All posts by imreal

Technology: Computer

Aragon Research Releases its First Market Insights Guide Covering AI in Cybersecurity

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Cutting-edge report highlights key technology providers and the imperative of AI integration to combat evolving cyber threats.

Palo Alto, Calif., Aug. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Aragon Research, a leading technology-focused research and advisory firm, has unveiled its first Market Insights Guide for Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity, 2023. As the digital realm faces increasingly sophisticated threats, this comprehensive guide presents an in-depth analysis of the utilization of AI to bolster cybersecurity measures; Aragon analysts stress the importance of selecting AI-powered security solutions to safeguard an organization’s valuable data, systems, and assets.

With the cyber threat landscape constantly evolving, enterprises are recognizing the limitations of traditional signature-based tools. Hackers are harnessing the power of advanced AI technologies to orchestrate highly intricate attacks that necessitate equally advanced defense mechanisms. In response to this pressing need, numerous enterprise security software providers are seamlessly integrating AI and machine learning (ML) capabilities to enhance threat detection and mitigation.

The Aragon Research Market Insights Guide delves into the sphere of AI-driven cybersecurity, spotlighting 21 major technology providers that are spearheading innovation in this space. The list of companies assessed are:

Akamai, Anomali, Check Point, Cisco, CrowdStrike, CyberArk, Cynet, Darktrace, Deep Instinct, Fortinet, Google, IBM, Juniper Networks, Microsoft, Mimecast, Palo Alto Networks, Proofpoint, SentinelOne, Sophos, VMware Carbon Black, and Zscaler.

Enterprise security software is quickly evolving to address new and emerging threats in the digital landscape. No longer are simplistic signature matching tools sufficient to protect the enterprise as hackers are using increasingly powerful artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to create highly sophisticated methods of attack. To combat this, many of the current enterprise security software offerings are incorporating advanced AI and machine learning (ML) technologies to identify and remediate threats more effectively.

“Enterprises need to embrace providers that are incorporating AI technologies in their offerings,” says Jim Lundy, CEO and Founder of Aragon Research. “If your current cybersecurity technology stack doesn’t include AI, then your organization is at an ever-increasing risk of losing the battle to a successful AI-powered attack.”

AI acts as a pivotal technology multiplier, infusing cybersecurity solutions with enhanced intelligence and speed. The featured technology providers within the report recognize this critical paradigm shift and have proactively integrated AI and ML capabilities into their cybersecurity offerings, thus fortifying enterprises against increasingly intricate cyber threats.

The Aragon Research Market Insights Guide for Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity, 2023 presents a formidable resource for organizations seeking to navigate the ever-changing threat landscape. As the digital realm confronts relentless and sophisticated cyberattacks, Aragon’s newest Research Methodology empowers enterprises to make informed purchasing decisions in selecting AI-infused cybersecurity solutions.

About Aragon Research

Aragon Research delivers high-impact visual research, consulting, and advisory services to provide enterprises the insight they need to make better technology and strategy decisions. Aragon Research serves business and IT leaders and has a proven team of veteran analysts. For more information, visit https://www.aragonresearch.com/.

Media Contact

Paula Quiroz, Aragon Research, 650-285-9889, [email protected]

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SOURCE Aragon Research



Society: Social Services

American Forests Unveils Updates for Tree Equity Score Tool to Address Climate Justice

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Newly expanded Tree Equity Score tool now provides tree canopy data for over 260 million people – 80% of the U.S. population

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — American Forests, the first national nonprofit conservation organization in the U.S., unveiled the next generation of its free Tree Equity Score tool, now covering over 200,000 neighborhoods and over 260 million people across every urban area in the U.S.

Tree Equity Score aims to help address a stark reality: that a map of tree cover in cities often mirrors a map of income and race. First launched by American Forests in 2021, the free, interactive tool is a breakthrough in democratized data, allowing communities to learn more about the inequitable distribution of tree cover in their neighborhoods that often leads to disadvantaged communities experiencing disproportionately negative health and economic impacts exacerbated by climate change.

“Tree Equity aims to address the dangerous and systemic inequities of tree cover in our communities by prioritizing planting trees in the areas that need them most,” said Jad Daley, president and chief executive officer of American Forests. “Tree Equity not only has real-life social, health, economic and equity outcomes but also brings green jobs and increased community resilience.”

