The Cronin Foundation grant includes funds to hire a part-time robotics coordinator to oversee the nonprofit’s seven robotics teams (grades K-3, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12), and to train and provide on-demand support for Marshall teachers.
“We’ve established an expertise in running robotics programs,” said Caroline Hurteau, executive director of Innovate Albion. “Our success at FIRST Championship boosted our program’s popularity.”
Innovate Albion’s work in Marshall schools includes developing STEM curricula for elementary school teachers through funding from the Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation and the Manufacturing Education Fund from the Albion Community Foundation. Earlier this year, Innovate Albion received the Friend of the Youth Award from the Marshall Teacher’s Association for its work in the school district.
“We’re honored by the community’s growing support of our efforts to boost STEM and STEAM education,” Hurteau said. “That’s part of our mission, and to see it embraced by local schools and foundations proves we’re not alone in our efforts.”
Since its launch in 2019, Innovate Albion has become a hub for students interested in coding and robotics. Located in a refurbished three-story, 100-year-old masonic temple, the tech education center features a machine shop, classrooms and a regulation-size high school robotics field. To learn more about INNOVATE Albion programs, visit InnovateAlbion.org.
About Innovate Albion Innovate Albion is a teaching and training center for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and robotics in southwest Michigan. As a nonprofit organization founded in collaboration with Caster Concepts, Inc. and Conceptual Innovations, we bring together students, educators and professionals to build the next generation of skilled talent in our region. Visit InnovateAlbion.org.
PBMs control Americans’ access to often life-saving medications and they increase costs. Unpredictable and irrational “DIR fees” imposed on pharmacies have skyrocketed 107,400% over the past decade. Further, from 2014-2022, 1,357 medications were excluded from at least one PBM formulary for at least one year. The result is higher cost medications and less choice for patients.
“Pharmaceutical benefit manipulation” harms patients and pharmacies by driving up prices, limiting access to certain medications, and forcing pharmacies that serve their communities to close, especially in rural and underserved communities.
The national 30-second spot, titled ‘REAL REFORM’, addresses what U.S. Congress must do to stop abusive PBM tactics, while also strengthening oversight of PBMs, ensuring accountability, transparency, and fairness. The ‘Real Reform’ ad campaign will include broadcast, cable, web-based news, and digital executions.
NACDS, which represents national and regional pharmacies in the drug store, supermarket and mass retail settings, has been fighting on the frontline of this critical issue, urging federal and state leaders alike to protect patients from PBM tactics. The federal government has specific actions that are within its power and responsibility to accomplish to bring PBM reform to Medicare and Medicaid. Meanwhile, this year, NACDS has pushed for change at all levels of government and as a result, the enactment of 31 bills across 27 states led to 55 policy changes consistent with NACDS PBM reform and reimbursement priorities. This builds on the enactment of 101 state PBM reform bills combined in 2021 and 2022.
The full text of the ‘REAL REFORM’ 30-Second Ad is below:
You may be hearing a lot about pharmaceutical middlemen called PBMs. As a pharmacist, I want to let you know why it matters. For too long, these middlemen have . . . pocketed savings that belong to you . . . said ‘no’ to medicines you need . . . and blocked you from your local pharmacist . . . like me But Congress now has a chance to reduce drug costs – and improve access . . . for ALL patients. Including Americans on Medicare and Medicaid, who I serve every day. Because let’s be clear, if all patients don’t benefit. . . it’s not real reform.
Teamsters Call Out Waymo’s Poor Safety Record Outside Google Headquarters LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Teamsters, labor leaders, public safety officials, and concerned citizens today held a rally outside of Google’s Southern California HQ to condemn the recent expansion…
Nearly 70 percent of students served by the Southwestern Community College District are Hispanic, many of whom are first-generation college students and therefore, face additional challenges as they enter into higher education. Through the partnership with SWC, NU – which is one of the top 100 colleges and universities for Hispanic Students, out of over 4,000 nationwide – aims to remove barriers, such as affordability for first-generation students and flexibility for working students to create more seamless pathways to earn a bachelor’s degree for students in South County..
