All Posts By

Caroline Barrett

Jun 18 2022
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JUNETEENTH 2022 | HONOR THE HOLIDAY WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS

By Press

NEW YORK, (June 19, 2022) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Senior Director, Operations

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth originated in Galveston, Texas, and it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of America since 1865. Also referred to as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day, there are many ways to celebrate and honor Juneteenth.

Juneteenth 

Juneteenth’s commemoration is on the anniversary date of June 19, 1865, an announcement proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas, which was the last state of the Confederacy to have institutionalized slavery.

Juneteenth National Independence Day

Now, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, this year, Juneteenth 2022 is being observed on Monday, June 20, 2022, as a federal holiday. The day was first recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Many government offices and businesses will be closed. 

From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. 

Early Juneteenth Celebrations

After the announcement, people who were formerly enslaved in Galveston celebrated. On June 19, 1866, one year after the announcement, free men in Texas organized the first of what became the annual celebration of “Jubilee Day”.

Honor the Holiday Celebrating with Family & Friends

Many communities throughout America and beyond celebrate Juneteenth for a day, a week, or even a  month. Ways to honor and celebrate Juneteenth in various communities include:

  • Celebrate with Backyard BBQs
  • Shop Black-owned businesses
  • Attend celebrations and festivals that include African American culture, music and art
  • Check your local community for ways to honor and celebrate Juneteenth with family and friends!

Center African American Voices and Organizations

We recognize we aren’t the authorities on Juneteenth. Take a moment to listen, become educated, and honor and amplify African American voices and organizations. Juneteenth is a moment in American History that is worth all the joy and celebration we can express. Enjoy your day.

Resources:

How to Celebrate Juneteenth | Today

Juneteenth is a Federal Holiday Celebrate Black Joy

Juneteenth, Wikipedia

Juneteenth.com

Poet Amanda Gorman celebrates the gift of Blackness for Juneteenth

May 01 2022
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SKIN CANCER AWARENESS: EARLY DIAGNOSIS SAVES LIVES

By SanovaWorks

NEW YORK, (May 1, 2022) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Chief of Operating Officer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide.

  • 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
  • More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
  • Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
  • When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.
    Source: skincancer.org

How to Do a Skin Check

Because skin cancers appear in many shapes and sizes, it’s important to know the early warning signs. If you see something new, changing or unusual, get checked by a dermatologist right away. It could be skin cancer.

This includes:

  • A growth that increases in size and appears pearly, transparent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored.
  • A mole, birthmark or brown spot that increases in size, thickness, changes color or texture, or is bigger than a pencil eraser.
  • A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab or bleed.
  • An open sore that does not heal within three weeks.
    Source: skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams

Learn more about early detection at TheBigSee.org.

Champions for Change

The annual Champions for Change Gala is The Skin Cancer Foundation’s signature fundraising event. Proceeds from the Gala support the Foundation’s lifesaving educational campaigns, community programs and research initiatives.

Guests can expect a jam-packed event, highlighting the work of the Foundation, and the significance of the support of our donors, partners, members and community, all from the comfort of their homes.

MAKE A DONATION

Gala attendees included Skin Cancer Foundation donors, industry and physician allies, celebrity supporters, members of the media and families impacted by the disease.

Destination Healthy Skin

157 Volunteer Dermatologists Provide ~5,000 Free Skin Cancer Screenings

Learn More

Skin Cancer Facts

Thank you for supporting the Skin Cancer Foundation

Apr 16 2022
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SMALL CHANGES PRODUCE BIG EFFECTS: ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS 2022

By SanovaWorks

NEW YORK, (April 16, 2022) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Chief of Operating Officer

April is Environmental Awareness Month at SanovaWorks

Environmental awareness and activism are a cornerstone of the foundation of our company. The decision to become a fully remote company was driven not only by what is best for our team and company culture but for the environment. Working remotely removes the need for transportation, a traditional brick and mortar office,  and thus reduces our carbon emissions, so we ease our carbon footprint by having a  staff that primarily works from home. We are committed to our remote work company culture and to expanding our environmental awareness and activism.

Annual Corporate Donations

SanovaWorks demonstrates our commitment to environmental awareness and to Mother Earth through our annual corporate donations. These donations are specifically to a non-profit dedicated to environmental justice. 

