Owesta Corporation’s appointments of Penny Wynn as Chief Programs Officer and Shannon Ward as Chief Lending Officer bring decades of strategic expertise to Oweesta and affirm its commitment to driving economic growth in Native communities.

LONGMONT, Colo., July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Oweesta Corporation, a national Native CDFI intermediary helping to strengthen the foundation in Native communities for sustainable, equitable growth and prosperity, today announced two appointments to its executive team: Penny Wynn as Chief Programs Officer (CPO) and Shannon Ward as Chief Lending Officer (CLO).

“We are thrilled to welcome Penny as our Chief Programs Officer and Shannon as our Chief Lending Officer,” said Chrystel Cornelius, CEO and president of Oweesta Corporation. “Penny’s visionary leadership in program management and advancing capacity-building initiatives, combined with her deep commitment to serving Native American communities, will be instrumental in furthering our organizational goals and community impact. Shannon’s expertise in overseeing loan operations and managing credit risk, along with her dedication to empowering Native American communities through strategic financial solutions, will help drive Oweesta’s sustainable economic growth. We are incredibly fortunate to have Penny and Shannon as new members of our team.”

Wynn joins Oweesta from the Chickahominy Indian Tribe – Eastern Division, where she served as tribal administrator, managing governmental initiatives, policy development, daily operations, community engagement and long-term strategic planning. With over 25 years of experience, Wynn previously served in various leadership roles at Citizens & Farmers Bank, one of the premier community banks in the U.S., from 1995-2021. She is a citizen of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe in Virginia.

As CPO, Wynn will play a vital role in designing and implementing programs that address the unique needs of Native communities, ensuring they have access to the resources and support necessary for sustainable development. Her efforts will support Native CDFI organizational capacity building and workforce development initiatives, financial education trainings, and Native homeownership initiatives.

Ward joins Oweesta from Native American Bank (NAB), a national community development-focused bank and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), where she served as chief lending officer and senior vice president. With over 25 years of financial industry experience, Ward dedicated her 15 years at NAB to providing tailored lending products to sovereign Indian Tribes, leveraging her expertise in capitalizing new markets and creating tax credit deals and participation lending programs. Before NAB, Ward held key roles in the U.S. Department of Interior’s Division of Capital Investment, including regional manager and interim division chief for the Indian Loan Guaranty Program, where she led initiatives to increase access to capital for economic development to Native American tribes, tribally-owned enterprises, and Indian-owned businesses. She is a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming.

As CLO, Ward will oversee Oweesta’s lending operations, ensuring its financial products and services meet the specific needs of Native communities. Her work will be pivotal to providing access to capital for Native CDFIs, Tribes, and Native non-profits to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, homeownership, and clean energy initiatives for Native communities.

“We are excited to announce Penny and Shannon as new members of the Oweesta leadership team. Their addition underscores our commitment to delivering impactful lending products and technical services for the Native communities we serve,” said Cornelius. “Their expertise and leadership are essential to ensuring that Oweesta’s strategic initiatives not only address immediate Native CDFI’s community needs but also create pathways for collective growth and opportunity. Together, we will continue to expand our mission, providing greater access to training and lending opportunities and supporting the vibrant development of Native communities across the nation.”

About Oweesta Corporation
Oweesta Corporation is the longest-standing intermediary for Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), serving as an essential bridge between traditional lenders and underserved Native areas. By addressing historical inequities and promoting economic inclusion, Oweesta plays a vital role in fostering sustainable and equitable growth that helps to strengthen the foundations of Native communities. As the largest facilitator of capital to Indian Country, Oweesta offers financial products and services to Native CDFIs and provides expert technical assistance and training to ultimately equip Native people with the knowledge and skills to support strategic financial decision making. This empowerment is key to advancing economic growth and independence and contributes to the resilience and prosperity of Native communities. Based in Longmont, Colorado, Oweesta is a majority-Native, woman- and minority-led nonprofit organization. Since its inception in 1999, it has funded more than 4,350 Native businesses in 36 states, with its network of over 245 partners disbursing more than 26,000 loans totaling over $826 million. For more information, visit https://www.oweesta.org.