“Southwestern College is focused on removing barriers that would prevent students from achieving their educational goals. We are proud to partner with National University in this shared, student-centered mission” said Dr. Mark Sancez, president/superintendent of Southwestern College.
NU and SWC are part of the California Associate Degree Transfer (ADT) Program that assists students with financial scholarships when they transfer between California community colleges and universities. About one-third of all SWC-to-NU transfer students have benefited from the ADT program, which when paired with other tuition assistance, such as the Pell Grant, students are able to attain a bachelor’s degree for little to no cost.
“As a former community college graduate and transfer student, I know firsthand what a difference dedicated faculty, staff, and leaders can make in helping students attain their educational goals,” said Dr. Gerardo de los Santos, vice president of community college relations at National University and recent inductee into the American Association of Community College Leadership Hall of Fame. “National University is deeply invested in partnering with Southwestern College to prepare next-generation leaders and create accessible—and equitable—pathways for community college students to continue on their educational journey.”
According to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), nationally, Hispanic enrollment is expected to exceed more than 4 million students by 2026, surpassing the growth rate of any other ethnic group by over 10 percent. Additionally, STEM degrees conferred to Hispanic students rose from 9 percent to 15 between 2009 and 2020. Hispanic students now receive more than 25 percent of associate degrees conferred, up from 13 percent in 2011. Additionally, Hispanic students earn 16 percent of all bachelor’s degrees, an increase from 9 percent in 2011.
Two-thirds of National University students are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, National University ranks third in the U.S. for the number of Hispanic students enrolled in education programs, and Latino students account for almost one-third of NU’s bachelor and graduate degree completers.
The top five transfer programs from SWC to NU are:
BA Psychology
BS Cybersecurity
Bachelor of Business Administration
BS Criminal Justice
BS Computer Science
In addition to supporting striving students through transfer pathways and the ADT program, NU offers SWC employees educational advancement opportunities with bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees to upskill and advance their career with a 25-percent tuition reduction.
NU and SWC share a commitment to provide current and future generations of diverse students with the best opportunities for quality education. NU delivers on this by offering a credential-rich education with industry-relevant degree programs ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges. Further, NU’s holistic approach to student support, well-being, and success – called Whole Human Education™ – is about supporting the whole student and provides the financial, academic, emotional, career, and family support students need to successfully attain a higher educational degree.
For more information about National University’s community college transfer pathways, visit NU.edu
About National University National University, a veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of hard-working adults by providing accessible, affordable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 190+ online and on-campus programs with flexible four-week and eight-week classes and one-to-one graduate education models designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to 130,000 learners served per year—50,000 degree-seeking students and 80,000 workforce and professional development students—and 230,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. To learn more about National University’s new possibilities in education including next-generation education, credential-rich education, and whole human education, visit NU.edu.
About Southwestern College Established in 1961, Southwestern College is one of 115 public community colleges in California and the only public institution of higher education located in south San Diego County.
SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Tibsovo (ivosidenib) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation as detected…
And that includes the coconut farm in Thailand with whom Dee has built a long relationship.
“When we launched Native Forest® Organic Coconut Milk in 2002, it was the first certified organic coconut milk sold in North America,” Dee explains. “Over the following two decades, we have built a solid relationship with our Thai supplier partner, Sam, who has never used monkey labor on his farm. In addition to ethically rejecting that practice, Sam has no incentive to use monkeys. Unlike smaller-scale farmers who harvest coconuts from only a few very tall trees, Sam manages over 800 hundred acres of certified organic coconut palms. That’s a big coconut farm!” exclaims Dee.
Certified Monkey Free
“Sam relies upon hydraulic platforms that lift people to harvest the coconuts of any trees they cannot otherwise reach with cutting knives on long poles,” Dee adds. “To provide concerned consumers with added assurance, Sam’s farm was inspected and certified ‘Monkey Free‘ by the Thai Department of Labor under a new program launched this past year. We think it’s more prudent for consumers to know the ethics and practices of the companies behind the brands they buy, rather than distrust an entire country due to the bad acts of some of its farmers.”