Yearly, we invite Team Sanova to help choose the organization we ultimately decide to support.

SanovaWorks supports organizations that work to protect our wildlife, public health, wild places, and natural resources through climate activism and environmental justice. 

Share Green & Win Green

Team Sanova gets involved in the conversation by sharing their personal environmentally conscious and energy-saving tips. 

Always unplug your electronics when you’re not using them. When plugged in, electronics fall victim to this vampire power, standby power, or phantom load.  Unplugging kitchen appliances, TVs, and anything that uses electricity when not in use, saves energy, which saves money. If you typically leave your electronics plugged in, the “vampire plug” effect can compound and suck your bank account dry and harm the environment over time. Time to make it a habit to unplug.

Adopting a plant-based diet is an easy way to positively impact climate change and gain the added benefits of better health and nutrition. “Factory farming accounts for 37% of methane (CH4) emissions, which has more than 20 times the global warming potential of CO2.” If you aren’t able to completely commit to a plant-based diet, you can choose to 1) reduce the amount of animal products you consume, and 2) consume sustainable products that are humanely raised with environmental protection and consciousness in mind.

Resources:

How Stuff Works:  Vampire Power

Farm Sanctuary

April is Environmental Awareness Month at SanovaWorks

Mar 09 2022
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SUPPORT UKRAINE | DONATE NOW

By SanovaWorks

NEW YORK, (March 9, 2022) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Chief Operations Officer

The invasion of Ukraine is a disgrace. We condemn these acts of war and this violation of international law, and we call for peace to be restored. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières

SanovaWorks has made a $500 donation to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. Read more about what this organization is doing to support the people of Ukraine.

Support Ukraine, Donate Now

HERE are a few really impactful organizations and innovative ways to get aid to the people of Ukraine. If you are interested in personally contributing, a small donation to any one of these initiatives could go a long way:

  • This is on Airbnb’s page now.
  • World Central Kitchen. Founded by world-renowned chef José Andrés after an earthquake devastated Haiti in 2010, the group provides meals to people in need around the globe. Andrés is now feeding Ukrainian refugees at the Polish border.
  • Supporting Ukrainian Etsy sellers.
  • Shelter Ugolyok (animal rescue + farm sanctuary)

Thank you.

Caroline Barrett,

SanovaWorks Chief Operations Officer

Mar 01 2022
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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH | BREAK THE BIAS

By SanovaWorks

NEW YORK, (March 1, 2022) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Chief Operations Officer

Break the Bias

This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is Break the Bias. Women’s History Month is dedicated to honoring women, illuminating their current contributions to society, and celebrating the many important roles women have played throughout history. Break the Bias, not only this month but every day of every month.

Tuesday, March 8, 2022, is International Women’s Day

     “Imagine a gender equal world.
     A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
     A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
     A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
     Together we can forge women’s equality.
     Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.”

Help create an inclusive world

Bias exists. Deliberate or unconscious, bias makes moving ahead difficult for a woman. When viewed through the lens of bias, success looks different for a woman than it does for a man. Having this knowledge, that bias exists, is only the beginning. Action to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world is needed to Break the Bias. 

We encourage you to Break the Bias and help forge an inclusive world. To inspire, educate, and enlighten you, we’ve shared some amazing resources below.

American Women: A guide to Women’s History Resources at the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress collections has introduced an extensive online research guide that highlights hundreds of sources that tell the stories of women, through a wide variety of perspectives and media. The exhaustive coverage includes “historic and contemporary audio and video files, posters, photographs, magazines, sheet music, maps, manuscripts and rare books, as well as government documents and legislation.” The Equal Rights Amendment, Patriotism, and Suffrage are covered in the essays. Peruse the guide

Inflection Point with Lauren Schiller 

“The *Inflection Point with Lauren Schiller* collection contains 137 episodes from the nationally syndicated public radio show and podcast featuring conversations with women activists, entrepreneurs, professionals, performers, academics, and authors who have been using their expertise and voices to make a difference for women everywhere.” (Library of Congress and WGBH Boston)
Listen to Inflection Point

Girlhood (It’s complicated) 

Girlhood (It’s complicated) commemorates the anniversary of woman suffrage by exploring the concept of girlhood in the United States, but also how girls changed history in five areas: politics, education, work, health, and fashion. (Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History)
View the exhibition 

Resources:

Women’s History Month 

International Women’s Day

Feb 22 2022
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2022 | BLACK HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Press

NEW YORK, (February 15, 2022) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Chief Operations Officer

Black History Month 2022 | Black Health and Wellness

As we celebrate Black History Month 2022 we recall and acknowledge the accomplishments of Black Americans–and enlighten others to those accomplishments that are not widely known. 

