Featured Stories
National Small Business Association Supports the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act on Behalf of Small Business
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 -- The National Small Business Association issued the following news on July 30, 2026:
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NSBA Supports the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act on Behalf of Small Business
Rep. Sharice Davids' (D-KS-03) bipartisan 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act recognizes that inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs through education and mentorship is critical to the long-term strength of America's small-business economy.
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The National Small Business Association (NSBA) supports H.R. 8404, the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act, bipartisan legislation that helps inspire the next
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 -- The National Small Business Association issued the following news on July 30, 2026:
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NSBA Supports the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act on Behalf of Small Business
Rep. Sharice Davids' (D-KS-03) bipartisan 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act recognizes that inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs through education and mentorship is critical to the long-term strength of America's small-business economy.
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The National Small Business Association (NSBA) supports H.R. 8404, the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act, bipartisan legislation that helps inspire the nextgeneration of entrepreneurs by expanding access to entrepreneurship education and mentorship.
America's small businesses are the backbone of the economy, but sustaining that strength requires investing in tomorrow's innovators and job creators. By leveraging the expertise of the U.S. Small Business Administration's SCORE program, the bill connects young people with experienced business mentors and introduces them to the opportunities and rewards of entrepreneurship.
For nearly 90 years, NSBA has championed policies that foster entrepreneurship, strengthen the small-business ecosystem, and expand opportunities for aspiring business owners. Encouraging entrepreneurial thinking at an early age helps cultivate the skills, confidence, and innovation needed to build successful businesses and stronger communities.
Read the full text of the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8404?hl=21st+Century+Entrepreneurship+Act&s=3&r=3).
NSBA applauds this bipartisan effort and encourages Congress to advance the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act.
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Original text here: https://www.nsbaadvocate.org/post/nsba-supports-the-21st-century-entrepreneurship-act-small-business
[Category: Business]
American Fintech Council Urges Senate HELP Committee to Pass Bipartisan Legislation Combatting Identity Fraud in Federal Student Aid
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
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American Fintech Council (AFC) Urges Senate HELP Committee to Pass Bipartisan Legislation Combatting Identity Fraud in Federal Student Aid
Letter emphasizes AFC's support for S. 4428, the No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026, to safeguard educational resources for legitimate borrowers and institutions
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The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
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American Fintech Council (AFC) Urges Senate HELP Committee to Pass Bipartisan Legislation Combatting Identity Fraud in Federal Student Aid
Letter emphasizes AFC's support for S. 4428, the No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026, to safeguard educational resources for legitimate borrowers and institutions
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The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsiblefintech companies and innovative banks, submitted a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) expressing strong support for S. 4428, the No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation would require the Department of Education to implement identity fraud detection systems when reviewing Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submissions and halt disbursements to flagged applicants until their identities can be verified.
"This pragmatic legislation strikes a balance between ensuring eligible students retain access to financial assistance and stopping bad actors seeking to defraud students," said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. "By establishing consistent detection, verification, and oversight requirements, Congress can protect taxpayers and educational institutions while ensuring federal funds reach the students who need them to pursue higher education."
Introduced by Senators Moody, Hassan, and Tuberville, S. 4428 establishes consistent detection, verification, reporting, auditing, and oversight requirements to identify suspicious applications to make sure federal funds are not improperly distributed. AFC notes that the House of Representatives has already passed companion legislation, H.R. 7892, and urges the Senate HELP Committee to report S. 4428 favorably and pass the bill without delay.
"As identity fraud schemes grow increasingly sophisticated, traditional verification systems simply cannot keep pace with the bad actors seeking to exploit the student aid pipeline," said Ian P. Moloney, Chief Policy Officer at the American Fintech Council. "Fraudulent applicants employing fabricated or stolen identities divert limited federal resources, impose substantial administrative and financial burdens on institutions of higher education, and undermine confidence in programs that enable millions of Americans to pursue educational and economic opportunity."
