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October 13, 2023 7:59 AM
EDT
•
LOS ANGELES, CA
THE FEMALE QUOTIENT RELEASES AGENDA FOR EQUALITY LOUNGE® @ ADVERTISING WEEK 2023
The Female Quotient (The FQ), a woman-owned business creating experiences, media, and research for women and companies committed to advancing equality, today announced the full lineup for its highly anticipated signature Equality Lounge® @ Advertising Week New York 2023.
The FQ’s programming will include 34 panel conversations featuring 150 speakers across two days of programming. Speakers at this year’s Equality Lounge® @ Advertising Week New York include Sherri Shepherd, Host of The Sherri Show; Haley Sacks, Zillennial Finance Expert and founder of Mrs. Dow Jones and Finance Is Cool; Linda Bethea, Chief Marketing Officer, Danone North America; Carla Hassan, Chief Marketing Officer, JPMorgan Chase; Zach Greenberger, Chief Business Officer, Lyft; and many others. Each panel conversation will focus on critical issues related to advancing workplace equality ranging from the gender-based skills gap in AI and the future of the sheconomy to securing women’s financial futures and supporting women’s health in the workplace.
The FQ’s signature Equality Lounge® will also challenge the bias of AI with an immersive installation celebrating more than 100 notable women as part of The FQ’s new #RAISEHERPROFILE campaign.
“Join us for the transformational conversations leading to intentional action,” said Shelley Zalis, founder and CEO of The Female Quotient. “Stay to drive visibility and connections for women on a global scale. Together, we can unmask the bias of AI and make the invisible visible.”
The FQ’s Equality Lounge® will take place October 16 and 17, 2023 at the PENN District located at 100 W. 33 St., New York, NY. The FQ is intentionally inclusive. The Equality Lounge® was built by women for everyone, and is open to all. To access the full agenda and RSVP for a free pass, click here.
Highlights from this one-of-a-kind experience include the following panel conversation topics:
#RAISEHERPROFILE: Elevating Women to Overcome Biased AI
Why do women only account for 19% of Wikipedia entries? Why does AI portray Advertising’s Most Influential Person of the Year as a white man? Across industries, women are the driving force behind groundbreaking medical discoveries, transformative contributions to film and music, and thriving businesses. So, how can we ensure women are as discoverable by AI as men? Join us as we discuss specific strategies to elevate women’s visibility in all industries, allowing them to shine, own their achievements, and gain global recognition.
AI’s Future is Female: Why a Responsible, AI-Powered World Depends on Women and Girls
Women hold just 26% of data and AI-centered jobs, with a significant gender gap at the executive level. This is an increasingly troubling statistic considering the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, its pervasiveness, and the threat of data bias. The solution lies in hiring, promoting and retaining more women leaders, changing company culture, and especially in elevating women’s stories in order to inspire the next generation of young women and girls to enter the field. Join us as we convene Google’s visionary women leaders who are driving change in the sector.
Fun, Joy, and Laughter with Sherri Shepherd: How to Use Entertainment & Inclusion to Elevate Your Brand
Join Emmy and NAACP award-winning host and comedian Sherri Shepherd in a sit down with BigCommerce’s Tom Bourdon to discuss how she reinvigorated daytime TV while living her dream and leading by example on her hit talk show Sherri. Joined by her Executive Producer Jawn Murray and SVP of Brand Partnerships Karen Bonck, Shepherd and her team will provide insight on bringing their winning feel-good formula to TV every day and how that creates a rich environment for brands to thrive.
Join Emmy and NAACP award-winning host and comedian Sherri Shepherd in a sit down with BigCommerce’s Tom Bourdon to discuss how she reinvigorated daytime TV while living her dream and leading by example on her hit talk show Sherri. Joined by her Executive Producer Jawn Murray and SVP of Brand Partnerships Karen Bonck, Shepherd and her team will provide insight on bringing their winning feel-good formula to TV every day and how that creates a rich environment for brands to thrive.
How Female Creators Are Fueling the Sheconomy
The financial industry has long been male dominated—until now. With the rise of social media, and platforms like Instagram and TikTok democratizing idea sharing, #womeninfinance finally have a share of voice. These creators are making financial advice accessible to all by pulling back the curtain to help women earn—and spend—what they deserve. Join us for a conversation with Haley Sacks, the Zillenial Finance Expert behind @MrsDowJones, to learn how she has built a business by helping millions of women thrive.
The Power of the Woman Consumer: Meet the CMOs Who Are Meeting This Moment
Join us as we look at the power shift in marketing spends and campaign creative due to the impact of Barbie. We’ll discuss what’s on the minds of marketers as they leverage trends including women as economic powerhouses and the power of multigenerational audiences coming together.
Meet The Men Who Are All In on the Sheconomy
Join us as we meet with top Marketing Execs who are proudly Swifty Dads, Barbie’s Kens, Beyoncé’s Boys and World Cup Fans. We’ll discuss the trend of women powering the trillion dollar economy, what it means for men, for marketers and why they personally are fans of the icons leading the Sheconomy.
About The Female Quotient
The Female Quotient (The FQ) is a woman-owned business creating experiences, media and research for conscious leaders and companies committed to advancing women in the workplace. As an engine of equality, The FQ offers visibility and connections for women at a global scale. The FQ’s signature Equality Lounge® has changed the business agenda at tentpole business conferences including CES, Davos, Cannes Lions and more. As the Business of Equality®, The FQ’s mission is to change the equation and close the gender gap. For more information on the Business of Equality®, visit thefemalequotient.com and join the equality conversation on social @femalequotient on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Media Contact
Kirby Allison
kirby@thefq.com
October 12, 2023 12:02 PM
EDT
•
NEW YORK, NY
Brooklyn Community Foundation Is Now Brooklyn Org
Brooklyn Community Foundation today announced that it has adopted a new name, Brooklyn Org, and is launching a new platform at brooklyn.org designed to mobilize the people and resources required to achieve its vision for a fair and just Brooklyn. Brooklyn Org (BKO) reimagines the community foundation model to become a more inclusive and engaging partner for all Brooklynites and backers of social change.
“We are working to evolve local philanthropy to create an organization that is accessible, inviting, and driven by the community, and Brooklyn Org reflects those ambitions,” said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of Brooklyn Org. “Brooklyn Org demystifies the work of our community foundation and conveys our focus on rallying resources for Brooklyn, from Brooklyn, in order to exponentially build the strength and capacity of the nonprofits that serve our communities to make Brooklyn a beacon of possibility.”
Inspired by the organization’s new online home at Brooklyn.org, and designed to target a new generation of emerging Brooklyn givers and a new wave of Brooklyn residents, the Brooklyn Org name signals that it is a gateway for learning about the vast, innovative, and deeply underfunded Brooklyn nonprofit sector. Despite being home to 30% of the City’s population and 30% of the City’s nonprofits, Brooklyn organizations receive just 7.6 percent of charitable funding.
Brooklyn Org was founded in 2009 as Brooklyn Community Foundation, to be the first public foundation dedicated to New York City’s largest borough, leveraging increased development and a growing population to encourage greater investment in the borough’s nonprofit community. Since then, Brooklyn Org has moved $100M+ to nonprofits through strategic grantmaking and donor-advised funds. Brooklyn Org has also built a reputation among community foundations globally for advancing new models for participatory grantmaking and community engagement, and organizing community action for racial justice, COVID-19, and immigrant rights.
Acknowledging that the fundamental challenge it was established to address remains, Brooklyn Org relaunches with a new strategic plan and a call to action for every Brooklynite to join this new and growing movement of champions for Brooklyn—to exponentially increase its ability to address inequity and injustice across the borough. By mobilizing an untapped base of new champions for Brooklyn, Brooklyn Org aims to rapidly expand the funding and resources it provides to the Brooklyn nonprofit community aimed at urgent needs and systemic challenges.
“Brooklyn Community Foundation has grown tremendously over the past 15 years and been an important institution for our borough, but we know that for a community of our size, we should be doing much more—and that starts with getting far more Brooklynites engaged,” said Harsha Marti, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Brooklyn Org. “Our new identity helps people connect instantly with our mission. Brooklyn Org is the place where those who live in and love Brooklyn can come together to support Brooklyn.”
“Freeing ourselves from the old, outdated expectations of philanthropy allows Brooklyn Org to distinguish itself as an organization working with Brooklyn for Brooklyn, centered on helping the borough’s residents to support each other,” said Nicole Gueron, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Brooklyn Org. “Brooklyn Org aims to democratize philanthropy and give every Brooklynite a seat at the table.”
Brooklyn Org’s website at Brooklyn.org is a hub for understanding the challenges communities are facing and pooling resources to support vital local nonprofits. The website tells the stories of nonprofits changemakers working in the borough and offers visitors an opportunity to make an impact by supporting those organizations through Brooklyn Org memberships, merchandise, and more. Brooklyn.org will also offer nonprofits one simplified entry point to apply for funding, and allows nonprofits to apply for funding at any time.
Brooklyn Org also expands opportunities for Brooklynites to create Donor Advised Funds and to consult with the Brooklyn Org team to understand how they can use their tax advantageous funds to support nonprofits across Brooklyn and beyond, while their fund fees directly support Brooklyn Org’s mission.
The Brooklyn Org brand was created pro bono by Brooklyn-based creative agency Mother and design studio Mother Design. Images of how the new Brooklyn Org brand will appear in social media and other settings are available here. Mother is also creating an advertising campaign, based on the call to action, “For the Love of Brooklyn,” to introduce Brooklynites to Brooklyn Org. The campaign, which will debut this fall, will highlight how easy it is to support local philanthropy on brooklyn.org.
"This organization has been influential in empowering social justice initiatives that benefit the local communities. Being based in Brooklyn ourselves, we're honored to have worked with the now Brooklyn.org for the rebrand of its next chapter,” said Danielle Horanieh, Managing Director, Mother Design. “Our designs capture the spirit of Brooklyn and provide the organization with a fresh visual identity that matches their dynamism and all the impactful work they do day in and day out.”
Brooklyn Org will be publicly unveiled this evening at the Brooklyn Changemakers Ball at Weylin in Williamsburg, which aims to raise over $1 million to propel the organization’s expanded grantmaking to Brooklyn nonprofits. Hosted by comedians Ana Gasteyer and Phoebe Robinson, the Ball is both a celebration and a powerful call to action highlighting Brooklyn Org’s mission for Brooklyn. The 2023 Changemakers Ball honorees are Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Gabriel Schwartz and Jolie Curtsinger Schwartz.