A critical component of American Forests’ efforts to advance Tree Equity in 100 cities by 2030, the updated tool integrates data on current tree cover, socioeconomic status, heat and other relevant factors to assess if cities, towns and urban areas have sufficient tree canopy to deliver maximum health, economic and climate benefits. American Forests prioritizes supporting under-resourced communities with cutting-edge tools and resources. By providing a data-driven foundation and a tool that individuals can easily use, the score enables residents to work hand-in-hand with their neighbors to advocate for strategic tree planting initiatives that reduce the impacts of climate change to human health and the environment in areas with the greatest need.

The Tree Equity Score tool updates launched alongside American Forests’ new documentary, “Mapping the Path to Tree Equity.” The five-minute film highlights the tremendous impact the Tree Equity Score tool has made in providing urban communities with the information needed to get healthy trees to those who need them most, and how the next generation of the Tree Equity Score tool can drive even greater positive change across communities.

Additional changes to the next generation of the Tree Equity Score tool include:

  • Extended coverage to all urban areas in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska
  • Google’s nationwide high-resolution tree canopy data
  • A new heat disparity dataset measuring extreme heat using Landsat surface temperature
  • New 2020 Census boundaries and American Community Survey data
  • Updated map interface to help users explore patterns in the data
  • User-friendly updates for dynamic reports to help you find out what it takes to raise Tree Equity Scores.
  • Reports are available for every locality, county, congressional district and state. New, full-function search bar to better locate addresses and places

“The next generation of the Tree Equity Score tool will provide the most data-driven and comprehensive look at environmental inequalities in cities across the U.S., so that we can all work together to help get trees where they’re needed now,” Daley said.

To check the Tree Equity score in your neighborhood, visit TreeEquityScore.org.

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About American Forests

American Forests is the first national nonprofit conservation organization created in the U.S. Since its founding in 1875, the organization has been the pathfinders for the forest conservation movement. Its mission is to create healthy and resilient forests, from cities to large natural landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. The organization advances its mission through forestry, innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. For more information visit: http://www.americanforests.org.

Media Contact

Alexis Keith, American Forests, 775-446-0273, americanforests@theabbiagency.com

SOURCE American Forests

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

SlumberPod, the Blackout Privacy Sleep Pod for Babies and Toddlers, Announces Expansion into Target

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SlumberPod, the first-ever portable, freestanding blackout sleep pod for babies and toddlers created by a mother-daughter duo and seen on ABC’s Shark Tank, today announced its latest expansion into Target.

ATLANTA, Aug. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SlumberPod, the first-ever portable, freestanding blackout sleep pod for babies and toddlers created by a mother-daughter duo and seen on ABC’s Shark Tank, today announced its latest expansion into Target. SlumberPod products, including the SlumberPod and its accessories, are now available on Target.com. The expansion of SlumberPod’s retail footprint broadens the brand’s reach to families seeking high-quality children’s sleep and travel products and allows expecting parents to add SlumberPod products to their Target baby registries.

“With a commitment to providing families with creative baby and toddler essentials, SlumberPod’s entry into Target is a step toward growth, and we are eager to make our products available to even more parents across the country,” said Katy Mallory, Co-Founder and CEO of SlumberPod. “We are confident that the SlumberPod brand will resonate with Target guests who are looking for family products to make their lives easier, and we look forward to seeing this partnership come to life.”

Katy Mallory and her mother, Lou Childs, devised the idea for SlumberPod during a family holiday trip gone sleepless in 2014. With its bottomless, slip-over design and dark yet breathable material, the SlumberPod is an innovative solution for getting a good night’s sleep while room-sharing with a little one by providing the baby with a dark and private place to sleep. While creating an ideal sleep environment families can use at home or while traveling, the SlumberPod allows babies to sleep in their safe and familiar play yard or travel crib with room to sit or stand up inside. Made with premium fabric, the bottomless blackout canopy provides an easy visual barrier so children can nap in normal, bright, or distracting conditions, providing a comfortable solution for family room, bedroom, or hotel room-sharing.

Available on Target.com are the black SlumberPod canopy with gray pole sleeves and the navy colorway with navy pole sleeves. Options with and without the SlumberPod mini fan are available.

To learn more about SlumberPod and its benefits, please visit http://www.slumberpod.com and follow @slumberpod on Instagram.

