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Dr. Siyabulela Mandela, Great-Grandson of Nelson Mandela, Headlines Event Celebrating Black Excellence and Addressing Ongoing Income Gaps for Graduates.

TORONTO, ONTARIO , CANADA, March 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Onyx Initiative, a Toronto based non-profit established in 2020 to bridge the pervasive gap in the recruitment, selection, and retention of Black college and university students, and recent graduates, for roles in corporate Canada hosted its highly anticipated Third Annual Fundraising Gala on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The evening, sponsored by Air Canada, Bold New Solutions, Jamaica Tourist Board and Rainforest Caribbean, was dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the organization’s 1700+ program participants and recognizing the impact that the corporate, education and community partnerships have made in the lives of emerging leaders across the country.

The yearly, sold-out event has become a cornerstone gathering during Black History Month bringing together Canadians from the worlds of business, entertainment, news, politics, education, and media. It is also viewed as a key networking opportunity, providing a welcoming space for some of the nation’s biggest companies and the participants in the Onyx Scholars Program to foster mutually beneficial professional relationships.

“Our gala is more than a celebration, it is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together and invest our time, talent, and resources to break down barriers to access for hardworking and ambitious, yet consistently undervalued, individuals seeking meaningful career opportunities,” said Dr. Nigela Purboo, Co-founder and Executive Director, Onyx Initiative. “We’ve made tremendous strides over the past five years with countless scholars securing roles with our employer partners, a direct result of the more than 100 job-readiness and employer discovery events that we host annually and the exponential rise in activity on our curated job board – the number of roles posted by our employer partners grew by 310% over the past two years and the percentage of scholars applying for these roles jumped to 560% between 2024 and 2025 and continues to rise by 34% into 2026.”
Among the evening’s many highlights was a poignant keynote address from Dr. Siyabulela Mandela, renowned peace and human rights scholar, author, and great-grandson of Nelson Mandela. The 400+ audience was rivetted by his eloquent call-to-action that highlighted the connection between pivotal historical moments and current events.

“In recognition of Black History Month and the enduring call to leadership, legacy, and liberation, Onyx’s “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges” celebration honoured the sacrifices and triumphs that continue to shape generations,” said Dr. Mandela. “Drawing inspiration from the unwavering courage of Nelson Mandela, the prophetic vision of Martin Luther King Jr., and the uncompromising conviction of Malcolm X, the event affirmed that Black excellence is not confined to history, it is a living, rising force. The evening stands as both a tribute and a charge: to honour the light that cannot not be extinguished and to continue building bridges toward a freer, more equitable future.”

Acknowledging the progress that has been made but also underscoring the promises that have not been kept and the data that supports the need for organizations like the Onyx Initiative was echoed throughout the night.

“Statistics reveal a troubling paradox: as education levels rise, the income gap between Black and White professionals actually widens – reaching 28% for those holding university degrees. By intervening directly at the point of recruitment, Onyx is actively closing this gap, ensuring that Canada’s economic prosperity is shared by those who have earned it,” said Dr. Wayne Purboo, Co-founder, Onyx Initiative. “Black Canadians graduate at a rate of 32.4%, nearly identical to the national average. Despite representing 4.3% of the total population, they account for an estimated 5% of all post-secondary graduates. This is a wealth of industrious future leaders that our society and collective consciousness cannot afford to ignore.”

Rounding out the festivities were speeches from an impressive array of award recipients whose commitment to Onyx and their own achievements reflect the highest ideals of service and success: Employer Award – Bank of Montreal; Educational Award – Northeastern University; Community Award – The EDGE Program; Volunteer Award – Blake, Cassels, & Graydon LLP; Scholar Award – Ms. Suelen Fagan, a third-year finance student at York University and Co-president of the Black Business Students’ Association.

The gala’s February timing is also intended to spotlight the past and present changemakers whose vision, fortitude, and determination have led to advancements in many areas of society. This intention was on full display with a nod to the 30th Anniversary of Black History Month being celebrated in Canada and the significant role that The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, played in getting the motion unanimously adopted by the House of Commons.