“This year’s theme Black Health and Wellness pays homage to medical scholars and health care providers. The theme is especially timely as we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected minority communities and placed unique burdens on Black health care professionals.”

Black History Month is not just a celebration of accomplishments by Black American women and men, but an acknowledgment of the adversity they faced. It honors the contributions and sacrifices of Black Americans who have helped shape the nation – to celebrate triumphs and equally as important to acknowledge the adversities are an indelible part of our country’s history.

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”—MARCUS GARVEY

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

SanovaWorks is committed to holding equity and inclusion at the core of the work we do:

  • Equity in patients’ access to qualified dermatology healthcare providers
  • Inclusive and diverse education on dermatologic diseases in all skin tones
  • Equity in dermatology healthcare providers’ access to leadership and career advancement opportunities
  • Inclusive recruitment of employees, contractors, and vendors
  • Embracing equity and inclusion into our company vision and mission and fostering it as a core value

Onesimus is one of the “Best Bostonians of All Time”

As we celebrate Black History Month, we can highlight one of the lesser-known stories of African American accomplishment is that of Onesimus. Onesimus was an enslaved African man who lived during the late 1600s to 1700s. His story is currently a timely one to celebrate. Onesimus was instrumental in the mitigation of the impact of a smallpox outbreak in Boston, Massachusetts. His birth name is unknown. He was enslaved and, in 1706, was given to the New England Puritan minister Cotton Mather, who renamed him. Onesimus introduced Mather to the principle and procedure of inoculation to prevent the disease, which laid the foundation for the development of vaccines. After a smallpox outbreak began in Boston in 1721, Mather used this knowledge to advocate for inoculation in the population, a practice that eventually spread to other colonies. In a 2016 Boston magazine survey, Onesimus was declared one of the “Best Bostonians of All Time”. 

REFERENCE: 

Onesimus – Wikipedia

Forgotten Faces of Black History

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: The Sum of Our Differences is Greatness

Why is Black History Month in February? – NPR

Pictured:  Solomon Carter Fuller, Daniel Hale Williams, Mae Jemison, Jane Cooke Wright, Michelle Obama, Onesimus, Henrietta Lacks

Nov 30 2021
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GIVING BACK ON GIVING TUESDAY

By SanovaWorks, Team Sanova

NEW YORK, (November 30, 2021) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Chief Operating Officer

Giving Tuesday is upon us and SanovaWorks is kicking off our annual Giving Month Initiative.

 SanovaWorks’ Giving Month

The end of the year and the holiday season is a great time to give and share your good fortune with those in need. Supporting individuals and families not only helps them, but it is a gift to us to do something positive and to spread good cheer.

Opportunity to Donate Toys, Books, and Coats

This year we will be donating toys, books, and coats to the Morris Heights Health Center, which is a tremendous organization located in the Bronx that provides free and low-cost health care and an array of other services. MHHC is close to our hearts; we have worked with them for the past 13 years, and several of us have volunteered there.

With the pandemic, their services are more important now than ever before. MHHC reports that they will be hosting toy drive events between December 10th and December 20th at several of their locations. Team Sanova will send their donations directly to MHHC.

We are looking forward to yet another season of gifting and giving back. View a Photo Gallery of past years’ Toy Drive. If you would like to share in giving, you can make a donation to MHHC by following the link below.

With gratitude,

Caroline

DONATE TO MORRIS HEIGHTS HEALTH CENTER

Nov 07 2021
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SANOVAWORKS SUPPORTS THE NATIVE AMERICAN RIGHTS FUND

By SanovaWorks

NEW YORK, (November 7, 2021) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Vice President of Operations

Native American People have inhabited the land that we love and live on for thousands of years. Their countless contributions and influence on our Nation have not always been honored. Most recently, it has been reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Native Americans at higher rates. Together we recognize, celebrate, and vow to promote and protect the rights, tribal sovereignty, and natural resources of Native American People. We hope to share in the public’s education of tribal rights, laws, and issues. November is National Native American Heritage Month and November 26, 2021, is Native American Heritage Day.