“We are working to evolve local philanthropy to create an organization that is accessible, inviting, and driven by the community, and Brooklyn Org reflects those ambitions,” said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of Brooklyn Org. “Brooklyn Org demystifies the work of our community foundation and conveys our focus on rallying resources for Brooklyn, from Brooklyn, in order to exponentially build the strength and capacity of the nonprofits that serve our communities to make Brooklyn a beacon of possibility.”
Inspired by the organization’s new online home at Brooklyn.org, and designed to target a new generation of emerging Brooklyn givers and a new wave of Brooklyn residents, the Brooklyn Org name signals that it is a gateway for learning about the vast, innovative, and deeply underfunded Brooklyn nonprofit sector. Despite being home to 30% of the City’s population and 30% of the City’s nonprofits, Brooklyn organizations receive just 7.6 percent of charitable funding.
Brooklyn Org was founded in 2009 as Brooklyn Community Foundation, to be the first public foundation dedicated to New York City’s largest borough, leveraging increased development and a growing population to encourage greater investment in the borough’s nonprofit community. Since then, Brooklyn Org has moved $100M+ to nonprofits through strategic grantmaking and donor-advised funds. Brooklyn Org has also built a reputation among community foundations globally for advancing new models for participatory grantmaking and community engagement, and organizing community action for racial justice, COVID-19, and immigrant rights.
Acknowledging that the fundamental challenge it was established to address remains, Brooklyn Org relaunches with a new strategic plan and a call to action for every Brooklynite to join this new and growing movement of champions for Brooklyn—to exponentially increase its ability to address inequity and injustice across the borough. By mobilizing an untapped base of new champions for Brooklyn, Brooklyn Org aims to rapidly expand the funding and resources it provides to the Brooklyn nonprofit community aimed at urgent needs and systemic challenges.
“Brooklyn Community Foundation has grown tremendously over the past 15 years and been an important institution for our borough, but we know that for a community of our size, we should be doing much more—and that starts with getting far more Brooklynites engaged,” said Harsha Marti, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Brooklyn Org. “Our new identity helps people connect instantly with our mission. Brooklyn Org is the place where those who live in and love Brooklyn can come together to support Brooklyn.”
“Freeing ourselves from the old, outdated expectations of philanthropy allows Brooklyn Org to distinguish itself as an organization working with Brooklyn for Brooklyn, centered on helping the borough’s residents to support each other,” said Nicole Gueron, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Brooklyn Org. “Brooklyn Org aims to democratize philanthropy and give every Brooklynite a seat at the table.”
Brooklyn Org’s website at Brooklyn.org is a hub for understanding the challenges communities are facing and pooling resources to support vital local nonprofits. The website tells the stories of nonprofits changemakers working in the borough and offers visitors an opportunity to make an impact by supporting those organizations through Brooklyn Org memberships, merchandise, and more. Brooklyn.org will also offer nonprofits one simplified entry point to apply for funding, and allows nonprofits to apply for funding at any time.
Brooklyn Org also expands opportunities for Brooklynites to create Donor Advised Funds and to consult with the Brooklyn Org team to understand how they can use their tax advantageous funds to support nonprofits across Brooklyn and beyond, while their fund fees directly support Brooklyn Org’s mission.
The Brooklyn Org brand was created pro bono by Brooklyn-based creative agency Mother and design studio Mother Design. Images of how the new Brooklyn Org brand will appear in social media and other settings are available here. Mother is also creating an advertising campaign, based on the call to action, “For the Love of Brooklyn,” to introduce Brooklynites to Brooklyn Org. The campaign, which will debut this fall, will highlight how easy it is to support local philanthropy on brooklyn.org.
"This organization has been influential in empowering social justice initiatives that benefit the local communities. Being based in Brooklyn ourselves, we're honored to have worked with the now Brooklyn.org for the rebrand of its next chapter,” said Danielle Horanieh, Managing Director, Mother Design. “Our designs capture the spirit of Brooklyn and provide the organization with a fresh visual identity that matches their dynamism and all the impactful work they do day in and day out.”
Brooklyn Org will be publicly unveiled this evening at the Brooklyn Changemakers Ball at Weylin in Williamsburg, which aims to raise over $1 million to propel the organization’s expanded grantmaking to Brooklyn nonprofits. Hosted by comedians Ana Gasteyer and Phoebe Robinson, the Ball is both a celebration and a powerful call to action highlighting Brooklyn Org’s mission for Brooklyn. The 2023 Changemakers Ball honorees are Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Gabriel Schwartz and Jolie Curtsinger Schwartz.
About Brooklyn Org
Brooklyn Org is a champion for Brooklyn. We celebrate Brooklyn’s brilliance and resilience, its incomparable culture and uncompromising grit—and we demand more for our communities. We are a new model for community philanthropy. Building on the “big idea” born 15 years ago as Brooklyn Community Foundation, we are bringing together Brooklynites, Brooklyn backers, businesses, and broader believers in equity and justice to make Brooklyn a beacon for the world. We are a platform for galvanizing giving. We are here to ensure that ideas are met with resources, challenges are met with solutions, and inequality is met with justice. Learn more at brooklyn.org.
Brooklyn Org is a champion for Brooklyn. We celebrate Brooklyn’s brilliance and resilience, its incomparable culture and uncompromising grit—and we demand more for our communities. We are a new model for community philanthropy. Building on the “big idea” born 15 years ago as Brooklyn Community Foundation, we are bringing together Brooklynites, Brooklyn backers, businesses, and broader believers in equity and justice to make Brooklyn a beacon for the world. We are a platform for galvanizing giving. We are here to ensure that ideas are met with resources, challenges are met with solutions, and inequality is met with justice. Learn more at brooklyn.org.
Media Contact
Linnea Mumma
linnea@anatgerstein.com
October 12, 2023 11:34 AM
EDT
•
CHARLESTON, SC
Ibu Movement Presents Colombiana! Intimate Dinners Celebrating Indigenous Traditions of Colombia’s First Nations
The Ibu Movement, a pioneering force in poverty disruption and cultural preservation, is delighted to announce its upcoming event, "Colombiana!." This distinctive fundraising experience will celebrate the rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and cuisine of Colombia. Set to take place on November 15, 2023, this event will unfold across 10 different homes in Charleston’s historic South of Broad neighborhood, promising an unforgettable evening for all attendees.
“Colombiana!” will immerse guests in the rich and diverse tapestry of Colombian traditions, offering a unique opportunity to explore the country's heritage and culinary excellence. Artisans and luminaries from Colombia will come to Charleston to share their rich history, traditions, and craft over intimate dinners. This event exemplifies Ibu Movement's ongoing mission to foster understanding and appreciation of cultures from around the world.
Guests will enjoy authentic Colombian meals with the menu personalized by Mariana Velasquez, an award-winning food stylist and author of the celebrated cookbook, “Colombiana: A Rediscovery of Recipes and Rituals from the Soul of Colombia.” The evening will culminate with a stroll to a Lamboll Street residence for a grand finale of desserts prepared by FIG, dramatically styled by Mariana.
Following dessert, attendees will be invited to shop treasures crafted by Ibu artisans at a Colombian pop-up boutique curated by Ibu Movement’s partners at El Dorado Edit. The entire evening is a tribute to culture and craft, and the ancient wisdom these indigenous artisans possess.
“I have met these luminaries in the artisanal world of Colombia, crafting not only beauty but change. It is an honor to listen to the remarkable stories of the First Nations indigenous artisans the week before we celebrate our own Thanksgiving, and to learn how their culture and craft carry ancient wisdom, how their food carries rich history, how their hearts carry such light,” shares Susan Hull Walker, Founder and CEO of the Ibu Movement.
Tickets for "Colombiana!" are available for purchase on the Ibu Movement website at Ibumovement.org. This event promises to be a memorable experience and an indelible celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and the timeless wisdom of indigenous artisans.
About Ibu Movement
The word Ibu means “a woman of respect” in the Malay language of Indonesia. Ibu is a global movement of women rising into self-sufficiency through the art of their hands and hearts. A 501(c)(3), offering a marketplace for the made goods of our global artisan partners in over 50 countries, and grants for operational growth. Ibu organizes events and global travel to connect allies with artisans around the world. For more information, visit ibumovement.org.
Media Contact
Brianna Martinelli, Account Executive
Wawner Strategies
Media Contact
Lasley Steever
lasley@ibumovement.org
October 11, 2023 9:40 AM
EDT
•
NEW YORK, NY
EZ Newswire Inks Industry’s First Exclusive Substack Distribution Deal with Big Technology Partnership
EZ Newswire, a platform that makes it easy and affordable for businesses of all sizes to create and publish their news, announced today an exclusive partnership with Big Technology, the leading online publication about big tech and society with more than 142,000 subscribers and read by thousands of Silicon Valley decision makers. Available only on EZ Newswire, businesses will now be able to publish their news and announcements on Big Technology and tap into its prestigious and growing audience.
An innovator in the newswire industry, EZ Newswire is an AI-powered platform and integrated publisher network that enables businesses to easily and affordably create and publish press releases to media outlets, including the Associated Press and now Big Technology. Since its beta launch in May, EZ Newswire’s offering has attracted a wide range of customers, including Priceline, College of Charleston, and hundreds of small businesses in over 800 cities and towns across the country. In August, EZ Newswire added The Post and Courier, a Pulitzer Prize winner and South Carolina’s paper of record, to its exclusive publisher network, with Big Technology and a slate of other leading media outlets to follow over the next few months.
Founded in 2020 by Alex Kantrowitz, author and one of the world’s most prolific and influential tech reporters, Big Technology is the leading independent media company covering the tech business and its impact on society. Known for its compelling interviews with industry veterans like Brian Chesky of Airbnb and insightful discussions on AI development with experts from DeepMind, Snowflake, and Conviction, Big Technology has a strong reputation for presenting important narratives that shape the landscape of the tech industry. Recently, its podcast charted as the No. 1 tech news show in the U.S. on Apple Podcasts, ahead of The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and The Economist.
An innovator in the newswire industry, EZ Newswire is an AI-powered platform and integrated publisher network that enables businesses to easily and affordably create and publish press releases to media outlets, including the Associated Press and now Big Technology. Since its beta launch in May, EZ Newswire’s offering has attracted a wide range of customers, including Priceline, College of Charleston, and hundreds of small businesses in over 800 cities and towns across the country. In August, EZ Newswire added The Post and Courier, a Pulitzer Prize winner and South Carolina’s paper of record, to its exclusive publisher network, with Big Technology and a slate of other leading media outlets to follow over the next few months.
Founded in 2020 by Alex Kantrowitz, author and one of the world’s most prolific and influential tech reporters, Big Technology is the leading independent media company covering the tech business and its impact on society. Known for its compelling interviews with industry veterans like Brian Chesky of Airbnb and insightful discussions on AI development with experts from DeepMind, Snowflake, and Conviction, Big Technology has a strong reputation for presenting important narratives that shape the landscape of the tech industry. Recently, its podcast charted as the No. 1 tech news show in the U.S. on Apple Podcasts, ahead of The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and The Economist.