About SlumberPod:
Created by mother-daughter team Katy Mallory and Lou Childs, SlumberPod is a patented, quick-assembly privacy pod that is nearly blackout dark inside and helps babies and toddlers get a good night’s sleep — especially important when traveling and sharing a room with others. Compatible with standard playards, mini-cribs, and select toddler cots/inflatable mattresses, SlumberPod gives families years of use. The brand has built a cult following with thousands of 5-star SlumberPod reviews, is recommended by more than 200 pediatric sleep consultants worldwide, and has been chosen for several design and innovation awards, including a Mom’s Choice Award®.

Media Contact

SlumberPod, SlumberPod, 888-808-4465, hello@slumberpod.com

SOURCE SlumberPod



Home and Family: Marriage / Relationships

Oova, Inc.’s Study Harnesses Hormone Data and Age to Precisely Determine Cycle Day within the Menstrual Cycle

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Oova’s Advanced Technology Yet Again Challenges What We Think We Know About Women’s Reproductive Health

NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2023  /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Oova, Inc. is proud to announce the publication of its latest groundbreaking study in MDPI journal, Medicina, titled “Using Hormone Data and Age to Pinpoint Cycle Day within the Menstrual Cycle.” Conducted by esteemed scientists and co-authors, led by Dr. Amy Divaraniya, PhD founder of Oova, Inc., Dr. Mark B. Woodland, MD, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tower Health, and Elinor Hills, content and brand lead at Oova, Inc, their discoveries bring a new understanding of the female reproductive cycle, particularly women with irregular periods, and confirms just how advanced and accurate remote hormone tracking has become.

Adding to Oova’s extensive collection of research and data on women’s hormone levels, the study challenges the standard norms used for comparison and disproves the assumption of a 28-day reproductive cycle. Shedding light on this inaccuracy and working towards a greater understanding of the female reproductive cycle. The study illustrates that the remote hormone monitoring platform can now analyze women’s cycles and pinpoint where an individual is in their cycle with minimal data points and the technology within Oova’s AI-powered app.

Oova, developed by Dr. Divaraniya, is a testing system that allows users to track their luteinizing hormone (LH) and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG) fluctuations throughout their cycles. The platform collects quantitative hormone measurements through urine to identify users’ unique fertile windows and predict ovulation. In this study, the Oova team evaluated hormone data from 4,123 cycles across 1,233 users, analyzing and tracking the LH and PdG via urine tests throughout menstrual cycles across different age groups.

Key Findings from the Study Include:

1. While 23.67% of women self-reported they had a 28-day cycle, only 5.23% actually did. Population-level data showed that women typically expected their cycle to be longer than it was.

2. Oova’s data challenged the assumption that a woman’s follicular and luteal phases are of equal lengths and that ovulation occurs exactly in the middle. Instead, the follicular phase was generally longer than the luteal phase. Furthermore, the data revealed that as women age, the length of the follicular phase decreases, while the luteal phase increases.

3. Using Oova’s hormone data to train their algorithm, Oova can now determine a woman’s cycle day based on her age and hormone levels with 95% confidence. This is groundbreaking, as it allows for a thorough understanding of a woman’s cycle, even if it’s irregular.

“Our mission at Oova is to empower women with an accurate understanding of their reproductive health, giving them control on their journey to pregnancy. Further, our mission is to challenge the status quo and debunk widely accepted inaccuracies to set new standards in women’s healthcare. This study is proof of our capabilities at Oova, and we can now say with confidence that at-home hormone monitoring offers more precise cycle tracking than textbook estimations, benefiting fertility planning, clinical management, and general health monitoring,” says Oova founder and study leader, Dr. Amy Divaraniya.

Dr. Divaraniya developed the OOVA technology after her own 18-month struggle to get pregnant. Over-the-counter hormone tests were not conducive to tracking her irregular menstrual and ovulation cycle. She has created advanced technology, that provides a hormone monitoring solution for women facing cycle irregularities, a symptom that studies have shown affects more than 87% of the female population [reference link . Oova’s data has been integral in discovering hormone patterns of Oova users in advanced maternal age. It has led to identifying hormone patterns that indicate patients’ presentation of signs of reproductive disorders such as PCOS. This latest study represents a groundbreaking advancement, as it reveals the possibility of precisely pinpointing where a person is in their cycle using only one measure of LH and PdG, a capability previously unattainable. These and future Oova findings have the potential to fill significant gaps within reproductive healthcare and beyond.