“Black History Month is the perfect time to shine a well-deserved light those whose courage and conviction paved the way for us to pursue our dreams and turn ideas into impactful endeavours, said Nigela. “As we celebrate these milestones, our mission for the years ahead is clear – we are not merely filling roles, we are building a generational pipeline of Black executives and innovators whose success will enable them to in turn pay it forward.”

Proceeds from the gala will directly support the Onyx Initiative’s year-round resources and programming, including mentorship, career coaching, a curated job board, personal and professional development workshops, free LinkedIn Learning courses, employer discovery sessions, executive fireside chats, scholarships, and more. To find out more about the Onyx Initiative or to donate contact info@onyxinitiative.org.

ABOUT ONYX INITIATIVE
Onyx Initiative is a Toronto-based non-profit founded by entrepreneurs and philanthropists Drs. Wayne and Nigela Purboo to expand access to corporate careers for Black post-secondary students and recent graduates. The organization partners with employers, educational institutions and community groups across Canada to strengthen recruitment pipelines, deliver career development programming and increase representation in internships and full-time roles.

Ian Royer
Anansi Tales Marketing
+1 647-999-8013
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At Indiana Donor Network, functionality of donated lungs initially rejected for transplantation was improved, resulting in a lifesaving transplant.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES, March 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Jan. 29, 2026, an Indiana man’s donated lungs were recovered for potential transplant but were rejected by several regional transplant centers due to their marginal performance.

Indiana Donor Network partnered with Sweden-based XVIVO and Wisconsin-based Perfusion Solution to reassess the lungs, mechanically perfuse them and improve their functionality.

The result: After 5 hours undergoing mechanical perfusion, the donor lungs were accepted for transplant and saved an Indiana man’s life the same day.

Indiana Donor Network became the first organ recovery organization in the U.S. to establish an in-house lung perfusion system to increase the vibrancy of lungs for future lifesaving transplantations.

INDIANAPOLIS
Indiana Donor Network is the first organ recovery organization in the U.S. to utilize an in-house machine perfusion system that keeps donated lungs functional outside the human body and helps reassess the viability of marginally performing lungs for transplantation.

A new partnership between Indiana Donor Network, global medtech company XVIVO, headquartered in Sweden, and Beloit, Wisconsin-based Perfusion Solution is now being utilized by Indiana Donor Network clinical teams to better serve regional transplant centers and partner hospitals involved in lung recovery and transplantation.

“Advancements in technology are transforming organ transplantation at every stage – from the recovery of a donated organ to the moment it gives someone a second chance at life,” said Indiana Donor Network Director of Organ Services Sherry Quire. “Saving lives involves more than the successful recovery of a generous gift. We are committed to preserving and enhancing organ vitality outside the body so each transplant has the greatest possible opportunity to succeed.”

The system – involving the utilization of XVIVO’s XPS™ Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) platform, perfusion specialists and equipment of Perfusion Solution, and the clinical organ recovery staff of Indiana Donor Network – was initially implemented Jan. 29.

FROM RECOVERY THROUGH PERFUSION TO LIFESAVING TRANSPLANT IN 1 DAY
That day, an Indiana man hospitalized at a northeastern Indiana hospital died. The registered organ donor’s lungs were recovered then transferred to Indiana Donor Network Organ and Tissue Recovery Center in Indianapolis for clinical evaluation. After several regional transplant centers declined the lungs due to their marginal function, clinical teams from Indiana Donor Network, XVIVO and Perfusion Solution went to work.

Indiana Donor Network led the clinical evaluation of the lungs. XVIVO activated its EVLP platform, which extended lung assessment and preservation time and increased the viability of the lungs outside the body for transplant. Perfusion Solution provided lung recovery perfusion equipment, clinical services, staffing, education and ongoing training.

Once Perfusion Solution identified the lungs as candidates for EVLP, real-time data analysis of lung functionality guided perfusionists and clinical staff through the EVLP protocol, which provided perfusion for nearly five hours. EVLP significantly improved lung functionality.