Although Edward & Sons and their Native Forest brand use no monkey labor, Dee is concerned that efforts to stop monkey labor throughout Thailand have produced unanticipated consequences. According to a 2021 National Geographic report, PETA’s “revelations” about monkey labor prompted some coconut growers to surrender their monkeys to government-run centers or to the Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand (WFFT). Dee continues: “Edward & Sons reached out to the team at WFFT, who told us they are receiving more and more requests to rehome coconut monkeys. Unfortunately, WFFT is not always able to accept abandoned coconut monkeys, mostly due to funding constraints. Coconut monkeys do not possess social or survival skills that would allow them to be released successfully into the wild. They have often been abused and may require significant medical care. It costs money for WFFT to provide veterinary services and to build enclosures to house abandoned coconut monkeys, until they are sufficiently healthy and socialized to be released into protected habitats.”
Dee recognizes this can be a complicated problem to solve, saying, “On one hand, we want farmers to stop enslaving monkeys to do harvest work. On the other hand, many Thai coconut farmers bowing to pressure to stop this practice do not take responsibility for the wellbeing of the monkeys they no longer have a use for. Edward & Sons and our Native Forest brand are committed to stopping the enslavement of monkeys that harvest coconuts in Thailand and support a strategy that includes care for the monkeys who will be abandoned as a result of this change”.
Toward this end, adds Dee, “Edward & Sons supports the work of Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand. We encourage everyone, including our customers, our competitors and even PETA to do the same. Our goal? A safe, responsible and humane coconut supply chain that benefits everyone and allows the wild to stay wild.”
In related news, Edward & Sons’ “Let’s Do Organic” brand was also recommended by PETA as a humanely produced alternative that does not employ forced monkey labor to harvest its coconut products.
Learn more about the work of the Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand at www.wfft.org.
About Edward & Sons® and Native Forest®
Offering a family of plant based, natural, sustainable and organic brands since 1978, Edward & Sons®, an independently owned business based in Carpinteria, Calif., is committed to providing health-conscious consumers “Convenience Without Compromise.” The Native Forest® brand was born in 1999 to introduce canned Organic Hearts of Palm, followed by Organic Coconut Milk and other nourishing foods that help support local economies and the environment. For more information, visit www.EdwardandSons.com and follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest and Instagram.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Following is a statement from Eileen O’Reilly, president of the National Press Club, and Gil Klein, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute on the sentencing of Iranian journalists Niloofer Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi by the…
WALL, N.J., Oct. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Student Transportation of America (STA) is pleased to announce that one of its general managers, Dan Higbie, has been named 2023’s Roger Weeks Contractor of the Year by the New York School Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA) – one of the highest…
The evening will commence with a red-carpet entrance, where illustrious Patrick McMullan via Getty Images will capture guests in their finest moments. A flight of stairs will lead attendees past the restaurant and through private doors, where guests will be welcomed by greeters in bejeweled gowns by Astarte Creative. Butlers will line the hallway serving champagne on trays, setting the stage for an enchanting night ahead.
Upon arrival, guests will be treated to an elevated cocktail reception, featuring an array of immersive experiences and entertainment. The reception will showcase passed hors d’oeuvres and gourmet dinner stations, presented by Major Food Group—the global hospitality empire behind many of New York’s most celebrated restaurants, including THE GRILL, Carbone, Torrisi, and Lobster Club. The menu, a harmonious blend of culinary artistry across their signature concepts, will leave guests feeling satisfied and delighted. Cocktails, spirits, champagne, and wine will flow freely throughout the evening, ensuring every palate is catered to.
Acclaimed performers, beginning with the extraordinary harpist Lexie Lowell by Elan Artists in combination with a percussionist, will provide an unforgettable experience, playing sultry grooves ranging from Sade to Fleetwood Mac and more. Duo aerialists by Astarte Creative will perform alongside the musicians, against the backdrop of the ethereal backlit window chain curtains. Ensembles will don hand beaded, haute couture costumes, embracing an evening of luxury. Afterwards, internationally acclaimed urban rhythm musicians Drumadics by Elan Artists will bring on a high energy performance of trumpets, saxophones, and bucket drums, introducing John Green, President & CEO of Lux Bond & Green, as the emcee for the night. Founding members, international board and chapter past presidents, as well as scholarship recipients will be recognized for their contributions to WJA.