AFC has long advocated for pragmatic reforms to the Federal Student Aid program, including calling on the Office of Federal Student Aid in October 2024 to remedy technological issues impacting data access for loan servicers. While technical challenges persist, AFC emphasizes the critical need for legislative solutions to address sophisticated identity fraud and offers to serve as a resource for lawmakers on responsible identity verification practices.
A standards-based organization, the American Fintech Council (AFC) is the largest and most diverse trade association representing financial technology (fintech) companies and innovative banks. On behalf of over 150 member companies and partners, AFC promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. AFC members foster competition in consumer finance and pioneer products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies.
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Original text here: https://www.fintechcouncil.org/press-releases/american-fintech-council-afc-urges-senate-help-committee-to-pass-bipartisan-legislation-combatting-identity-fraud-in-federal-student-aid
[Category: Financial Services]
2026 APTA Awards, Hall of Fame Winners Announced
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 -- The American Public Transportation Association issued the following news release on July 30, 2026:
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2026 APTA Awards, Hall of Fame Winners Announced
Top Organizations and Leaders Recognized for Outstanding Leadership and Innovations
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The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) today honored 12 organizations and leaders with awards for their vision, leadership, and commitment to public transportation. The association also inducted four new members into the prestigious APTA Hall of Fame.
The 2026 APTA Awards recognize organizations and leaders in the public
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 -- The American Public Transportation Association issued the following news release on July 30, 2026:
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2026 APTA Awards, Hall of Fame Winners Announced
Top Organizations and Leaders Recognized for Outstanding Leadership and Innovations
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The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) today honored 12 organizations and leaders with awards for their vision, leadership, and commitment to public transportation. The association also inducted four new members into the prestigious APTA Hall of Fame.
The 2026 APTA Awards recognize organizations and leaders in the publictransportation industry in North America who have demonstrated significant leadership, are outstanding role models of excellence, and whose accomplishments and innovations have greatly advanced public transportation.
"Congratulations to the 2026 APTA Award winners and Hall of Fame inductees. Their leadership reflects the very best of our industry, and it shows in their relentless commitment to connecting communities, advancing innovation, and improving the lives of the riders they serve every day. I'm proud to celebrate their achievements alongside the entire APTA community," said Leanne Redden, APTA Board Chair and Executive Director of the Regional Transportation Authority.
"The achievements and legacies of our awardees represent the passion and expertise driving public transportation forward. Their work strengthens the communities they serve and sets a standard for excellence across our industry. On behalf of APTA, congratulations to the 2026 winners and Hall of Fame inductees," said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas.
ORGANIZATION AWARDS
Outstanding Public Transportation System
* Indian River Transit, Vero Beach, Florida - 3 million or fewer annual passenger trips
* Caltrain, Millbrae, California - More than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips
* Valley Metro, Phoenix, Arizona - More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips
* San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, San Diego, California - 50 million or more annual passenger trips
Outstanding Partnership in Public Transportation
* Metra, WSP, and the HOH Group, Inc.
INNOVATION AWARDS
* City and County of Honolulu; Skyline - fully automated rail system; Honolulu, Hawaii
* Jacksonville Transportation Authority; Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) service; Jacksonville, Florida
* San Bernardino County Transportation Authority; Metrolink - Zero Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU) hydrogen fuel source passenger rail vehicle; San Bernardino, California
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Distinguished Service
* The Honorable Freddie O'Connell, Mayor, Nashville, Tennessee
Outstanding Public Transportation Chief Executive Officer
* MJ Maynard-Carey, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member
* Denise Figueroa, Capital District Transportation Authority, Albany, New York
Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member
* Charles Di Maggio, Greystone Real Estate Advisory Group, New York, New York
HALL OF FAME
* Dorval R. Carter, Jr., Chicago, Illinois
* Nuria Fernandez, Washington, D.C.
* Larry Jackson, Long Beach, California
* Chuck Wochele, Canandaigua, New York
The awards will be presented during the 2026 Honors Ceremony on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, during APTA's TRANSform Conference and EXPO.
