The Conference Board Celebrates Corporate Responsibility Leaders at Annual Awards Ceremony in New York

Honoring Excellence in Corporate Responsibility

On April 22, 2025, The Conference Board is set to host its annual Corporate Responsibility Awards in New York City, celebrating six companies that have made significant strides in sustainability, innovation, and corporate citizenship. This prestigious event recognizes organizations that are not only dedicated to their profitability but also to creating positive impacts in their communities and the environment.

Jeff Hoffman, Interim Leader of the Governance and Sustainability Center at The Conference Board, expressed the significance of these awards, stating, "The exemplary work of these companies has led to immense benefits both within and beyond company walls—employees, communities, the natural environment, and more. By shining a light on this year's honorees, we inspire the broader business community to take their corporate responsibility commitments to new heights."

Recipients of the 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards

The ceremony will honor the following companies that have shown extraordinary commitment to social and environmental sustainability:

1. ATT - Represented by Charlene Lake, Chief Sustainability Officer, ATT is recognized for its efforts to bridge the digital divide by aiming to connect 25 million underserved people by 2030. The company employs advanced data strategies to enhance the resilience of its network and communities, helping businesses lower emissions while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035.

2. e.l.f. Beauty - Led by Chairman and CEO Tarang Amin, e.l.f. Beauty is known for its innovative disruption in the beauty industry. The company donates a minimum of 2% of its profits to social causes, removes over 2,500 potentially harmful ingredients from its products, and is a leader in corporate diversity, reflecting the communities it serves.

3. Prudential Financial - With Lata N. Reddy as Senior VP of Inclusive Solutions, Prudential is celebrated for its firm commitment to revitalizing the Newark community. Through impactful partnerships and investments, the company focuses on breaking barriers to financial security for all.

4. Medtronic - Honored for surpassing sustainability goals, Medtronic, represented by Chief Sustainability Officer Raman Venkatesh, has made substantial efforts in reducing water usage and waste while increasingly turning to renewable energy.

5. Webster Bank - Under the leadership of John R. Ciulla, Webster Bank receives recognition for its initiatives focused on empowering underserved communities through financial literacy programs, affordable housing options, and accessible banking services.

6. Yum! Brands - Represented by Nira Johri, Chief Global Sustainability Officer at KFC, Yum! Brands is acknowledged for its comprehensive sustainability agenda, working towards lowering greenhouse gas emissions and investing in sustainable practices throughout its supply chain.

The Role of The Conference Board

The Governance and Sustainability Center of The Conference Board provides valuable insights, resources, and partnerships that help member organizations tackle corporate governance, sustainability, and citizenship issues. By awarding these companies, the center aims to motivate others to enhance their own corporate responsibility initiatives.

Founded in 1916, The Conference Board continues to position itself as a thought leader in promoting sustainability and responsible business practices. Learn more about their initiatives and this esteemed event by visiting ConferenceBoard.org. The collaborative efforts of these honored companies ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

As we celebrate these achievements, it is essential for the broader business community to draw inspiration from these leaders, nurturing a culture of responsibility and commitment towards a better world.