The highlight of the night will be a thrilling auction led by renowned auctioneer, gemologist, and jewelry specialist, Caroline Ervin via Lydia Fenet Agency. The featured lot, provided by Inspirato for Good, is a luxurious five-star corporate retreat package featuring a choice of iconic properties and destinations, including Costa Rica, Punta Cana, Kiawah Island, Rosemary Beach and more. Also included is a six-month Inspirato Travel membership. A paddle raise will also be conducted, inviting guests to contribute to the mission of WJA through their bids.
Following the auction, guests will be treated to a spellbinding performance by Astarte Creative, a dance act which seamlessly weaves together the elegance of Moulin Rouge Paris and the vibrancy of modern-day pop style New York, within a custom jewel-themed montage exclusively created for the evening’s guests. The night will crescendo with an electrifying performance by Lorenzo Laroc, the New York native virtuoso, on his signature five-string plexiglass electronic violin, playing a range of musical styles, from jazz and rock to Latin. Guests will be invited to revel in the ambiance, enjoy the lounge areas, and immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings and performances.
The WJA 40th Anniversary Gala seeks to raise funds to support the mission of The Women’s Jewelry Association, which stands as a beacon of empowerment for women in the jewelry and watch industries. Its mission is to help women in the trade advance and develop professionally through networking, education, leadership development, and the provision of member services. Across nineteen national chapters and two international chapters, connection and collaboration are built through meaningful relationships and volunteering. The organization provides a wide range of educational and mentorship opportunities, including virtual and in-person workshops, webinars, and masterclasses, as well as professional development partnerships, including the Pearls as One Course with the Cultured Pearl Association of America, Negotiable Training via the JCK Industry Fund, and the Jewelry Loupe Project, a six-month mentorship program for new designers.
“This year marks a significant milestone for the Women’s Jewelry Association. We have impacted women’s lives for forty years! November 2nd, we will celebrate with the industry and so many of the women who helped pave the way for our past, current, and future successes,” says Susan Chandler, WJA President and Chief Merchandising Offer for Citizen Watch America. “I am personally very proud that the WJA remains committed to engagement, inclusion, and community at the forefront of all we do. Our Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs, and Gen-Z research seminar, are great examples of how we will continue to deliver important conversations for our membership and supporters throughout the jewelry and watch industry. We are grateful to partner with leading organizations that make these educational moments possible, and we look forward to ramping up even more in the coming year.” WJA aims to nurture a more inclusive, informed, and sustainable industry, and a portion of the proceeds from each gala ticket and sponsorship will go towards the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation, the philanthropic arm of WJA, which distributes grants and scholarships. “The WJA Foundation’s mission is to build relationships and maximize opportunities for financial support and professional development across all facets of our industry for women whether they are beginning, advancing, or enriching their careers,” says Gabrielle Grazi, President of the WJA Foundation and VP, Head Retail Strategy and Partnerships, Natural Diamond Council. By raising funds during the WJA Ruby Gala, the organization is poised to further its initiatives, ensuring that women continue to thrive in the trade for generations to come. Through the gala, attendees can play an active role in supporting students, small business owners, and emerging leaders, contributing to a brighter future for the entire industry. Individual gala tickets, sponsorships, and donations may be purchased, or made, here.
