FEMALE CEO WINS TOP INNOVATION AWARD AT OC TECH FESTIVAL
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks recognized for her influential role in green science and corporate sustainability
Cypress, CA (April 6, 2019) – More than ever, women are forging new paths in innovation and sustainability as they lead their companies. A recent study highlights the growing positive influence of women in executive positions, who help their companies increase profitability better than companies with mostly male boards and executives.
At this week’s EurekaFEST in Irvine, California, one woman—Kelly-Vlahakis-Hanks—was recognized for her leadership in corporate sustainability to drive innovation and growth. As the president and CEO of Earth Friendly Products®, the maker of ECOS® plant-powered cleaning products, Vlahakis-Hanks received the 2019 “Eureka Award” at the tech festival held April 2–6 in Irvine, California.
EurekaFEST is one of Southern California’s largest technology festivals and showcases the region’s booming startup tech industry. Over a thousand entrepreneurs, investors, and festival-goers attend the five-day event to discuss the year’s hottest startup trends such as artificial intelligence, content creation, and venture capital.
The Eureka Award is given to an entrepreneur or investor who not only built on their own Eureka Moment but is also helping others in Southern California build on theirs.
Vlahakis-Hanks has led Earth Friendly Products® to become the world’s first carbon-neutral, water neutral, Platinum Zero Waste manufacturer. Founded in 1967 and based in Cypress, California, the company pioneered safer ingredients in cleaning products. Vlahakis-Hanks transformed the family-owned and -operated company into a leader in sustainable manufacturing practices and ingredient transparency, and she speaks to business leaders across the county about creating a new model for corporate sustainability in California and beyond.
During a fireside chat with EurekaFEST founder Peter Polydor, Vlahakis-Hanks spoke to the audience of tech entrepreneurs and investors about the importance of integrating sustainability early in a company’s life cycle to create long-term cost savings and competitive advantage.
“As entrepreneurs and business leaders, it’s important that we focus on the wellness of our organizations,” says Vlahakis-Hanks. “Sustainability fosters wellness in personal health, in environmental health, and in corporate health. Consumers care deeply about these issues, and they’re embracing companies that are leading the way in sustainability, giving companies who embrace it a significant advantage in the market.”
ACERCA DE EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS®
De propiedad y gestión familiar desde 1967, Earth Friendly Products® es el fabricante del detergente para ropa ECOS® y más de 200 productos ecológicos que son más seguros para las personas, las mascotas y el planeta. Elaborados con ingredientes de origen vegetal, los limpiadores ECOS® se obtienen cuidadosamente, tienen un pH equilibrado, una fórmula fácilmente biodegradable, son fácilmente reciclables y nunca se prueban en animales. Más de 140 productos ECOS® han recibido la codiciada certificación Safer Choice de la EPA de EE. UU., lo que significa que cada ingrediente es el más seguro de su clase y que las formulaciones son efectivas y demuestran sostenibilidad sin sacrificar la calidad o el rendimiento. Los limpiadores ECOS®, Baby ECOS®, ECOS® Pets y ECOS® Pro están disponibles en los principales clubes, tiendas de comestibles y tiendas de alimentos naturales en los EE. UU., en más de 60 países, y en ecos.com, babyecos.com y otros en línea. minoristas.