The inclusion of Big Technology in EZ Newswire's exclusive network enables users to gain significant exposure in the technology sector and amplify the voices and stories that are shaping the future of technology—from seed-stage startups to publicly traded tech giants and everything in between.
"Joining the EZ Newswire publisher network is a fantastic opportunity for Big Technology and our subscribers. This partnership will help us broaden our content and enrich our industry discussions,” said Kantrowitz. Added Caitlin Kelly, founder of EZ Newswire, “Having known and worked with Alex for nearly a decade, I’m excited to partner with him and for EZ Newswire to be the first newswire to offer distribution to the publications that will define the future of media.”
About EZ Newswire
EZ Newswire is a platform that makes it easy and affordable for businesses of all sizes to create and publish their news. Our technology produces professional announcements in minutes with no writing or public relations experience required, while our publisher network guarantees placement to ensure the news reaches the right audience. From Main Street to Wall Street, find out why thousands of organizations trust us to power their headlines at www.eznewswire.com.
About Big Technology
Big Technology is an independent media company founded by Alex Kantrowitz in 2020. Since its debut in 2020, Big Technology’s audience has steadily grown and today exceeds 142,000 tech decision-makers. For more information on Big Technology and to stay up to date with its latest episodes and articles, please subscribe at www.bigtechnology.com.
EZ Newswire is a platform that makes it easy and affordable for businesses of all sizes to create and publish their news. Our technology produces professional announcements in minutes with no writing or public relations experience required, while our publisher network guarantees placement to ensure the news reaches the right audience. From Main Street to Wall Street, find out why thousands of organizations trust us to power their headlines at www.eznewswire.com.
About Big Technology
Big Technology is an independent media company founded by Alex Kantrowitz in 2020. Since its debut in 2020, Big Technology’s audience has steadily grown and today exceeds 142,000 tech decision-makers. For more information on Big Technology and to stay up to date with its latest episodes and articles, please subscribe at www.bigtechnology.com.
Media Contact
Caitlin Kelly
ck@eznewswire.com
October 10, 2023 12:49 PM
EDT
•
CHARLESTON, SC
Ibu Movement Founder Susan Hull Walker Presents About Importance of Local Action for Global Change at Women for Women Summit at College of Charleston
Ibu Movement, a company dedicated to expanding markets for global women artisans and building their capacity for success, is pleased to share that founder Susan Hull Walker was a panelist at the Women for Women Summit hosted by the College of Charleston Business School in Charleston, SC on October 5 at 10:30 a.m.
The panel discussion titled "Think Globally, Act Locally" emphasized the need for individuals to consider the health of the entire planet and take action in their own communities. By focusing on the local environment and engaging in small acts, individuals can contribute to the much-needed changes. The speakers highlighted how their work not only has a local impact but also addresses broader global issues. Speakers included LaVanda Brown, Executive Director, YWCA of Greater Charleston; Reshma Khan, M.D., Founder, Shifa Clinic; and Jennet Robinson Alterman, Non-Profit Consultant and Women’s Rights Advocate.
Susan Hull Walker's participation in the Women for Women Summit was significant as she shed light on the mission of Ibu Movement. With a mission of elevating women artisans worldwide, Ibu Movement disrupts poverty and fosters change through the artistry of these talented individuals. The company is expanding into new markets for global women artisans and provide them with the necessary support, such as workspace and training, to enhance their success.
Looking ahead, Ibu Movement is committed to doubling its impact on women artisans over the next ten years. The company will continue to expand markets for these talented individuals and provide them with the necessary resources and training to enhance their skills and success. Through these efforts, Ibu Movement aims to create lasting change and improve the lives of women artisans globally.
For more information about Ibu Movement and its mission to elevate women artisans, please visit https://ibumovement.org/.
The panel discussion titled "Think Globally, Act Locally" emphasized the need for individuals to consider the health of the entire planet and take action in their own communities. By focusing on the local environment and engaging in small acts, individuals can contribute to the much-needed changes. The speakers highlighted how their work not only has a local impact but also addresses broader global issues. Speakers included LaVanda Brown, Executive Director, YWCA of Greater Charleston; Reshma Khan, M.D., Founder, Shifa Clinic; and Jennet Robinson Alterman, Non-Profit Consultant and Women’s Rights Advocate.
Susan Hull Walker's participation in the Women for Women Summit was significant as she shed light on the mission of Ibu Movement. With a mission of elevating women artisans worldwide, Ibu Movement disrupts poverty and fosters change through the artistry of these talented individuals. The company is expanding into new markets for global women artisans and provide them with the necessary support, such as workspace and training, to enhance their success.
Looking ahead, Ibu Movement is committed to doubling its impact on women artisans over the next ten years. The company will continue to expand markets for these talented individuals and provide them with the necessary resources and training to enhance their skills and success. Through these efforts, Ibu Movement aims to create lasting change and improve the lives of women artisans globally.
For more information about Ibu Movement and its mission to elevate women artisans, please visit https://ibumovement.org/.
Media Contact
Lasley Steever
lasley@ibumovement.org
October 10, 2023 12:46 PM
EDT
•
NEW YORK, NY
KraveBeauty Aims to #PressReset on Harsh Acne Treatments with the Launch of Oil La La
KraveBeauty, the direct-to-consumer skincare brand, announces the launch of Oil La La, a watery oil serum that aims to #pressreset on conventional harsh, drying, and oil-free acne treatments. With a blend of linoleic acid-rich oils, skin-soothing peptides, and cica ingredients, Oil La La helps prevent breakouts by balancing the skin’s lipid profile to support a healthy sebum composition.
#PressReset on the oil-free myth. Oily Skin needs oil, too.
Oil La La challenges the conventional wisdom that oily skin needs to be stripped of oil. In fact, it needs more linoleic acid-rich oils to balance out the skin’s natural oils. Oily, acne-prone skin’s sebum is naturally deficient in free fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. This imbalance in lipid composition causes the natural sebum to be waxy, gloopy, and comedogenic, leading to breakouts.
The Science Behind the Serum
KraveBeauty Oil La La contains a blend of non-comedogenic, nourishing omega fatty oils high in linoleic acid, including 100% traceable rosehip oil upcycled from the jam industry, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil. These ingredients help transform the sebum into light, protective fluid, reducing clogged pores and improving the skin's appearance. It also features the Cicatide™ Complex, a blend of five skin-soothing peptides and madecassoside for anti-inflammation and redness reduction. Additionally, Shiunko Oil increases moisture hydration and improves the skin barrier function.
Oil La La is now available at www.kravebeauty.com and retails for $28. This product is PETA-certified vegan & cruelty-free and free of fragrance, essential oil, colorant and dye.
About KraveBeauty
KraveBeauty was founded by beauty influencer, Liah Yoo, to #PressReset on the way we think about skincare. KraveBeauty's mission is to humanize the beauty industry for the people and the planet to create a more sustainable and equitable world. KraveBeauty seeks to inspire the industry to press reset on every harmful industry norm and prioritize stakeholder capitalism over shareholder capitalism through its #SlowDownSkincare campaign and its venture studio, PressResetVentures.
Media Contact
Andy Chiu
andy@kravebeauty.com
October 5, 2023 1:01 PM
EDT
•
PORTLAND, OR
Bold Reuse, Portland Trail Blazers, and Levy Launch Rip City Reuse, the First Largescale Reusable Cup Program Within U.S. Professional Sports
In celebration of Green Sports Day, Bold Reuse, a global leader in reusable packaging systems, in collaboration with the Portland Trail Blazers and Moda Center’s hospitality partner, Levy, are proud to announce the launch of a first-of-its-kind full-venue reusable packaging initiative within U.S. professional sports. Starting on October 27th, 2023, Rip City Reuse is poised to significantly advance progress toward phasing out single-use packaging in sports and entertainment venues.
Over the 2022–2023 season, Moda Center took its first steps toward phasing out single-use packaging by converting single-use boats into reusable trays on the club level. This pilot program achieved remarkable success, boasting an 88% average return rate by the end of the season. This achievement was due to successful fan engagement in partnership with Moda Center’s environmental services team. Moreover, 95% of the fans who participated in the pilot expressed their desire to see the initiative expanded to encompass additional products and levels within the arena. This resounding support from the Portland community fueled the decision to introduce reusable cups for alcoholic beverages on an arena-wide scale.
The Portland Trail Blazers, a long-time leader in sports sustainability, is leading the charge again by making reusable cups the default option for every event and game held within the arena, at no additional cost to guests. Implementing the Bold Reuse system provides a world-class fan experience while reducing carbon emissions, water consumption, and energy usage. Furthermore, it exemplifies the Blazers’ unwavering commitment to improving the local Portland community, generating more environmentally friendly jobs, and significantly reducing landfill waste.
“We're proud to lead the zero waste movement in professional sports," said Brittany Saulsbury, Sustainability Operations Manager for the Portland Trail Blazers. "Our partnership with Bold Reuse shows our ongoing dedication to offering world-class fan experiences while being at the forefront of sustainability within the industry. Rip City Reuse also highlights sports' potential to drive sustainability education and global climate impact.”
The Portland Trail Blazers, a long-time leader in sports sustainability, is leading the charge again by making reusable cups the default option for every event and game held within the arena, at no additional cost to guests. Implementing the Bold Reuse system provides a world-class fan experience while reducing carbon emissions, water consumption, and energy usage. Furthermore, it exemplifies the Blazers’ unwavering commitment to improving the local Portland community, generating more environmentally friendly jobs, and significantly reducing landfill waste.
“We're proud to lead the zero waste movement in professional sports," said Brittany Saulsbury, Sustainability Operations Manager for the Portland Trail Blazers. "Our partnership with Bold Reuse shows our ongoing dedication to offering world-class fan experiences while being at the forefront of sustainability within the industry. Rip City Reuse also highlights sports' potential to drive sustainability education and global climate impact.”
Rip City Reuse is spearheading a movement that is already inspiring other venues and teams across the nation. Before, many leaders in the industry didn’t believe reuse at scale was possible, this program now proves that it is possible. Implementing the Bold Reuse system enables packaging to become a revenue generator, sets a new standard for fan experience, and dramatically changes the norms around waste creation.
"The Trail Blazers’ decision to adopt reusables arena-wide sets an extraordinary standard for venues and businesses nationwide," said Jocelyn Quarrell, CEO of Bold Reuse. "We are honored to partner with the Portland Trail Blazers and Levy to implement this transformative program. The success of Rip City Reuse is a win for our local Portland community and the world. The most exciting part is we’re just getting started."
