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Valencia-Taghavi LLP, a premier law firm specializing in family law, is excited to announce its search for exceptional legal professionals to join its team. With a steadfast commitment to delivering unparalleled service and expertise, Valencia-Taghavi LLP is looking for candidates who consider themselves top-tier talent in the field of family law.

"Our firm prides itself on excellence, integrity, and compassion," said Roxana Taghavi, Family Law Attorney and Partner at Valencia-Taghavi LLP. "We’re eager to meet legal professionals who share our passion for guiding clients through complex family law matters with the utmost care and professionalism."

Valencia-Taghavi LLP handles a comprehensive range of family law cases, including divorce, child custody, property division, spousal support, and prenuptial agreements. The firm’s attorneys are known for their innovative strategies, deep understanding of the law, and ability to navigate even the most challenging cases successfully.

What Valencia-Taghavi LLP Offers

• Dynamic Work Environment: Join a team of dedicated professionals committed to achieving outstanding results for their clients.
• Professional Growth: Access opportunities for continued education, mentorship, and career advancement.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside experienced attorneys in a supportive and collegial setting.
• Meaningful Impact: Make a difference in the lives of clients during some of their most challenging times.

Who Should Apply

Valencia-Taghavi LLP is seeking candidates with:

• A strong academic background and extensive experience in family law.
• Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and litigation skills.
• A proven track record of handling complex family law cases.
• A commitment to client-centered advocacy and a high standard of ethics.

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit https://vtfamlaw.com to learn more about the firm and submit their application.

About Valencia-Taghavi LLP

Valencia-Taghavi LLP is a leading family law firm dedicated to providing personalized, results-driven representation. With a reputation for excellence and compassion, the firm has become a trusted partner for individuals navigating family law issues. Valencia-Taghavi LLP’s attorneys combine legal expertise with a client-focused approach to deliver tailored solutions that meet each client’s unique needs.

For more information about Valencia-Taghavi LLP or to apply, please visit https://vtfamlaw.com.

Quantum technology jointly developed at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and National University of Singapore (NUS) has now been spun off into a new deep tech startup, AQSolotl.

The startup's flagship product, CHRONOS-Q, is a quantum controller that acts as a translator between conventional computing systems and quantum computers. When compared to competing quantum controllers, CHRONOS-Q excels in speed at a fraction of the cost and the size. For example, determining qubit states takes less than 14 nanoseconds enabling real-time feedback.

"This milestone exemplifies how cutting-edge academic research from leading institutes can lead to commercialisable deep tech innovations that benefit Singapore and beyond. With the founding of AQSolotl, we anticipate they will actively contribute back to the ecosystem and drive global advancements in quantum computing technologies," said Professor Chen Tsuhan, Deputy President, Innovation & Enterprise at NUS.

AQSolotl is led by Patrick Bore, co-founder and the company's CEO, who is a former CQT Research Associate. He said: "We are thrilled to take this step forward with the support of NTU and NUS, institutions renowned for their quantum research. Our CHRONOS-Q system demonstrates that quantum controllers can be both high-performing and cost-effective, paving the way for scalable applications across industries. We look forward to bringing real-world solutions to companies around the world, helping to advance quantum AI development and lower the barriers to entry for quantum computing."

Quantum Speed-ups

Quantum computers are theorised to be many thousands of times more powerful than today's fastest silicon processors for some complex computational tasks, for example in cryptography and advanced simulation.

In the announcement, Prof. Rainer Dumke elaborated, "These quantum advancements could also enable us to address some of humanity's greatest challenges, including climate change and new emergent diseases, for instance, by accelerating the development of renewable energy systems and precision medicine."

"How our efficient quantum technology can contribute, is to accelerate these developments and bring quantum computing to more spaces at cost-effective prices, so that quantum computing can become mainstream and accessible for most countries and not just for wealthy nations," he said. At AQSolotl, Rainer takes the role of Scientific Advisor.

Rainer and Patrick's other co-founders are CTO Yap Yung Szen, a visiting researcher from the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Head of Quantum Algorithms Paul Tan, a PhD student, and Strategic Advisor Marco Beckmann, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist from Germany.

In Control

Developed and refined over three years, the control technology is currently being piloted at CQT as part of the hardware setup for the National Quantum Computing Hub and at NTU's Nanyang Quantum Hub.

The controller is designed to scale easily, has customisable and upgradable firmware, and can integrate additional modules in future. It integrates control and read-out for qubits using field programmable gate arrays. The team described the approach in a2022 paper in Review of Scientific Instruments.

As part of the commercialisation process, the intellectual property (IP) for the technology has been transferred to AQSolotl, with both NTU and NUS taking equity shares in the company, while retaining rights for academic, research, and non-commercial use.

The startup is currently supported and incubated by the NTU Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NTU I&E) initiative.

Professor Louis Phee, Vice President (NTU Innovation & Entrepreneurship), said, "NTU's I&E initiative is committed to supporting deep tech, such as quantum technologies, that has potential for significant impact. Through our venture-building programmes, we work closely with faculty and researchers to refine their business models, scale their prototypes, and bring their innovations to market."

The team's ambitions reach beyond bringing the control technology to market. The company is raising funds for its next steps: to enable AI integration and offer customised solutions for companies wishing to buy their own cost-effective full quantum computing system.

About AQSolotl

Based in Singapore, but operating globally, AQSolotl is a team of leading quantum scientists and engineers who specialize in designing practical quantum computing systems for business operations. Developing quantum technologies that are scalable, and adaptable, the company aims to demystify the idea of quantum computing and make Quantum AI a functioning reality. For more information, visit https://www.aqsolotl.com.

Today, founder and CEO Andrew Yeung unveiled the rebranding of Andrew’s Mixers to Fibe—a tech events company uniting its brands, including Andrew’s Mixers, The Junto Series, Lumos House, and other event experiences under one cohesive identity. Fibe’s focus will be to create events that gather, educate, and inspire the tech community.

This announcement comes after Fibe’s breakout year, achieving over $1 million in revenue, 200 events hosted, and drawing 40,000 cumulative attendees—all without paid marketing.

Fibe, a first-of-its-kind tech and media company, operates in eight cities worldwide. Its event offerings include multi-day conferences, bespoke dinners, hospitality experiences, and large-scale gatherings for tech CEOs, investors, and operators at all stages. The Fibe customer roster boasts over a hundred sponsors ranging from large global enterprises to hyper-growth Silicon Valley scale-ups aiming to connect with early-stage CEOs. There is currently a six-month waitlist to sponsor an event.

In 2025, Fibe plans to host over 50,000 attendees across ten cities, expanding its offerings to provide tech communities greater access to connection, education, and investment opportunities.

Fibe’s founder, Andrew Yeung, previously held product and business operations roles at Google and Meta. Business Insider named him the “Gatsby of Silicon Alley,” and his events received national coverage from Bloomberg, Fast Company, Axios, Morning Brew, and AdAge.

Key team members include Jacob Solano, Head of Partnerships, and Christianna Gray, Operations Manager. More information about Fibe can be found on its website at www.meetfibe.com.