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Original text here: https://www.apta.com/press-release/2026-apta-awards-hall-of-fame-winners-announced/
[Category: Transportation]
National Sorghum Foundation Names Annual Scholarship Winners
LUBBOCK, Texas, July 31 [Category: Agriculture] -- The National Sorghum Producers posted the following news release:
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National Sorghum Foundation Names Annual Scholarship Winners
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The National Sorghum Foundation is proud to announce the selection of three outstanding students as recipients of its 2026-27 academic year scholarships. Each award recognizes exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential and a commitment to advancing agriculture and the sorghum industry.
William Robinson, a second-year law student at Texas A&M University School of Law, is the recipient of the Bill
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LUBBOCK, Texas, July 31 [Category: Agriculture] -- The National Sorghum Producers posted the following news release:
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National Sorghum Foundation Names Annual Scholarship Winners
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The National Sorghum Foundation is proud to announce the selection of three outstanding students as recipients of its 2026-27 academic year scholarships. Each award recognizes exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential and a commitment to advancing agriculture and the sorghum industry.
William Robinson, a second-year law student at Texas A&M University School of Law, is the recipient of the BillKubecka Memorial Scholarship. Robinson is focusing his studies on agricultural law, property law and public policy after earning degrees in agricultural journalism from the University of Missouri and agricultural studies from The Ohio State University. Raised on his family's livestock operation in east-central Missouri, he remains actively involved in agriculture while helping revive the Agricultural Law Club at Texas A&M. Through internships with the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, a Texas litigation firm and the Texas Legislature, he is building a career dedicated to advancing agricultural policy.
Seth Cope, a senior at Texas Tech University, has been awarded the Bruce Maunder Memorial Scholarship. Cope is majoring in Plant and Soil Science with a concentration in Crop Science, where his studies and research center on sorghum improvement, drought tolerance and crop physiology. Working in Texas Tech's Crop and Forage Systems Lab, he has contributed to research on sorghum root architecture, heat stress and sustainable production systems, including the development of a low-cost 3D imaging platform for root phenotyping. Following graduation, Cope plans to pursue a graduate degree in agronomy or crop physiology, continuing research that will strengthen sorghum production and improve outcomes for producers.
Samantha Guzzetta, a rising senior at Texas A&M University, is the recipient of the Darrell Rosenow Memorial Scholarship. Guzzetta is majoring in Plant and Environmental Soil Science with an emphasis in Soil and Water and is actively involved as Legacy Affairs Chair for Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, a Soil and Crop Sciences Ambassador and a member of Texas A&M's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Council. Raising livestock through FFA, Guzzetta developed a passion for agriculture that continues to shape her education and career goals. Following a summer internship with Georgia-Pacific as an environmental engineering intern, she plans to pursue a career in environmental health and safety while advocating for the importance of agriculture in everyday life.
"As part of the foundation's mission, we are committed to supporting students with a passion for agriculture, especially those who show promise in advancing sorghum research, production or advocacy," National Sorghum Foundation Chairman Jeff Dahlberg, Ph.D., said. "William, Seth and Samantha represent the next generation of agricultural leaders, and we are proud to invest in their futures as they work to strengthen agriculture and the sorghum industry."
Each scholarship provides a $1,500 award to help cover education-related expenses. In addition, the Bill Kubecka Memorial Scholarship offers Robinson the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., with National Sorghum Producers for firsthand experience with agricultural policy and federal decision-making.
For more information about the National Sorghum Foundation and scholarship opportunities, visit https://sorghumgrowers.com/foundation-scholarships/
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Original text here: https://sorghumgrowers.com/2026/07/31/national-sorghum-foundation-names-annual-scholarship-winners-3/
FDA approves nonmedication treatments for PTSD
WASHINGTON, July 31 [Category: Psychiatry/Psychology] -- APA Services Inc., a companion professional organization to the American Psychological Association advocating for psychology, posted the following news:
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FDA approves nonmedication treatments for PTSD
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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is estimated to impact approximately 5% of U.S. adults in any given year; approximately 13 million Americans had PTSD in 2020. While effective treatments exist, including cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and prolonged exposure, not everyone completes these treatments
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WASHINGTON, July 31 [Category: Psychiatry/Psychology] -- APA Services Inc., a companion professional organization to the American Psychological Association advocating for psychology, posted the following news:
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FDA approves nonmedication treatments for PTSD
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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is estimated to impact approximately 5% of U.S. adults in any given year; approximately 13 million Americans had PTSD in 2020. While effective treatments exist, including cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and prolonged exposure, not everyone completes these treatmentsor experiences meaningful symptom relief. Given that treatment gap, many researchers are working to develop and assess the effectiveness of new treatments, such as psychedelics or various brain stimulation techniques.