Rip City Reuse officially kicks off arena-wide at Moda Center on October 27th.
About Bold Reuse
Bold Reuse transforms how businesses support their customers' reusable packaging business operations to reduce their waste footprint while expanding brand awareness and customer loyalty. Oregon Convention Center, Starbucks, Imperfect Foods, and the Portland Trail Blazers have partnered with Bold Reuse to help implement and scale reuse systems into their organizations. Bold Reuse has helped customers avert over 3 million pounds of waste from the landfill. For more information, visit https://www.boldreuse.com.
Bold Reuse transforms how businesses support their customers' reusable packaging business operations to reduce their waste footprint while expanding brand awareness and customer loyalty. Oregon Convention Center, Starbucks, Imperfect Foods, and the Portland Trail Blazers have partnered with Bold Reuse to help implement and scale reuse systems into their organizations. Bold Reuse has helped customers avert over 3 million pounds of waste from the landfill. For more information, visit https://www.boldreuse.com.
About the Portland Trail Blazers
Members of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Portland Trail Blazers were founded in 1970 and purchased by the late Paul G. Allen in 1988. The team’s rich heritage includes 37 playoff appearances, three trips to the NBA Finals, an NBA championship in 1977, and a commitment to community service and sustainability. The Trail Blazers are dedicated to positively impacting underserved kids and their families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington where they live, learn and play. Portland is the first and only professional sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate and community service. The Trail Blazers' home arena, Moda Center, is the first existing arena to earn LEED Platinum Certification in 2019 after receiving LEED Gold Recertification in 2015 and becoming the first existing professional sports venue in the world to receive LEED Gold status in 2010. The team is also one of the founding members of the Green Sports Alliance. For more information, visit trailblazers.com.
Members of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Portland Trail Blazers were founded in 1970 and purchased by the late Paul G. Allen in 1988. The team’s rich heritage includes 37 playoff appearances, three trips to the NBA Finals, an NBA championship in 1977, and a commitment to community service and sustainability. The Trail Blazers are dedicated to positively impacting underserved kids and their families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington where they live, learn and play. Portland is the first and only professional sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate and community service. The Trail Blazers' home arena, Moda Center, is the first existing arena to earn LEED Platinum Certification in 2019 after receiving LEED Gold Recertification in 2015 and becoming the first existing professional sports venue in the world to receive LEED Gold status in 2010. The team is also one of the founding members of the Green Sports Alliance. For more information, visit trailblazers.com.
About Levy Restaurants
The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Twice named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and one of the top three Best Employers for Diversity in America by Forbes, Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters and music festivals, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games.
The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Twice named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and one of the top three Best Employers for Diversity in America by Forbes, Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters and music festivals, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games.
Media Contact
Mya Manibusan
mya@boldreuse.com
October 5, 2023 11:54 AM
EDT
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LOS ANGELES, CA
Groundbreaking Study Reveals Gales® as the Premier Footwear for Infection Control in Healthcare Settings, According to Study by Hospital Epidemiologist Victor R. Lange
On any given day, about 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one hospital-associated infection, according to the Center for Disease Control and Infection (CDC). Clothing, especially worn by healthcare professionals, is susceptible to a high level of contamination in a hospital setting. Yet shoes––which nearly 40% in a community setting contain traces of Clostridium difficile (C. diff)––are often overlooked as a contributor.
A new study conducted by Hospital Epidemiologist Victor R. Lange, found indisputable evidence of Gales® shoes being the only footwear proven effective against contamination in a healthcare setting. This groundbreaking research, published in a report available on Nurse.org, highlights Gales® as the only footwear that adequately removes contaminants from the shoe surface while preventing strike-through of harmful bacteria and disease.
Key study findings include:
- Gales® Tops in Germ Removal & Prevention: The study analyzed eight footwear brands to determine their resistance against contamination. A staggering 7 out of these 8 shoes could neither effectively combat the strike-through of disease nor efficiently clear germs from their surfaces. Emerging as the singular standout, Gales® shoes showcased unparalleled efficiency in both protective and germ removal capacities. The brand's proprietary technology, distinctive design, and superior materials contributed to the highest scores in cleanliness and contamination reduction, both externally and internally.
- Unbeatable Protection from Strike-Through: Beyond mere surface cleanliness, Gales® demonstrated unmatched capability in preventing contaminants from migrating from inside the shoe to the wearer’s sock. This feature is paramount, ensuring healthcare professionals are shielded from possible pathogens, thereby minimizing the risk of inadvertently transporting these pathogens outside the workplace.
- Footwear: A Game Changer in Infection Control: Dr. Lange’s insightful research draws attention to the instrumental role footwear plays in infection control. The healthcare setting, prone to heightened risks of pathogen transmission, demands intensified scrutiny. The findings emphasize that even with rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols in place, footwear remains a vulnerable point for pathogenic organisms to linger. This study serves as an urgent call for reconsidering footwear hygiene protocols in healthcare.
For those invested in safeguarding the health of our healthcare workers and ensuring the highest standards of infection control, Gales® shoes have established themselves as the unequivocal choice.
About Gales®
Gales® Founder and CEO, Rob Gregg, used his ten-plus years in footwear design and enlisted feedback from over 1,500 healthcare workers to create a lightweight, comfortable, and protective shoe at an affordable price point. For more information, visit https://www.weargales.com
Media Contact
Raquel Perez
raquel.perez@weargales.com
October 5, 2023 6:40 AM
EDT
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CHARLESTON, SC
PunchLineDrop: Live Comedy and Music at White Gallery in Mount Pleasant on October 13th
PunchLineDrop, an exciting comedy event featuring live music, is taking place on Friday, October 13th from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at White Gallery, located at 709 Coleman Blvd in Mount Pleasant, SC. This event will showcase comedians "Rollin" Jay Moore and Dave "Ugly" Evans with special guest MC Dede Bishop Kennedy. The audience will also be treated to live acoustic music by Chris Roberts.
"Rollin" Jay Moore started his career over 25 years ago at the Comedy Zone in Charleston, learning to perfectly execute his stand-up routine. As a result, he is now headlining major clubs and colleges across the country and has become a cruise-ship favorite.
"Rollin" Jay Moore started his career over 25 years ago at the Comedy Zone in Charleston, learning to perfectly execute his stand-up routine. As a result, he is now headlining major clubs and colleges across the country and has become a cruise-ship favorite.
Also on the bill is another comedy veteran, Dave "Ugly" Evans. Dave has worked clubs, colleges, and has spent years as a host of his own internet radio show "The Dave Ugly Show."
PunchLineDrop is presented by White Gallery, Soul Shine Studios, Fatty's Beer Works, Mail & More, EZ Newswire, and ARW&CO.
For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/punchlinedrop-live-comedy-at-white-gallery-mount-pleasant-101323-tickets-723731720057.
Media Contact
Austin Walker
austin@arwandco.com
October 4, 2023 4:32 PM
EDT
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WASHINGTON, DC
Model B Bolsters Leadership Team
Model B has announced two new hires to strengthen its leadership team and provide outsized impact for clients.
Jeremy Hoders has been appointed Executive Director at Model B. With over 15 years of experience in business, creative strategy, and brand building, Hoders excels at solving complex business challenges that drive growth. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading client growth initiatives using marketing methodologies to deliver optimal impact and ROI. Before joining Model B, Hoders was the Group Account Director at DNA, working with well-known brands such as Swerve Sweetener, Pabst Beer, Catalina Marketing, Tableau, and Amazon. Working coast to coast, he has also partnered with brands such as Microsoft, Under Armour, Peloton, Totino's Pizza Rolls, Toaster Strudel, and Old El Paso. Hoders is excited to unlock growth opportunities for clients and the agency, and he looks forward to pushing boundaries and positively impacting clients' businesses.
"We’re super excited to have Jeremy joining the team. His understanding of how businesses operate and marketing acumen will be invaluable in helping the agency grow and provide exceptional impact for our clients," said Chris Perkins, President of Model B.
In addition, Model B has hired Dan Kuhlman as its new Media Director. With ten years of experience in the advertising space, Kuhlman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position. Joining Model B from Merkle, Kulhman has primarily worked in larger advertising agencies, with some publisher-side experience in programmatic and streaming audio channels.
Throughout his career, Kuhlman has worked with some of the world’s leading brands in the retail, financial services, healthcare, auto, and CPG verticals. His focus has been on integrated and performance marketing, with a focus on efficacy, agility, and tactical insights.
"Dan’s experience and expertise will be invaluable to our clients and agency. We look forward to seeing the great work he will produce in his new role," said Perkins.
Jeremy Hoders has been appointed Executive Director at Model B. With over 15 years of experience in business, creative strategy, and brand building, Hoders excels at solving complex business challenges that drive growth. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading client growth initiatives using marketing methodologies to deliver optimal impact and ROI. Before joining Model B, Hoders was the Group Account Director at DNA, working with well-known brands such as Swerve Sweetener, Pabst Beer, Catalina Marketing, Tableau, and Amazon. Working coast to coast, he has also partnered with brands such as Microsoft, Under Armour, Peloton, Totino's Pizza Rolls, Toaster Strudel, and Old El Paso. Hoders is excited to unlock growth opportunities for clients and the agency, and he looks forward to pushing boundaries and positively impacting clients' businesses.
"We’re super excited to have Jeremy joining the team. His understanding of how businesses operate and marketing acumen will be invaluable in helping the agency grow and provide exceptional impact for our clients," said Chris Perkins, President of Model B.
In addition, Model B has hired Dan Kuhlman as its new Media Director. With ten years of experience in the advertising space, Kuhlman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position. Joining Model B from Merkle, Kulhman has primarily worked in larger advertising agencies, with some publisher-side experience in programmatic and streaming audio channels.
Throughout his career, Kuhlman has worked with some of the world’s leading brands in the retail, financial services, healthcare, auto, and CPG verticals. His focus has been on integrated and performance marketing, with a focus on efficacy, agility, and tactical insights.
"Dan’s experience and expertise will be invaluable to our clients and agency. We look forward to seeing the great work he will produce in his new role," said Perkins.
Kuhlman is a transplant in Pittsburgh by way of Chicago. During Covid, he married and is now the proud father of a beautiful daughter, Millie (Amelia). Kuhlman loves to hike, travel, ski, sample local breweries, and watch soccer in his free time. He is also an open book and encourages anyone to start a conversation with him.
Hoders and Kuhlman have already proven their ability to provide smart new ways to help clients grow.
Hoders and Kuhlman have already proven their ability to provide smart new ways to help clients grow.