About Fibe

Fibe is a first-of-its-kind media company operating in eight cities worldwide. Our event offerings include multi-day conferences, bespoke dinners, hospitality experiences, and large-scale gatherings for tech CEOs, investors, and operators at all stages. The Fibe customer roster boasts over a hundred sponsors ranging from large global enterprises to hyper-growth Silicon Valley scale-ups aiming to connect with early-stage CEOs. For more information, visit www.meetfibe.com.

The second season of "Soaring Guangdong," an innovative travel and culture series, continues its global journey this December, now available on YouTube and airing on TV7 in Italy. The five-episode series "Soaring Guangdong," co-produced by Guangdong Radio and Television and the Center for International Cultural Communication (CICC) of China International Communications Group (CICG), reveals the hidden treasures of this dynamic region.

Hosted by Anzelika Smirnova, the latest episode "China's Best Kept Secret: Zhuhai's Island Escape" takes viewers to the Wanshan Archipelago, a coastal paradise known for its pristine waters and serene beauty. The episode offers a perfect blend of breathtaking aerial views and intimate glimpses into island life, showcasing the region's rich maritime heritage and natural wonders.

In this episode, Anzelika embarks on a sensory journey through Zhuhai’s bustling local fish markets, where she indulges in freshly caught seafood, including rare delicacies not commonly seen elsewhere. The seafood, prepared simply by boiling or steaming, preserves its natural flavors, offering viewers an authentic taste of the region’s culinary treasures. Along the way, she meets local fishermen who share their stories of how these island communities coping with the growing market while maintaining sustainable practices to preserve their marine environment. As the episode unfolds, Anzelika escapes to Zhuhai’s idyllic beaches,  where the gentle sea breezes, golden sands, and tranquil sea offer a refreshing retreat from the mainland's urban rhythm.

"Soaring Guangdong" continues its exploration of the Greater Bay Area by presenting its hidden treasures, offering a window into the region's lesser-known maritime heritage. Through immersive storytelling and stunning cinematography, this episode invites viewers to experience the harmony between nature and culture in one of China’s most beautiful coastal destinations.

All episodes of “Soaring Guangdong” are available worldwide on YouTube, with the Italian version airing on TV7. For more information and to watch the latest episodes, visit https://youtu.be/_koHcBwBAaU.

About the Center for International Cultural Communication (CICC)

Founded in 2021, the Center for International Cultural Communication (CICC) aims to promote international communication of the Chinese culture, advances cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries, and organizes and implements major cultural projects and cultural communication programs. For more information, visit https://www.heychinaculture.com.

About China International Communications Group (CICG)

Since its founding in 1949, China International Communications Group (CICG) has been introducing China's development to the world and promoting international exchanges. CICG is composed of 21 subsidiaries, administers two national associations and has 26 overseas branches in 14 countries and regions. Annually, it publishes some 3,000 books and periodicals in over 40 languages. Its publications are distributed in more than 180 countries and regions, and its online audience spans the whole globe. To learn more, visit http://www.cicgcorp.com.

Comedian Vito Glazers, who is also the CEO of public relations and celebrity marketing firm Glazers Media, spoke from the same stage as Donald Trump at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in front of an 18,000-person audience. This year's AmFest was held December 19–22 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

For the past three years, Glazers Media has referred several major sponsors to Turning Point, including its title sponsor. Glazers was invited on stage to speak, where he introduced his client, the CEO of a prominent gold retailer. Earlier in the day, Glazers also hosted a panel of experts in a private breakout session that attracted significant attention from both attendees and sponsors.

This unique opportunity for Glazers Media's CEO to be in the spotlight alongside such influential figures in conservative politics such as James O'Keefe, Roger Stone, Tucker Carlson, Charlie Kirk, and President Trump, highlights the company's ability to connect with key players in various industries and create valuable partnerships. By leveraging its network and expertise, Glazers Media continues to make a significant impact in the media, celebrity marketing, and live events industries.

Vito Glazers expressed his excitement about the experience, stating, "It was an honor to be a part of such a prestigious event and get to speak from the same stage as President Trump. This opportunity further solidifies Glazers Media's reputation as a leading PR company that can deliver exceptional results for our clients."

Glazers riled up the crowd by saying "Who here wants to make comedy great again?" which was met with loud applause. He went on to say "Who here wants to make free speech great again?" which was met with even bigger cheers. A clip from Glazers' time on stage can be found on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np-OSlczo8Q

Looking ahead, Glazers Media plans to continue expanding its presence in the public relations industry and forging strategic alliances with top organizations and individuals. The company remains committed to providing innovative PR solutions that drive success for its clients.

To find out more about Glazers Media and inquire about a proposal of our services, visit our website.

About Glazers Media

Glazers Media is a public relations, reputation management, and celebrity marketing agency located in West Hollywood. We make famous people rich and rich people famous. Learn more at https://glazersmedia.com.

On December 23, the NetEase Youdao Dictionary announced the 2024 Word of the Year: “damn.” Official data shows that the search volume for this word has exhibited astonishing growth this year, surging by 137,829% compared to last year. Related searches have reached 66.45 million, making it a new benchmark for emotional expression among Chinese youth in 2024.

“Damn” is an exclamatory word used by contemporary young people to express a variety of strong emotions. A search for this term on social media platforms in China this year reveals that many young individuals enjoy using it to document their lives—“Damn, the show I’ve waited seven years for is finally airing!” “My beloved team won the championship, damn!” “Altay is so beautiful, damn~” “Damn! Taylor Swift's new album is amazing!” A simple word carries a multitude of strong emotions, including admiration, excitement, surprise, and enthusiasm, reflecting the true life of Chinese youth in 2024.

Meanwhile, users of the Youdao Dictionary noticed this year, in addition to the British and American pronunciations of "damn," there was also a unique global pronunciation when they searched for it. In February 2024, a video featuring this "damn" pronunciation, contributed by an American male user, went viral due to its catchy sound, attracting widespread attention from netizens and becoming an internet meme.

Currently, on the Youdao Dictionary, the global pronunciation playback volume of the "damn" word has reached a staggering 49.6 million times. It has been ranked as the No. 1 hot word in global pronunciations for nine consecutive months.

Over 10 million users have spontaneously uploaded their own pronunciation of "damn," which has also driven the popularity of other catchphrases such as "passion," "what," and "man," as well as promoting Chinese regional dialect-based English, such as "Beijinglish," "Tianjinlish," and "Chuanlish" on international social media platforms, allowing users to share and enjoy memes with friends from around the world.

As the largest online dictionary in the world by user scale, the Youdao Dictionary has published its annual hot words since 2012, based on user search data , to reflect the experiences of China’s learners each year. In 2021, over a billion users chose the word “salute” to pay tribute to vitality; in 2022, the younger generation redefined “crush”; in 2023, the wave of large language models brought explosive growth for the word “prompt,” marking the arrival of the AIGC era. Then in 2024, young people voted for “damn” as the word of the year in the Youdao Dictionary, using it to express life’s emotions with a direct and intense attitude, which mirrors the most genuine self-expression of contemporary youth.

