintaining compliance. I’m passionate about supporting businesses that rely on international skills to not only navigate these complexities, but to continue to grow and thrive. I’m particularly interested in engaging with organisations across the energy, manufacturing, arts, and sports sectors to better understand current pressures and identify where effective immigration support can unlock sustainable growth. Collaboration is important to me, and I’m also keen to partner with charities and non-profit organisations who may need additional guidance in this space. If you’d like to connect or explore how we can work together, please feel free to reach out at Naseem@slspec.co.uk / Sponsor Licence Specialists

Our colleague Michele Schmidt embodies what it means to be patient centric. Thank you for sharing your story and I, too, promise to always remember Poppy.

Sometimes you have a moment where you just want to hit pause and take it all in. Last week I had one of those moments with my daughter Amelie as we hiked up the Waihee Ridge Trail in Maui. We were there as a family celebrating Mandy LeBlanc ’s birthday and the trip was incredible as we had moments with Hono (Sea Turtles) and interactions with the incredible community of Lahaina which is showing such resilience in the face of the worst wild fires in American history and devastating floods this year. We all have had challenges as this year I have had some as with aging parents and health and a challenging time of division in the workd but seeing my daughter every day have to find her way through the maze of high school with the academic, athletic and teenage politics has been eye opening. Amelie is very grounded and approaches things in such a kind and positive way but the moments we had on our hike gave me such confidence in our shared future as she showed such leadership. As we went up the 2500 foot climb early morning the view was amazing with the vista of Haleakalā in the back of us, the lush green mountains and shining blue of the Pacific Ocean below us. But it was HOT and Amelie and I are not good in the heat but she kept such a good pace and showed such desire, determination and discipline in making her goal of the Summit. Taking in the natural beauty was incredible but what it made it so special was her talking about her dreams, the future and the respect she had for the native culture and history of Hawaii. She asked me so many questions I could not answer and it made me reflect along the way of the better job I need to do to know more before visiting a place, our partnership LBC Action with Native Americans in Philanthropy and there impactful work with Native Hawaiian Philanthropy has helped me learn the need to invest in local Hawaiian communities and leaders. As we made the summit Amelie smiled and said “the best thing about this is getting time together” and I took this as such a moment to reflect as my friend Juan D. Martinez Pineda says, “you don’t get time back, it’s your most precious resource” my time with Amelie last week will stay with me forever.

The commemoration of National Minority Health Month in April offers an unique opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment. My advocacy to improve the health of people of color began in partnership with the National Medical Association in 1992, along with 10 other national organizations that serve racial and ethnic communities. My commitment became institutionalized through the creation of Summit Health Institute for Research and Education, incorporating (SHIRE) in 1997. SHIRE’s mission focuses on two major purposes for health improvement. First, we must eliminate racial/ethnic health disparities in order to attain health equity and justice. Second, we seek to help empower individuals and communities, providing resources and supporting their attainment of optimal health and wellness. Today we face unprecedented challenges to health justice and equity. These challenges include shrinking health insurance coverage, fewer and fewer health service institutions, and the persistence of unequal treatment by health providers. Another key factor is the lack of investment in crucial influencers of health, such as education, housing, employment, environmental conditions, and community organizations that support health and wellbeing. While joining with others to address these critical issues, SHIRE also maintains its focus on helping individuals make the lifestyle changes necessary to sustain their own health and wellness. Experts agree that health-related behaviors can impact approximately 80% of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The recipe for empowerment remains consistent. Essential are healthy eating, more movement, stress reduction, being informed about one’s health condition and medications, as well as social interaction and support. These are the pillars of our Wellness Circle Program and they have produced measurable results. While we will continue our advocacy to change policies, systems, and institutions, we must also focus on those things we can change in our own lives. For more information about SHIRE’s activities and contributions, please visit our website at shireinc.org . Sincere regards, Ruth Perot

Bringing community together working in collaboration to build strategy on the healing power of culture and the outdoors. The Open Pathways Project (OPP) brought together philanthropy, policy and program leaders from across the state of Washibgton to strategize on how sectors can break silos and make positive impact together. It was an honor to learn, support and plan the Convening with LBC Action Partners and leaders with a special thanks to Fresh Tracks Action The Aspen Institute Juan D. Martinez Pineda for being the driver and platform for OPP. Dylan McDowell National Caucus of Environmental Legislators brought policy perspectives and worked in collaboration with Marc Berejka Nature and Health Alliance to highlight the need for evidence with leadership from Courtney Aber YMCA of Greater Seattle on the power of the outdoors on our social and emotional health. Erik Stegman Native Americans in Philanthropy grounded us on the foundation of Indigenous values leading us in connection with our philanthropy partners Fabiola Greenawalt the Russell Family Foundation Lyn Wong Hunter Philanthropy Northwest and Alicia Harvie REI showcasing the positive outdoor recreation impacts of time outside. Appreciation to Jacqueline Reyes for her leadership in grassroots advocacy. Honored to learn and be part of the planning of Open Pathways Project as at LBC Action we partner with leaders and organizations who are determined to improve the wellbeing of others, who share our belief that collaboration can change the world, and who embrace the opportunity to join forces with unexpected allies to make positive impact.