National Native American Heritage Month 

Native American Heritage Day, November 26, 2021

In his official Proclamation from the White House Briefing Room, President Biden states: 

“The United States of America was founded on an idea:  that all of us are created equal and deserve equal treatment, equal dignity, and equal opportunity throughout our lives.  Throughout our history — though we have always strived to live up to that idea and have never walked away from it — the fact remains that we have fallen short many times.  Far too often in our founding era and in the centuries since, the promise of our Nation has been denied to Native Americans who have lived on this land since time immemorial. Despite a painful history marked by unjust Federal policies of assimilation and termination, American Indian and Alaska Native peoples have persevered. 

During National Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the countless contributions of Native peoples past and present, honor the influence they have had on the advancement of our Nation, and recommit ourselves to upholding trust and treaty responsibilities, strengthening Tribal sovereignty, and advancing Tribal self-determination.“ 

SanovaWorks Supports Native American Rights Fund

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, SanovaWorks supports the Native American Rights Fund (NARF). NARF’s mission is to protect Native American rights, resources, and lifeways through litigation, legal advocacy, and legal expertise.

Native American Rights Fund 

The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) was founded in 1970. NARF is the oldest and largest nonprofit legal organization “asserting and defending the rights of Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals nationwide.” 

According to the organization’s website, NARF’s legal resources are concentrated in these five areas: 

  1. Preserve tribal existence, 
  2. Protect tribal natural resources, 
  3. Promote Native American human rights,
  4. Develop Native American law and educate the public about Indian rights, laws, and issues
  5. Hold governments accountable to Native Americans

Preserve tribal existence

“American Indian and Alaska Native tribes have existed for thousands of years. NARF’s foremost priority is to protect and secure continued tribal existence. NARF focuses on preserving tribes’ sovereignty — their political status and legal rights as governments”. 

Protect tribal natural resources

“The political and economic self-determination and self-sufficiency of most tribes depend on maintaining their land and natural resources. Much of NARF’s work under this priority involves helping tribes to safeguard their land rights; water rights; hunting, fishing, and gathering rights; resource rights; and environmental rights.”

Promote Native American human rights

“NARF concentrates on enforcing laws regarding rights to equal protection and to be free from discrimination in voting, education, incarceration, and religion. NARF also helps develop laws that provide unique protections for Native collective rights, traditions, culture, and property such as sacred places, peyote, eagle feathers, burial remains, and funerary objects. NARF’s human rights work includes international forums like the United Nations and the Organization of American States.”

Hold governments accountable to Native Americans

“Non-tribal governments often threaten to eliminate or compromise the hard-fought-for or bargained-for political status and legal rights of tribes. NARF strives to hold governments at all levels accountable for the broad range of laws that protect tribal sovereignty and Native rights. The United States, in particular, must be responsible to tribes for its legal promises, moral obligations, and past detrimental policies.”

Develop Native American law and educate the public about Indian rights, laws, and issues

“NARF [plays] a key role in developing a body of federal law pertaining to tribal sovereignty, tribal land, and natural resources, human rights, and the accountability of governments to Native people.” 

You can donate to the NARF here.

Image Credit: Native American Rights Fund

Resources

NARF

A Proclamation on National Native American Heritage Month, 2021

Native American Heritage Month | About

A collaborative project of the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

Native American Heritage Month | Images

Sep 25 2021
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SANOVAWORKS VOLUNTEER DAY 2021

By SanovaWorks

NEW YORK, (September 25, 2021) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Vice President of Operations

Volunteer Day at SanovaWorks was Friday, September 22nd.

SanovaWorks was closed on this day so team members were free to participate.

A Tradition of Helping Others

On Volunteer Day Team Sanova once again rallied and worked to support several different organizations and causes including, Afghani refugees, cleaning up our environment, ending hunger among children in Latin America, and helping record and edit news stories for those with vision loss. We wanted to make sure that our team was supported in their efforts to volunteer following COVID safety guidelines. We provided all the recommended reminders: “if you decide to volunteer in-person, please stay safe by wearing a mask, social distancing by 6 feet where possible, and washing your hands thoroughly and regularly.”