As the year draws to a close, hot words always emerge in abundance. Besides the Youdao Dictionary, other renowned global dictionaries have released their Words of the Year, reflecting this year’s social phenomena and public sentiments. For example, the Oxford Dictionary's Word of the Year for 2024 is “brain rot,” describing the phenomenon of people becoming mentally fatigued, intellectually diminished, and cognitively impaired due to low-quality content and junk information on the internet. The Collins Dictionary selected “brat” as its Word of the Year, meaning an attitude of confidence, independence, and hedonism. The Cambridge Dictionary chose “manifest” as its Word of the Year, referring to the act of envisioning oneself achieving a goal and believing that doing so will make the goal more attainable.

About Youdao

Youdao, Inc. (NYSE: DAO) is an intelligent learning company with industry-leading technology in China dedicated to developing and using technologies to provide learning content, applications and solutions to users of all ages. Building on the popularity of its online knowledge tools such as Youdao Dictionary and Youdao Translation, Youdao now offers smart devices, STEAM courses, adult and vocational courses, and education digitalization solutions. In addition, Youdao has developed a variety of interactive learning apps. Youdao was founded in 2006 as part of NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES; HKEX: 9999), a leading internet technology company in China.

For more information, please visit: http://ir.youdao.com.

In early winter of 2024, a team of animal protection experts organized by the Hubei Provincial Forestry Bureau and Hubei Radio and Television Station conducted a research mission on the protection of the Yangtze finless porpoise in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Braving the cold winds, the experts patrolled the river aboard boats, carefully scanning the surface in hopes of spotting this endangered species.

During the hour-long patrol, the team caught a fleeting glimpse of a Yangtze finless porpoise leaping out of the water, but unfortunately, they were unable to capture it on film. Despite this, the experts remain optimistic about the species' recovery. Once on the brink of extinction, the Yangtze finless porpoise, an ancient species of the Yangtze River basin, has shown remarkable signs of progress in recent years thanks to concerted conservation efforts.

The mission was documented on video. On December 24, the video titled "Rebirth of the Yangtze Finless Porpoise: A Chinese Model for Global Endangered Species Conservation" was officially released, jointly produced by Hubei Radio and Television Station and the Hubei Provincial Forestry Bureau.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/r_ZMuIlP0ww?si=_GP42RGfYn8oOe7j

This mission underscores Hubei Province's ongoing commitment to the protection of the Yangtze finless porpoise. The research conducted provides valuable data for future conservation strategies. The Hubei Provincial Forestry Bureau has pledged to continue strengthening ecological protection along the Yangtze River and advancing efforts in species conservation and ecological restoration.

Europe’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, WhiteBIT, concludes the year with remarkable achievements. The latest estimates reveal the company's capitalization has reached $38.9 billion, while the annual trading volume surged to $2.7 trillion—a 200% increase compared to the previous year. These figures encompass all exchange markets (spot and futures), showcasing the company’s rapid growth and the increasing trust of its users.

For context, WhiteBIT’s trading volume surpassed major players like Kraken, whose annual trading volume stood at $628 billion. Remarkably, WhiteBIT’s trading volume exceeds the GDP of countries like Italy or Canada and approaches the GDP of France, valued at $3 trillion.

According to WhiteBIT Founder and CEO Volodymyr Nosov, this milestone reflects the exchange’s innovative strategies and strategic focus: “Reaching $2.7 trillion is the result of our dedicated teamwork and the trust of our clients. We remain committed to developing cutting-edge technologies tailored to the needs of both retail and institutional traders.”

Top 2 in Traffic

In the fall of 2024, WhiteBIT secured its position as the second-most visited crypto exchange, with 33 million visits to the platform. This achievement places it just behind Binance and underscores the growing demand for WhiteBIT’s services.

Key Drivers of Growth 

One of the primary contributors to WhiteBIT’s record trading volume has been the onboarding of institutional clients. The exchange introduced a market maker program tailored to the requirements of large-scale traders. With low fees and rebates as high as -0.01%, the program provided attractive conditions for high-frequency trading, drawing professional traders to the platform. Institutional loans also became a cornerstone for building trust within the professional community, enabling large-scale transactions.

The platform’s advanced technical infrastructure played a significant role as well. Features like colocation to reduce latency, sub-accounts for strategy diversification, and a robust API established WhiteBIT as a reliable partner for institutional clients.

The introduction of a new affiliate program also contributed significantly by engaging large communities of retail traders, driving user acquisition, and boosting trading activity, which ultimately supported WhiteBIT’s exceptional performance.

Currently, the exchange serves over 1,300 institutional clients.

Expanding Global Reach

Today, over 30 million people worldwide use services and products from the WhiteBIT Group holding. These include the centralized exchange WhiteBIT, the crypto payment solution Whitepay, the decentralized exchange WhiteSwap, the NFT marketplace white.market, and the gaming platform Pocket Rocket. Additionally, WhiteBIT Group encompasses Whitechain, its proprietary blockchain, and WhiteBIT Coin (WBT), which has experienced an impressive 349.39% growth over the year.

With 600+ trading pairs and more than 300 digital assets, WhiteBIT continues to strengthen its competitive edge in the global market.

In a recent interview, CEO Volodymyr Nosov confirmed WhiteBIT’s plans to enter the US market.

Commitment to Security

WhiteBIT stands out as one of the most secure cryptocurrency exchanges globally. Ranked among top 5 in security by CER.live, it is the first crypto exchange to achieve the highest-level Cryptocurrency Security Standard (CCSS) certification.

The platform also holds a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification, safeguarding customer payment information, and has been recognized by Hacken for excellence in cybersecurity.

WhiteBIT remains committed to continuous growth, solidifying its position in the international market, and expanding its impact on the global crypto ecosystem.

About WhiteBIT 

WhiteBIT is the largest European centralized cryptocurrency exchange founded in Ukraine in 2018, offers over 600 trading pairs, 300 assets, and supports 9 fiat currencies. As part of the WhiteBIT Group holding, the platform serves more than 30 million customers globally. WhiteBIT collaborates with Visa, FACEIT, FC Barcelona, Trabzonspor, the Ukrainian national football team, and lifecell. The company is dedicated to driving the widespread adoption of blockchain technology in Ukraine and worldwide.

The Global Kratom Coalition applauds the recent letter sent by U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) and Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf expressing concern over the proliferation of synthetic isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine products that contain other unknown substances, otherwise known as “7”, in the marketplace.

The letter, dated December 18, 2024, made a striking declaration that these novel new unapproved drugs mislabeled as kratom are potentially harmful, should be distinguished from dietary supplements, and require a “prompt and thorough response.” Rep. McCormick and Rep. Bergman requested the FDA provide information about the measures the agency is taking to protect consumers from these potentially harmful, mislabeled products. The letter can be found on the Global Kratom Coalition website here.

