Latest news with #Greenwald
Technical.ly
03-07-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
How On the Goga is reimagining corporate employee wellness programs
Startup profile: On the Goga Founded by: Anna Greenwald Year founded: 2015 Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA Sector: Healthcare Funding and valuation: $1.3 million in funding, according to the company Key ecosystem partners: PIDC, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, University of Pennsylvania Anna Greenwald didn't dream of being a wellness entrepreneur. She came to Philadelphia from Madison, Wisconsin, in 2011 as an aspiring opera singer with an interest in entrepreneurship, attending Drexel University's music industry program. When a vocal cord injury derailed her plans, leaving her emotionally devastated, Greenwald's physician insisted she start taking yoga. 'My first thought was, absolutely not,' Greenwald, now the founder and CEO of the corporate wellness platform On the Goga, told 'I'm not a hippie, and I hate exercise, so why would I try yoga?' On the Goga — the name a mashup of 'on the go' and 'yoga' — is now a national employee wellness platform serving a diverse array of clients, from small companies to large enterprises. With a recent $300,000 seed extension and a mission to transform corporate wellness, the company is leveraging technology, AI and a pre-clinical approach to employee well-being. While employee behavior tracking is becoming increasingly popular with corporations, On the Goga doesn't incorporate individual monitoring into its platform, instead collecting the broader organizational data, aggregating it and shares findings with clients that they can act on. 'We can share insights to employers to say, hey, the top driver of burnout for your employees is meeting schedules,' Greenwald said. While the platform doesn't flag clients when employees may need clinical intervention, it acts as an integrator, making clinical employee resources, such as therapy benefits offered by the company, visible on the platform. A decade and two business models in, the company continues to evolve and grow. Yoga proved life-changing in more ways than one Greenwald, as you may have guessed, took her doctor's advice and made what would become the life-altering decision to try yoga. 'I happened to have this amazing yoga teacher in West Philly who was very mindfulness-based,' Greenwald said. 'No one was talking to me about anything that would have put me off — she just was like, 'this is what happens in your body when you breathe.'' Over the course of a year, she said, yoga changed her life, physically and cognitively. 'I was just a happier, healthier person because of this simple practice of breathing,' she said. Greenwald knew it wasn't some kind of magic. There was science behind it, and she dove into the research. She wanted other people — especially 'wellness skeptics' like her, who had preconceived notions of yoga and thought it wasn't for them — to transform themselves, too. The in-person early days She started On the Goga in 2015 as a sort of special-order yoga instructor who would come to clients' homes, workplaces and events. Clients included an Eagles player, bachelorette parties, and eventually, company HR directors looking to add yoga to their employee offerings. Very quickly, Greenwald saw the potential in employee yoga training. People who didn't 'get' yoga weren't likely to hire her, but through their employers, she could reach some of her fellow skeptics. 'I wanted to help other people realize that they already had all of the tools in themselves to change their lives,' she said. 'If I could deliver that through organizations that paid for this, for folks who would not otherwise be able to have access to these tools, that was the ultimate goal.' As the business grew from a solopreneurship venture to a small team in the late 2010s, On the Goga established itself as a local wellness company that brought yoga and mindfulness to the boardrooms of Philly companies in the never-ending battle against employee burnout. Greenwald led many classes herself, in person on site or at company retreats. It was about more than giving employees a break to center themselves. Greenwald recognized the potential of yoga and mindfulness to help companies thrive. 'Mindfulness is the foundation for all of the skills that help people to be leaders — empathy, perspective, foresight, objective thinking, boundary setting,' she said. 'We started doing leadership training, cooking, physical fitness, financial prosperity.' There was no tech platform in the early days, but the small team thought about the possibilities of making one. Meditation apps were growing in popularity, but there wasn't an app out there that did what On the Goga did for employees. Still, the in-person business model was working. That would all change in 2020, when the COVID pandemic hit. A costly but high-potential shift The in-person model of On the Goga didn't have much overhead, making it possible to bootstrap. When the company had to go virtual during the COVID lockdowns in 2020, it became clear that to shift toward being a tech platform, it was going to need outside funding. The first funding it received was a capital loan from the PIDC, a Philadelphia-based Community Development Financial Institution that helped the On the Goga team build the beta version of the tech platform. 'From that, it took off,' Greenwald said. 'We scaled with some incredible local partners.' By 2022 — which Greenwald considers to be the founding of the new On the Goga — it had become clear that the platform had legs. She applied to the national Techstars accelerator, and On the Goga was accepted. In 2023, it had its initial pre-seed. Its first seed round raised just under a million dollars from local investors, including Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Penn's Wharton Fund for Health and local angels. This year, it closed a $300,000 seed extension round in just three weeks. 