Following the EVLP process, Indiana Donor Network secured a transplant center to accept the lungs, which were successfully transplanted to save an Indiana man’s life.

“Our collaboration with Perfusion Solution and Indiana Donor Network enabled a successful lung transplant, representing the first of many more lifesaving lung transplants that will be made possible through our EVLP model,” said XVIVO CEO Christoffer Rosenblad. “At XVIVO, we are driven by our vision that nobody should die waiting for a new organ. Strategic partnerships like this are crucial in making that vision a reality.”

ABOUT MACHINE PERFUSION
Machine perfusion is a controlled process that simulates functionality of an organ outside the body, provides consistent oxygen and nutrients that stabilize a recovered organ, keep it functioning and preserves its health, function and viability for successful transplantation.

Clinical teams have more time to assess a donor organ and even improve organ functionality prior to transplant when machine perfusion is utilized. Perfusion also makes it possible for surgeons to accept an organ for transplant that might otherwise be rejected due to diminished functionality. Additional time provided through perfusion also increases the distance a donor organ can travel for transplant and the geographical reach of organ donation, which both ultimately lead to saving more lives.

“We believe the future of transplantation is driven by strong collaboration and organ procurement organization-led innovation. When OPOs, transplant centers and perfusion specialists operate as one coordinated team, together we honor the gift of donation by maximizing every viable organ,” said Jon Bohannen, executive vice president of sales and clinical integration at Perfusion Solution. “Through disciplined execution and shared clinical governance, we are helping transform marginal opportunities into lifesaving transplants. Collaboration is not just part of our model – it is the engine that allows us to save more lives.”

Implementation of the XVIVO and Perfusion Solution partnership is the latest way Indiana Donor Network is utilizing advanced machine perfusion technologies to keep organ donations animated and maintain their viability from recovery to transplant. Kidney and liver perfusion devices are also in use to keep those organs healthy, vibrant, nourished and animated while increasing time for clinical assessment and transport to awaiting recipients spanning more geographic locations within the U.S.

Duane Brodt
Indiana Donor Network
+1 317-222-3436
dbrodt@indonornetwork.org
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In-house lung perfusion at Indiana Donor Network

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AirTech ZG PRO, Gravis ZG Chair, Novo Flex, and Super Novo X Recognized for Innovation, Performance, and Design

LONG BEACH, CA, UNITED STATES, March 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Human Touch^®, a global leader in high performance massage chairs and wellness solutions, has earned four 2026 Platinum ADEX (Awards for Design Excellence) Awards. The honors mark the company’s 12th consecutive year of ADEX recognition and highlight innovation and design excellence across its zero gravity recliners and intelligent massage chair portfolio.

The 2026 Platinum-winning products include:

AirTech ZG PRO for Contract Lounge Recliners
The AirTech ZG PRO combines independent dual-motor zero gravity positioning with integrated air massage, heat, powered lumbar support, and antimicrobial SofHyde upholstery. Engineered for durability and comfort, it is designed for hospitality, healthcare, corporate, and fitness environments.

Gravis ZG Chair for Zero Gravity Recliners
The Gravis ZG Chair pairs ergonomic zero gravity support with powered adjustments, air massage, and multi-zone heat. Its clean, contemporary profile and app-enabled customization deliver therapeutic comfort within a refined, modern silhouette.

Novo Flex Massage Chair for Intelligent Acupressure Massage Chairs
The Novo Flex features the proprietary HT Flex S- and L-Track system for extended coverage from the spine to the glutes, along with 3D/4D massage programs, heated foot and calf massage, dual-lumbar heat, and guided Auto-Wellness programs. Its zero gravity position enhances full-body stretch and decompression.

Super Novo X Massage Chair for Intelligent Acupressure Massage Chairs
The Super Novo X showcases Human Touch’s most advanced engineering, highlighted by DuoSync™ technology that delivers a synchronized, four-hand massage experience. With Virtual Therapist^® voice control, Acupoint^® body sensing, and immersive zero gravity positioning, it offers elevated personalization and performance. Its signature Teardrop Doors and customizable finishes make it as much a design statement as a wellness solution.