In the letter, Rep. McCormick and Rep. Bergman pointedly stated that 7 products are “synthetically altered to increase their potency and have no safety data to support their use. These products pose a threat to the public health of our constituents.”

These concerns align with those of the Global Kratom Coalition.

“The message delivered by two prominent U.S. Congressmen to the FDA should also serve as a warning to consumers to beware of 7 products,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “The letter should also put 7 producers on notice that their dubious business practices are in the clear sights of U.S. legislators and regulators.”

Among the key arguments for their worry is the comparison between 7 products and other kratom products.

“Consumers unfamiliar with kratom, risk purchasing and ingesting a product with a much higher potency and concentration of specific alkaloids than what a normal serving of a pure leaf kratom material product, for example, contains,” wrote Rep. McCormick and Rep. Bergman.

The letter also noted a recent statement from leading kratom researchers at the University of Florida and Johns Hopkins University which finds “7-hydroxymitragynine products aren’t kratom and should be classified as drugs.” These scientists called for regulation of kratom in the U.S. and limiting the amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine that can be in a kratom product. The statement can be found on the Global Kratom Coalition website here.

In describing the information sought from the FDA, Rep. McCormick and Rep. Bergman requested initiatives about the differences of various kratom products, actions taken to deal with manufacturers of 7, research efforts underway to understand the health impacts of 7, and additional measures the FDA intends to implement to enhance consumer protection against this new line of products.

The Global Kratom Coalition seeks to separate kratom from untested products like 7 and address industry issues through initiatives such as the Kratom Consumer Advisory Board, public statements, research, and newsletters to inform consumers.

Legislation has long been sought by federal legislators to address the health and safety of kratom. In 2023, Rep. Bergman co-sponsored the Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act with sponsor Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) to protect access and regulate kratom products.

About the Global Kratom Coalition

The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers.

The National CIO Review, in partnership with the Executive Council of the CIO Professional Network, is proud to announce Dave Hatz as the recipient of the 2024 CIO Cup™. Now in its fifth year, this prestigious award celebrates technology leaders who embody innovation, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to the greater tech leadership community.

Dave Hatz has demonstrated a remarkable dedication to fostering education and connection among his peers. Through his active leadership within the CIO Professional Network, Dave has been instrumental in facilitating member-only roundtable discussions that encourage meaningful dialogue and the exchange of actionable insights. Guided by the principles of Connect, Collaborate, and Contribute, he exemplifies the spirit of the CIO Cup, enriching the collective wisdom of the CIO community.

A Career of People-First Leadership 

With over two decades of experience aligning technology and services to business challenges, Dave has consistently driven financial performance, efficiency, and customer experience. His people-first leadership approach prioritizes enabling teams to reach their full potential through clear expectations and accountability.

Reflecting on his journey, Dave shared: “In my career, I’ve learned that being a technology leader isn’t solely about technical expertise. It’s about management, leadership, and understanding business impact. I’m humbled by this recognition and grateful for this incredible community of peers who continuously inspire and enrich my work.”

Continuing a Legacy of Excellence

Dave joins an esteemed group of past CIO Cup winners, including:

•  Kiran Palla, Internal Revenue Service (2023)
•  Harsha Bellur, James Avery Jewelry (2022)
•  Lonnie Snyder, Special Olympics USA Games (2021)
•  Phil Crawford, CKE Enterprises (2020)

Each of these leaders has significantly impacted the technology field through innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Dave’s contributions build on this legacy, ensuring the CIO Cup remains a hallmark of leadership excellence.

Recognizing the 2024 Distinguished Members

Alongside the CIO Cup, the CIO Professional Network celebrates its 2024 Distinguished Members for their exceptional contributions to the community:

•  Jerry Heinz, Genvid
•  Phil Stevens, Janus International
•  Harsha Bellur, James Avery Jewelry
•  Leon Kallikkadan, Atrium
•  Stephen Greco, NYC-Based Media Analytics Company
•  Tim Ryan, Aegis Sciences Corporation
•  William Novak, Meaden & Moore
•  Beth O’Rorke, Commonwealth Care Alliance
•  Kiran Palla, Internal Revenue Service
•  Lonnie Snyder, 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

Link to the full article: The 2024 CIO Cup™ | Dave Hatz, CTI

About the CIO Cup

Presented by The National CIO Review and the CIO Professional Network, the CIO Cup highlights the pivotal role of leadership and collaboration in advancing the tech industry. By recognizing individuals who drive innovation and foster community impact, the CIO Cup underscores the importance of collective growth and shared success within the technology sector.

About The National CIO Review

The National CIO Review (TNCR) is the leading voice for CIOs and IT leaders, championing insightful thought leadership and providing critical analysis on the latest trends in technology. TNCR aims to inform and inspire the technology executives who are shaping the future of business. To learn more, visit https://nationalcioreview.com.

Aeropartner, one of the leading global private aviation companies, announced its participation in the Mebaa Show 2024 held at the Dubai World Central (DWC), Airshow Site. This premier event enabled Aeropartner to forge new partnerships, connect with industry leaders, and explore innovative advancements in private aviation.

The event highlighted cutting-edge technologies and luxurious private jets, inspiring Aeropartner to further enhance its premium travel experiences. Aeropartner’s participation reinforced its dedication to delivering modernized services and fostering collaboration within the evolving aviation landscape.

By engaging with groundbreaking solutions and over 30 state-of-the-art private jets, Aeropartner continues to set the standard in private aviation, ensuring exceptional service tailored to its clients’ needs.

About Aeropartner

Aeropartner is a premier provider of private aviation services, offering bespoke solutions to meet the unique needs of its global clientele. With a commitment to safety, luxury, and efficiency, Aeropartner remains at the forefront of the private aviation industry.

Contact information:

• UAE Operations Office: B01-G40, Service Block, Al Hulaila Industrial Zone-FZ, RAK, United Arab Emirates
• UAE Sales Office: Boulevard Plaza Tower 2, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Austria Representative Office: Fleischmarkt 7/3, 1010 Vienna, Austria
• UK Representative Office: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, WC2H9JQ London, United Kingdom
• Phone: +971 800 0311 01 13
• Website: www.aeropartner.aero

HostColor.com (HC), a globally recognized dedicated cloud hosting and managed services provider, today announced the launch of new infrastructure service options for its AMD dedicated servers and remote desktop hosting.

The AMD dedicated servers specials include bare metal servers with AMD Ryzen 9 and AMD EPYC 7C13, 7443P, 7662, 9274F, 9474F, 9654, and 9754 CPU models.The AMD servers are available at several Edge data center locations, including Ashburn, Charlotte, Dallas, and New York. Customers can customize their server configurations with IPv4 and IPv6 address space and choose a network service between metered data transfer, measured in terabytes (TB) transferred per month, or unmetered bandwidth ports with bandwidth allocations ranging from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps.