In recent months, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two new, nonmedication treatment options for PTSD. The company Neurovalens received FDA approval for its at-home wearable device, Modius Spero. The headset is ordered by a qualified health care professional for a patient (age 22 and older); the headset provides gentle, noninvasive brain stimulation designed to be used for 30 minutes a day. In a clinical trial, two-thirds of adults with PTSD who used the Modius Spero headset reported a clinically meaningful reduction in symptoms. The device will be available to veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as part of a clinician directed care plan later this summer.
Additionally, Wave Neuroscience recently received FDA clearance for their MeRT system, which uses machine learning to analyze a patient's electroencephalogram (EEG) data. This EEG data is then used to personalize the stimulation a patient receives when they undergo transcranial magnetic stimulation, resulting in more individualized treatment. In a clinical trial, participants who received MeRT treatment experienced statistically significant improvement in PTSD symptomology compared with the control group.
Together these new devices reflect an ongoing effort to advance the science on brain stimulation and develop new treatment options. Learn more about neuromodulation for mental health conditions.
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Original text here: https://www.apaservices.org/practice/business/technology/on-the-horizon/nonmedication-treatment-ptsd
EdgeConneX Receives the Global AI High-Density Infrastructure Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for Excellence in AI-Optimized Data Center Infrastructure
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, July 31 -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following news release:
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EdgeConneX Receives the Global AI High-Density Infrastructure Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for Excellence in AI-Optimized Data Center Infrastructure
Recognized for advancing AI-ready, high-performance computing infrastructure through scalable data center innovation, operational excellence, and a future-ready global AI strategy.
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As organizations race to deploy increasingly sophisticated
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SAN ANTONIO, Texas, July 31 -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following news release:
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EdgeConneX Receives the Global AI High-Density Infrastructure Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for Excellence in AI-Optimized Data Center Infrastructure
Recognized for advancing AI-ready, high-performance computing infrastructure through scalable data center innovation, operational excellence, and a future-ready global AI strategy.
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As organizations race to deploy increasingly sophisticatedAI workloads, the demand for scalable, high-density digital infrastructure has never been greater. EdgeConneX is meeting that challenge by delivering AI-optimized data centers designed to support the next generation of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing (HPC), and cloud innovation. In recognition of its technology leadership, strategic vision, and ability to execute at global scale, Frost & Sullivan proudly presents EdgeConneX with the 2025 Global Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition in the AI High-Density Infrastructure industry.
EdgeConneX has demonstrated its ability to adapt and lead in a rapidly evolving landscape, guided by a long-term growth strategy centered on AI strategy, scalable infrastructure, and high-performance computing. The company's strategic agility and sustained investment in next-generation AI infrastructure have enabled it to expand globally while delivering sustainable, flexible, and resilient data center solutions for hyperscalers, cloud providers, and AI innovators.
"Frost & Sullivan praises EdgeConneX for aligning its global expansion with the rapidly evolving demands of AI infrastructure. By combining large-scale capacity additions in strategic markets with the Ingenuity platform's flexibility to support future performance requirements, the company reinforces its position at the forefront of infrastructure innovation and ensures readiness to meet the most demanding AI and HPC workloads worldwide," as stated by Heena Juneja, Industry Principal at Frost & Sullivan.
EdgeConneX's solid commitment to customer experience further strengthens its position in the market. Through collaborative facility design, disciplined operational execution, proactive risk mitigation, and close customer engagement, the company consistently delivers infrastructure that meets evolving AI performance requirements. Its customer-focused delivery model, supported by strategic technology partnerships and operational discipline, enables organizations to confidently scale AI deployments while maintaining reliability, efficiency, and business continuity.