'I think Philadelphia is one of the best cities in the world to start a business,' Greenwald said. 'We used the amazing Philadelphia network and community and some really fun, scrappy, guerrilla marketing tactics to get this thing off the ground.' Preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy workplace The On the Goga platform puts a wellness tool into the pockets of employees, with an app that can call up resources, wellness strategies and breathing exercises on demand, and allow them to attend live virtual workshops with coworkers. The idea is not to treat burnout, but to prevent everyday stresses from snowballing into a mental health crisis. 'We call it 'pre-clinical,'' Greenwald said. 'What we found through our years of experience is that if you wait to solve people's problems reactively after they're already experiencing them, you're waiting too long when it comes to organizational intervention.' More than anything, Greenwald seeks to redefine 'wellness' — a term that turns off a lot of people for a lot of reasons, from its 'hippie' associations to toxic workplace wellness programs that focus more on penalizing employees based on body mass index than on emotional safety. 'We want people to think of corporate wellness as, 'this is the best place to work,'' she said, noting that every expectation On the Goga places on its clients, it places on itself. As the client platform incorporates more AI (among other things, Greenwald has given talks on 'AI for emotionally intelligent leadership'), much of it starts at home base, with AI tools helping with productivity. A big focus right now, she said, is using AI to improve the bandwidth and burnout of On the Goga's own internal team. 'We're heavily leaning into developing workplace best practices around AI that are ethical, secure and supporting metrics on our team,' she said. 'Do you have enough time in the week to get things done? Do you have enough time in the week for creativity? And how is AI impacting these metrics that we know drive engagement and productivity over time?' It's all part of the reimagining. 'Our mission statement,' Greenwald said, 'is to make the future of work more human.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Vanguard News Launches Vanguard Incarcerated Press to Amplify Voices from Inside the Prison System
Vanguard News has officially launched a prison journalism program giving incarcerated individuals the tools to report, write, and share their lived experiences while behind bars. Davis, California, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vanguard News GroupVanguard News Group has officially launched its groundbreaking prison journalism initiative, Vanguard Incarcerated Press (VIP), a program built on education, justice, and the transformative power of storytelling from within the prison system. The program was born from an unlikely and deeply moving source: a Nepali family advocating for a loved one who had been wrongly convicted and sentenced to over 300 years in prison. Vanguard News founder David Greenwald was introduced to other incarcerated individuals, motivating him to create a prison newspaper. The publication never fully came to fruition due to overly restrictive prison policies. But the idea planted a seed. 'I visited him multiple times a year over seven or eight years,' said Greenwald. 'He introduced me to folks who were trying to launch something powerful behind bars. Even though the prison itself was too conservative to allow that paper to thrive, it made me realize how badly this kind of platform was needed.' Now, that dream has become a reality. Vanguard Incarcerated Press is a print and digital journalism platform led by and for incarcerated individuals. The publication mails physical newspapers to its subscribers, including courts, institutions, and justice advocates, and features new articles regularly on its website. All stories are written, edited, and reviewed with the direct involvement of incarcerated people themselves. Three incarcerated individuals currently serve on the editorial board, reviewing submissions, editing pieces, and approving content for publication. Others contribute as writers, and for many, it's the first time their voices have been heard outside prison walls. 'Seeing your own byline in print when you're locked up; it means something,' said Greenwald. 'It builds pride, purpose, and a sense that your story matters.' VIP mirrors the success of Vanguard's Court Watch program, which trains college students in journalism and legal observation. But in this case, the participants are incarcerated people, many of whom never graduated high school. Through the program, they learn to write, report, edit, and build the kind of skills that reduce recidivism and increase their chances of parole. One graduate of the early pilot effort, formerly incarcerated for nearly a decade, is now earning his bachelor's degree and sits on Vanguard's Board of Directors. His story, and many others, show what's possible when people are given a second chance and the right tools to succeed. Vanguard News is now collaborating with a state university professor to formalize the program into a certified curriculum. The goal is to develop a journalism certificate (and potentially a degree track) that incarcerated students can complete from inside, gaining a recognized credential they can carry into life after prison. 'This is twofold,' Greenwald explained. 