About Model B
Model B is a growth marketing agency that leverages modern marketing methodologies and the SaaS media platform Blueprint.tech to deliver data-informed, intelligent, sustainable business and brand impact. Working hand in hand with client teams, the agency Core Team defines the optimal pathway for marketing success and executes through a mixture of internal talent and external teams sourced from their global Partner Collective, assuring clients access to world-class resources at scale.
Model B is a growth marketing agency that leverages modern marketing methodologies and the SaaS media platform Blueprint.tech to deliver data-informed, intelligent, sustainable business and brand impact. Working hand in hand with client teams, the agency Core Team defines the optimal pathway for marketing success and executes through a mixture of internal talent and external teams sourced from their global Partner Collective, assuring clients access to world-class resources at scale.
Media Contact
Chris Perkins
chris.perkins@modelb.com
October 3, 2023 1:28 PM
EDT
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CHARLESTON, SC
Charleston Literary Festival Announces Partnership with The Guardian and the International African American Museum to Explore the Enduring Legacy of Transatlantic Slavery
Charleston Literary Festival announces an international partnership with renowned global news organization, The Guardian, to produce two sessions that will take place at the newly opened International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina, on November 12th—the tenth and final day of the 2023 Festival.
The first session, slated for 2 p.m. in the African Ancestors Memorial Garden outdoor exhibition space at IAAM, will feature former Guardian journalist Gary Younge, currently Professor of Sociology at the University of Manchester, in conversation with journalist Kerri Forrest, now Senior Program Director For Equity Centered Leadership and Philanthropy for MDC, a legacy nonprofit committed to equitable systems of change in the South, about his latest book "Dispatches from the Diaspora". Reflecting on three decades of his career as a journalist, the book “is a powerful collection of his writings on race, racism, and Black life and death” (The Guardian). It covers some of the most defining moments in recent history, including Nelson Mandela's election campaign in South Africa, Obama’s victory, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement.
“We are excited to partner with Charleston Literary Festival and The Guardian to create space for ambitious reading lists and conversations. Media is storytelling, and we live in an era grappling with the truly challenging stories of slavery and reconciliation. We hope the museum’s mission to champion the authentic, empathetic telling of untold stories of African American history will be a powerful spark to personal and community reflections on this year’s festival themes,” said Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, President and CEO of IAAM.
The second session at 4 p.m. will feature a panel of journalists involved in The Guardian’s major journalism series, "Cotton Capital", which explores the links that the newspaper’s founding editor and financial backers had with the transatlantic slave trade. Chaired by Dr. Bernard Powers, IAAM Board Member and Director of the College of Charleston's Center for the Study of Slavery (CSSC), this panel will explore the findings from an independent academic report commissioned by The Guardian, that found that the newspaper’s founder John Edward Taylor had links to transatlantic slavery through partnerships in Manchester’s cotton manufacturing and merchant firms that imported raw cotton produced by enslaved people in the Americas. Alongside Gary Younge, the panel will include Maya Wolfe-Robinson, editor of "Cotton Capital", and Lauren N. Williams, Deputy Editor for Race and Equity at Guardian US. The conversation will cover the legacy and continued impact of transatlantic slavery and ways to make reparations.
“One of the proposals laid out in the long-term programme of restorative justice is to help improve public understanding of transatlantic slavery’s ongoing impact, and debates around reparations and restorative justice through partnerships and programmes. As editor of The Guardian’s 'Cotton Capital' journalism series, we are committed to exploring how the connections between transatlantic slavery and The Guardian’s founders shaped Manchester, Britain, and the world, so we are proud to be partnering with Charleston Literary Festival to share some of these important, global conversations with communities in South Carolina,” said Maya Wolfe-Robinson, Guardian journalist and editor of "Cotton Capital".
The International African American Museum is located on the historically sacred grounds of Gadsen’s Wharf—one of North America’s most significant entry points in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as the arrival point for an estimated 40% of the enslaved Africans brought to the United States. Newly opened in Charleston on June 27, 2023, IAAM tells the untold stories of how Africans and African Americans—through their labor, resistance, and ingenuity—have shaped every aspect of our world.
"We are extremely proud of this partnership with The Guardian and IAAM, as it roots the global in the local. These sessions vividly spotlight the far-reaching effects and legacy of transatlantic slavery and provide an opportunity to highlight opportunities for us to move forward collectively,” added Sarah Moriarty, Executive Director, Charleston Literary Festival.
Tickets for these two sessions and other featured sessions at Charleston Literary Festival, running from November 3rd to 12th, can be purchased now through the Charleston Literary Festival's website, charlestonliteraryfestival.com.
- Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023
- Program: https://www.charlestonliteraryfestival.com/program-2023
- Location: International African American Museum, 14 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401
Tickets:
- Gary Younge with Kerri Forrest: https://charleston.boldtypetickets.com/events/143389629/gary-younge-with-kerri-forrest-dispatches-from-the-diaspora
- Maya Wolfe-Robinson, Lauren N. Williams, and Gary Younge: https://charleston.boldtypetickets.com/events/143389742/maya-wolfe-robinson-lauren-williams-and-gary-younge-cotton-capital-the-legacies-of-the-transatlantic-slave-trade
About Guardian Media Group
Guardian Media Group (GMG) is the publisher of theguardian.com, one of the largest English-speaking news websites in the world. Since launching its U.S. and Australian digital editions in 2011 and 2013, respectively, traffic from outside the UK now represents around two-thirds of the Guardian’s total digital audience.
Guardian Media Group (GMG) is the publisher of theguardian.com, one of the largest English-speaking news websites in the world. Since launching its U.S. and Australian digital editions in 2011 and 2013, respectively, traffic from outside the UK now represents around two-thirds of the Guardian’s total digital audience.
Guardian US is renowned for its Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation into widespread secret surveillance by the National Security Agency and for other award-winning work, including The Paradise Papers. Guardian US has bureaus in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, covering the climate crisis, politics, race and immigration, gender, and more.
About the International African American Museum
The International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, on the nation, and on the world, shining light and sharing stories of the diverse journeys, origins, and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. Across 11 galleries and a memorial garden with art, objects, artifacts, and multi-media interaction, IAAM is a champion of authentic, empathetic storytelling of American history. As a result, the museum will stand as one of the nation’s newest platforms for the disruption of institutionalized racism as it evolves today. The mission of IAAM is to honor the untold stories of the African American journey at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf and beyond. For more information, please visit iaamuseum.org or call (843) 872-5352.
About Charleston Literary Festival
Charleston Literary Festival is a boutique literary festival that runs every November for ten days in Charleston, South Carolina. With roots in the Charleston House in the UK—home of the radical writers, artists, and thinkers of the Bloomsbury Group—Charleston Literary Festival is committed to maintaining an international perspective while championing literary excellence, building community, and fostering the next generation of writers and thinkers in South Carolina. An independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, previous attendees of the Festival include Brit Bennett, Geraldine Brooks, Tina Brown, Hernan Diaz, Eddie Glaude, Yaa Gyasi, Patrick Radden Keefe, Ian McEwan, Joyce Carol Oates, Imani Perry, George Saunders, Colm Tóibín, and Jeannette Winterson. For more information, visit charlestonliteraryfestival.com.
Media Contact
Sterling Eason, Eason Creative Studio
Email: sterling@easoncreative.com
Phone: 843-300-8879
Media Contact
Sterling Eason
sterling@easoncreative.com
October 3, 2023 9:17 AM
EDT
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI
U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell Joins National Fire Service and Burn Care Leaders to Address the Country's Fire Problem
On October 5, 2023, U.S. Fire Administrator, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, will address the fire problem facing the country during the Phoenix World Burn Congress at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Media is invited to attend.
- What: "The Burn Survivors Role in One Voice: Uniting for a Safer Tomorrow" at the Phoenix World Burn Congress
- Who: Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator
- When: October 5, 2023, 1:00 pm EST
- Where: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: 201 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD 20745 (Room Baltimore 1-2)
Last year, the U.S. Fire Administrator hosted the first Fire Prevention and Control Summit since the Conference on Fire Prevention and Control hosted by President Truman in 1947. The October 2022 summit included a roundtable discussion where national fire service leaders made five recommendations to national leaders from the Biden Administration. These recommendations now outline the national strategy to address the fire problem facing the nation. The summit kicked off a series of “Fire Stop One Voice” outreach events that unite the fire service to speak with one voice.
Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is the leading connector for those affected by a burn injury, the primary resource for quality information and education, and the trusted authority for all in the burn community. Phoenix World Burn Congress is a bi-annual international conference that provides in-person and virtual education, support programs, and comprehensive resources for the burn community.
Phoenix Society and its curated speaker lineup will leverage the power of stories and shared experiences to shine a light on the collective strength of the burn community.
Speakers:
- Amy Acton, CEO, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
- Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator
- Dr. Rob Cartotto, President, American Burn Association
- Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation/First Responder Center for Excellence
- Lorraine Carli, VP Outreach and Advocacy, National Fire Protection Association
- Gina Russo, Burn Survivor Advocate from the Station Night Club Fire
- Rob Feeney, Burn Survivor Advocate from the Station Night Club Fire
- Tom Flamm, Burn Fund Coordinator, International Association of Firefighters Burn Foundation
- Vickie Pritchett, VP Advocacy & Outreach, National Fire Sprinkler Association
Click here for registration information and tickets to the Phoenix World Burn Congress. A brochure can be found here. A full schedule of events can be found here.
About Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
For more than four decades, thousands of burn survivors, loved ones, healthcare professionals, and community allies have found comfort, support, and guidance—community—in the same place: Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Burn survivors and their loved ones face a lifelong journey of physical, emotional, and social recovery. Connecting with others who have walked a similar path is essential for optimal recovery and social reintegration. Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is the leading connector for those affected by a burn injury, the primary resource for quality information and education, and the trusted authority for all in the burn community. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Phoenix Society takes its name from the legendary bird consumed by flame but rises again, more vibrant than before. For more information, visit www.phoenix-society.org.
Media Contact
Rachel Kudlak
randerson@phoenix-society.org
Media Contact
Rachel Kudlak
randerson@phoenix-society.org
October 3, 2023 7:51 AM
EDT
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NEW YORK, NY
CMO Huddles Tests AI-Generated Content Against Human-Only and Humans Win (For Now)
CMO Huddles, the leading marketing community dedicated to inspiring B2B greatness, in partnership with the Marketing Insider Group, announced today the completion of the first comprehensive study comparing AI-generated content to human-only content. The study, conducted between June and September 2023, showed that, at least for now, human-generated content significantly outperforms AI-generated content in terms of driving site visibility, keyword rankings, and site traffic.
