“Some brains function differently than ‘neurotypical’ brains, and some students may require different supports,” said VP of Education and Marketing, Dr. Christina Counts. “With this white paper, educators and school support staff can gain new insights into neurodiversity, reimagine their instructional practices, and create classrooms and learning spaces where all learners can thrive.”
About MiEN Company MiEN is a global company serving the education industry with innovative furniture products and services that promote and support active and interactive learning environments in engaging and functional ways. An American company with a strong European influence, its products and services represent the ideas and collaborative efforts of an expert team of suppliers, designers, and engineers. Built strong and durable using eco-friendly, sustainable materials, its products rank high in the industry in meeting the demands of creating dynamic and collaborative learning environments. For more information go to https://miencompany.com
With a distinguished career, Brown has committed himself to public service. Nominated by President Biden as the 47th member of the National Transportation Safety Board, he also served as the first African American mayor of Jacksonville, Fla. Brown has served as a senior member of the White House leadership team under former President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. He has been a long standing member of the NBMBAA for over 25 years and is a past board member.
“I am honored to be recognized as a co-chair for AFFIRM 2024,” said Alvin Brown. “NBMBAA’s conferences are pivotal platforms for professionals of color to connect, grow, and inspire one another. As an advocate for this distinguished organization, I look forward to having an opportunity to support such a dynamic event.”
As the first Black president of an NFL team, Wright has made significant strides in the sports industry. As the past president and current senior advisor of the Washington Commanders, he has been instrumental in transforming the organization and advancing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“I am deeply honored to serve as an honorary co-chair of the National Black MBA Association Conference,” said Wright. “The experiences and connections I’ve gained throughout my career have been instrumental in my success, and I am committed to fostering the same opportunities for others. While talent is universal, access is not, and I fully support the NBMBAA’s mission to bridge the gap and create equitable pathways for future leaders.”
With more than 15 years of experience in the sports industry, Johnson has served several roles in the WNBA, NBA, and NBA G League. Currently, Johnson serves as the President of Business Operations for Major League Soccer’s most decorated club, D.C. United, a role she has held since January 2021. Notably, she is the first Black President of an MLS Club. Under her leadership the club has established a sustainable Audi Field events business, which has seen the Washington Spirit (NWSL), DC Defenders (XFL), and the Truth and Service Classic – a home football game for Howard University – become full tenants in the 20,000-seat downtown DC stadium.
“The National Black MBA Association is an organization that has been a beacon of light for so many looking to navigate and succeed in a constantly evolving landscape,” said Johnson. “To be selected as a co-chair for this year’s conference is truly an honor, as my career is a testament to the impact mentorship, opportunities, and equity in access can have. I look forward to helping ensure the 46th Annual Conference is a resounding success.”
With the theme “Driving Excellence, Empowering Transformation: AFFIRM 2024,” this year’s conference offers a dynamic lineup of speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to empower Black professionals and foster career advancement. For more information and to register, please visit https://nbmbaaconference.org/.
About the National Black MBA Association The National Black MBA Association is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) member-based professional organization which leads in the creation of educational, wealth building and growth opportunities for Black students, professionals and entrepreneurs. Representing more than 11,000 active members, 40 professional chapters and more than 300 corporate, academic and non-profit partners, NBMBAA is dedicated to developing alliances that create intellectual and economic wealth in the Black community through its five channels of programming: career, education, entrepreneurship, leadership and lifestyle. To learn more about NBMBAA, please visit nbmbaa.org. Follow the Association on social media at LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X.
The coalition is exclusively focused on Portland City Council positions, not mayor or auditor positions.
“These 12 pivotal Portland City Council positions will influence how well the city runs and recovers,” says Lani Hayward, one of 12 for PDX’s organizers.
Eighteen volunteers from across the City’s four newly formed districts are spending hundreds of volunteer hours to research, meet with, listen to, and collectively assess the more than 80 candidates running for 12 spots on Portland City Council. Volunteers span Portland’s socio-economic groups, range of occupations and personal backgrounds, and include long-time Oregonians as well as newer arrivals.
12 for PDX’s volunteers may be found HERE. The group’s process and criteria for vetting candidates for City Council may be foundHERE.