'We're exposing injustice through our reporting, but we're also giving people inside a real skillset, a path forward, and dignity.' Despite its promise, the program faces steep financial challenges. Vanguard News operates on the margins, relying on donations, small grants, and an increasing need for grassroots fundraising. Greenwald, who now also serves as the program's primary fundraiser, says he's learned to be creative: 'We have donate buttons, we accept mail-in checks, and I've even taken donations over Cash App. You have to meet people where they are.' Supporters can contribute directly via Vanguard News' website or reach out to help fund specific program goals, including but not limited to: expanding editorial capacity to meet growing submissions, printing and mailing physical newspapers to more facilities, developing the accredited journalism certificate program, or providing tablets and tech access for easier communication between contributors and editors. Vanguard Incarcerated Press is not just another publication. It is a lifeline; both an outlet for incarcerated individuals to tell their stories and a tool for social change. It reminds society that those behind bars still have a voice, and for many, that voice is the beginning of redemption. Greenwald sums it up best: 'We're helping the public understand the system while aiding the people in the system to change their own lives. That's the power of journalism.' Media Contact Name: David Greenwald Email: info@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Glenn Greenwald? Known for Snowden revelations, expresses no regrets over leaked sex tapes
Glenn Greenwald, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist best known for exposing the U.S. government's mass surveillance practices, is once again making headlines, this time over a deeply personal matter. On May 30, 2025, videos showing Greenwald in intimate, private settings were leaked online without his knowledge or consent. In a statement on X, Greenwald confirmed the videos' authenticity, condemned the leak as 'maliciously political,' and defended the content, saying all acts were consensual. 'I have no embarrassment or regret about them,' he wrote. While the footage sparked viral interest, Greenwald insisted the real issue is the weaponization of privacy for political ends. The Snowden revelations and Pulitzer-winning work Greenwald rose to global prominence in 2013 after publishing a series of groundbreaking reports in The Guardian based on classified documents leaked by NSA contractor Edward Snowden . These documents revealed the extent of domestic and international surveillance conducted by the U.S. government under President Barack Obama. Snowden, who initially contacted Greenwald anonymously in late 2012, passed along a trove of classified documents that showed the U.S. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo government was collecting vast amounts of metadata and personal communication records, including from American citizens, often without warrants. Greenwald's reports were published in The Guardian, beginning with a bombshell revelation on June 5, 2013, detailing how Verizon was ordered to provide the NSA with phone records for millions of Americans. These revelations triggered a worldwide debate over privacy, civil liberties, and the role of intelligence agencies in democratic societies. Greenwald, along with his collaborators, faced both praise and intense scrutiny for the disclosures. In 2014, The Guardian and The Washington Post jointly received the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their work on the NSA surveillance story. Greenwald's involvement also led to his appearance in the Oscar-winning documentary Citizenfour by Laura Poitras, and he was portrayed by actor Zachary Quinto in Oliver Stone's 2016 film Snowden. Glenn Greenwald's early journalism and independent voice Before the Snowden story catapulted him to global prominence, Greenwald had already established himself as a powerful voice in independent journalism. In 2005, he started the blog Unclaimed Territory, where he focused on controversial issues like the Valerie Plame CIA leak investigation and the NSA's warrantless wiretapping program. The blog earned the 2005 Koufax Award for Best New Blog. In 2007, he joined Salon as a contributing writer, transitioning his blog to the media platform. At Salon, Greenwald continued to tackle controversial subjects, including the 2001 anthrax attacks and the nomination of John Brennan for CIA Director. His opposition to Brennan's nomination, rooted in concerns about torture and civil liberties, contributed to Brennan temporarily withdrawing from consideration. Greenwald's strong advocacy for whistleblowers became evident in his vocal support for Chelsea Manning. In a 2010 article, he described Manning as a hero who acted out of conscience, likening her to Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg. His stances often defied party lines, earning him a reputation as a journalist who prioritized principles over political affiliations. The Intercept and move to Substack In 2014, Greenwald co-founded The Intercept with filmmaker Laura Poitras and journalist Jeremy Scahill. Funded by eBay co-founder Pierre Omidyar, The Intercept was envisioned as a platform for fearless, independent investigative journalism. There, Greenwald continued to report on national security issues and political controversies. However, in 2020, Greenwald resigned from The Intercept, claiming that editors had attempted to censor an article critical of then-presidential candidate Joe Biden. He cited a lack of editorial independence and launched his own newsletter on Substack, where he now publishes content free from institutional constraints. As of 2025, he has over 324,000 paid and free subscribers, making him one of Substack's most influential voices. Personal life and response to the leak Greenwald's personal and professional lives have long been intertwined. He lived in Brazil with his husband, David Miranda, a leftist Brazilian congressman and LGBTQ rights advocate. The couple adopted two boys in 2018. Miranda died in 2023 due to complications from a gastrointestinal infection, a loss that deeply affected Greenwald. The recent leak of his private videos, Greenwald stated, represents a criminal invasion of privacy aimed at discrediting him for political reasons. 'Obviously it can be uncomfortable and unpleasant when your private behavior is made public against your will,' he wrote on X. 'But the only wrongdoing here is the criminal and malicious publication of the videos.' Despite the intrusion, Greenwald remains defiant and unapologetic — a stance consistent with the fearless, often controversial career he has built over the past two decades.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Glenn Greenwald says he feels ‘no regret' after private video leaked, blames political targeting