In addition to Oova’s consumer and clinician business, the company holds an ongoing study and research department. They are actively looking for partners to support their independent research. Past research collaborators include Massachusetts General Hospital, New Hope Fertility Center, and IRMS at St. Barnabas Hospital. If you’re interested in collaborating on additional research projects, please reach out to the Oova team at [email protected].

For all media inquires, please contact Sara Spiegel at [email protected]
For general inquiries, please contact [email protected]

About Oova, Inc.:
Oova is the fertility translator that fully illuminates a woman’s fertility, giving her and her care team the clearest steps to conception. Founded by doctors and backed by Mount Sinai Hospital, Oova has created a consumer-first, data-driven experience valuable to patients and healthcare providers. Oova’s at-home urine test measures luteinizing hormone and progesterone to immediately inform a woman of her most fertile days and confirm ovulation. By delivering advanced personalized analytics and real-time action plans with every hormone reading, Oova is transforming the fertility care experience. Oova has partnered with the leading fertility and women’s health practices in the United States. To learn more, visit Oova’s website.

Media Contact

Sara Spiegel, Oova, 937 478 9235, [email protected]

SOURCE Oova

Health: Abortion

Schools are at a Greater Risk for Cyber Attacks Than Ever Before

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Report from Leading Zero Trust Edge Cloud Security Company iboss and education nonprofit Project Tomorrow Reveals Lack of Collaboration in Schools is Contributing to Increased Cyber Risk. More than 84% of District Leaders and Administrators Agree That K-12 Schools are at a Higher Risk for Cyber Attacks than Ever Before.

BOSTON, Aug. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Cyber threats against K-12 school districts are on the rise, yet only minimal steps are being taken at the local level to safeguard district technology assets and student information, according to a new research report from iboss, the leading Zero Trust Edge cloud security provider and Project Tomorrow.

The report, Why A Different Cybersecurity Ecosystem Is Needed Today, details findings from K-12 district, technology, and communications leaders on the cybersecurity challenges they’re facing today. iboss developed the report in partnership with Project Tomorrow, a national education nonprofit dedicated to supporting the effective implementation of research- based learning experiences in K-12 schools.

The report serves as a call to districts to implement a cross-organizational strategy and a new cybersecurity ecosystem to combat the present and future threats to the security of their district technology assets—and, crucially, their students. Additionally, the report encourages districts to incorporate cybersecurity best practices into sustainable new policies and procedures in order to adequately protect district digital assets, including student and staff personal data.

The findings should alarm school district leaders and parents, as cybersecurity incidents in schools can put student information at risk of being stolen, cripple emergency communications systems, and potentially shut down schools entirely. This year saw high profile incidents that impacted Baltimore, Minneapolis and Des Moine school districts among others. The data concludes that:

  • Districts are acutely aware of the risks: 85% of district technology leaders and 84% of district administrators now agree that our nation’s K-12 schools are a higher risk now for a cyber attack than ever before. And, according to nearly half of district technology leaders (45%), balancing the access to online or digital educational resources with their security concerns about certain products or usage behaviors is a significant challenge.
  • Little preparation is happening: Only half of district technology leaders report that they have conducted a security audit within their district to identify risks and assess preparation levels for a cyberattack. Additionally, only 37% of technology leaders who said they conducted a security audit say they are dictated by district policy and conducted annually.
  • A lack of collaboration is partially to blame: Over two-thirds of district technology leaders (67%) say that ownership of cybersecurity within their district rests wholly with the IT Department. Only 32% say that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across the district leadership team with collective accountability.
  • Best practices may be the answer: According to nearly half (49%) of district technology leaders, what is needed most urgently today is education on best practices for K-12 cybersecurity. Other consensus calls for cyber threat preparation assessments (42%), buy-in from district leadership (42%), and increased funding for cybersecurity (39%).

Although translating the awareness of cyber threats into actual support on the district level continues to be difficult. However, the district leaders surveyed contributed potential solutions to combat apathy, including continued education about the reality of cyber risks, full and regular risk assessments, and implementing small procedural changes to obtain buy-in and demonstrate successful results.

“With cyber-attacks it’s not a matter of if, but when,” said Mark Racine, Chief Information Officer at Boston Public Schools and iboss customer. “It will happen, but the severity and extent of the attack, response, and remediation will show how well-prepared the district is. With our district response plans, everyone is involved and informed. I believe being upfront and honest in the event of an attack should be the general disposition of every district”.