HostColor's year-end AMD specials are part of its premium, fully customizable Semi-Managed Bare Metal Servers, available in more than 100 data centers worldwide.The provider delivers dedicated hosting services with unmetered bandwidth ports ranging from 1 Gbps to 100 Gbps in most of its data centers, including more than 50 U.S. edge locations. The company's bare-metal, cloud-ready dedicated servers provide customers with enterprise cloud computing and virtualization options, and are compatible with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and other major hyper-scalers. These servers allow organizations to complement or extend their private cloud infrastructures at a transparent, flat monthly recurring cost, with no charges for IOPS, DNS queries, DNS zones, Internet traffic zones, or infrastructure support.

Free Infrastructure Technical Support

HostColor does not charge for access to technical support on the core functionality of the dedicated cloud hosting infrastructure it provides to its customers. It provides dedicated cloud servers with "Free Infrastructure Technical Support" per Service Level Agreement (SLA).Free Infrastructure Technical Support (FITS) covers core service functionality related to network interfaces and the physical components of bare metal servers such as CPU, RAM, and storage drives.

Consultation on various infrastructure service use case scenarios is also included. However, it does not cover maintenance and support for the operating system (OS), customer custom configurations, and installed software applications. These are covered by the next level of SLA-defined technical support, called "Semi-Managed Dedicated Servers." This native technical support agreement is on the company's Edge Server hosting infrastructure platform.

Semi-Managed Dedicated Servers

In addition to its Free Infrastructure Technical Support (FITS), all HostColors dedicated server hosting services are "Semi-Managed" by SLA.The provider is responsible for installing and configuring server instances to the customer's custom configurations for Linux infrastructure environments. In addition, HC Support reinstalls the server operating system (OS) upon request, configures and manages network settings, creates and maintains custom virtual private networks, and assists customers in troubleshooting any server-side issues related to OS, network, or software configuration.

HostColor recently announced the availability of Remote Desktop Hosting (RDP) services, also known as cloud desktops, and fully customizable RDP servers. RDPs are datacenter-hosted computers and servers that can be securely accessed with a single click from users' personal computers using any popular and free remote desktop application.

The most common use of RDPs is for business computers running a unified software environment and custom security and usability policies defined by the organizations that use them. Another common use case for remote desktops is for small business owners and independent professionals who want to use applications and work in a secure computing environment easily accessible from their authorized devices while traveling or working from multiple locations.

About HostColor

Since 2000, HostColor.com (HC) has been a global provider of semi-managed edge, bare metal, and cloud infrastructure and IT hosting services. The company operates virtual data centers and provides dedicated hosting and colocation services from over 100 data centers worldwide, with its subsidiary, HostColorEurope.com, providing cloud infrastructure and dedicated hosting services in 19 European countries. For more information, visit https://www.hostcolor.com.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a globally revered spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, has transformed the practice of meditation worldwide. His teachings emphasize meditation as a tool for achieving inner peace, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Through innovative techniques like the Sudarshan Kriya—a rhythmic breathing method—he has made meditation accessible to millions across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

On December 20, 2024, Gurudev inaugurated the first-ever World Meditation Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. In his address, he remarked, "Today, meditation is not a luxury as it was thought, but it is a necessity. I would call it mental hygiene. Just as we practice dental hygiene, meditation helps us maintain mental hygiene, enabling us to stay centered and free from aggression and depression.”

The Art of Living Foundation, established by Gurudev in 1981, operates in over 180 countries, offering programs that combine meditation, yoga, and practical wisdom for everyday life. These initiatives have successfully reduced stress, enhanced health, and fostered a sense of global community.

Gurudev’s philosophy emphasizes that inner peace is the foundation of outer harmony. He views meditation as a pathway to access inner joy and tranquility, which can then radiate outward to inspire positive change in society.

As part of World Meditation Day, Gurudev will lead a global meditation session titled "World Meditates with Gurudev" on December 21, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. EST, from the 102nd floor of One World Trade Center in New York City. This iconic venue, once the site of the tragic 9/11 terrorist attacks, will now serve as a beacon of peace, hosting the largest meditation event on the planet.

Gurudev’s lifelong dedication to promoting meditation has not only transformed countless lives but has also contributed to a broader global movement recognizing meditation as essential for achieving harmony and unity worldwide. His upcoming live meditation session aims to bring together individuals from around the world, fostering a collective consciousness for peace.

For those interested in participating in the global meditation event, a live session with Gurudev is scheduled for December 21, 2024. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/live/QvlYzOATbWo

About the Art of Living Foundation

The Art of Living Foundation is an international non-profit organization founded in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. With centers in 180 countries, it is committed to enhancing the quality of life through the blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, with a particular focus on stress reduction and mental well-being. For more information, visit https://www.artofliving.org.

Alexander Spellane, the dynamic host of The Right Wing Voice Podcast and CEO of Fisher Capital, has released an electrifying new episode featuring none other than Rudy Giuliani, the legendary former Mayor of New York City, attorney, and political icon. This highly anticipated episode promises an unfiltered and thought-provoking dialogue on the intersection of politics, finance, and the conservative movement in America today.

Spellane and Giuliani dive deep into some of the most pressing issues of our time, ranging from the economic challenges facing everyday Americans to the policies necessary to safeguard America’s financial stability and the future of conservative values. As the head of Fisher Capital, a leading firm specializing in precious metals and financial strategies, Spellane leverages his expertise to explore practical solutions to these pressing issues during the discussion.

Rudy Giuliani, one of the most recognizable figures in modern politics, brings decades of leadership experience and unparalleled insight to the conversation. Known for his transformative leadership of New York City and his fearless advocacy on the national stage, Giuliani shares his perspectives on fiscal responsibility, government accountability, and the need for sound economic policies in today’s complex world.

Alexander Spellane, a rising voice in the conservative movement, has earned a reputation for his sharp financial acumen and ability to make complex economic concepts accessible to his audience. As the CEO of Fisher Capital, Spellane has dedicated his career to empowering Americans to take control of their financial futures. His commitment to bridging the gap between politics and finance ensures that this episode offers a compelling and impactful discussion for listeners.

Fans of Giuliani and Spellane, along with those interested in the intersection of conservative politics and financial empowerment, are encouraged to tune in to this must-hear episode. With the stakes higher than ever for America’s future, this interview is set to be one of the most significant episodes in the history of the podcast.

About The Right Wing Voice Podcast

The Right Wing Voice, hosted by Alexander Spellane and proudly sponsored by Fisher Capital, is a podcast dedicated to exploring conservative ideas, policies, and leadership. Each episode features in-depth interviews with influential figures who are shaping the conservative conversation, offering listeners valuable insights on the most pressing issues facing America today.

Under Spellane’s leadership, the podcast has become a hub for thought-provoking discussions on topics ranging from economic policies and political strategies to individual empowerment through financial literacy. With Fisher Capital’s support, the podcast emphasizes the importance of financial independence as a cornerstone of conservative values.

Listeners can find The Right Wing Voice on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts. Don’t miss this groundbreaking episode featuring Rudy Giuliani—an essential listen for anyone passionate about the future of politics and finance in America.