For a full list of all candidates who qualify to run in the election, visit the City Auditor’s websiteHERE.
ABOUT 12 for PDX
12 for PDX is a grassroots coalition representing a broad cross-section of Portlanders with the single mission to identify and endorse the most collaborative and results-oriented candidates to the 12 new City Council seats in the Nov. 5, 2024 election. The coalition was formed to help Portland voters participate in this important inaugural election, navigate through an unprecedented number of candidates, and help ensure the new City Council reflects Portland’s majority. 12 for PDX was formed in May 2024 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan committee made up of 18 volunteers spanning Portland’s socio-economic groups, range of occupations and personal backgrounds, and include long-time Oregonians as well as newer arrivals. Learn more atwww.12forPDX.org.
For 74 years, WVCBA has been honoring Oxnard’s best-of-the-best through the annual Community & Business Awards. The awards seek to honor those in the community – businesses, people and organizations – that have gone above and beyond to make a difference in Oxnard over the past year.
Since 1976, Coalition for Family Harmony has served survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Ventura County. The Coalition’s mission is to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; to educate the community regarding multiple forms of violence; and to prevent the cycle of violence. Since its inception, Coalition has helped save thousands of lives and stop the deadly cycle of violence in families.
Caroline Prijatel-Sutton, Psy.D, Executive Director of Coalition for Family Harmony said: “The Coalition has enormous respect for the work of the WVCBA, so to be chosen as the Nonprofit of the Year for The 2024 Oxnard Community & Business Awards is such a great honor and a testament to the initiatives that the Coalition have championed throughout the year for the well being of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Ventura County.”
Nancy Lindholm, President & CEO, West Ventura County Business (WVCBA) said: “The work Coalition for Family Harmony does in our community is exceptional. The organization is so deserving of this Nonprofit of the Year Award.”
Other 2024 Oxnard Community & Business Awards Honorees include: Distinguished Citizen of the Year- John C. Zaragoza Entrepreneurs of the Year – Heriberto & Rolando Rubalcava Best Place to Work of the Year – City Impact Large Business of the Year – Amazon OXR1 Fulfillment Center Small Business of the Year – Aswell Trophy Community Influencer of the Year – Manuel Herrera Young Professional of the Year – Brittney Hendricks Volunteer of the Year – Daniel Shrubb Oxnard Trophy – Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
About Coalition for Family Harmony Since 1976, Coalition for Family Harmony has served survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Ventura County. The Coalition’s mission is to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; to educate the community regarding multiple forms of violence; and to prevent the cycle of violence. Since its inception, Coalition has helped save thousands of lives and stop the deadly cycle of violence in families.
Survivors may call our 24-hour trilingual hotline at 800-300-2181
About the WVCBA The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) is the Chamber of Commerce serving the cities of Camarillo and Oxnard in California. In March 2021, the membership of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce voted to unite with the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and form the WVCBA. The WVCBA is the voice for the interest of business with government, promotes economic development, works to improve the regional economy, and protects the interests of the two communities.
The WVCBA’s mission is to represent business interests and advocate public policies that promote a healthy economy. Its primary objectives include representing the interest of business with government, encouraging a strong local economy, promoting the community, political action advocacy and providing promotional and networking opportunities.
“Innovation is in our name,” says FITCI CEO Kathie Callahan Brady, “and we embrace that calling. We choose adaptability and creativity to forge new paths, especially as culture and marketplaces evolve, because that’s what we encourage from our client companies.”
The journey to this milestone has been a long one for the nonprofit business incubator/accelerator. Local supporters have praised FITCI for its enthusiastic commitment to helping local people start and grow viable companies that become the foundation of an economically healthy community.
The project started in 2017 and took seven long years to complete. After 32 properties considered, thousands of hours of volunteer work committed, millions of dollars in grants awarded, and work with more than 150 construction professionals and service providers, the 25,000 sq ft facility is in full swing.
The innovation center offers state-of-the-art wet BSL2 lab spaces and collaborative shared lab spaces with access to essential equipment, amenities, offices, suites, an educational lab space, and a 4,200-square-foot Base Camp community space, where entrepreneurs and ecosystem members are encouraged to collaborate and work together.
