Technology

Disrupting Engineering and Construction: How PositiveHire is Transforming DEI

Published

2 years ago

August 19, 2024

Amidst the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion, where genuine change often meets resistance, a new leader has emerged as a catalyst for innovation and growth. In the latest episode of the Disruption Interruption podcast, host Karla Jo Helms is joined by Michele Heyward, Founder and CEO of PositiveHire. Heyward, with a unique blend of engineering prowess and entrepreneurial zeal, is challenging outdated norms and championing inclusivity as a cornerstone of organizational excellence across the STEM and Engineering & Construction (E&C) sectors.

TAMPA BAY, Fla., August 19th, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Women represent about 27% of the STEM workforce, a significant increase from 8% in 1970, but still fall short compared to their 48% share of the overall U.S. workforce. (1) In engineering and construction, they are even more underrepresented, at 14% and 9% respectively, and face fewer leadership opportunities and challenges related to workplace culture and advancement. (2) Karla Jo Helms (KJ), host of the Disruption Interruption podcast, and Michele Heyward, the disruptive mind behind PositiveHire, a platform dedicated to empowering underrepresented women in STEM, engage in an illuminating discussion on the critical need for diversity in industries that require innovative disruption. “Disruptive innovation means changing the status quo for the better,” Heyward says. “Growing up in rural South Carolina, I saw how limited resources hindered talent, so my mission is to ensure everyone, regardless of background, has transformative opportunities.”

“Disruptive innovation means changing the status quo for the better. Growing up in rural South Carolina, I saw how limited resources hindered talent, so my mission is to ensure everyone, regardless of background, has transformative opportunities.” — Michele Heyward, Founder and CEO of PositiveHire.

Heyward Champions Infrastructure for True Workplace Inclusion
Heyward emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the workplace, challenges that often go unnoticed in traditional HR data.
Through PositiveHire, Hayward is not merely advocating for diversity—she is actively constructing the infrastructure necessary for genuine inclusion within the workforce. Her mission is to establish a new benchmark for organizational excellence, where diversity and inclusion are not just aspirational goals but fundamental elements of success.

Tailoring DEI Strategies to Engineering and Construction
PositiveHire is advancing DEI in the traditionally male-dominated engineering and construction sectors by tailoring initiatives to the unique challenges of job site culture.
Heyward, a third-generation construction professional, emphasizes the need for DEI strategies that address both the physical environment and cultural dynamics, with organizations evaluating their impact through pre-and post-training assessments as well as long-term retention metrics.
“Very few DEI practitioners understand life on a construction site,” Heyward emphasized. “Many attempt to implement initiatives without spending significant time on the job site or building relationships with those who work there. For DEI to be effective in construction, it’s essential to grasp the unique challenges.”

Setting New Standards for Inclusive Workforce Excellence
Through PositiveHire, Heyward is actively building the infrastructure needed for true inclusion in the workforce. Whether in STEM or E&C, PositiveHire is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive future, ensuring that diversity and innovation go hand in hand.

Links
Disrupting the Future of Infrastructure: Michele Heyward’s DE&I Influence on AEC: https://omny.fm/shows/disruption-interruption/disrupting-the-future-of-infrastructure-michele-he
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelecheyward/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicheleCHeyward
Company Website: https://positivehire.co/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positivehireco/
Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today’s biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption.
Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple’s App Store and Spotify.

About Disruption InterruptionTM
Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, “THAT’S IT! I’VE HAD IT!”? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo “KJ” Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world’s key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at http://www.disruption-interruption.com.

About Michele Heyward
Michele Heyward is the Founder and CEO of PositiveHire, a pioneering tech company dedicated to connecting underrepresented women in STEM with management roles in enterprises. With a background in civil engineering and extensive project management experience in the energy sector, Michele aims to create inclusive workplaces for Black, Latina, and Indigenous women, while also equipping companies to effectively recruit and integrate these professionals. She holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.S. in Industrial Management from Clemson University. A South Carolina native, Michele enjoys family time, traveling, Toastmasters, and building professional networks.

About Karla Jo Helms
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.

References
1. “NSF’s NCSES Releases Report on Diversity Trends in STEM Workforce and Education.” NSF, 30 Jan. 2023, new.nsf.gov/news/diversity-and-stem-2023.
2. Martinez, Anthony, and Cheridan Christnacht. “Women Making Gains in STEM Occupations but Still Underrepresented.” United States Census Bureau, 26 Jan. 2021, census.gov/library/stories/2021/01/women-making-gains-in-stem-occupations-but-still-underrepresented.html.