Marketing Insider Group, led by visionary content expert Michael Brenner, conducted the keyword research that drove the topics selected for the study. With these keywords, this same team then created a total of 60 one-thousand-word blog posts divided evenly among three author types: human-only, AI-only using ChatGPT 3.5, and a hybrid of both. Shares Brenner, “We structured the test to be as unbiased as possible since most content creators need to understand the real business value of generative AI copy which we already know is amazingly fast.”
Over a 10-week period, the content was published on Renegade.com, a leading source of B2B marketing insights, 6 times a week, and its performance was tracked based on its ability to increase visibility, improve keyword rankings, and drive site traffic. The results showed that human-generated content significantly outperformed AI-generated content and outperformed the hybrid approach, demonstrating the unique power of human creativity and expertise. For the complete report, please click here.
Drew Neisser, Founder of CMO Huddles, commented on the results, saying, "The test reaffirms the value of human creativity and expertise in the B2B marketing landscape. While I have no doubt that these tools will get better and that marketers need to start using them now to gain experience, great content, content that resonates with your audience, will continue to originate from human experts and not bots.”
CMO Huddles' decision to conduct this groundbreaking test speaks to their commitment to providing the highest quality and most effective resources for B2B marketing leaders. Founded in 2020, CMO Huddles understands the biggest challenge faced by B2B CMOs is time. With this in mind, every aspect of CMO Huddles is designed to save CMOs time, enabling them to make faster, better, and more informed decisions. From expertly moderated peer-to-peer Huddles, an always-on Slack channel, arranged 1:1s, pithy weekly recaps, to unique PR opportunities, CMO Huddles brings together an elite cross-section of B2B marketing leaders, empowering them to share, care, and challenge each other to greatness.
Looking ahead, CMO Huddles continues to innovate and provide valuable resources to B2B CMOs. With a focus on supporting CMOs in transition and aspiring B2B CMOs, CMO Huddles offers both free and paid plan options. By joining the community of perpetually curious B2B marketing leaders at CMOHuddles.com, individuals can save themselves hours of searching for answers and gain access to a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to achieving greatness.
For more information about CMO Huddles and their mission to inspire B2B greatness, please visit https://cmohuddles.com.
For more information about the Marketing Insider Group and their content development programs, please visit http://marketinginsidergroup.com.
Marketing Insider Group, led by visionary content expert Michael Brenner, conducted the keyword research that drove the topics selected for the study. With these keywords, this same team then created a total of 60 one-thousand-word blog posts divided evenly among three author types: human-only, AI-only using ChatGPT 3.5, and a hybrid of both. Shares Brenner, “We structured the test to be as unbiased as possible since most content creators need to understand the real business value of generative AI copy which we already know is amazingly fast.”
Over a 10-week period, the content was published on Renegade.com, a leading source of B2B marketing insights, 6 times a week, and its performance was tracked based on its ability to increase visibility, improve keyword rankings, and drive site traffic. The results showed that human-generated content significantly outperformed AI-generated content and outperformed the hybrid approach, demonstrating the unique power of human creativity and expertise. For the complete report, please click here.
Drew Neisser, Founder of CMO Huddles, commented on the results, saying, "The test reaffirms the value of human creativity and expertise in the B2B marketing landscape. While I have no doubt that these tools will get better and that marketers need to start using them now to gain experience, great content, content that resonates with your audience, will continue to originate from human experts and not bots.”
CMO Huddles' decision to conduct this groundbreaking test speaks to their commitment to providing the highest quality and most effective resources for B2B marketing leaders. Founded in 2020, CMO Huddles understands the biggest challenge faced by B2B CMOs is time. With this in mind, every aspect of CMO Huddles is designed to save CMOs time, enabling them to make faster, better, and more informed decisions. From expertly moderated peer-to-peer Huddles, an always-on Slack channel, arranged 1:1s, pithy weekly recaps, to unique PR opportunities, CMO Huddles brings together an elite cross-section of B2B marketing leaders, empowering them to share, care, and challenge each other to greatness.
Looking ahead, CMO Huddles continues to innovate and provide valuable resources to B2B CMOs. With a focus on supporting CMOs in transition and aspiring B2B CMOs, CMO Huddles offers both free and paid plan options. By joining the community of perpetually curious B2B marketing leaders at CMOHuddles.com, individuals can save themselves hours of searching for answers and gain access to a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to achieving greatness.
For more information about CMO Huddles and their mission to inspire B2B greatness, please visit https://cmohuddles.com.
For more information about the Marketing Insider Group and their content development programs, please visit http://marketinginsidergroup.com.
Media Contact
Drew Neisser
drew@cmohuddles.com
October 2, 2023 5:25 PM
EDT
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WASHINGTON, NY
Small Business Administration Appoints Janna Patricia Rodriguez to Advise on Small Business Federal Regulation
On September 28, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s 33 million small businesses, addressed the SBA’s Regional Regulatory Fairness Boards at their annual meeting and welcomed 17 newly appointed board members.
The board members Including Janna Patricia Rodriguez, founder Innovative Daycare—small business owners, operators or officers—engaged in discussion and shared concerns with Administrator Guzman, Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed and agency leaders related to matters of federal regulatory issues for small businesses. At this meeting of the 10 Regional Boards, the first since 2020, 17 new members joined 20 current members, bringing diverse experiences, perspectives and business backgrounds to advance regulatory fairness.
The board members Including Janna Patricia Rodriguez, founder Innovative Daycare—small business owners, operators or officers—engaged in discussion and shared concerns with Administrator Guzman, Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed and agency leaders related to matters of federal regulatory issues for small businesses. At this meeting of the 10 Regional Boards, the first since 2020, 17 new members joined 20 current members, bringing diverse experiences, perspectives and business backgrounds to advance regulatory fairness.
“I am pleased to grow our reach into small business communities with the expansion of the Regional Regulatory Fairness Boards. Our incredible volunteer small-business owners will serve as a valuable local resource for entrepreneurs experiencing challenges with federal regulatory enforcement or compliance actions,” said Administrator Guzman. “I appreciate the continued and new service of our dedicated board members who can provide insights and advice to SBA to help us better support small businesses as they navigate federal regulation.”
The board members advise the National Ombudsman and Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Enforcement Fairness on small business matters related to federal regulatory enforcement actions and report instances of unfair, excessive enforcement actions taken by federal regulators.
“The Regulatory Fairness Boards are a tremendous asset for the small-business community and the SBA. Now, with robust membership, including 37 board members coming from 21 states and 22 industries, we are better positioned to advance regulatory fairness,” said National Ombudsman Michele Schimpp.
Additional information about the Regional Regulatory Fairness Boards can be found here.
Appointment terms are set for three years. Members of the advisory committee do not receive a salary, nor are they eligible to officially represent the SBA. Their selection does not connote an endorsement of their organizations.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small-business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow and expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit sba.gov.
Media Contact
Janna Rodriguez
innovativedaycarecorp@gmail.com
October 2, 2023 1:02 PM
EDT
•
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Voosh’s Dispute Manager Elevates Restaurant Operations for First U.S. Customer, PLNT Burger
Voosh.ai, a data-driven restaurant analytics platform that reduces order issues, increases sales and boosts delivery margins, announced today it welcomed PLNT Burger to its expanding clientele, marking a significant milestone in its journey of transforming the restaurant industry. Since onboarding, the restaurant has witnessed remarkable improvements in its dispute resolutions.
In an era where technology is reshaping the landscape of the U.S. restaurant industry, Voosh is leading the way by addressing the exponential growth of disputes as more customers embrace online food ordering. On average, 5 percent of all online orders result in disputes, translating to substantial revenue losses, directly impacting profitability and increasing customer churn. Voosh's unique platform harnesses the power of technology and data science to simplify and enhance restaurant operations, offering a strategic solution to this industry-wide issue.
PLNT Burger reported impressive results and a significant boost in their daily earnings, with a total of $480 (average per day of $69), with $370 still pending. Their win rate percentages for the weeks ending July 31 and August 7 stood at 17.5% and 61.29%, respectively.
"Voosh's Dispute Manager is a pivotal innovation for the restaurant industry, and we're thrilled to welcome PLNT Burger to our growing family of satisfied customers,” said Priyam Saraswat, CEO and Co-founder of Voosh. “The improvements in dispute resolution for PLNT Burger underscore the need for a standardized dispute process with third-party services like DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub."
“We’ve gotten a lot of value out of the Voosh Dispute Management module already, and our resolution rate keeps going up without having to manually intervene in the dispute process,” said Ben Kaplan, Co-Founder and CEO of PLNT Burger. “We’re also enjoying Voosh's one-stop shop for our third-party marketplace data, and being able to segment and slice up that data within the platform, which has allowed us to make quick, highly informed decisions in optimizing these sales channels.”
For more information, please visit voosh.ai.
In an era where technology is reshaping the landscape of the U.S. restaurant industry, Voosh is leading the way by addressing the exponential growth of disputes as more customers embrace online food ordering. On average, 5 percent of all online orders result in disputes, translating to substantial revenue losses, directly impacting profitability and increasing customer churn. Voosh's unique platform harnesses the power of technology and data science to simplify and enhance restaurant operations, offering a strategic solution to this industry-wide issue.
PLNT Burger reported impressive results and a significant boost in their daily earnings, with a total of $480 (average per day of $69), with $370 still pending. Their win rate percentages for the weeks ending July 31 and August 7 stood at 17.5% and 61.29%, respectively.
"Voosh's Dispute Manager is a pivotal innovation for the restaurant industry, and we're thrilled to welcome PLNT Burger to our growing family of satisfied customers,” said Priyam Saraswat, CEO and Co-founder of Voosh. “The improvements in dispute resolution for PLNT Burger underscore the need for a standardized dispute process with third-party services like DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub."
“We’ve gotten a lot of value out of the Voosh Dispute Management module already, and our resolution rate keeps going up without having to manually intervene in the dispute process,” said Ben Kaplan, Co-Founder and CEO of PLNT Burger. “We’re also enjoying Voosh's one-stop shop for our third-party marketplace data, and being able to segment and slice up that data within the platform, which has allowed us to make quick, highly informed decisions in optimizing these sales channels.”
For more information, please visit voosh.ai.
About Voosh.ai
Established in 2020, Voosh is a revolutionary solution in the restaurant industry, empowering operators to maximize their potential on third-party marketplaces. Born from a need for a unified data platform, Voosh's Restaurant Marketplace Intelligence Platform enhances operational efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. Backed by reputable venture capital funds, including Y Combinator, Voosh has helped over 200 restaurant locations grow their third-party sales by 20%. With a mission to provide clear, actionable insights for data-driven decisions, Voosh is committed to revolutionizing restaurant technology and shaping the future of the industry. Visit voosh.ai to learn more.