EdgeConneX is setting a high standard in competitive strategy, execution, and market responsiveness. The company's vision, innovation pipeline, and customer-first culture are shaping the future of AI high-density infrastructure and driving tangible results at scale. By combining its Ingenuity platform with global expansion, advanced engineering expertise, workforce development, and strong ecosystem partnerships, this company continues to strengthen its position as a trusted provider of AI-ready digital infrastructure worldwide.
"Our customers are pushing the boundaries of AI every day, and they need infrastructure that can keep pace. This recognition underscores our ability to deliver aflexible, high-density data center solutions thatsupport the power, cooling, and performance requirements of today's most advanced AI and HPC environments," said Phillip Marangella, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at EdgeConneX.
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition to a company that demonstrates outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market share, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning. This recognizes forward-thinking organizations that are reshaping their industries through innovation and growth excellence.
Read the full write-up: https://www.frost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/EdgeConneX-Write-up.pdf
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About EdgeConneX
Backed by EQT Infrastructure, part of the global investment organization EQT, EdgeConneX provides a full range of sustainable data center solutions worldwide. We work closely with our customers to offer choices in location, scale, and type of facility, from Build-to-Suit to Build-to-Density. EdgeConneX is a global leader in anytime, anywhere, and any scale data center services for a diverse portfolio of industries, including Cloud, AI, Content, Networks, and more. With a mission dedicated to taking care of our customers, our people, and our planet, EdgeConneX strives to Empower Your Edge.
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URL: EdgeConneX
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Original text here: https://www.frost.com/news/press-releases/edgeconnex-receives-the-global-ai-high-density-infrastructure-technology-innovation-leadership-recognition-for-excellence-in-ai-optimized-data-center-infrastructure/
[Category: BizConsulting]
ASTM International Honors Pamela Shinkoda With Women in Leadership Award
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pennsylvania, July 31 -- ASTM International, formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials, which develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for materials, products, systems and services, posted the following news release:
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ASTM International Honors Pamela Shinkoda with Women in Leadership Award
Shinkoda was recognized for long-term leadership, technical guidance, and mentorship of newcomers to ASTM standards development.
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ASTM International has presented its Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award to Pamela Shinkoda, semi-retired
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WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pennsylvania, July 31 -- ASTM International, formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials, which develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for materials, products, systems and services, posted the following news release:
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ASTM International Honors Pamela Shinkoda with Women in Leadership Award
Shinkoda was recognized for long-term leadership, technical guidance, and mentorship of newcomers to ASTM standards development.
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ASTM International has presented its Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award to Pamela Shinkoda, semi-retiredbuilding science engineer.
The award is named in honor of Katharine Morgan, ASTM International's first woman president, and recognizes women leaders of ASTM committees who have made significant contributions to the development of standards. Shinkoda was recognized for long-term leadership, technical guidance, and mentorship of newcomers to ASTM standards development.
"Giving your time and energy to an organization you believe in strengthens not only your own professional growth, but the community around you," says Shinkoda. "When individuals know their ideas matter, they are more willing to step forward, take initiative, and grow into leadership roles. I believe deeply in creating a culture where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute."
Shinkoda's career concentration is fire, acoustic, and building science, as well as building codes and standards. Prior to retiring from the industry in 2024, she worked as a research associate at USG/CGC Inc. and was involved with the company since 2015. At ASTM International, she has been an active contributor to committees C16, C17, E05, E06, and E33.
A member of ASTM International since 1998, Shinkoda has been honored by the committee with two Awards of Appreciation (2005, 2019), the Special Service Award (2012), the Outgoing Chair Award (2019), and the Award of Merit (2020). She also served on the ASTM board of directors from 2022-2024 and was presented the BOD Service Award at the end of her tenure.
Shinkoda earned her bachelor of engineering degree in building science from Concordia University (1992), and her DEC in pure and applied sciences from John Abbott College (1987).
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Original text here: https://www.astm.org/news/press-releases/pamela-shinkoda-morgan-award
[Category: Materials Management]