Today, UNLISTED, the AI-powered real estate technology company specializing in off-market and private home sales, announced it closed $2.25 million in seed financing. The funding round was led by HearstLab, with product and commercial support from Hearst Newspapers and with additional participation from VC 414 and StageNext, underscoring the company's innovative approach to real estate designed to reveal more opportunities for homeowners, home buyers, and their agents.

Currently, less than 5% of homes are listed for sale in any given year. By dynamically connecting off-market homeowners, buyers, and their real estate agents through insights and communication tools, UNLISTED's proprietary AI and machine learning technology significantly expands the market by over 10x to include the 66% of homes that are potentially available but not publicly listed.

"Historically, real estate is treated as an all-or-nothing proposition—a home is either for sale or it is not," said Katie Hill, founder and CEO of UNLISTED. "The reality is, homeowners are often open to selling for years but dread the listing process so they put it off.”

UNLISTED allows homeowners to digitally claim their home then subtly gather interest from buyers without the pressure that comes with listing. UNLISTED matches off-market homeowners and buyers whose terms and timelines align. “We’re not a brokerage, we stay out of the transaction and we don’t take commission. We’re a discovery tool, an easy, elegant solution that creates more options and more wins,” Hill explains. “The solution is additive for the entire industry including homeowners, buyers, agents, mortgage, title, really anyone who touches residential real estate.”

UNLISTED is free for homeowners and charges a nominal fee to buyers who want to start a conversation with a homeowner. Most of the company’s revenue comes from real estate agents who pay for the service on behalf of their buyer clients looking for off-market options.

The $2.25 million financing was led by HearstLab, which invests exclusively in women-founded technology companies and Hearst Newspapers, which reimagines how readers receive and use news content. Bridget Williams, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Hearst Newspapers, stated, "This partnership allows us to reinvigorate local real estate reporting by offering readers deeper, more engaging data and tools." HearstLab Chairwoman Eve Burton added, “As part of the growth strategy for UNLISTED and Hearst Newspapers we have created a partnership that will allow UNLISTED products to enter a nation-wide ecosystem of newspapers, local digital marketing services businesses and directories, to enhance local real estate market coverage. The collaboration aims to provide readers with unprecedented insights into local housing trends, upcoming sales, and granular property-level data.”

The Hearst Newspapers collaboration marks a return to media for the UNLISTED founder. Hill began her career at Leo Burnett, a global advertising agency, where she developed a passion for building transformative technologies. A two-time founder and former entrepreneur-in-residence, Hill has a track record of entrepreneurial success, including winning pitch competitions at the University of Chicago's Polsky Center and becoming the first two-time winner of the Flyer Pitch at the University of Dayton. Hill also won $100,000 at Pitch HearstLab in front of a crowd of more than 200 at Hearst Tower in New York this past April. That win led to the partnership with Hearst Newspapers and the recent investment from HearstLab.

Prior to this raise, UNLISTED has been funded by angel investors and advisors who have demonstrated successful disruption and big exits. The company’s closest advisor, Bill O’Donnell, served as Chief Architect on the founding team at KAYAK where he helped lead the company from idea to a $2 billion IPO. “Real estate is generally not that great of an experience. That’s no secret. It’s fun to be part of a project bringing new ideas and new technology to age-old challenges,” said O’Donnell.

UNLISTED arrives at a critical moment in real estate, addressing challenges like historically low housing inventory and significant regulatory changes. Recent modifications to commission structures and rules around advertising homes for sale, create an opportune environment for innovative solutions. UNLISTED also partners with luxury real estate agents across the country and plans to launch several new products aimed at better equipping agents to navigate the off-market on behalf of their clients who prefer private transactions. 

“UNLISTED is like nothing we have ever seen before. The platform allows agents to gain real insight into the market and tap into the 95% of homes not actively listed for sale. Additionally, Unlisted maintains all the information in a way that becomes increasingly more valuable over time, providing a distinct advantage for the agent to outperform for their clients.” said Melanie Hayes, agent, Heider Real Estate, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty and UNLISTED advisor.

About UNLISTED

UNLISTED is an AI-powered real estate technology platform designed to reveal off-market property opportunities. By leveraging machine learning, the company creates more dynamic, efficient market opportunities for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. For more information, visit https://unlistedhomes.com.

Comprehensive product specification and testing guidelines are now available to kava industry vendors to help ensure the safety and quality of kava and kava-derived products around the world. The Harmonized Multinational Kava Standards (2025) serves as a framework for compliance and quality assurance for kava and products derived from the plant Piper methysticum.

The guidelines include best practices for processors, manufacturers, and distributors and offer recommended tests and limits for various kava and kava-derived product types. The guidelines are for traditional kava aqueous extracts, instant and micronized kava powder, and non-aqueous kava extracts.

“The creation and adoption of these guidelines are a testament to the industry’s dedication to safety and product integrity,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition and a sponsor of the standards guidelines. “These guidelines give consumers assurance that those manufacturers who comply with these standards are offering safe and clean kava and kava derived products.”

The guidelines include definitions and identifies specifications for purity and contaminants, potency, composition specifications, physical characteristics, storage and packaging, labeling, shelf life and expiry dates.

The guidelines also provide a list of recommended tests for kava and products derived from Piper methysticum such as kavalactones and flavokavains, heavy metals, microbials, residual solvents, moisture content, pesticides, and mycotoxins.

Testing guidelines also includes a description of product types, instrumentation, target analytes, limits and reporting. To help kava vendors with application, the guidelines also include sections on validation, sampling guidelines and recommendations.

These guidelines are not designed to replace the Codex Alimentarius Regional Standard for Kava, any relevant laws such as the Vanuatu Kava Act (2002), or guidelines from regulatory agencies or industry associations such as FDA, FSANZ, EFSA, USP, AHPA, Kava Coalition, or IKO. Instead, these guidelines were generated by combining aspects of each of these in order to generate a comprehensive set of standards that are fit for purpose.

“The Kava Coalition is proud to have played a part in creating these guidelines which will enhance consumer trust,” said Lowe. “These guidelines will help create industry norms and standards, which is vital as the industry seeks favorable policy and regulations around the world.”

The guidelines are applicable at various stages of the Piper methysticum product supply chain including processors, manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers and retailers. The guidelines are offered at no cost.

Harmonized Multinational Kava Standards (2025) is available for download on the Kava Coalition website: https://www.kavacoalition.org/kava-industry-standards.

About the Kava Coalition

Kava Coalition (KC) is a global alliance of kava consumers, experts, and industry leaders committed to advancing kava education, advocacy, and choice. Through educational initiatives and community engagement, KC promotes awareness and appreciation for kava’s traditional practices and cultural significance. Simultaneously, KC advocates for modern regulation that reflects current scientific knowledge, ensuring consumer safety and product integrity.

Today, Barometer, an AI-powered brand suitability and contextual targeting engine committed to inclusion and nuance announces its episodic podcast brand safety, suitability, and contextual targeting segments are available for programmatic advertisers. This first-to-market capability enables brands to confidently align with suitable podcast contexts, programmatically, at scale. This integration is launching first on The Trade Desk.