Media Contact

Michael Tebo, Gabriel Marketing Group (for Oweesta Corporation), 703-829-6089, [email protected]

SOURCE Oweesta Corporation​

Experience local cultural celebrations, art and culinary events, and whale and turtle season, along with a Marc Anthony concert, in Mexico’s Pacific Coast resort town

NEW YORK, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Nestled along the Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta, renowned for its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, is gearing up to host a variety of exciting events as the rainy season gives way to the festive season. From the debut of a luxurious hotel to the annual whale migration, a turtle season anticipated to bring over 300,000 hatchlings, and a diverse array of food and cultural festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Alaska Airlines will soon offer the only nonstop service between New York and Puerto Vallarta, with flights from JFK airport starting January 8, 2025, and operating four times a week until April 20, 2025. Additional routes operating once per week from Sacramento, Kansas City and St. Louis will also connect travelers to this inviting beach destination throughout the winter as follows:

• Sacramento–Puerto Vallarta: January 11 to April 19
• Kansas City–Puerto Vallarta: January 25 to April 5
• St. Louis–Puerto Vallarta: January 25 to April 5

Here’s a glimpse of what’s on in Puerto Vallarta through the end of the year:

Witness the Journey of Baby Sea Turtles to the Ocean During Turtle Season

Now through December 2024

Turtle season offers a unique opportunity to witness the incredible journey of sea turtle hatchlings from their nests to the shore. Running each year from July to December, the peak season from August to November provides the best chances to observe this awe-inspiring spectacle. Various turtle camps and hotels host free public releases before sunset, inviting everyone to participate in this vital conservation effort.

Stay at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta

Opening Fall 2024

Experience all that Puerto Vallarta has to offer with a stay at the new 55-room Tryst Puerto Vallarta, where luxury meets inclusivity. Opening this fall, this luxurious addition to the city’s LGBTQ+ hotel scene combines modern elegance with traditional Mexican charm, offering guests an exclusive retreat in the heart of the city.

Celebrate Independence Day at Fiestas Patrias

September 15-16, 2024

Enjoy tantalizing cuisine, spirited Mariachi music and the exhilarating cry of “Viva México!” during Fiestas Patrias, marking Mexican Independence Day. Downtown’s Plaza de Armas transforms into a lively family festival with live music, dancing and traditional antojitos (snacks). The highlight is the Grito de Independencia ceremony at midnight on September 15, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at Los Arcos del Malecon amphitheater. Festivities continue the next day with the Independence Day Parade along the Malecon.

Explore the City’s Vibrant Art Scene at the Puerto Vallarta Art Walk

October 30, 2024 to June 25, 2025

Returning from October through June, the Puerto Vallarta Art Walk showcases the city’s dynamic art scene. This free weekly event invites art enthusiasts to explore works by Mexican and international artists, meet local talents and immerse themselves in a diverse array of artworks.

Savor Culinary Excellence at Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica

October 11-18, 2024

Themed “The Only Constant is Change,” this year’s Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica gathers innovative chefs and mixologists from Mexico, Latin America and Europe, including Michelin Star luminaries, 50 Best, and top chefs. The event offers exclusive dinners, wine tastings led by renowned sommeliers and a variety of gourmet workshops. Tickets are available starting at US$110.

Embrace Tradition and Remembrance During Día de Los Muertos

November 1-2, 2024

Embrace the vibrant Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, where families honor departed loved ones. Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its cultural flair, having achieved global recognition with the Guinness World Records title for “The World’s Tallest Calavera Catrina” on the Malecon, standing over 75 feet tall and adorned with more than 80 giant calaveras (sugar skulls) and ofrendas (memorial altars). Highlights include heartfelt visits to local cemeteries, accompanied by Mariachi music and vendors offering colorful marigold flowers and traditional Mexican delicacies.

Indulge in Mexico’s Premier Food Event at Festival Gourmet International

November 7-17, 2024

Experience Mexico’s greatest gourmet tradition over 10 days, featuring 32 restaurants, 75 renowned chefs, 14 events and over 25,000 food enthusiasts. Complemented by 20 wineries and set against the stunning beauty of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Tepic, this event highlights the country’s finest culinary delights. It kicks off with a grand opening on November 7 at TierraLuna Gardens and culminates with a Picnic Under the Trees at a serene ranch in Tepic, Nayarit. For more information and to keep up to date with the schedule of events, please visit the official Facebook page: Festival Gourmet International.

Experience Puerto Vallarta’s Vibrant Fiestas Guadalupanas Celebration

December 1-12, 2024

The Fiestas Guadalupanas returns this December, honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe with a lively celebration of faith and gratitude. This 12-day festival in downtown Puerto Vallarta features 400 processions with carriages, folkloric dancers, Mariachi music and fireworks, culminating at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Experience bustling central plazas filled with street vendors offering fruits, traditional foods, crafts and specialties. The Peregrinación de los Favorecidos (Pilgrimage of the Favored), drawing up to 20,000 devotees on December 12, marks the largest procession. Designated as the “Intangible Heritage of the State of Jalisco,” these festivities deeply resonate with the community’s collective identity.

Mark Anthony Headlines the Vidanta Concert Series

December 6, 2024

Experience an unforgettable evening as Marc Anthony, revered globally as the King of Salsa, performs at the Vidanta Vallarta Esplanade on December 6, 2024. With over 12 million records sold, Marc Anthony’s music transcends genres, blending ballads, Latin pop and boleros, showcasing his powerful and charismatic voice. This exclusive event marks the singer’s debut at the Vidanta Concert Series, promising a night filled with electrifying dance and deep emotion in the heart of Vidanta Vallarta. Tickets start at US$120.