Intimate videos of journalist Glenn Greenwald were leaked online Friday, quickly sparking widespread reaction across social media. In a statement posted on X, Greenwald confirmed he appears in the footage and said it was released 'without my knowledge or consent,' calling the leak 'maliciously political. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ' 'As for the content of the videos: I have no embarrassment or regret about them,' the 58-year-old journalist wrote. 'The videos depict consenting adults engaged in intimate actions in their private lives. They all display fully consensual behavior, harming nobody.' He added: 'Obviously it can be uncomfortable and unpleasant when your private behavior is made public against your will — that's why the behavior is private in the first place — but the only wrongdoing here is the criminal and malicious publication of the videos in an attempt to malign perceived political enemies and advance a political agenda.' Greenwald began his career as a litigation attorney before gaining recognition for his writing on national security issues following the 2001 World Trade Center attacks. He rose to international prominence in 2013 with reports for The Guardian based on classified documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden. The coverage earned a Pulitzer Prize in 2014. That same year, he co-founded The Intercept with journalist Jeremy Scahill and filmmaker Laura Poitras. Greenwald resigned from the publication in 2020, citing efforts to suppress his reporting critical of then-presidential candidate Joe Biden. He now writes on Substack, where he has more than 324,000 subscribers. Greenwald's husband, Brazilian congressman David Miranda, died in 2023 at age 37 due to complications from a gastrointestinal infection. The couple adopted two sons from Maceió, Brazil, in 2018.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Glenn Greenwald Sex Tape Leak: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist calls it a 'malicious political' attack
1 2 Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Glenn Greenwald has confirmed and publicly condemned the unauthorized release of intimate videos featuring him, labeling the act as a politically motivated and "criminal" attack. The footage, depicting Greenwald in a private encounter with another man, was briefly uploaded to the video-sharing platform Rumble before being removed. Greenwald confirmed the leak and stated that the clips were shared "without his knowledge or consent." The acclaimed journalist, who is openly gay, asserts that the leak was intended to malign him due to his political stance. In a statement, Greenwald emphasized that there is nothing shameful about the videos, which showcase consensual adult behavior. He criticized those behind the leak for their malicious intent and emphasized that it would not affect his journalistic work. Addressing the scandal, Greenwald wrote on X, 'Last night, videos were released online depicting behavior in my private life. Some were distorted and others were not. They were published without my knowledge or consent and its publication was therefore criminal. Though we do not yet know exactly who is responsible, we are close to knowing, and the motive was a maliciously political one." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo He continued, 'As for the content of the videos: I have no embarrassment or regret about them. The videos depict consenting adults engaged in intimate actions in their private lives. They all display fully consensual behavior, harming nobody. Obviously it can be uncomfortable and unpleasant when your private behavior is made public against your will -- that's why the behavior is private in the first place -- but the only wrongdoing here is the criminal and malicious publication of the videos in an attempt to malign perceived political enemies and advance a political agenda. ' Greenwald continued, 'Others are, of course, free to form their own judgments, as some are prone to do about others' private lives. It won't change my work. I will continue all the many prongs of my journalism, and pursue the causes most important to me, exactly as before.' Despite the controversy, Greenwald remains resolute in continuing his journalism and activism. Who is Glenn Greenwald? Glenn Edward Greenwald is an American journalist, author, and former lawyer. In 1996, Greenwald founded a law firm concentrating on First Amendment litigation. One of his widely known works has been with the American whistleblower Edward Snowden . In June 2013, while at The Guardian, he began publishing a series of reports detailing previously unknown information about American and British global surveillance programs based on classified documents provided by Edward Snowden. His work contributed to The Guardian's 2014 Pulitzer Prize win, and he was among a group of three reporters who won the 2013 George Polk Award. In 2014, he cofounded The Intercept, of which he was an editor until he resigned in October 2020. Since leaving The Guardian and later resigning from The Intercept due to editorial disputes, Greenwald subsequently started publishing his own newsletter. Debate: Will the PM endure the fiercest attack on him ever? -2