The Barometer brand suitability & contextual targeting solution enables advertisers to utilize pre-bid targeting in their podcast buys for the first time, empowering advertisers with more consistent targeting capabilities across digital channels. Advertisers can now overcome their brand suitability concerns and activate with episode-level precision to ensure every impression aligns with their unique brand standards. One could argue that the combination of being able to target at the content item level, and the content signals required to facilitate such targeting make the podcast medium even more transparent and targetable than mature digital channels.

This solution enables buyer confidence for more activation in the podcast space at a scale that has never before been seen. This buy-side, self-service control, in combination with the transparency provided by publishers participating in the marketplace, facilitates a virtuous cycle of advertiser choice and trust.

"At Barometer, we're dedicated to making the podcast space more accessible and trustworthy for advertisers by providing actionable insights that enable them to align their brand values with the right content,” said Dr. Tamara Zubatiy Nelson, CEO at Barometer. “The ability to distribute our segments to buyers is a major step forward, allowing advertisers to target and tailor their campaigns with the same precision they expect from other digital channels. We're thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking moment in digital audio."

Today, this capability elevates the entire industry as Barometer is now fully integrated as a targeting solution in The Trade Desk. Now, buyers can target towards and away from their specific content goals on an episodic level instead of just monitoring and then responding after the fact.

According to Bob Hunt, Senior Director, Audio at Omnicom Media Group agency Hearts & Science, "Brands have a right to control where and how their ads are showing up - this is the core premise behind Omnicom Media Group’s Council on Standards and Accountability in Advertising (CASA) that has advanced adjacency controls across social, CTV, SSP, and retail media environments. However, programmatic podcasting has lagged other programmatic channels in this regard. Now, activating with Barometer through The Trade Desk, we are able to give brands more transparency and control in an investment channel that saw double-digit growth in 2024.”

“SiriusXM Media has built our programmatic podcast offering from the ground up with full inventory transparency, down to a show and episode level, as our cornerstone since its inception,” said Jeremy Randol, VP of Programmatic Sales Strategy at SiriusXM Media. “Our long-term collaboration and joint commitment with both The Trade Desk and Barometer has allowed podcast brand suitability to move from post-campaign measurement to pre-bid buy side curation in a matter of months. We believe that this new integration will alleviate any remaining brand suitability perceptions in the programmatic podcast space—allowing advertisers to realize the full scale of their podcasts buys with all the advantages that come with programmatic execution.”

Barometer is excited to share that the solution is officially live and currently being used in beta by advertisers in The Trade Desk. If you’d like to learn more about the new capabilities, please reach out to our contacts listed below!

About Barometer

Barometer is an omni-channel, AI-powered contextual engine with best-in-class brand suitability and contextual targeting solutions in audio. They help the largest brands in the world responsibly activate at scale in impactful channels like podcasts. Their patent-pending AI Brand Integrity Cloud uses natural language processing to analyze podcasts based on industry standard taxonomies including the IAB Content taxonomy 3.0 for contextual targeting and the Global Advertisers for Responsible Media’s (GARM) Brand Safety Floor and Suitability Framework. Their solutions drive radical transparency across the entire ad ecosystem building trust between the buy and sell sides to usher in a new era of scale and contextual understanding. Through their investment in ensuring diverse voices & news content are not blocked inappropriately, Barometer helps brands ensure their brand standards don’t come at the expense of their brand values.

For more information, visit http://www.thebarometer.co.

Shaykh Mohamed Faouzi al-Karkari, a Moroccan-born Sufi teacher and founder of the Karkariya Sufi order (established in 2007), and the Al-Karkari Institute for Sufi Studies (established in 2023), recently led a series of workshops at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. The Karkariya order traces its spiritual lineage through classical Sufi traditions and emphasizes direct experience of divine reality. Its affiliated institute works to bring Sufi knowledge into contemporary academic and cultural settings. These December 2024 events exemplified the Institute’s ongoing mission to advance emic (insider) perspectives in the study of Sufism, aiming to challenge predominantly Western-centric or reductionist approaches within Islamic studies.

Engaging with al-Hallaj at Stanford

On December 12, 2024, Stanford University hosted a workshop focusing on the poetry of the renowned Islamic mystic al-Hallaj (d. 922), whose writings remain central to understanding the heart of Sufi spirituality. Attendees—ranging from Stanford scholars to visiting academics from Yale and Harvard Universities—explored themes of fanāʼ (self-annihilation) and divine witnessing. For readers unfamiliar with these terms, fanāʼ refers to the dissolution of the individual ego in the presence of the Divine, while divine witnessing involves profound spiritual insight into the presence of God in all aspects of existence.

Shaykh al-Karkari’s analysis illuminated al-Hallaj’s philosophical and ethical dimensions, prompting robust discussion on the concepts’ relevance to contemporary debates on subjectivity, transcendence, and moral responsibility. Participants examined how these themes resonate beyond historical contexts, informing modern spiritual seekers and scholars alike. To ground the conversation, Shaykh al-Karkari recited from his own poem in The Chalices of Spirits, reading lines that conveyed the theme of divine love as a luminous presence in the heart of the seeker. For example, a short excerpt of what was shared of his writings:

“Beyond the seven gardens — and the throne, and the pedestal

Shone forth, the secret of Ihsan — My sun was set ablaze”

This connection between classical and contemporary Sufi poetry underscored the living nature of these traditions in academic environments.

Exploring Abu Madyan’s Legacy at UC Berkeley

On December 14, 2024, a second workshop took place at UC Berkeley, turning the spotlight on the Sevillian Sufi master Abu Madyan al-Ghawth (d. 1198). Widely regarded as a pivotal figure in the Maghrebi Sufi tradition, Abu Madyan’s teachings bridge devotional practice and philosophical inquiry. The workshop centered on his poem When I Remember My Lord, which Shaykh al-Karkari situated within its historical and intellectual setting.

Here, the Shaykh highlighted Abu Madyan’s role as both a teacher and exemplar, focusing on the pedagogy of ontological poverty—an ethical and spiritual ethos where one recognizes absolute dependence on God—and the practical discipline of dhikr (the remembrance of God through repeated invocation of divine names or attributes). To clarify, dhikr is a core Sufi practice aimed at maintaining constant awareness of the Divine, often through recitation and contemplation.

Shaykh al-Karkari explained Abu Madyan’s theology, emphasizing the primordiality of divine essence, attributes, names, and actions as an indivisible whole. In this vision, God alone truly exists, while all creation is a mere trace, a reflection of divine disclosure in the cosmic mirror. The ensuing discussion, enriched by questions from both established scholars and graduate students, illustrated how classical texts still inform contemporary understandings of religious epistemology, moral philosophy, and mystical experience. Attendees grappled with how to translate this intricate theology into modern philosophical discourse and how to appreciate its relevance without distorting its original spiritual significance.