“I’ve worked in both the tech and non-profit education sectors and found that enterprises have much greater awareness of cyber risk and are more willing to take action than schools,” said Dr. Julie A. Evans, CEO of Project Tomorrow. “This might be because historically, technology departments at schools have had little interaction with other departments. That has to change. IT teams must work cooperatively with administration and other departments to share their knowledge to prevent further breaches and attacks.”

To learn about iboss’ Zero Trust cloud services for K-12 Education, which provides a frictionless transition to a secure cloud network at a low cost, please visit https://www.iboss.com/education/

About iboss
iboss is a cloud security company that enables organizations to reduce cyber risk by delivering a Zero Trust service designed to protect resources and users in the modern distributed world. Applications, data and services have moved to the cloud and are located everywhere while users needing access to those resources are working from anywhere. Built on a containerized cloud architecture, iboss delivers security capabilities such as SWG, malware defense, browser isolation, CASB and data loss prevention to protect all resources, via the cloud, instantaneously and at scale. This shifts the focus from protecting buildings to protecting people and resources wherever they are located. Leveraging a purpose-built cloud architecture backed by 230+ issued and pending patents and more than 100 points of presence globally, iboss processes over 150 billion transactions daily, blocking 4 billion threats per day. More than 4,000 global enterprises trust the iboss Cloud Platform to support their modern workforces, including a large number of Fortune 50 companies. iboss was named one of the Top 25 Cybersecurity Companies by The Software Report, one of the 25 highest-rated Private Cloud Computing Companies to work for by Battery Ventures, and CRN’s Top 20 Coolest Cloud Security Companies of 2022. To learn more, visit https://www.iboss.com/

About Project Tomorrow
Project Tomorrow’s nonprofit mission is to support the effective implementation of research- based learning experiences for students in K-12 schools. Project Tomorrow is particularly
interested in the role of digital tools, content, and resources in supporting students’ development of college and career ready skills. The organization’s landmark research is the Speak Up Research Project which annually polls K-12 students, parents, educators, and community members about the impact of technology resources on learning experiences both in school and out of school, and represents the largest collection of authentic, unfiltered stakeholder voice on digital learning. Since 2003, almost 6 million K-12 students, parents, teachers, librarians, principals, technology leaders, district administrators and members of the community have shared their views and ideas through the Speak Up Project. Learn more at http://www.tomorrow.org

Media Contact

Amanda Coyle, Goldin Solutions for iboss, (646) 660-8645, [email protected]

Twitter

SOURCE iBoss



Legal / Law: Criminal Law

KUDO Gains a Patent for Systems and Methods for Automatic Speech Translation

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KUDO receives a Patent for Systems and Methods for Automatic Speech Translation, in recognition of their unique speech-to-speech process.

NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In a defining mark of innovation, KUDO receives a Patent grant certification from the United States Patent Office (USPO) for its unique, real-time speech-to-speech technology approach. This was one of multiple Patents currently pending by the global leaders in multilingual communication solutions for businesses. 

Reflecting significant efforts in R&D since their Series B investment round, KUDO gains a Patent in recognition of the innovative methodology behind KUDO AI, its AI-powered speech-to-speech translator. The Patent focuses on the company’s unique method for real-time, continuous (simultaneous) translation, and for translating spoken language in a natural way.

Launched in January 2023 and designed by a Product and Engineering team of both language and AI specialists, the ground-breaking Speech Translator integrates state-of-the-art Natural Language Processing systems – such as speech recognition and synthesis – with KUDO’s innovative language models. The result is high quality, live multilingual audio and captions. And as of today, the solution is available in thirty languages, on most videoconferencing platforms. 

Usage from early adopters indicates that the most popular use case for KUDO AI so far remains internal meetings and webinars. Data around language shows that the most requested languages for participants to hear include Spanish, French, German, Hindi, and Japanese. KUDO anticipates that these will likely adapt as the solution continues to evolve in its sophistication. 

“The awarding of this Patent reflects KUDO’s cutting-edge position in the language technology space. But we built KUDO AI with a bigger mission: to give everyone the power to understand and be understood in their own language,” says KUDO’s CEO, Fardad Zabetian. “As an entrepreneur whose first language is not English, this is of personal importance. Nobody should be hindered or defined by their level of proficiency in Business English; with KUDO AI, we aim to enable the transfer of knowledge fairly across all businesses, and eventually, all nations.”