Media Contact

Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@jotopr.com, jotopr.com

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SOURCE JOTO PR™

Technology

Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center collaborate on cancer research and personalized prevention

Published

7 hours ago

May 13, 2026

ABU DHABI, UAE, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, together with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch), one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions and home to three Nobel laureates.

By pairing Abu Dhabi’s unified clinical and genomic data infrastructure, sovereign AI capabilities and governed data environments with Fred Hutch’s globally renowned research engine, the ensuing collaborations will pave the way to shortening the distance between scientific discovery and patient benefit, for Abu Dhabi’s community and beyond.

Among the projected collaborations, the two organizations will consider leveraging Abu Dhabi’s intelligent health system, and layering Fred Hutch’s world-class science onto the secure, high-quality, real-world data foundation Abu Dhabi has built. That foundation includes the emirate’s pioneering liquid biopsy programme launched last year, one of the first national-scale efforts of its kind anywhere in the world. Alongside Abu Dhabi’s AI multi-cancer early detection work, and the world’s largest clinically integrated population-scale genomics programme – with nearly one million genomes sequence.

During his visit to the center, HE Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH commented: “Cancer is one of the defining health challenges of our time, and progress depends on combining world-class science with population-scale data, advanced AI, and research. In Abu Dhabi, we have built an AI-enabled health system that ‘cares before it cures, delivering prevention at population scale. We are already achieving some of the highest early cancer detection rates in the world, and through our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center we are committed to bringing breakthroughs to people in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

“This MOU between Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health underscores the power of working together to prevent and treat cancer,” said Thomas Lynch Jr., MD, president and director of Fred Hutch and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. “Our organizations share a deep commitment to research and to provide the highest levels of cancer prevention, diagnosis and care to our communities, and we are excited to bring our expertise, tools and datasets together to identify unique approaches to cancer care and research in pursuit of our boldest goals.”

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2979204/DoH_Abu_Dhabi.jpg
Logo- https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2714371/5968536/DoH_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

Technology

L’Mychele & Associates Founder LaKessia Hill Completes North Texas FWC Hospitality Program (FIFA World Cup) and Appears on The Jeff Crilley Show

Published

7 hours ago

May 13, 2026

DALLAS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — L’Mychele & Associates LLC is proud to announce two significant milestones for the growing strategic meetings and events firm: Founder & CEO LaKessia Hill has successfully completed the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Hospitality Program and was recently featured on The Jeff Crilley Show.

These accomplishments reflect the company’s continued momentum within the hospitality, tourism, and events industries as L’Mychele & Associates expands its presence through strategic partnerships, leadership engagement, and elevated client experiences.

The completion of the North Texas FWC Hospitality Program further strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering intentional, guest-centered experiences rooted in strategy, hospitality, and meaningful connection — values that are central to the L’Mychele & Associates brand.

In addition, Hill recently joined veteran journalist and media personality Jeff Crilley on The Jeff Crilley Show to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind L’Mychele & Associates, and the company’s approach to creating experiences as bold as its clients’ goals.

“Both opportunities represent growth, visibility, and the continued evolution of our brand,” said Hill. “Hospitality is more than service — it’s about creating intentional moments that leave lasting impressions. Being recognized through the hospitality program and having the opportunity to share our story on The Jeff Crilley Show were both incredibly meaningful experiences.”

Known for its consultative and strategy-first approach, L’Mychele & Associates specializes in executive summits, conferences, nonprofit galas, incentive experiences, corporate meetings, and curated social gatherings. The firm partners with organizations, brands, and leaders to transform ideas into impactful experiences through strategic planning, management, and execution.

Guided by the company’s signature philosophy — “The Art of Listening. The Science of Execution.” — L’Mychele & Associates continues to position itself as a strategic partner within the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.

The episode of The Jeff Crilley Show featuring LaKessia Hill is now available across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Transistor.

About L’Mychele & Associates LLC

L’Mychele & Associates LLC is a Dallas-based strategic meetings and events firm specializing in executive summits, corporate meetings, conferences, nonprofit events, incentive experiences, and curated social gatherings. The company is known for blending strategy, hospitality, and execution to create experiences that drive connection and lasting impact.