About PLNT Burger
PLNT Burger is a quick service restaurant concept dedicated to crafting and redefining some of America’s favorite foods. With a focus on juicy, indulgent burgers, soft-serve, savory snacks, and seasonal salads, our mission is to give people the ability to Eat The Change with delicious foods they love and crave. PLNT Burger offerings are free of any animal products, without compromising flavor or experience.
PLNT Burger is a quick service restaurant concept dedicated to crafting and redefining some of America’s favorite foods. With a focus on juicy, indulgent burgers, soft-serve, savory snacks, and seasonal salads, our mission is to give people the ability to Eat The Change with delicious foods they love and crave. PLNT Burger offerings are free of any animal products, without compromising flavor or experience.
Media Contact
Sara Schiffer
team@proof-pr.com
October 2, 2023 12:04 PM
EDT
•
NEW YORK, NY
FAND Closes Pre-Seed Fundraise to Revolutionize Collegiate Sports Marketing with Automated Athlete Relationship Management Platform
FAND, the leading collegiate athlete relationship management platform, today announced that it has successfully closed its pre-seed fundraise, led by Hivers and Strivers, an early stage VC investing in veteran founders. FAND manages and automates NIL campaigns and endorsements for marketing departments and their agencies. Unlike manual processes that lack scalability, FAND offers access to NIL-ready collegiate athletes who are available, experienced, responsive, and values-driven. With its cutting-edge technology, FAND aims to become the leading automated sports marketing cloud.
The completion of the pre-seed fundraise marks a significant milestone for FAND and showcases the company's commitment to revolutionizing collegiate sports marketing. By providing a streamlined platform for managing NIL campaigns, FAND eliminates the headaches associated with manual processes and offers marketing departments and agencies unparalleled access to college sports athletes. The company will provide as much information as possible for clients to make high-confidence decisions when selecting an athlete for a campaign.
According to Dominique Wright, Founder of FAND, "We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of our pre-seed fundraise. This milestone not only validates the value and potential of FAND but also strengthens our position as the leading automated sports marketing cloud. We are excited to continue empowering marketing departments and agencies with our innovative platform."
Looking ahead, FAND has ambitious plans to further enhance its automated sports marketing cloud. The company aims to expand its reach, forge strategic partnerships, and continuously innovate to provide marketers with the most effective tools and solutions in the industry.
To learn more about FAND and its pioneering approach to collegiate sports marketing, please visit https://fand.com/.
The completion of the pre-seed fundraise marks a significant milestone for FAND and showcases the company's commitment to revolutionizing collegiate sports marketing. By providing a streamlined platform for managing NIL campaigns, FAND eliminates the headaches associated with manual processes and offers marketing departments and agencies unparalleled access to college sports athletes. The company will provide as much information as possible for clients to make high-confidence decisions when selecting an athlete for a campaign.
According to Dominique Wright, Founder of FAND, "We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of our pre-seed fundraise. This milestone not only validates the value and potential of FAND but also strengthens our position as the leading automated sports marketing cloud. We are excited to continue empowering marketing departments and agencies with our innovative platform."
Looking ahead, FAND has ambitious plans to further enhance its automated sports marketing cloud. The company aims to expand its reach, forge strategic partnerships, and continuously innovate to provide marketers with the most effective tools and solutions in the industry.
To learn more about FAND and its pioneering approach to collegiate sports marketing, please visit https://fand.com/.
Media Contact
Dominique Wright
dominique@fand.com
October 2, 2023 11:19 AM
EDT
•
CHICAGO, IL
Tide Laundromat Opening Third Chicago Location: Grand Opening with Free Wash Weekend at New North Riverside Store, October 14 and 15, 2023
Tide Laundromat, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its third Chicago location in the North Riverside neighborhood. Located at 1730 S. Harlem Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546, this new facility revolutionizes the laundry experience. To celebrate the grand opening, Tide Laundromat invites the community to join them for a Free Wash Weekend on October 14 and 15.
"We are thrilled to open our third location in the beautiful North Riverside neighborhood," says Rich Kahan, Tide Laundromat Partner.
"Our commitment to providing the best laundry experience is unwavering, and we can't wait to share it with the wonderful people of North Riverside. Join us for a weekend of celebration, free laundry, and a glimpse into the future of laundry services."
The grand opening weekend at the North Riverside location is packed with festivities and exclusive offers. Tide Laundromat is rolling out the red carpet with food, games, music and giveaways courtesy of WLEY’s La Ley 107.9, and a special treat for every guest – a free wash.
Guests that visit that store over Free Wash Weekend are invited to download the Tide Laundromat App and enjoy a free wash. The Tide Laundromat app is easy to use with payment, rewards and additional offers right at the customer's fingertips. The App even allows guests to check washer and dryer availability before visiting the store.
Leave your laundry products at home. You get an amazing clean from brands you trust like Tide and Gain without the hassle of lugging your laundry products around. At Tide Laundromat, detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets are all included. Tide or Gain detergent and Downy or Gain fabric softener are automatically added via smart auto-dispensing washers, so all you have to do is make your selections and your clothes will be washed and dried in as little as 35 minutes. This innovative approach ensures a no mess, no guess laundry experience that fits into your busy day.
In addition to their cutting-edge laundry technology, Tide Laundromat offers an array of amenities to enhance the experience including free parking, wi-fi and air conditioning to make laundry day with Tide even more comfortable and easy.
Tide Laundromat's third location in North Riverside joins its two existing facilities in the Belmont Cragin and Rogers Park neighborhoods making it even more convenient for Chicago residents. Don't miss the grand opening of Tide Laundromat's North Riverside location on October 14 and 15, 2023. Experience the Tide difference with laundry that's fast, convenient, and effortless.
Tide Laundromat media kit can be found here.
Tide Laundromat media kit can be found here.
When:
October 14–15, 2023
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where:
North Riverside Tide Laundromat
1730 S. Harlem Ave
North Riverside, IL 60546
Tide Laundromat Chicago Locations:
- North Riverside (*new*): 1730 S. Harlem Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546
- Belmont Cragin: 5027 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
- Rogers Park: 7558 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
About Tide Laundromat
For more than 70 years, Tide® laundry detergent has been caring for the clothes of American families. Tide Laundromat is an innovative extension of the Tide® brand, bringing our guests superior cleaning outside of the home.
Leave your laundry products at home. At Tide Laundromat, detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets are all included. Tide or Gain detergent and Downy or Gain fabric softener are automatically added via smart auto-dispensing washers, so all you have to do is make your selections and your clothes will be washed and dried in as little as 35 minutes. This innovative approach ensures a no mess, no guess laundry experience that fits into your busy day.
For more information on the Tide Laundromat business, visit www.tidelaundromat.com.
Media Contact
Sara Schiffer
team@proof-pr.com
September 28, 2023 11:49 AM
EDT
•
NEW YORK, NY
Transfr Closes $40M in Series C Growth Funding to Enable Career Mobility for Undiscovered Talent Through Its Virtual Reality Platform
Transfr, an emerging leader in virtual reality-based skills training for middle-skilled careers, announced a $40 million investment today. The Series C growth capital investment round was led by ABS Capital to further develop Transfr’s virtual reality (VR) simulation and training platform and to expand its programs to accommodate its rapidly growing customer base, which has more than doubled year over year from 2019-2023. JPMorgan Chase Impact Finance and Advisory joined the Series C round along with existing investors: Lumos Capital Group, who led the Series B; Akkadian Ventures, Spring Tide Capital, and Firework Ventures, who led the Series A; and Album, who led the Series Seed. This round brings the total investment in Transfr to over $90 million since its founding in 2017.
Middle-skills careers are defined as jobs that require more training and education than a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree and are considered the backbone of America’s workforce. This category makes up more than half of the U.S. labor market, while only 43% of the labor force has the training required to fill these roles. The lack of training currently available to those looking to fill these jobs presents an opportunity for the private and public sectors to invest in solutions that make it easier to close the skill gap.
“About two-thirds of the American workforce do not have a college degree (1). There is a massive opportunity for both private and public entities to utilize VR training programs to create alternative pathways to employment,” said Bharani Rajakumar, Transfr founder and CEO, and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist. “This $40 million investment enables Transfr to continue to invest in undiscovered talent by developing more simulations and solutions to connect the classroom to career pathway with our partners in education and industry and hire the talent we need to scale and achieve our mission.”
Transfr’s mission is to scale access to quality education and employment for everyone, regardless of their background or location. The company developed an innovative VR-based platform, which hosts over 300 simulations that focus on careers that do not require a four-year degree. It has established a first-mover advantage in the Career Training and Education (CTE) market, with VR simulation training seeing $263 billion in global spending annually with an opportunity for rapid growth.
Transfr is now deployed in over 1,000 locations nationwide, including community colleges, trade schools, employers, prisons, and K-12 schools across Automotive, Aviation, Construction, Diesel, Electrical, Hospitality and Tourism, Manufacturing, and Healthcare. With this diverse industry set, Transfr has increased its user base by 10x over the last year, with trainees having completed over 400,000 simulations, helping incumbent workers, job-seekers, and students leverage the company’s virtual reality platform to build the skills needed to excel in middle-skills careers.
ABS Capital Partners Phil Clough will join Transfr’s board of directors, and Jennifer Krusius, also a Partner at ABS Capital, will serve as a board observer. Clough says, “We believe that Transfr and its experienced management team are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the tailwind from the challenges in the labor market by providing innovative training solutions that can efficiently bring qualified candidates to market.”
Krusius added, “Transfr’s VR platform offers a cost-effective alternative in the educational landscape that can reach many workforce candidates that otherwise would not have had access to this level of training and coaching.”
Transfr plans to leverage the capital investment to further build out its executive leadership team and scale its platform and impact, enabling more people to explore, learn, and connect with career opportunities in high-growth sectors such as manufacturing, skilled trades, and healthcare. The funding will also be used to invest in developing new training simulations that cover a wider range of skills and scenarios, as well as to enhance existing ones with more features, including offering training in Spanish.
If you are interested in bringing Transfr’s platform and services to your organization or community, please visit Transfr’s website or schedule a demo of the platform.
Footnote: (1) Scott, R. E., & Cooper, D. (2016, March 30). Almost two-thirds of people in the labor force do not have a college degree. https://www.epi.org/publication/almost-two-thirds-of-people-in-the-labor-force-do-not-have-a-college-degree/
About Transfr
Transfr is an emerging leader in virtual reality (VR) based vocational career exploration and pre-apprentice training. Transfr provides hands-on and immersive-simulation training for high growth in-demand careers that give real-world experience in the skills needed for job success, development, and retention. Using a headset, trainees are guided through simulations by a digital coach to engage in career exploration, job training, and practice and assessment use cases. Transfr’s innovative platform promotes ever-improving quality and lower development costs of VR simulations. For more information, please visit https://transfrinc.com/.