“We’re thrilled with this milestone. It’s the first of many more announcements to come this month,” adds Dr Claudio Fantinuoli, KUDO’s CTO and the inventor of the Patented speech translation methodology. “Since its launch, KUDO AI has already undergone a new AI engine, seen a dramatic increase in translation quality, and we are constantly adding new languages in line with our rigorous quality and accuracy checks. Watch this space.” 

For anyone looking to experience this technology in action, KUDO AI is available to test via a free trial from the website, or to experience via a personalized demo with a KUDO expert.

About KUDO

KUDO is the world leader in providing real-time multilingual solutions that enable people to communicate effortlessly in any language⁠—on any platform. Their network of 12,000 professional language interpreters, combined with their ground-breaking Speech Translator, empower organizations of all sizes to collaborate more efficiently, with greater inclusivity, and on an international scale. KUDO Inc. is a New-York based technology start-up founded and managed by language and conferencing industry insiders seeking to create a world in which everyone has the power to understand and be understood in their own language. More info at http://www.kudoway.com.

Media Contact

Chloë Walford-Delahaye, KUDO, Inc., +1 347 943 9056, [email protected]

Twitter

SOURCE KUDO, Inc.



Science: Biology

How AI Enabled Creating a Movie Trailer in Just 7 Hours [DesignRush Spotlight]

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A sci-fi movie trailer created in just 7 hours demonstrates the power of AI. DesignRush delivers the key details of this latest creative breakthrough.

MIAMI, Aug. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries across the spectrum, the creative sector included. The emergence of generative AI tools last year has not only sparked innovation but also redefined creative efficiency. This has been demonstrated by the release of the “Genesis” sci-fi movie trailer.

DesignRush, a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies, keeps track of breaking news in the AI world and shares key highlights of this creative breakthrough:

  • The use of AI in creating the trailer for the conceptual sci-fi movie “Genesis”
  • How the trailer was completed in just 7 hours and the product designer behind it
  • Utilizing AI platforms such as Midjourney and Runway
  • Challenges encountered during the editing phase
  • Skills necessary in leveraging AI tools to generate creative content

Read the full story exclusively on DesignRush Spotlight.

About DesignRush:

DesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects.

Media Contact

Rizelle Leano, DesignRush, 8008565417, [email protected]

Twitter

SOURCE DesignRush



Society: Christianity

Meet the 2023-2024 Class of Girl Up’s Global Teen Advisory Board

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Introducing 24 youth leaders working with Girl Up to advance gender equity worldwide

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Girl Up is thrilled to announce the next cohort of youth leaders joining its 2023-2024 Teen Advisory Board from around the world. Since the United Nations Foundation launched Girl Up in 2010, the organization has been dedicated to creating a global movement for gender justice developed and led by young changemakers. The Teen Advisory Board is a central piece of Girl Up’s “by girls, for girls” mission.

“We are filled with immense joy to welcome a new class of Girl Up Global Teen Advisors,” says CEO of Girl Up, Melissa Kilby. “These bold and brilliant teenagers represent the transformative power of youth leadership the Girl Up movement so fiercely embodies. Their passionate advocacy and unwavering commitment to gender justice are not only an inspiration to me but also to our global community of changemakers. Together, we will shatter barriers, drive meaningful impact, and continue creating a future where every girl can thrive.”

This year’s class represents 14 countries across the globe: Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Ghana, India, Kenya, Peru, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Turkey.

Each of the 24 high school students on the incoming Teen Advisory Board holds a strong background in advocacy and a passion for social change. From reproductive justice and racial equity to climate action and education, these leaders are already using their voices and skills to create change across their communities. Through independent projects and advocacy coursework on Girl Up’s virtual learning platform, the Girl Up Academy, these leaders will gain the knowledge, resources and support to amplify their activism across the globe.

Teen Advisors are an integral part of Girl Up, providing feedback on our organizational strategy and energizing other leaders in our growing global network to take action for gender justice. Their impact doesn’t end with their one-year tenure; these changemakers will also continue to lead as key members of Girl Up alumni in the years to come.

Each Global Teen Advisory Board includes two members from the previous class to serve as co-chairs. This year’s co-chairs are Lilianne Asokwah (USA) and Saundarya Nair (India).