Monica Elias, CEO and Executive Producer of Elias World Media is the Event Chair of the WJA Ruby Gala, and Susan Chandler, WJA President and Chief Merchandising Offer for Citizen Watch America, is the Sponsorship Chair of the WJA Ruby Gala. Monica and Susan are supported by WJA committee members: Aida Alvarez, Kendra Bridelle, Gabrielle Grazi, and Ivette Nersesyan– Stephanopoulos. “This is one of the most highly anticipated galas of the year. The evening has been meticulously curated to emulate the beauty, creativity, and passion of the jewelry and watch industries. From the iconic and rich history of the location where the gala is being held, to the bespoke and immersive performances, and renowned composers, there was a great desire to create one-of-a-kind experiences across different genres that would captivate our guests, and most importantly, recognize the generous support received by the trade to make this evening possible. The special moments we’ve created throughout the evening are symbolic of WJA’s momentous milestone achievements over the years. This will be an evening of celebration, inspiration, and fundraising in support of the future, and it will bring together some of the most prominent names in media, entertainment, fashion, and philanthropy,” says Monica Elias. The Women’s Jewelry Association would like to acknowledge the support of its gala sponsors, who make this extraordinary event possible: De Beers, Jewelers Mutual, Citizen Watch America, GIA, Elias World Media, JCK, Krainz Creations, Platinum Guild International, Stuller, The Centurion Jewelry Show, BOSS Logics, Chrysmela, Goldstar, Heritage Auctions, Instore, Lux, Bond & Green, Marco Bicego, Richline Group, Sheetal, Uni-Design, V&A Group, and Casadevall Group.
Attire for the WJA Ruby Gala is Black Tie optional; attendees are encouraged to wear the color red, in solidarity with the anniversary color and theme. Tickets for the WJA Ruby Gala are limited, and available for purchase at https://wja.wedoauctions.com. For sponsorship opportunities and further information, please contact [email protected]. For inquiries regarding this press release, contact Pietra Communications by calling 212-913-9761 or email [email protected].
About the Women’s Jewelry Association: The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) is a trailblazing organization dedicated to empowering and advancing women within the jewelry and watch industries. In 1983, WJA was founded on the belief that women could create lasting change by connecting, mentoring, and recognizing one another’s accomplishments. Today, WJA stands as a global network of professionals spanning diverse roles, from designers and manufacturers to retailers and media representatives. The organization’s mission is to facilitate professional growth through networking, education, leadership development, and a wide range of member services. Through its numerous chapters across the U.S. and around the world, WJA offers a spectrum of benefits, including networking events, educational programs, mentoring initiatives, scholarships, and grants.
About the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation: The WJA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA), dedicated to furthering the organization’s mission of providing women in the jewelry and watch industries with educational and business opportunities to help them achieve their full career potential. The Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) corporation, actively engaging individuals and corporations to contribute and make meaningful impact through the distribution of scholarships and grants.
“A Capoeira batizado provides an opportunity to bring the broader community together to experience the Afro-Brazilian art form, not only capoeiristas, but family, friends, and beyond,” said Marcia Treidler, a.k.a. Mestra Cigarra, Artistic Director of ACSF. “Through capoeira, we can bridge communities because it provides a creative outlet for all ages and walks of life to engage with others in this unique combination of martial arts, dance and music. We invite you to see this for yourself this weekend at our event.”
Preceding this multigenerational event, ACSF’s students will have an unparalleled learning opportunity through intensive workshops and lectures led by the visiting guests.
For more information about the batizado and workshop series, visit https://www.abada.org.
This year’s event will also kick off the end-of-the-year fundraising campaign. If you’d like to support the ACSF community, please visit: abada.org/donate
ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco (ACSF) preserves, develops, and shares the Afro-Brazilian art of Capoeira with integrity, and cultivates, engages, and supports cultural practitioners and artists. By exploring creative ways of sharing Capoeira and related arts, ACSF remains a pioneering force in the preservation and development of Brazilian arts.
Founded in1991 by master artist MArcia Treidler, ACSF uses Capoeira arts to enrich, strengthen, and uplift under-resourced communities, and as a catalyst to build a healthy, just, and vibrant society in which people feel connected to and responsible for their community.
Women-led and rooted in San Francisco’s Mission District, ACSF continues its commitment to providing accessible, inclusive, culturally authentic programs and apprenticeships taught by highly skilled artists.
ACSF shares its name and philosophy with ABADÁ-Capoeira—the Brazilian Association for the Support and Development of the Art of Capoeira—founded in 1988 by Mestre Camisa, in Brazil. ABADÁ has independent branches in 80 countries.
