JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA, USA
In the heart of the JAS Worldwide New York office, two extraordinary women, Grisel Henriquez, and Ana Ruth Olivo, are rewriting the narrative for survivors of domestic violence through their nonprofit organization, ALNUA: Alzando Nuestras Alas (translated in English to Raising Our Wings). As we celebrate International Women's Month, it's essential to highlight the remarkable efforts of women like Grisel and Ana Ruth, who are making a profound community impact beyond their successful full-time careers.
Established in mid-2020, ALNUA was born out of a shared vision to provide resources, information, education, and support to women navigating the complexities of domestic and intrafamily violence. For many survivors, breaking free from the vicious cycle of abuse can seem impossible. ALNUA aims to be the guiding light, offering a path to empowerment and healing.
Grisel Henriquez began her journey at JAS in July 2022 as an Account Lead. Due to her exceptional performance and hard work, she was promoted to Warehouse Supervisor in 2023. Her professional success, however, pales in comparison to her personal triumphs. As a survivor of domestic violence herself, Grisel's courage to share her story inspired countless others. In July 2020, she authored her book, "Mariposa de Acero" (Steel Butterfly), which became a best-seller in three categories on Amazon within 24 hours of its formal launch. But for Grisel, this was just the beginning.
Ana Ruth Olivo, also based in the JAS New York office, joined JAS as an administrative assistant in March 2022. Alongside her professional endeavors, Ana Ruth has pursued personal growth through education, completing a Neuro-linguistic program (NLP), a communication tool that helps influence behaviors through language – a skill that would prove essential in her nonprofit work. Her dedication to making a difference has been recognized by the Council of Paterson City, NJ, for Outstanding Civic Contribution.
The year 2020 brought exceptional challenges, particularly for victims of domestic violence. As shelter-in-place orders swept the globe, reports of domestic violence surged. Victims found themselves trapped at home, with limited avenues for escape. Grisel, along with her friend and fellow JAS colleague Ana Ruth, recognized the urgent need for action. Equipped with Grisel's first-hand knowledge and Ana Ruth's empathetic nature, they founded ALNUA: Alzando Nuestras Alas.
ALNUA's mission extends far beyond directing victims to resources. It's about fostering a society free of violence, instilling self-love and empowerment among survivors, equipping them with the tools and resources needed to reclaim their lives. Through career development workshops, access to counseling services, and outreach programs, ALNUA is creating a supportive network where women can find the courage to spread their wings and soar to new heights.
What began as a team of two has blossomed into a thriving network of volunteers – from lawyers to psychologists offering a range of services tailored to meet survivors’ needs. In 2024, JAS’s philanthropy organization, the Bruni Foundation, got on board with ALNUA’s mission, enabling its expansion on a global scale. In November 2024, ALNUA will visit girls’ shelters in the Dominican Republic to continue its advocacy efforts and raise awareness about the resources available for victims of domestic violence – regardless of age or gender.
As we celebrate International Women's Month, let us honor the resilience, determination, and dedication of women like Grisel Henriquez and Ana Ruth Olivo. Their tireless efforts through ALNUA serve as a testament to the power of women empowering women and remind us that together, we can break the cycle of violence and build a brighter future for all.
Follow ALNUA's journey on social media and join us in supporting their mission to uplift and empower survivors of domestic violence. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Potential for Renewed ILA Strike Over Automation Disputes
Negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a critical impasse, primarily due to disagreements over port automation. After walking away from talks in November 2024, the ILA has signaled the possibility of a renewed strike if their demands are not addressed before the January 15, 2025, deadline.
This situation follows a previous three-day strike in early October 2024, which temporarily halted operations at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts. While those ports have since resumed operations, the disruption caused widespread delays and financial strain on the U.S. economy. The recent suspension of strike action was agreed upon for 90 days, ending January 15, 2025, but with negotiations stalled, the risk of further disruption looms large.