“Being a part of the Teen Advisor class of 2022-2023 was truly a momentous experience: we have never felt more accepted, understood, or appreciated. This program allowed us to not only grow our passion for gender justice, but also to fully understand the impact our voices can have. We now have lifelong sisters who will continue to inspire us in every aspect of life.” expressed Lilianne and Saundarya. “Our excitement for this incoming class is immeasurable— we can’t wait to see the beautiful, powerful and daring things we will achieve!”

The 2023-2024 class of the Teen Advisory Board includes:

  • Aasha Khan, Canada
  • Angela Yang, USA
  • Anya Govil, USA
  • Charlie Levy, USA
  • Cynthia Medina, USA
  • Emmanuela Kumi, UK
  • Eylül Erçin, Turkey
  • Gabriella Miranda, USA
  • Gloria Mariwa, Kenya
  • Isidora Santander Pizarro, Chile
  • Kelly Chaves, Brazil
  • Lilianne Asokwah, USA* 
  • Lilian Paredes, Peru
  • Luna Ramírez, Colombia
  • Lutfiya Inusah, Ghana–
  • Nirvana Talukder, Australia
  • Pranavaa Giri, India
  • Saranya Singh, USA
  • Saundarya Nair, India*
  • Shanum Sarkar, Bangladesh
  • Tessa Kiyonaga, USA
  • Tessa Michaelidis, USA
  • Yehansa Dayara, UAE
  • Zoe Lenz, USA

*Denotes Teen Advisor Co-Chair.

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About Girl Up

Girl Up is a movement to advance girls’ skills, rights, and opportunities to be leaders. Founded by the United Nations Foundation in 2010, Girl Up’s leadership development programs have impacted 125,000 girls through 5,600 Clubs in 130 countries and all 50 U.S. states, inspiring a generation of girls to be a force for gender equality and social change.

Media Contact

Hanna Nussair, Girl Up, +1 202-372-9499, [email protected]

SOURCE Girl Up

Technology: Computer

ISA Investment Steps into the Brokerage Industry

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ISA Investment, an international fintech firm leveraging AI technology, has emerged as a groundbreaking player in the trading industry by offering a diverse range of global trading products to meet modern traders’ evolving demands. Their visionary approach, advanced platform, and commitment to user satisfaction mark them as a dynamic force shaping the future of trading.

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Aug. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — As financial landscapes evolve increasingly fast, the demand for trading platforms with the flexibility to adapt and the power to innovate has become more pressing than ever. Out of this budding demand rises a new promising contender, ISA Investment – an international, multi-asset fintech firm that leverages Artificial Intelligence technology and focuses on various financial instruments. More than just another player in the game, the broker challenges the status quo by offering a plethora of trading products on a global scale. Built to meet the kaleidoscopic demands of modern-day traders, ISA Investment is committed to fulfilling the diverse requirements of its users and carving a niche for itself in the competitive world of finance.

“Debuting our freshly envisioned service at ISA Investment marks our unwavering dedication to our clients, in an innovative and optimal manner,” stated Jonatan Zubrzycki, ISA Investment spokesperson. “The backbone of our platform’s strength resides in our expert team, which strives to augment the trading experience of our clients, recognizing that they are the foundation to us as a company. By integrating cutting-edge technology and tools that align with industry norms, we effectively bridge the divide between intricate market dynamics and our clients’ trading goals. Our mission with this launch is to cultivate a trading atmosphere that is seamless, versatile, and above all centered on our clients.”

An advanced trading solution
ISA Investment is a reliable broker integrating a well-designed trading platform, diverse trading choices, and various bonus offers. Its user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and dedicated customer support are joined by an unwavering commitment to transparency.

“At ISA Investment, we extend a medley of financial assets and services, specifically designed to serve the multifaceted requirements of our esteemed clients,” added Zubrzycki. “To amplify the personalized trading journey of our clients, we also present a customized trading terminal equipped with high-tech tools and multiple account categories, each unique for diverse trading ambitions and financial goals. Moreover, we take utmost care in handling users’ capital and shield it via unparalleled security benchmarks and industry-standard protocols. Moving forward, we aim to shape a more dynamic and sophisticated trading environment, a pursuit that involves constantly advancing our service offerings. Our ultimate goal is to not just meet, but rather significantly exceed, the expectations of our valued customers. and we are set to deliver a uniquely enriching experience.”