Our team reported back on how they participated in deeply inspiring, and safe, ways.

SanovaWorks Volunteer Day 2021

“I’m so excited to help SIV and Parolee refugees from Afghanistan. My area will be welcoming 250 refugees. They need gift cards, for groceries, Uber, etc. They need clothing, toys, household items, toiletries. Yesterday, I collected donations. Today, I joined the weekly zoom meeting. Ongoing, I’ll be helping with the volunteer and ambassador items. Learn more at InterFaithWorksCNY.org/support-refugees”

“I’m headed back to the beach to clean up. Fire Island National Seashore is a national park that I’ve helped clean up last the last two years. Cleaning up garbage, single-use plastics, and balloons is an ongoing effort and I love that we get to participate every year!  Visit SavetheGreatSouthBay.org for more information.” 

“I drove to Philly and my dad and I went for a walk in the woods and cleared 4 miles of trash along the way. We found all sorts of yucky waste – beer bottles, wrappers, cardboard, socks and bras!”

“I spent all morning at Feed My Starving Children https://www.fmsc.org/ packing meals for kids and families in Latin America. I was part of a group of 10 other volunteers and we were able to pack 26 boxes (5,616 meals)!”

“A group of us got together to volunteer through the River Fund to pack and distribute groceries to those in need. It was such an honor to be able to serve those in need.”

“ I volunteered remotely by recording and editing news stories for a local radio station that specializes in reading out all of the local newspapers for those that have vision loss.”

“We participated in the NICU Strong Walk, an important cause that is so near and dear to our hearts. We wanted to show appreciation to all the nurses and doctors for their tireless work in such a difficult time! If you would like to donate, please visit this link.” 

“I was happy to help prepare and clean for an event that raises $400k plus annually for local charities: http://www.bbqontheriver.org/.”

Thanks to Team Sanova, and everyone who takes time to give back in meaningful ways.

Caroline

Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Vice President of Operations

Sep 16 2021
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SANOVAWORKS STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH AFGHAN WOMEN AND GIRLS | DONATES TO VOICE

By SanovaWorks

NEW YORK, (September 16, 2021) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Vice President of Operations

Over the last 20 years, we have seen life-changing advances for girls’ education and agency in Afghanistan. Sadly that progress is now at risk.

SanovaWorks stands in solidarity with Afghan women and girls here in the United States, in Afghanistan, and around the world. We firmly believe that every woman and girl has the right to education, safety, autonomy, and equality. 

SanovaWorks has made a donation to the organization, VOICE. WomanKind and Malala Fund are also offering support for Afghan women, girls, and refugees.

Womankind 

Womankind stands in firm solidarity with the Afghan people here in the United States, in Afghanistan, and around the world.

“As the world continues to watch the humanitarian crisis unfold, we are heartbroken for those who had to flee under life-threatening circumstances, for those who are currently still trying to escape, and for those who are left behind, especially women and children. 

It is often women and children who are the first to experience violence during conflict, and this trauma can last lifetimes. Every day, Womankind sees firsthand how gender-based violence and intergenerational trauma can affect survivors. It can be hard to undo. Add to that being a refugee and living through war, and now, the trauma is three-fold and compounded.

Womankind is certain that among the many refugees coming from Afghanistan, there will be those who have experienced all three traumas. And we stand ready with services and support to help them and their children build a path to healing.

Here is a list of different ways to support the Afghan community during this time. We will continue to update, so please check back often.”

Malala Fund

“Over the last 20 years, advances in girls’ education in Afghanistan have meant that more young women have been able to go to school and realize their ambitions for the future. But that progress — and those dreams — are now at risk.

The Taliban are back in control in Afghanistan. Thousands of girls may now be forced to marry or take on domestic labor. Young women who resist may be met with violent retribution.

We face new challenges in the fight to see every girl in school, but Malala Fund’s commitment to girls’ education remains the same. In Afghanistan and around the world: Every girl has the right to learn. Every girl has the right to safety and protection.”

Learn more about Malala Fund’s work for girls’ education in Afghanistan.