“Base Camp is a differentiator, like our strategic growth and advisory boards or our accelerator program,” explains Callahan Brady, “Because it allows us to go deeper and expand the number of people we can help exponentially. Base Camp supercharges the community aspect of a well-integrated startup ecosystem.”
Some 300 people gathered at the brand new facility for its launch and official “Cake” ribbon cutting. The event showcased futurist innovations in science, technology, and sustainability, packing every available space with interactive displays and information about visionary advancements spanning Artificial Intelligence, VR and safety reimagined; revolutionary building materials, the future of teaching and conferencing, natural ways to improve food security and better ways to extract precious minerals; CRISPR, CAR T-cell therapy, regenerative medicines, and nanotechnology.
FITCI’s other location on Metropolitan Court remains part of the incubator and is currently undergoing renovations and improvements to better fit the needs of local entrepreneurs.
“This isn’t just a grand opening,” says Callahan Brady. “This is FITCI’s rededication. Along with our generous and devoted partners, FITCI is committed to driving innovation and supporting the entrepreneurs who are changing the world and growing our local economy.”
For information about FITCI, its programs, sponsorships, or volunteer opportunities, please visit http://www.fitci.org or call 301-694-2999.
About FITCI: Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) is the leading business incubator and accelerator dedicated to supporting technological innovation and the development of commercially viable businesses in Frederick. FITCI provides a range of resources, including advisory boards, entrepreneurial programming including an accelerator program and “Startup-U” courses, and access to state-of-the-art facilities to help entrepreneurs turn their innovative ideas into successful businesses.
Event Sponsors: ACNB Bank, Audio Video Group, B/G Ventures, Facility Logix, The City of Frederick, Frederick County, Galaxy Control Systems, InfoPathways, JLL, Mesa Science Associates, Miles & Stockbridge, Morgan Keller Inc., Pace Life Sciences, Quasi Robotics, TEDCO, and Woodsboro Bank.
Companies presented at the launch celebration: Audio-Video Group, Community Enrichment Laboratory for Learning Sciences (CELLS), DaKiwi & Always Improving Robotics Clubs, Forager Station, Hobbs Science Tutorial, InventWood, IsNull Softworks, Dr. Kimberly Marshall-Batty, scientist/LEIDOS, sponsored by Pace, Mock Up – Motorola/MCA, MygoGenesis, Mycologics, NanoBioFAB, NostoPharma, Quantum Loophole, Quasi Robotics, RFID READY/rfidCollect, and Theradaptive.
My mission is ultimately to feed a million homeless or less fortunate people through our efforts and coordination. With a reputation for creating music that resonates deeply with fans, I want to entertain and inspire people with my music and collaborate with other rappers, singers, and bands. I would like to leave people thoroughly entertained happy and inspired by any show or event the Feed-A-Million Project puts on, such as the 2024 Feed-A-Million Music Awards Tour.
2024 Feed-A-Million Awards Tour
Get ready for the Feed-A-Million (FAMM) 2024 Awards Tour, hitting Charlotte (Oct. 26), Atlanta (Nov. 9), Seattle (Nov. 23), and Washington, DC (Dec. 7)! This exciting tour will spotlight top musical talent and support local homeless charities. Artists can submit nominations by September 15, 2024, if they live within 100 miles of the tour cities. Categories include Dance/Electronic, Rap/Hip-Hop, Rock/Alternative, R&B/Soul, World Music, and Homeless Advocate. Final nominees will be revealed on October 6, 2024, with tickets available from the same date. Don’t miss out as events are expected to sell out fast! For more info, visit [feedamillionhomeless.org](http://feedamillionhomeless.org) or email [email protected].
A Legacy of Giving
DJ Brother MANIAC has a storied history of philanthropy, including their impactful work with Hip Hop for the Homeless. This initiative, along with the Feed-A-Million Project, underscores a commitment to addressing homelessness through tangible action. By organizing events, raising awareness, and collecting donations, DJ Brother MANIAC has made significant strides in supporting homeless organizations and advocating for those in need.