Established in 1995, the ADEX Awards are among the most recognized design competitions in the industry. Judged by a global advisory board of more than 1,750 professionals, the program honors outstanding innovation, functionality, and aesthetic excellence across product categories.

“The Platinum distinction is awarded to entries that meet a rigorous standard of design and performance,” said Jay Chakraborty, Executive Director of Design Journal and the ADEX Awards. “Human Touch’s 2026 honorees exemplify that level of discipline across its massage and zero gravity product categories.”

“ADEX recognition reflects the design standards we hold ourselves to across every product we develop,” said David Wood, CEO of Human Touch. “Our focus remains on engineering performance driven wellness solutions that integrate seamlessly into both residential and professional environments.”

For more information about Human Touch and its award-winning products, visit www.humantouch.com.

About Human Touch^®
For over 45 years, Human Touch has shaped the wellness industry with a portfolio of high-performance massage chairs, zero gravity recliners, and targeted massage products. Partnering with engineers, medical experts, athletes, and award-winning designers, Human Touch crafts products designed to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote daily recovery while complementing modern interiors. Trusted by more than 35 colleges, 14+ professional sports teams, and 10,000+ chiropractors, Human Touch products are available through fine furniture retailers, back care specialty stores, mass-market retailers across the U.S., international distributors in more than 40 countries, and online at www.humantouch.com.

About ADEX Awards
The ADEX (Awards for Design Excellence) program, sponsored by Design Journal and presented at adexawards.com, is one of the most prominent design recognition platforms in the architecture and design industry. Established in 1995, ADEX honors outstanding innovation, sustainability, and design quality across interior design, architecture, landscape architecture, and product design. By celebrating excellence that balances aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility, ADEX continues to set industry benchmarks and inspire the global design community.

Lauren Vultee
FGPR
+1 212-334-1212
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Survey of 1,000+ IT professionals finds rising stress from workload, as sysadmins adopt automation and assistive AI to reduce risk while maintaining control.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, UNITED STATES, March 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — PDQ today released its 2026 State of System Administration report, finding that sysadmin stress continues to rise as expanding responsibilities, hybrid environments, and security pressure push modern IT work past sustainable limits.

Based on responses from more than 1,000 IT professionals worldwide, the report shows sysadmins increasingly responsible for outcomes shaped by tools and decisions outside their control.

With little margin for error, sysadmins are seeking relief by standardizing environments, automating high-risk repeatable work, and cautiously exploring AI where it improves visibility without introducing new failure modes.

“Sysadmins aren’t struggling because they can’t keep up,” said Dan Cook, CEO of PDQ. “They’re under pressure because the work keeps expanding. This year’s data makes it clear that stress is structural, and that means it’s something organizations can actually fix.”

Key 2026 findings

→ Stress is rising across all experience levels
57% of respondents report feeling more stressed than last year. Unlike prior years, stress is no longer concentrated among newer sysadmins; senior sysadmins are increasingly acting as default escalation points for complex, cross-platform, and high-risk issues.

→ Security remains the top concern
62% of respondents cite a security breach as a top organizational concern, so it’s no surprise that security is a major source of pressure. Many sysadmins also report a widening gap between responsibility for outcomes and authority over risk acceptance.

→ AI is welcome … with limits
Sysadmins are not anti-AI. In fact, 94% can already identify concrete ways AI can improve their work, particularly in analysis, reporting, and risk visibility. However, interest drops sharply as AI’s autonomy increases. Most sysadmins prefer assistive AI over fully autonomous systems that act in production without clear oversight.

“Sysadmins are practical about new tools,” said Mark Littlefield, VP of Product at PDQ. “Automation helps when it’s predictable and reversible. AI helps when it increases visibility. What they don’t want is black-box autonomy that concentrates responsibility without reducing risk.”