Impact of Previous Strike Action
The October strike caused significant delays, cost overruns, and operational disruptions, including:
Mitigating Future Disruptions
To minimize risks, businesses should consider these strategies:
Guidance from JAS
JAS remains committed to supporting clients during these uncertain times. If your operations are at risk of being impacted, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your JAS representative. Our team can provide tailored solutions to mitigate disruptions, streamline supply chains, and optimize freight options. Whether through alternative routing, expedited services, or strategic planning, JAS is here to help you navigate these challenges effectively.
JAS Projects recently completed a comprehensive logistics solution for Gpi Tanks XL, a company specialized in stainless steel tank construction, either on-site or at one of their flexible construction locations near a waterway, as was the case with this project. This project involved transporting large industrial tanks from Zwijndrecht, Netherlands, to Uddevalla, Sweden, where they will be used to recycle de-icing liquid for major Scandinavian airports.
The operation in Zwijndrecht required careful coordination due to tidal constraints and limited water depth. With a maximum draft of 3.5 meters at the loading berth, and the vessel entering with a 3.2-meter draft, precise planning was critical. Using an overhead crane, the tanks were loaded onto trailers before being transferred to the vessel by a mobile crane. Despite facing high winds and a two-day delay due to storms, the entire loading process was completed in just six hours.
A 700-ton mobile crane was utilized during loading to maintain a safe 33-meter radius, ensuring no pressure was placed on the jetty. The vessel, sailing with open hatch covers to accommodate the tank height, ensured smooth and secure transport to Sweden.
Upon arrival at the client’s site in Uddevalla, discharge operations were executed efficiently. The tanks were unloaded and installed onto their foundations within ten hours. JAS Projects coordinated the movement of the first tank directly to its foundation, while the second was temporarily stored on steel stools. The team also managed a last-minute client request to arrange the installation of a walkway and spiral stairs.
This project exemplifies the JAS Projects’ team ability to overcome logistical challenges and deliver customized solutions with precision. From factory to foundation, JAS provides end-to-end logistics expertise, ensuring that every project is completed on time, safely, and with the highest level of care.
Atlanta, USA – November 25, 2024 – JAS Worldwide, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, headquartered in Atlanta, USA, is excited to announce its collaboration with ALPHA Augmented Services, a technology innovator in logistics optimization, headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. This partnership represents one of the many steps JAS is taking to integrate AI-driven solutions into a broader strategy for delivering sustainable, efficient, and innovative logistics solutions.
As part of its innovation roadmap, JAS will incorporate ALPHA’s advanced AI technology to explore new ways of optimizing air, ocean, and road freight logistics. The collaboration aligns with JAS’s commitment to leverage emerging technologies to support its customers’ goals for cost efficiency and carbon footprint reduction, all without requiring significant capital investment.
“This partnership with ALPHA reflects our ongoing strategy to integrate innovative tools with technology that complement JAS’s broader vision for sustainable and intelligent logistics solutions, said Andrea Goeman, SVP QHSE & Sustainability at JAS Worldwide. “ALPHA’s optimization capabilities are a valuable addition to our portfolio, offering our customers enhanced efficiency, operational savings, and a reduced carbon footprint for their shipments.”
JAS remains dedicated to exploring technologies like ALPHA’s to advance its mission of creating smarter, greener logistics solutions. This partnership underscores JAS’s leadership in driving sustainability and innovation while maintaining its focus on a diversified approach to forward-thinking logistics solutions.
About JAS Worldwide
JAS Worldwide, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, it builds innovative and sustainable solutions that focus on customer needs and a better future for all. At the heart of JAS's success is its people who deliver customer value. As one of the largest and fastest growing family-owned logistics companies, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for our communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive. Together.
About ALPHA Augmented Services
Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, ALPHA Augmented Services specializes in logistics optimization, helping businesses streamline their supply chains for greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact. ALPHA’s technology empowers companies to achieve operational excellence in logistics.
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