“Malala Fund is working to ensure the safety and security of our grantees in Afghanistan. Since 2017, we have invested close to $1.9 million in local Afghan organizations focused on addressing a nationwide shortage of female teachers and improving the quality of girls’ education. We are doing everything in our power to aid our partners and the thousands of girls they support — and remain steadfast in our mission to advance girls’ education in Afghanistan.

We are also focusing our efforts on advocating for leaders to open borders for Afghan civilians, increase humanitarian aid, and track and investigate violations of the rights of women and girls. “

Malala Fund’s work is more important than ever.  

READ Malala’s article on Assembly about amplifying the voices of Afghan girls and women.

May 07 2021
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Mother's Day

SANOVAWORKS CELEBRATES MOTHER’S DAY WITH DONATION TO MARSHALL PLAN FOR MOMS

By Press

NEW YORK, (May 7, 2021) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Vice President of Operations

This past year has uprooted many unspoken and unaddressed issues in our country. The pandemic surfaced many inequities and disparities in so many facets of our lives: school, healthcare, policing, the list goes on. 

Reflecting on the upcoming Mother’s Day, it is hard not to think of the hundreds of thousands of women who left the paying workforce in the wake of the pandemic – and the pivotal role they hold in making the world go ‘round. 

As a mother who spent last Mother’s Day crying, heartbroken at how ill-equipped I felt to juggle professional work with childcare and household routines and family – and how disappointed I was with myself to consistently meet my children’s own pandemic-induced depression with stress and frustration, rather than maternal compassion – I can attest, motherhood is the hardest job in the world. 

This past year here at SanovaWorks, we rallied around our mom and parent colleagues to be part of their support system – it was a company-wide effort. As a community, we understood black-out times to accommodate childcare shifts; we trumpeted our flexible working schedule policy, both internally and externally; we kept our communications open and our schedules transparent; we listened (even if our videoconference mics were muted due to children screaming in the background), and we encouraged folks set boundaries and take care. 

Collectively we created a supportive space at a time when a lot of moms felt their lives were in free-fall.

As the labor data shows, not all womxn had such a supportive and flexible professional work culture. And so this Mother’s Day, SanovaWorks will make a donation to Marshall Plan for Moms, an organization focused on advocating for public and private sector policies to support all moms, like paid family leave, affordable childcare, equal pay protection for women, job retraining, and compensation for moms forced to give up paying jobs to do unpaid caregiving work. 

Moms are the most resilient womxn out there, but this Mother’s Day, maybe give them a break and don’t ask them to be.

Wishing you all peace, rest, and a light heart,

Caroline

Apr 16 2021
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APRIL IS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MONTH AT SANOVAWORKS

By SanovaWorks

NEW YORK, (April 16, 2021) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Vice President of Operations

Environmental Awareness Month

April 22  is Earth Day. The first Earth Day was observed in 1970, and since then the collective awakening to the threat of climate change has increased decade by decade, year by year.

April is Environmental Awareness Month at SanovaWorks and to demonstrate our commitment to Mother Earth and environmental justice we created initiatives that inspire eco-conscious living:

Yearly Corporate Donation

As we do every year, we will make a corporate donation to a non-profit dedicated to environmental protection and/or restoration. We make this a companywide initiative by asking for suggestions from Team Sanova. As you can see, we have supported wonderful organizations dedicated to preserving the environment.

  • In 2016 we partnered with American Forests, as a Sequoia Circle member
  • In 2017 we donated to both the Natural Resources Defense Council and American Forests
  • In 2018 we donated to Ocean Conservancy
  • In 2019 we donated to the Natural Resources Defense Council
  • In 2020 given the pandemic outbreak, we decided to donate instead to initiatives supportive of those most affected by COVID-19, including The Bowery Mission NYC and GetUsPPE
  • What will it be in 2021? [stay tuned for a future blog post announcement!]

Think Green & Get Some Green

We are also holding a friendly competition, Think Green & Get Some Green, where Team members can share their environmentally conscious and energy-saving tips and resolutions. The posts with the most “likes” will win eGiftcards! [check back for some great eco-tips in a future blog post!]

Environmentally Conscious Home Upgrades Stipend

And finally, our newest initiative – in the coming weeks we will be launching a stipend for employees that make environmentally-conscious investments to their home: e.g. installing solar panels, sourcing clean energy for electricity, installing a rainwater collector, installing a composter, etc.  We are excited to see what Team Sanova can do to dramatically reduce their carbon footprint.