Motivation Behind the Mission
Driven by a deep sense of empathy and social responsibility, DJ Brother MANIAC is motivated to help homeless people get off the streets and into safe homes and quality work where they can sustain themselves and their families. To encourage positive outcomes for those who are less fortunate and may have fallen on hard times. In his words, “I was homeless for periods in my life so I know what it’s like to be there and how hard it is to get the help you need once you are in that situation. Also when I see our Supreme Court criminalizing the homeless who sleep on the streets when there are no beds available in shelters, the USA is the richest country in the world, yet we have nearly 1 million homeless people, and many are Veterans, this should not be, that’s my motivation to do more, and to help more people.”
About DJ Brother MANIAC
DJ Brother MANIAC is a Passionate, Thought-provoking music artist. In his words, ” I try to say something positive in my music. I have a love for people in general. I would like to see all people succeed in what they truly want to do, so long as that thing does not cause harm to themselves or others. I truly want my music to reach as many people as possible, and hopefully, in the process, any success I gain will enable me and my Feed-A-Million Project, to help other Homeless organizations and advocates to get the most people off the streets as possible. The more money we raise, the more people we can hire, and we can truly feed and assist the one million people.”
Major Cameron invites everyone to join him in this impactful journey, where music meets compassion. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those who need it most. Stay tuned for updates and find out how you can be a part of this transformative effort.
California Labor Code Section 226 requires an employer to furnish its employees an accurate itemized wage statement in writing showing (1) gross wages earned, (2) total hours worked, (3) the number of piece-rate units earned and any applicable piece-rate, (4) all deductions, (5) net wages earned, (6) the inclusive dates of the period for which the employee is paid, (7) the name of the employee and only the last four digits of the employee’s social security number or an employee identification number other than a social security number, (8) the name and address of the legal entity that is the employer and, (9) all applicable hourly rates in effect during the pay period and the corresponding number of hours worked at each hourly rate by the employee. Dynamic Nursing Services allegedly failed to provide its employees with accurate itemized wage statements that complied with all the requirements of California Labor Code Section 226.
If you would like to know more about the Dynamic Nursing Services lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.
Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are labor and employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to fighting for employees who have been wronged by their employers due to unfair employment practices. Contact one of their attorneys today if you need help with workplace issues regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment.
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This is the second year of the FELLOWS program, which now includes 23 FELLOWS. As part of the program, each recipient works 800 hours a year as a DSP supporting autistic adults, in addition to receiving a scholarship award to assist with their tuition. Thanks to generous support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Louis J. and June E. Kay Foundation, The Sunshine Foundation, and The Taft Foundation for helping make this important program possible.
“We are thrilled to partner with NEXT for AUTISM and their FELLOWS Scholarship Program. This initiative is more than just an employment-based scholarship; it underscores our dedication to empowering our employees in their career journeys. At the same time, it fosters invaluable real-world experiences for students in health and human services fields. Recent data from New York Disability Advocates revealed a concerning 31% turnover rate in the nonprofit provider workforce statewide in 2022. Here at The Arc Westchester, we see the FELLOWS Scholarship Program as a crucial initiative not only for attracting and retaining our committed team members but also for nurturing their professional growth within our organization and helping them realize their career aspirations.” Tibi Guzmán, CEO, The Arc Westchester
This year’s program includes five new education partnerships University of Illinois Chicago, Mercy University (New York State), Richard Daley City College (Chicago, IL), SUNY (Westchester Community College), and Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) and four community partnerships A Plus Autism Solutions (Chicago, IL), The Arc Westchester (White Plains, NY), Urban Autism Solutions (Chicago, IL), Variety the Children’s Charity (Delaware Valley location).
The 2025-2026 NEXT for AUTISM Fellows Scholarship cycle will commence in January 2025. We eagerly anticipate applying the insights gained from this year and observing how the program evolves based on the data we gather.
“This fellowship will allow me to develop skills that will directly impact my future career as a speech pathologist,” shared Nasiah, a FELLOWS recipient attending the University of Illinois-Chicago.
ABOUT NEXT FOR AUTISM
NEXT for AUTISM is the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative initiatives.
