- Five rising leaders to receive $20,000 in funding and mentorship to scale and
implement climate solutions
- "Grown-ish" actor Marcus
Scribner teams up with Tom's of Maine to spotlight importance of young BIPOC
representation in climate change movement
KENNEBUNK, Maine, Sept. 28,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Communities across the U.S. are
experiencing the effects of climate change daily with record-high
temperatures and devastating storms. Unfortunately, many of the
communities most severely impacted are BIPOC communities. According
to a 2021 Environmental Protection Agency analysis that quantifies
six types of environmental impacts like air quality and extreme
temperatures, Black and African American individuals are projected
to face higher impacts of climate change, compared to all other
demographic groups. However, the voices of those most affected by
climate change are rarely reflected or engaged in finding the
solutions. That's why Tom's of Maine is introducing its first-ever Incubator
initiative.
The Tom's of Maine Incubator is a seven-month program designed
to propel the next generation of BIPOC leaders driving
environmental solutions. The program provides funding, mentorship,
exposure and support to young changemakers, helping them Do Good.
For Real. Applications for the Tom's of Maine Incubator are open
today through October 19, 2022.
"We believe in the power of younger generations to create a more
sustainable world, and the Tom's of Maine Incubator is our
opportunity to support their ideas and engage them in developing
solutions," said Cristiane Martini,
General Manager, Tom's of Maine.
"Tom and Kate Chappell founded Tom's
of Maine with a small $5,000 loan and a big dream, and today the
company is still dedicated to the purpose of creating natural
personal care products that are good for people and good for the
planet. We believe that we can and will make an impact through our
products and through our collective and community actions."
The inaugural Tom's of Maine Incubator class will be made
up of five selected changemakers who have a passion and vision for
building and broadening environmental solutions. Each Incubator
member will receive $20,000 in
funding to help support their mission, plus ongoing mentorship from
influential voices in sustainability and climate activism.
Tom's of Maine Incubator mentors include:
- Ciara Imani May - CEO and
founder of Rebundle, a beauty company that is revolutionizing hair
extensions with more comfort and less waste.
- Kristy Drutman – Climate
activist and co-founder of Green Jobs Board, a job site made for
those looking for sustainability and environmental careers.
- Lizzie Horvitz - CEO and
founder of Finch, a company that incentivizes consumers to make
better purchasing decisions by rating products based on their
environmental footprint.
- Isaias Hernandez –
Environmental educator and creator of QueerBrownVegan where he
creates introductory forms of environmentalism through colorful
graphics, illustrations, and videos.
Incubator members will also have the opportunity to participate
in the Tom's of Maine Incubator Kick-Off Summit in
Kennebunk, Maine this fall. The
three-day event will provide one-on-one interactions with mentors
and Tom's leadership as well as an opportunity to workshop each
member's vision and action plan for creating impact.
Environmental activist, founder of Scribner Productions and
"Grown-ish" actor Marcus
Scribner has teamed up with Tom's of Maine to spotlight the opportunity the
Incubator provides for young BIPOC voices.
"Every day when we turn on the TV or look at our phones, we see
the impact climate change has on our communities, especially BIPOC
communities, and we don't talk about it enough. And the young
diverse voices who are trying to find environmental solutions are
not receiving equal opportunities to be heard and supported," says
Scribner. "I am helping to launch the 2022 Tom's of Maine Incubator
to address these gaps because it's critical to give young BIPOC
leaders the resources they need to build and broaden solutions to
truly benefit all people."
"As a company that has a long history of being environmental
stewards, we see climate change as the greatest threat to a healthy
future for people and our planet. Our Giving for Goodness and Get
Into Nature initiatives both focus on supporting our communities
and spotlighting environmental issues, so the Incubator is an
extension of that work," said Michelle
Theodat Waring, Steward for Sustainability and Everyday
Good, Tom's of Maine. "The young
changemakers we're seeking for this inaugural Incubator represent
the future of environmentalism, and we look forward to both
supporting them in their efforts and learning from them along the
way."
How To Apply
Visit www.tomsofmaineincubator.com to submit your application,
detailing why you should be considered for the 2022 Tom's of Maine
Incubator via a short essay and video submission. Applications
are being accepted September 28, 2022
until October 19, 2022 at
11:59 PM ET. No purchase necessary.
Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C. (including DACA
recipients), who are 18- 30 at time of entry and identify as black,
indigenous or a person of color (BIPOC). The five selected
Incubator members will be announced by November 2022. For Official Rules, visit
www.tomsofmaineincubator.com.
To learn more about Tom's of Maine, please visit www.tomsofmaine.com.
About Tom's of Maine
Tom's of Maine, Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL) company, has
been making natural, safe, and effective personal care products for
50 years. It all began when Tom and Kate Chappell moved
to Maine in 1968 looking for a healthier, simpler life
for their growing family. And when they couldn't find personal care
products that were free from artificial flavors, fragrances,
sweeteners, colors and preservatives, they decided to make their
own. Tom's of Maine products – including toothpaste,
deodorant, mouthwash, bar soap, body wash, dental floss, and
toothbrushes – are made from naturally sourced and naturally
derived ingredients and never tested on animals. A Certified B
Corporation, Tom's of Maine is
committed to upholding a purpose-driven business and has a
long-standing commitment to supporting nature and healthy families.
Tom's of Maine has supported hundreds of nonprofits by
giving back 10% of its profits, and employees are encouraged to use
5% of their paid time (12 days) volunteering for causes they are
passionate about. All of Tom's products are cruelty-free and most
products are vegan, kosher, halal-certified and
gluten-free. Visit us online
at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at
https://www.facebook.com/officialtomsofmaine/.
Media Contact
Alejandra
Arias – Alejandra.Arias@bcw-global.com -
212.601.3011
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SOURCE Tom's of Maine