Media Contact

LaKessia Hill
Founder & CEO, L’Mychele & Associates LLC
469-402-7825

LaKessia@LMychele.com
www.LMychele.com

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SOURCE L’Mychele & Associates LLC

Technology

HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Published

7 hours ago

May 13, 2026

LONDON, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, HBX.SM) announces its Half Year 2026 results for the six months ended 31 March 2026.

TTV up +17% to €3.8bn, and Revenue of €309m, up +1% YoY at constant currency, reflecting targeted commercial and strategic actions to prioritise growth and capture market share, partly offset by disruption from the Middle East conflictAdjusted EBITDA up +9% at constant currency to €163m, with margin of 53% expanding +4ppts in constant currency. Profit after tax was €28m (H1 25: €(227)m).Strong cash generation with 103% cash conversion and leverage at 1.7x Adjusted Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA. S €100m share buyback programme and a 7.5 cents per share (c.€18m) interim dividend.Executing the strategic building blocks, including the acquisition of Bridgify announced today.FY26E guidance revised to reflect the impact of Middle East conflict and macroeconomic uncertainty. New FY26 guidance is for constant currency TTV growth +11% to +15%, Revenue growth -4% to +1% and Adjusted EBITDA growth -5% to -2%, and Operating Free Cash Flow conversion between 90% and 100%. Medium-term guidance is unchanged.

First half 2026 Financial Performance Summary1

6 months
ended 31
March 2026

6 months
ended 31
March 2025

Change
constant
currency2

Change

Total Transaction Value (TTV) (€m)

3,770

3,370

+17 %

+12 %

Revenue (€m)

309

319

+1 %

-3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (€m)

163

159

+9 %

+3 %

Delivering profitable growth

Group TTV increased to €3.8bn in the first half, up +17% at constant currency. TTV contribution increased from shorter lead-time bookings, Third Party Supply and Online Travel Agents.

Revenue of €309m, increased +1% in constant currency. Take rate was 8.2%, down 1.3ppts year‑on‑year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 9%, with margin +4ppts.

Net finance costs were €35m, 77% lower than the prior year. The tax charge was €16m. Adjusted Earnings were €83m, up +44% at constant currency.

Delivering commercial milestones in line with strategy

Commercial progress in H1 2026 reflected HBX Group’s strategy to expand its global travel ecosystem and drive profitability through AI-driven operational efficiency and commercial performance. Key developments included new distribution partnerships in Asia-Pacific, acquisitions such as Bridgify and PerfectStay to strengthen experiences and dynamic capabilities, and new platform and fintech initiatives.

HBX group also continued embedding AI across products and operations, including AI-powered solutions for Bedsonline and HotelTech, while scaling internal AI agents already delivering measurable savings and supporting more than 120 identified use cases, reinforcing the Group’s connected B2B travel ecosystem strategy.

Regional performance and trading dynamics

TTV grew in double-digits in all three regions, up +18% in the Americas and +16% in both MEAPAC and Europe, at constant currency.

In Europe, TTV growth was supported by strong intra‑regional and domestic travel. Asia Pacific up +18%, partly offset by slower growth in the Middle East and disruption on some Europe-Asia corridors. In the Americas, TTV was predominantly driven by domestic demand.

Middle East impact and near‑term outlook

Since late February, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has impacted travel demand across affected destinations and selected international corridors, resulting in increased volatility, shorter booking windows and reduced near‑term visibility. The impact of this on H1 Group TTV growth was approximately 1ppt.

HBX Group implemented dynamic pricing, inventory reallocation and active partner support. Demand outside affected corridors has been more resilient.

Cost discipline, cash generation and capital allocation

Underlying operating costs fell by 5%. Performance was supported by productivity initiatives, automation and AI.

On a last 12-month basis, Operating Free Cash Flow was €447m, with cash conversion of 103% over the last 12 months. Adjusted Net Debt at 31 March 2026 stood at €741m.

Outlook

The Group started FY26 with strong performance. Since late February, trading conditions have been adversely impacted by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

The Group has revised its FY26 guidance. Updated outlook reflects a -4ppt effect of the Middle East conflict on TTV growth. Assumes four months of disruption with gradual stabilisation.

For the complete press release and disclaimer applicable to this information, please visit www.investors.hbxgroup.com

1 See financial statements for definitions of specific financial terms and KPIs, including any Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
2 Constant currency changes exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations by translating current year results at the exchange rates used in the prior year.

Contact:
Clara Truyols
clatruyols@hbxgroup.com

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SOURCE HBX Group