Why it matters

For sysadmins, the report validates what many are already experiencing: stress driven by workload design, not individual failure, and a growing need for tools that reduce cognitive load.

For IT leaders, the data signals a shift in retention risk. Workload sustainability and on-call burden are now as important as compensation.

For organizations, the findings highlight the operational risk of misaligned responsibility, unchecked tool sprawl, and manual work that doesn’t scale.

“The future of IT isn’t about moving faster,” Cook added. “It’s about making the work lighter, safer, and more repeatable … and making sure the people responsible for uptime and security aren’t carrying everything alone.”

The full 2026 State of System Administration Report is available now.

Download the report: https://www.pdq.com/state-of-sysadmin/download/

About PDQ

PDQ builds IT management tools that are simple, secure, and pretty damn quick. Trusted by more than 33,000 system administrators, MSPs, and IT professionals worldwide, PDQ’s suite of autonomous endpoint management (AEM) products (including PDQ Connect, Deploy & Inventory, and SmartDeploy) streamlines patching, deployment, and vulnerability and endpoint management across Windows and macOS devices.

Founded in 2001 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah, PDQ is built for sysadmins, by sysadmins.

Meredith Kreisa
PDQ
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EDX Wireless a leader in advanced RF planning, and smart grid communications, is proud to announce that it has officially joined the Wi-SUN Alliance.

EUGENE, OR, UNITED STATES, March 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — EDX Wireless (edx.com), a leader in advanced RF planning, smart grid communications, and utility network design, is proud to announce that it has officially joined the Wi-SUN Alliance, the global ecosystem of interoperable standards advancing secure, field-proven communications for smart infrastructure. (https://wi-sun.org/)

As a member of the Wi-SUN Alliance, EDX Wireless will collaborate with industry stakeholders, utility partners, and technology innovators to accelerate the adoption of robust and interoperable wireless networks that support large-scale smart grid deployments globally.

“Joining the Wi-SUN Alliance aligns with EDX Wireless’s mission to enable reliable, scalable, and secure communication infrastructures for utilities and mission-critical networks,” said Anoop Kaur Bowdery, CEO, EDX Wireless. “We look forward to contributing our RF planning expertise and technical insights to help propel interoperable and resilient smart utility networks around the world.”

The Wi-SUN Alliance is recognized for developing specifications based on open standards that support IPv6 communication, advanced mesh networking, and field-proven wireless solutions. Its technologies are widely adopted in large smart metering, distributed energy resource management, smart street lighting, and utility automation deployments.

Through this strategic collaboration, EDX Wireless will:
🔹 Support smart utility and IoT deployments using Wi-SUN standards
🔹 Provide network planning, optimization, and performance modeling for Wi-SUN-based infrastructure
🔹 Help utilities and partners accelerate secure and future-ready connectivity solutions

“We believe that interoperable wireless standards are crucial for utilities navigating evolving smart grid requirements,” added [Name]. “Our involvement with Wi-SUN Alliance bolsters our commitment to delivering industry-leading planning tools and insights that help utilities unlock the full potential of their communication networks.”

For more information about EDX Wireless and its participation in the Wi-SUN Alliance, visit edx.com or contact:
Media Contact:
Parul Sharma
Marketing Head
parul.sharma@edx.com

About EDX Wireless
EDX Wireless delivers innovative RF planning and smart network solutions that enable utilities and enterprises to design and optimize resilient communication infrastructures. With a focus on data-driven modeling, advanced analytics, and industry best practices, EDX Wireless helps customers improve performance, reduce deployment risk, and achieve scalable connectivity. Learn more at edx.com.

About Wi-SUN Alliance
Wi-SUN Alliance is a global ecosystem of companies driving standards-based wireless solutions for smart infrastructure. The Alliance promotes open, interoperable technologies that enable secure and scalable connectivity for utilities, smart cities, and IoT applications worldwide. Visit wi-sun.org for more information.

Parul Sharma
EDX Wireless
+46 76 455 89 86
email us here
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