Duolingo, the mobile learning company headquartered in Pittsburgh, recently announced a $1 million investment in a new “Early Learners First” program designed to expand access to quality child care for the Pittsburgh community. It will include up to $80,000 in direct funding for nine providers in the region as well as coaching and, eventually, tuition grants to qualified families.
Federal aid for childcare tied to the pandemic expired at the end of September, which could leave thousands of Pennsylvania kids without reliable care – a crisis that is especially fraught in Duolingo’s neighborhood of East Liberty. “We are the epicenter of the highest need areas in the city,” Kendra Ross, Duolingo’s head of social impact, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, explaining that Duolingo’s first funding round focused on nine centers with high ratings from the state because even those centers were “precarious.” “This year is really about stabilizing the quality we already have … And then hopefully, whether it be through us or with other parents, we can help get other centers to the high-quality ratings.”
For the seventh straight year, RKL LLP continues to rank among the 100 Best Places to Work in PA, according to a statewide survey program. The nationally-leading, Pennsylvania-based CPA and advisory firm remains one of the state’s most well-regarded employers of choice.
RKL is comprised of more than 600 professionals specializing in a wide range of financial, operational, and advisory expertise. From tax professionals to M&A specialists, from IT consultants to wealth management advisors, the RKL team is continually growing and evolving the firm’s service capabilities to help organizations and their leaders prepare for whatever comes next.
“Each day, our team displays our bold, collaborative, and caring culture in helping our clients navigate what’s next. The people, the growth opportunities, and the achievements we’ve collectively made as a team is something that we don’t take for granted, and we couldn’t be more honored with this recognition,” said Ed Monborne, CEO at RKL.
The Best Places to Work in PA program uses employee survey results and workplace demographic data to identify the top employers in the commonwealth. RKL and the rest of the top 100 employers will be recognized and rankings will be revealed at the Best Places to Work in PA awards celebration on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square Hotel. Visit bestplacestoworkinpa.com to learn more.
Glatfelter Insurance Group, an American International Group, Inc. company, announced the appointment of John Watkins as President of Glatfelter Claims Management (GCM), effective July 31, 2023. He reports directly to Christopher Flatt, President and CEO of Glatfelter Insurance Group.
Watkins is a seasoned insurance claims professional, having served in various senior-level claims management positions throughout his career. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President, Global Casualty Insurance claims at AmTrust Insurance Company, with direct responsibility for all Commercial Lines Insurance Liability Claims, including varied portfolio risks—including General Liability, Commercial Auto, Professional Liability, Construction, and Public Entity.
“Glatfelter’s renowned claims handling experience is a major factor in the company’s success,” said Flatt. “John’s appointment represents the next significant step forward in maintaining that success. Glatfelter’s legacy has always been about paying claims, not selling policies. I’m confident that, based on his service mindset and decades of leadership, John will continue that legacy. In addition to John’s vast knowledge from managing claims operations, he has served as corporate legal counsel to claims departments. With this added experience, John brings to Glatfelter a more holistic view of the claims process, and a unique perspective to the organization.”
Watkins holds a law degree from University of Notre Dame Law School and is licensed to practice in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.