NEXT remains steadfast in its quest to change the paradigm for how individuals with autism thrive throughout their adult lives. This is done by leveraging a broad range of autistic and neurotypical stakeholders and partnering with national organizations, regional agencies, and local entities to enhance services and maximize resources. Learn more at NEXTforAUTISM.org
Media Contact
Holly Wainwright, NEXT for AUTISM, 1 203-667-4734, [email protected], NEXTforAUTISM.org
“Play 4 SAY is our favorite event of the year, and you can ask some of our past participating companies; it may just be their favorite event of the year, too!” said Nancy Gannon Hornberger, CEO of SAY (Social Advocates for Youth) San Diego. “Every participating organization’s donation supports our mission of empowering local youth, families, and neighborhoods with impactful resources.” Some of San Diego’s largest and well known businesses and organizations have sponsored and/or participated in Play 4 SAY over the years, including Manpower, SDSU, California Coast Credit Union, AleSmith Brewing Company, Fogo de Chão, Societe Brewing, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Sharp Health Plan, Blue Shield Of California, and more.
“This event is all about unity – teams of San Diegans coming together to help create opportunity for others within the community,” said Hornberger. “There are so many underserved families in San Diego who we can assist in reaching their full potential. This event alone can make a huge impact in raising money for resources related to healthcare, childcare, and other vital services. Play 4 SAY teams can have fun in the sun while supporting our 30+ programs that aim to improve the physical, emotional, and financial wellness of families in need.”
United Ways of California released a study last year showing that 36% of households in San Diego County do not earn sufficient income to meet basic living needs. The programs offered by SAY San Diego provide crucial support for low-income families, military families, single-parent households, foster children, and more. SAY San Diego reaches 30,000 local families each year through childcare services, physical and mental health services, military family support, youth mentoring programs, family resource centers, and community development initiatives.
“When we come together to support vulnerable families, we also strengthen our neighborhoods and local economy,” says Hornberger. “We believe that community development should be about joy and togetherness, and that’s what Play 4 SAY creates. There’s no better or more exciting way for local businesses to make an impact.”
Business owners can visit the SAY San Diego website to sponsor or register their team(s) of 3 for Play 4 SAY. We’ll see you on the field!
About SAY San Diego
SAY San Diego has provided critical resources for vulnerable families for over 50 years, offering over 30 programs that reach 30,000 families annually. They focus on addressing the comprehensive needs of a child, individual, or family instead of focusing on one specific problem or symptom, thereby helping families and their communities reach their full potential. The services offered by SAY San Diego are designed to address disparities in access to education, healthcare, childcare, and legal services, with an emphasis on community development. SAY San Diego: Our vision is opportunity, equity, and well-being for all San Diegans.
Since 1951, the NFCC has been a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving people’s financial well-being. With a network of NFCC Certified Credit Counselors serving all 50 states and U.S. territories, NFCC’s counselors act as financial advocates, empowering millions of consumers to take charge of their finances through one-on-one financial reviews that address credit card debt, loans, housing decisions, and overall money management.
“It is essential that we work together with the NFCC to understand the challenges consumers are facing and the latest innovations in financial services that may serve as a critical lifeline,” said Phil Goldfeder, Chief Executive Officer at the American Fintech Council. “As a trade association built on the foundation of responsible innovation, AFC is uniquely positioned to support the work of NFCC and help our combined membership serve consumers.”
This collaborative effort will create a range of opportunities for members of both organizations to collaborate and offer innovative financial literacy programs, introduce the latest safe and affordable fintech products, and champion programs and products that create financial optionality and pathways out of debt for millions of Americans. In addition, both organizations will work together to educate their collective membership through podcasts, webinars, and by supporting each other’s events.
A standards-based organization, AFC is the premier trade association representing the largest financial technology (Fintech) companies and innovative BaaS banks. AFC’s mission is to promote a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. AFC members foster competition in consumer finance and pioneer products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies.
About the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Founded in 1951, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is the oldest nonprofit dedicated to improving people’s financial well-being. With a nationwide network of NFCC Certified Credit Counselors serving 50 states and all U.S. territories, NFCC nonprofit counselors are financial advocates, empowering millions of consumers to take charge of their finances through one-on-one financial reviews that address credit card debt, loans, housing decisions, and overall money management. For expert guidance and advice, call (800) 388-2227 or visit http://www.nfcc.org.