About ABS Capital
ABS Capital provides growth equity capital to B2B software and tech-enabled services businesses with strong technology and data underpinnings looking to scale with the right partners. Building growth-stage businesses has been ABS Capital’s focus for more than 30 years. Over that time, ABS Capital has invested more than $2.5 billion in approximately 130 companies across eight funds. Bringing investing, operational, infrastructure, technology, and business development skills to amplify the success of growing businesses together with data-driven business strategies, market research and analytics, ABS Capital works intensively in close partnership with talented management teams. ABS Capital: building emerging growth businesses into industry leaders. For more information, visit www.abscapital.com.
About Lumos Capital
Lumos Capital Group is an investment firm that focuses on dynamic growth-stage companies in the human capital development sector (education technology, workforce development, knowledge services). Lumos takes an active approach by committing time, network, and capital to accelerate their portfolio companies’ product leadership and international expansion and enabling them to achieve enduring market leadership. For more information, please visit www.lumoscapitalgroup.com.
“About two-thirds of the American workforce do not have a college degree (1). There is a massive opportunity for both private and public entities to utilize VR training programs to create alternative pathways to employment,” said Bharani Rajakumar, Transfr founder and CEO, and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist. “This $40 million investment enables Transfr to continue to invest in undiscovered talent by developing more simulations and solutions to connect the classroom to career pathway with our partners in education and industry and hire the talent we need to scale and achieve our mission.”
Transfr’s mission is to scale access to quality education and employment for everyone, regardless of their background or location. The company developed an innovative VR-based platform, which hosts over 300 simulations that focus on careers that do not require a four-year degree. It has established a first-mover advantage in the Career Training and Education (CTE) market, with VR simulation training seeing $263 billion in global spending annually with an opportunity for rapid growth.
Transfr is now deployed in over 1,000 locations nationwide, including community colleges, trade schools, employers, prisons, and K-12 schools across Automotive, Aviation, Construction, Diesel, Electrical, Hospitality and Tourism, Manufacturing, and Healthcare. With this diverse industry set, Transfr has increased its user base by 10x over the last year, with trainees having completed over 400,000 simulations, helping incumbent workers, job-seekers, and students leverage the company’s virtual reality platform to build the skills needed to excel in middle-skills careers.
ABS Capital Partners Phil Clough will join Transfr’s board of directors, and Jennifer Krusius, also a Partner at ABS Capital, will serve as a board observer. Clough says, “We believe that Transfr and its experienced management team are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the tailwind from the challenges in the labor market by providing innovative training solutions that can efficiently bring qualified candidates to market.”
Krusius added, “Transfr’s VR platform offers a cost-effective alternative in the educational landscape that can reach many workforce candidates that otherwise would not have had access to this level of training and coaching.”
Transfr plans to leverage the capital investment to further build out its executive leadership team and scale its platform and impact, enabling more people to explore, learn, and connect with career opportunities in high-growth sectors such as manufacturing, skilled trades, and healthcare. The funding will also be used to invest in developing new training simulations that cover a wider range of skills and scenarios, as well as to enhance existing ones with more features, including offering training in Spanish.
If you are interested in bringing Transfr’s platform and services to your organization or community, please visit Transfr’s website or schedule a demo of the platform.
Footnote: (1) Scott, R. E., & Cooper, D. (2016, March 30). Almost two-thirds of people in the labor force do not have a college degree. https://www.epi.org/publication/almost-two-thirds-of-people-in-the-labor-force-do-not-have-a-college-degree/
About Transfr
Transfr is an emerging leader in virtual reality (VR) based vocational career exploration and pre-apprentice training. Transfr provides hands-on and immersive-simulation training for high growth in-demand careers that give real-world experience in the skills needed for job success, development, and retention. Using a headset, trainees are guided through simulations by a digital coach to engage in career exploration, job training, and practice and assessment use cases. Transfr’s innovative platform promotes ever-improving quality and lower development costs of VR simulations. For more information, please visit https://transfrinc.com/.
About ABS Capital
ABS Capital provides growth equity capital to B2B software and tech-enabled services businesses with strong technology and data underpinnings looking to scale with the right partners. Building growth-stage businesses has been ABS Capital’s focus for more than 30 years. Over that time, ABS Capital has invested more than $2.5 billion in approximately 130 companies across eight funds. Bringing investing, operational, infrastructure, technology, and business development skills to amplify the success of growing businesses together with data-driven business strategies, market research and analytics, ABS Capital works intensively in close partnership with talented management teams. ABS Capital: building emerging growth businesses into industry leaders. For more information, visit www.abscapital.com.
About Lumos Capital
Lumos Capital Group is an investment firm that focuses on dynamic growth-stage companies in the human capital development sector (education technology, workforce development, knowledge services). Lumos takes an active approach by committing time, network, and capital to accelerate their portfolio companies’ product leadership and international expansion and enabling them to achieve enduring market leadership. For more information, please visit www.lumoscapitalgroup.com.
Media Contact
Allie Mills
allie@salientmg.com
September 28, 2023 10:09 AM
EDT
•
NEW YORK, NY
Finance and Investment Veteran Jim Schneider Joins Sightly’s Board of Directors
Sightly, the leader in real-time marketing and intelligence, announced that Jim Schneider, an investor in the company, current Operating Partner at Lead Edge Capital, Chairman of Horizon Bank Texas, and former Chief Financial Officer at Dell, has joined its Board of Directors. Schneider brings decades of corporate finance, M&A and investment experience to help guide Sightly in its growth stage.
“Jim has long been an expert in finance, capital markets, accounting and strategic leadership and brings a wealth of knowledge to us from his experience at a major growth equity fund, a multi-billion dollar publicly traded company and as a former partner of a Big Four accounting firm during his impressive career,” said Adam Katz, CEO of Sightly. “He will be an amazing partner for Sightly as we continue to innovate our patented Brand Mentality® platform and bring revolutionary AI-fueled intelligence and activations to digital advertisers and marketers across verticals.”
“I have known Jim for a decade and his corporate and investor relationships are second to none. His strategic advice has been invaluable to Lead Edge Capital, its portfolio companies and the entrepreneurs running cutting-edge startups,” said Ralph Mack, Sightly’s Executive Chairman. “Jim’s knowledge, vision, and expertise will be important as Sightly expands its tech-enabled media services business and its emerging AI-driven real-time self-service software platform.”
“Sightly is an innovative company and its platform is a game-changer for both enterprises and growth businesses that want to future-proof their advertising and marketing,” said Schneider. “I’m really looking forward to working with the Sightly team and fellow board members to help the company grow and achieve its BHAGs.”
Schneider has been with Horizon Bank Texas since 2007 and Lead Edge Capital since 2012. He also currently serves on the boards of Lohman Technologies and Polished.com Inc. His diverse board and advisory experience includes GCI Liberty, Zilliant, Inc., The Gap, and Lockheed Martin. He holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from Carroll University and was inducted into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.
About Sightly
Sightly is the leader in real-time marketing and intelligence, as driven by each brand's unique perspective, opinions and outcomes. Our revolutionary Brand Mentality® platform combines speed with values, so companies can make advertising and marketing decisions instantly and authentically without sacrificing ROI. Learn more and master the mayhem at http://www.sightly.com.
Media Contact
Robert Helstrom
rocket@sightly.com
September 27, 2023 3:19 AM
EDT
•
NEW YORK, NY
Modernist x MetaBurnett's DeMODE Takes NYFW SS24 by Storm, Ushering in a New Epoch in Fashion and Tech
Modernist and MetaBurnett's DeMODE was more than a spectacle; it was a game-changer. Hosted during the 15th anniversary of Nolcha Shows at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) on September 10, 2023, DeMODE delivered a jaw-dropping fusion of fashion, art, and groundbreaking technology, captivating both the industry and audiences.
The Afterglow of Nolcha Shows
As a highlight of Nolcha Shows' 15-year celebration at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, DeMODE wasn't merely an attraction but a transformative experience, setting new standards in fashion technology.
A Revolutionary Experience
The event revolutionized audience engagement through NFC-enabled garments, unlockable 3D content, and a digital token ecosystem. This web3 innovation was fueled by R-Pac’s Twin Tag Technology, powered by MetaBurnett and AlphaA.io.
Kelly Max, Founder and Creative Maverick of Modernist:
"DeMODE exceeded our wildest expectations. Thanks to Emily Burnett and our invaluable partners like AlphaA.io, R-Pac, BitBasel, SpaceBlue, Lunaprise, DCG Media, Fashion Mingle, Global Luxury, and Total Trends Intl, we have shown the world our boundless creativity."
Emily Burnett, Founder & CEO of MetaBurnett:
"Thanks to our designers and partners for making DeMODE a groundbreaking moment for fashion and technology. We have turned this into a cultural movement, and we're only just beginning."
The Galaxy of Talent
Esteemed designers like Romeo Hunte, Pamela Dennis, and Renee Cafaro Atelier Public Label combined forces with emerging stars such as Designs by Outer, Merci Dupre, Ms. Jaxn Designs, Robin Hoodd, 1. Cre ar+, Yola Colón, Teddy McRitchie Designs, and Stephanie Dillon, captivating every spectator and ensuring the spotlight remained fixed on the showcase.
Elevating the design spectacle, DeMODE's allure was heightened by the hairstyling genius of celebrity hairdresser Ted Gibson and the makeup artistry of Buffy Hernandez. Their curation, inspired by Modernist Art, infused the event with an unmatched level of quality and panache.
Complementing this galaxy of talent, DeMODE was further enriched by our showcase partners: DCG Media, Fashion Mingle, Global Luxury, and Total Trends Int. Their invaluable contributions crafted a uniquely curated experience, setting a new standard for New York's fashion elite.
A Cosmic Success
Modernist's art is set for an unprecedented lunar journey as part of the Lunaprise Moon Museum, curated by SpaceBlue and set to be transported via a SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket. DeMODE is quite literally reaching for the stars.
What's Next?
Modernist is eyeing MIAMI Art Week, launching the first-ever MOOON.PARTY in collaboration with Soundromeda, BitBasel, and Art with Me. "From the runway to the Milky Way, we're looking forward to making history with artists, tastemakers, moon aficionados, and space lovers. We have something very special and one-of-a-kind in the making." says Kelly Max.
Emily Burnett: "If you thought DeMODE was the zenith, you're in for a surprise. We're far from done."
For more details about the DeMODE creators and the broader Nolcha Shows experience, please explore Modernist and MetaBurnett and read the article on nolchashows.com.
Press Contact
Kelly Max
Emily Burnett
Email: emily@metaburnett.com
Media Contact
Kelly Max
kelly@solvv.com
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