With sunny regards,

Caroline 

Mar 23 2021
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RISE UP | MAKE OUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE

By SanovaWorks

NEW YORK, (March 23, 2021) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Vice President of Operations

The increase in anti-Asian rhetoric and attacks in our country is shameful.  What we’re seeing take place is a consequence of racism and xenophobia.

The murders in Atlanta this past week were an act of hate and bias, and nothing short of horrifying.

Here are the victims’ names – let them not be forgotten.

Delaina Ashley Yaun, 33

Paul Andre Michels, 54

Xiaojie Tan, 49

Daoyou Feng, 44

Elcias R. Hernandez-Ortiz, 30 (wounded)

Soon C. Park, 74

Hyun J. Grant, 51

Suncha Kim, 69

Yong A. Yue, 63

I am reaching out to you all to offer my support, and to reaffirm both my and SanovaWorks’ commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating an equitable and safe environment for all.

Next month we will continue the conversation in our Racial Equity Training Sessions with Equity Allies. In the meantime, I encourage you all to take action personally:

1.  Acknowledge, amplify, and denounce the ongoing anti-Asian hate crimes in America.  Don’t let these heinous acts go unseen and justice unserved.

2. Interrupt anti-Asian racism when you hear and see it. Speak up to stop it in its tracks.

In solidarity, SanovaWorks will be making a donation to Womankind: https://www.iamwomankind.org/

I’ve said it many times over: we have lots of work to do.  But I know we can rise up to challenge discrimination, hatred, and violence – and we can make our world a better place.

Caroline Sophia Barrett

Vice President of Operations
(she/her)

Mar 08 2021
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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY | 03.08.2021

By SanovaWorks

(Photo Courtesy of Tess Thomas / Malala Fund)

NEW YORK, (March 8, 2021) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Vice President of Operations

International Women’s Day March 8, 2021

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Marked annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to raise awareness and advocate for women’s equality.

“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong.

It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” – G.D. Anderson

Malala Fund

In honor of International Women’s Day, SanovaWorks will make a donation to the Malala Fund.

The Malala Fund advocates at the local, national, and international levels for resources and policy changes that improve access to education for girls. They focus on accelerating progress by challenging systems, policies, and practices, so all girls can access 12 years of free, safe, quality education.

Secondary education for girls can transform communities, countries, and our world. It is an investment in economic growth, a healthier workforce, lasting peace, and the future of our planet.

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai

Find out more about the Malala Fund and donate here: https://malala.org/

(Feature Photo Courtesy of Tess Thomas / Malala Fund)

READ:  WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH | MARCH 2021

Watch Malala’s Nobel Peace Prize Speech

Mar 01 2021
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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH | MARCH 2021

By SanovaWorks

NEW YORK, (March 1, 2021) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Vice President of Operations

March is Women’s History Month, which is a time to honor the immeasurable impact women have made on society by celebrating their remarkable achievements throughout history and reflecting on how they did it despite sexism, inequality, and the glass ceiling. It is a time to look back at how far we have come and to look ahead to contemplate the distance we have to go worldwide.

As a women-run business, we look to our female predecessors and contemporaries for inspiration and guidance. In commemoration of Women’s History Month, I am spotlighting a few of my heroines that ignite leadership, feminism, and activism within me.

At SanovaWorks, we encourage and embrace enthusiasm, commitment, integrity, grace, and entrepreneurial spirit in all that we do. I think these women epitomize these attributes through their lives and legacies.

Enthusiasm

Shirley Chisholm, 1924–2005

American politician, educator, and author, Shirley Chisholm was the first African American congresswoman, the first African American major-party presidential candidate, and the first woman to run for president on the Democratic ticket. She bridged the community and the Democratic Party with her authentic caring and kind nature and unflappable energetic spirit. Notably, she also helped push feminists of all backgrounds to examine intersectionality and privilege.

”Defeat should not be the source of discouragement, but a stimulus to keep plotting.”

Commitment

Anna Julia Cooper, 1858-1964

Born a slave, Anna Julia Cooper became a prominent scholar, teacher, activist, and fourth African American woman to earn a doctoral degree. She wrote A Voice from the South by a Black Woman of the South, which argued for African American women’s central place in the battle for equal and civil rights. She established and co-founded several organizations to promote black civil rights causes and is often titled “the Mother of Black Feminism.”