About ISA Investment
ISA investment is an emerging brokerage platform enlisting hundreds of financial instruments and trading resources. The brand connects its clients with four major markets, namely currencies, commodities, stocks, and indices, via a high-technology trading platform. The broker also incorporates four trading account types as well as customized saving account options to ensure a holistic user experience. Moreover, the company supports swift execution speeds, several bonus offers, robust security features, and multiple payment methods to enact a reliable trading forum. All in all, ISA Investment effectively integrates top-tier tools and resources, thereby establishing and sustaining a premium trading domain.

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Media Contact

Jonatan Zubrzycki, ISA Investment Spokesperson, ISA Investment, +1 784 976 6023, support@isa-investment.

SOURCE ISA Investment

Society: Social Services

Ziegler Prices $59,925,000 Financing For Ohio Living 2023

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Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful pricing of Ohio Living’s Series 2023 Bonds.

CHICAGO, Aug. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful pricing of Ohio Living’s Series 2023 Bonds.

Ohio Living is a not-for-profit senior living organization founded in 1922 that owns and operates 12 communities located throughout the state of Ohio. According to the 2022 LeadingAge Ziegler 200 publication, Ohio Living is the second largest nonprofit senior living provider in Ohio and the 22nd largest nonprofit senior living provider in the nation, based on the number of senior living units.

Proceeds of the Series 2023 Bonds will be used to refund existing bank debt, terminate an interest rate swap agreement, fund a debt service reserve fund equal to approximately one year of debt service, fund approximately $3 million of capital expenditures and pay certain costs of issuance associated with the financing. The Series 2023 Bonds consist of tax-exempt fixed interest rate serial and term bonds with an 18-year final maturity. The Series 2023 Bonds feature a 3-year interest only period with annual principal amortization starting in 2026. Ohio Living decided to utilize fixed interest rate bonds to refund a portion of its bank capital following the turbulence experienced in early 2023 in the bank credit markets.

As part of the bond marketing process, Ohio Living’s management team made an in-person presentation to an audience of potential institutional investors attending Ziegler’s annual senior living investor workshop. The marketing and negotiated sales process resulted in six institutions participating in the offering, two of which were new investors to Ohio Living. The overall resulting average yield on the Series 2023 Bonds was 5.24% and they are callable in 7 years at 103%, declining to par in 10 years. The Series Bonds have an investment-grade rating of “BBB-” from Fitch Ratings.

Ziegler has served Ohio Living many times as underwriter and placement agent over the past 30 years. Ziegler’s last work with Ohio Living was in 2022, serving as sole underwriter on the Series 2022 fixed rate bond issuance which was a 6-month forward-settle refinancing.

Bob Stillman, Chief Financial Officer of Ohio Living stated, “once Ohio Living realized it needed to replace one of its historic commercial banking partners, it wanted to restore stability to this portion of its capital structure in short order. Having completed a bond financing in 2022, Ohio Living summonsed its experienced financing team of attorneys, advisors and Ziegler as underwriter to prepare, price and close this issue within 90 days. Ohio Living appreciates Ziegler’s depth of knowledge, industry specialization and execution capabilities resulting in a tremendous outcome that serves to solidify our capital structure for the future.”

Tom Meyers, Senior Managing Director, Ziegler Senior Living Finance added, “Ziegler is pleased to have the opportunity to serve its long-term client Ohio Living once again. Given the recent changes in the bank credit marketplace, this financing created a wonderful opportunity for it to step past these issues by quickly accessing friendly, long-term capital in the public, fixed interest rate markets. Ziegler continues to be impressed by Ohio Living’s progressive strategic decisions relating to its business and operating model in the face of an everchanging marketplace for senior care.”

Ziegler is the nation’s leading underwriter of financings for not-for-profit senior living providers. Ziegler offers creative, tailored solutions to its senior living clientele, including investment banking, financial risk management, merger and acquisition services, seed capital, FHA/HUD, capital and strategic planning as well as senior living research, education, and communication.

For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at http://www.ziegler.com.

About Ziegler:
Ziegler is a privately held, national boutique investment bank, capital markets and proprietary investments firm. It has a unique focus on healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance. Headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler provides its clients with capital raising, strategic advisory services, fixed income sales, underwriting and trading as well as Ziegler Credit, Surveillance and Analytics. To learn more, visit http://www.ziegler.com.

Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This client’s experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

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Media Contact

Christine McCarty, Ziegler, 3125961617, cmccarty@ziegler.com

SOURCE Ziegler