Interdisciplinary and Emic Approaches

These workshops form part of the Al-Karkari Institute’s broader initiative to foster dialogue between traditional Sufi practitioners and academic scholars—regardless of their personal religious affiliation. Marouen Jedoui, a PhD candidate in religious studies at Yale, facilitated translation and interpretation. His role exemplified the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that the Shaykh’s perspectives were communicated accurately and that specialized Islamic metaphysical terms were rendered meaningfully for an academic audience.

This careful mediation underscored the methodological challenges inherent in bringing insider knowledge into academic frameworks. While scholarly studies often favor analytical distance, an emic approach seeks to respect Sufism’s internal coherence and spiritual realities. The result is a more nuanced understanding of Sufi literature and practice, one that honors the lived dimensions of mysticism rather than reducing it to historical data points or abstract theories.

Rethinking Religious Knowledge Production

The workshops at Stanford and UC Berkeley raise broader questions about how religious knowledge is produced, disseminated, and understood in contemporary society. As the humanities face calls for more inclusive, decolonized, and ethically sensitive methodologies, initiatives like those by the Al-Karkari Institute challenge existing paradigms. They encourage scholars to move beyond exoticizing or reductive interpretations and to engage directly with practitioners who embody and transmit long-standing intellectual and spiritual traditions.

In doing so, these events contribute to ongoing scholarly debates on how best to incorporate religious voices into academic discourse. The involvement of Yale and Harvard affiliates, for instance, highlighted how established scholars welcomed opportunities to test their hypotheses against genuine spiritual lineages rather than relying solely on historical documentation. By centering emic perspectives, these encounters foster a richer intellectual environment—one that allows the study of Islamic mysticism to unfold with academic rigor, cultural sensitivity, and spiritual depth.

A Living Tradition for Contemporary Challenges

By positioning Sufism as both a historical and living tradition, the recent California workshops underscore the need to broaden Islamic studies beyond narrow paradigms. This approach nurtures a deeper understanding of the intellectual currents that have shaped Sufism over the centuries and continue to do so today. It also recognizes the transformative potential of mysticism in addressing urgent contemporary challenges—whether those lie in interreligious dialogue, ethical leadership, or community-building.

In a time often marked by misunderstanding, polarization, and spiritual disconnection, Sufism’s emphasis on empathy, humility, and contemplative insight provides valuable lessons. The Al-Karkari Institute’s endeavors demonstrate how classical texts, recited and interpreted by living masters, can speak to modern audiences. Rather than confining mysticism to the past, these engagements illuminate its enduring relevance, inspiring self-awareness, moral integrity, and inclusivity. Such work not only enriches academic inquiry but also holds promise for building more harmonious and compassionate communities worldwide.

About Al-Karkari Institute

The Al-Karkari Institute aims to engage in research and discourse on the diverse dimensions of Sufism. By exploring the historical significance and contemporary relevance of tasawwuf, we aim to illuminate the path of Islamic inner transformation for a global audience of seekers. For more information about Al-Karkari Institute and their initiatives, visit https://www.karkari.org.

Spacely, a new venture transforming the offline media market, announced today an exclusive interview conducted by industry legend Samir Husni, a.k.a. Mr. Magazine, the president and CEO of Magazine Consulting & Research Inc.

During the interview, David Coker (CEO and founder) and Beth Mach (COO and co-founder) shared insights about Spacely, a two-sided market for offline media. This marks the first time the company has been featured in a public space, highlighting its innovative approach to media buying.

The exclusive interview underscores the significance of Spacely’s mission to simplify the process of purchasing print and out-of-home media. By providing a user-friendly platform for buying magazine pages and billboard ads, Spacely is revolutionizing the industry and making it more accessible to advertisers and media buyers alike.

“We believe that buying media should be as easy as purchasing an airline ticket,” said Coker. “Our platform streamlines the process and offers a seamless experience for our users, ultimately changing the way offline media is bought and sold.”

As Spacely continues to gain traction in the market, the company has plans to expand its offerings and reach a wider audience. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Spacely is poised to become a leader in the offline media industry.

For access to the interview, visit mrmagazine.me, and for more information about Spacely and its groundbreaking platform, visit spacely.media.

About Spacely

Spacely is a New York-based company revolutionizing the marketplace for offline media. The platform is the nexus of traditional media’s tangible impact and digital convenience, facilitating the buying and selling of the print and out-of-home advertising space. For more information, visit spacely.media.

Svitla Systems, a global leader in digital solutions with a solid two-decade track record, has rolled out Managed Marketing Services. This fresh addition broadens Svitla's capabilities, becoming a full-service hub for those seeking digital and marketing help. Committed to delivering complete solutions for clients' ever-evolving digital and marketing needs, Svitla is now a one-stop destination for businesses aiming to amplify their online presence and drive impactful marketing initiatives.

Svitla's Managed Marketing Services delivers an integrated, metrics-based marketing solution. The organization's experienced marketing experts handle all aspects of digital marketing activities, including:

• Marketing strategy development
• Marketing audits and analytics
• Event marketing
• Branding and identity creation
• SEO optimization
• Content marketing
• Email marketing campaigns
• Digital advertising
• Social media marketing (SMM)
• Reputation management and PR
• Conversion rate optimization (CRO)

This unified strategy ensures clients benefit from coordinated and results-driven marketing initiatives that support their commercial goals. To deliver coordinated and metrics-driven initiatives, a unified marketing strategy is at the core of this new service. The Managed Marketing Services offered by Svitla enable businesses to integrate marketing efforts seamlessly, all functioning in harmony to achieve their commercial goals.

Svitla's latest service's primary benefit is its adaptability and scalability. Organizations can adapt their marketing activities to respond to evolving requirements, cyclical demands, or emerging market possibilities without being limited by internal resource constraints. This flexibility is especially beneficial in volatile economic conditions and dynamic market environments.

Svitla's venture into Managed Marketing Services builds on its proven success in the technology sector. Operating from 13 strategic locations throughout the US, Canada, LATAM, Europe, Turkey, and Asia, Svitla has successfully delivered more than 5,000 projects, serving both emerging startups and Fortune 500 enterprises.

The company's team of over 900 top-tier tech professionals brings experience and diverse skill sets to every project. This depth of expertise, combined with Svitla's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, ensures that clients receive cutting-edge solutions tailored to their needs.

The addition of Managed Marketing Services enhances Svitla's current suite of digital offerings, establishing a unique combination of marketing and technology capabilities that are uncommon in the sector. This holistic strategy enables customers to leverage an integrated mix of technical advancement and marketing proficiency.

About Svitla Systems

Svitla Systems, headquartered in California, is a premier digital solutions provider worldwide. Established in 2003, the organization caters to a broad spectrum of clients, from emerging startups to established Fortune 500 enterprises. With operational hubs across the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, Svitla ensures uninterrupted service delivery worldwide.

The organization excels in advanced software development and integrated digital solutions. Svitla's reputation rests on adaptable business models, technological excellence, and senior-level professionals. Svitla Systems consistently produces solutions that propel client growth in today's dynamic digital environment through its dedication to professional development and technological innovation.

Skype: m.demeo@svitla.com

LinkedIn: Mark DeMeo