“The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class—it is the cause of human kind, the very birthright of humanity.”

Integrity

Katharine Graham, 1917-2001

Katharine Graham was one of the first female publishers of an American newspaper and the first-ever female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. In a male-dominated industry entrenched with institutional sexism, she struggled with her lack of confidence and distrust in her knowledge – which made her decision to publish the Pentagon Papers and the Watergate story, against the recommendation of male advisors, even more, monumental and courageous.

“The power is to set the agenda. What we print and what we don’t print matter a lot.”

Grace

Malala Yousafzais, 1997-

Pakistani activist for female education, Malala Yousafzais, is the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She spoke out publicly against the local Pakistani Taliban, advocating for girls’ right to learn – and at the age of 15 she was shot in the head by an assassin in retaliation for her activism. She survived and has dedicated herself to giving every girl education and an opportunity to achieve the future she chooses.

“I tell my story not because it is unique, but because it is the story of many girls.”

Learn more about Malala and donate to help girls learn around the world.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Madam C. J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, 1867-1919

African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist Madam C. J. Walker is the first female self-made millionaire in America. Her parents, both former slaves and orphaned at a young age, were born into poverty: to say that she built an empire out of nothing is an understatement. She developed and marketed a line of cosmetics and hair care products for African American women and used her wealth for philanthropy and activism.

“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment to hundreds of women of my race.”

In addition to my heroines, I harness strength and encouragement from the women in my life. The solidarity of our sisterhood, the stories of their womanhood, and their acts of feminism inspire and empower me.

I hope you celebrate this month by listening to and growing from women’s stories – both the women in your personal lives, as well as those that have made history. You may find the stories of your grandmothers, aunts, mothers, and neighbors as enlightening and inspiring as the stories of our feminist icons.

May their voices move you to contribute in your words and actions to a more feminist future and society.

The t-shirts worn in the photo of me and my kids are from Feminist Apparel and The Bee & The Fox.

If you are inspired to support Women’s health, education, rights, and social services, Charity Navigator provides highly-rated charities in this post:  Women’s History Month & Nonprofits Focused on Women & Girls,

Feb 01 2021
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH | FEBRUARY 2021

By SanovaWorks

NEW YORK, (February 1, 2021) –  Caroline Barrett, SanovaWorks Vice President of Operations

Februarys for me usually roll-around with a dreariness and overall somberness. The New Year is a little less shiny and new, a little less promising. The winter overcast hangs low, with no break in the sky to even lend a glimmer of hope for spring. And of course, February commemorates Black History Month, the very need for which solemnly recognizes the stain of slavery and enduring discrimination, disenfranchisement, and systemic and institutionalized racism, which has disadvantaged African Americans for generations.

And yet, as I sit here on this February 1st, watching a blizzard descend on New York City, the vacant streets seem almost to signal a time of reflection. In this moment, as I pause, breathe, and reflect, I am filled with optimism — and more than that, I am filled with an eagerness for action. Harnessing the hope and perseverance of the African American women and men whom we commemorate this month, I choose not to wallow in the bleakness but rather to commit to an agenda for change. 

At SanovaWorks, we are guided by integrity, heart, and ethics — all qualities we’ve seen shine in this past year. But we have work to do. We are committing ourselves, our business to hold equity and inclusion at the core of the work we do:

  • Equity in patients’ access to qualified dermatology healthcare providers
  • Inclusive and diverse education on dermatologic diseases in all skin tones
  • Equity in dermatology healthcare providers’ access to leadership and career advancement opportunities
  • Inclusive recruitment of employees, contractors, and vendors
  • Embracing equity and inclusion into our company vision and mission and fostering it as a core value

Black History Month is not just a celebration of accomplishments by African American women and men, but an acknowledgment of the adversity they faced — to make all Americans aware of their struggle for freedom and equal opportunity.

May you be encouraged this month to educate yourself and your family on African Americans’ accomplishments and be inspired by them — and most importantly, to be moved to change. Take this moment to commit yourself to a yearlong, nay lifelong commitment to dismantling racism in your life, family, community, and country.

Because to quote Ta-Nehisi Coates, “It was 150 years ago and it is right now.”  We’ve got work to do.