Discover Majestic Humpback Whales During Whale Season

December through March

Each December, Puerto Vallarta, celebrated as one of Mexico’s most biodiverse beach destinations, offers an exciting opportunity to observe majestic humpback whales and their playful calves. Tailored whale-watching excursions, lasting about three hours and suitable for all ages, provide intimate encounters with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Tour prices average US$87 per adult and US$77 per child, with a variety of packages to choose from.

Media Contact

Allyson Doyle, PTG Consulting, 1 646 465 9789, [email protected]

SOURCE Puerto Vallarta

AllGen Financial Advisors, inc. is offering its annual free, three-day Money Cent$ Camp to high school students in the Orlando area. This camp is designed to prepare students for making smart financial decisions as they enter adulthood and carry that financial wisdom forward through their lives.

ORLANDO, Fla., July 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — AllGen Financial Advisors, Inc. will offer its annual three-day Money Cent$ Camp in 2024 from July 29 to 31 for students in grades 9-12. This free camp is an educational event designed to increase financial literacy and teach personal finance to young Central Florida students to instill confidence in their money-management skills as they approach adulthood. AllGen’s philosophy is that young people who learn about finance early can start making smart money decisions earlier in life and carry that knowledge forward.

“We hear from many clients that they wish they’d had more financial education at a younger age,” says Paul Roldán, Co-Founder and CEO of AllGen Financial Advisors, Inc. “In light of that, we aim to give high school students that financial education so they can start off their adult years with better financial literacy and money-management confidence.”

“Learning financial wisdom at a young age can make a huge difference throughout these kids’ entire lives,” adds Jason Martin, Co-Founder and CIO of AllGen Financial Advisors, Inc. “We want to help provide the knowledge and experience they’ll need to start off adulthood right.”

The three-day camp will include highlights such as:

• Learn the Dangers of Debt and Student Loans
• Learn How to Earn Money and Buy a Car
• Smart Spending and Investing
• The Cash Flow and Live on Your Own (LOMO) Experience
• The Power of Generosity and Biblical Stewardship
• And More!

Money Cent$ Camp will be hosted by Discovery Church at 881 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, Florida 32809. The event will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day and will feature special guest speakers. This year’s camp is currently full, but space is still available on the waiting list.

Registration for Money Cent$ Camp 2024 can be found here: https://allgen-money-cents-camp-2024.eventbrite.com You can also follow AllGen Financial Advisors, Inc. on Eventbrite to be notified of future events.

Visit AllGen Financial Advisors, Inc., and contact them here: https://www.allgenfinancial.com/ or check out their LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allgenfinancial/

Learn more about Discovery Church here: https://www.discoverychurch.org/

Media Contact

Liz Castro, AllGen Financial Advisors, Inc., 1 407.210.3888, [email protected], https://www.allgenfinancial.com/ 

Twitter, Facebook

SOURCE AllGen Financial Advisors, Inc.

The Report assesses and compares the career trajectories of men and women and sheds light on biases that can hold women back and on implicit and explicit sexism that persists in the industry.

“The research indicates that substantial challenges remain for women in intellectual property, with many respondents reporting that they have witnessed or experienced implicit or overt bias against women in the workplace,” noted INTA Past President Ayala Deutch (NBA Properties, Inc., USA) and Executive Champion of The Women’s LeadershIP Initiative in a Report foreword.

The study found that, while efforts are underway to improve the representation of female practitioners in the IP industry, more needs to be done to combat prejudices faced by women in the workplace and to promote healthy work-life integration. While nearly 70 percent of the survey respondents say that women and men progress along the same or similar paths, many respondents noted that women are held to different standards than their male colleagues.

Emphasizing that an analysis of the research findings through the lens of intersectionality is key to initiating change in the workplace, the co-chairs of INTA’s DEI Council, Marion Heathcote (Davies Collison Cave, Australia) and Kimberly Reddick (Snap Inc., USA), said in a foreword to the Report: “By ensuring that as a community we recognize the overlapping and interacting factors that shape and create individual experiences within the community, we can ensure that opportunities are and remain equally accessible. Equally important is the need for awareness-raising regarding our own unconscious biases and preconceived perceptions toward those who may not immediately or directly identify with another marginalized group.”

This research was undertaken in accordance with INTA’s 2022–2025 Strategic Plan and its objectives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the global IP community and beyond, and to recognize, support, and empower all women leaders in IP.

“INTA is committed to advancing women in IP and reaching gender parity within our community. This starts with—and cannot be achieved without—reliable data,” said INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo. “The data behind this research provides deep insight into the experience of women in the trademark sector, their day-to-day experiences, the biases they face, and the challenges they encounter with work-life integration. I call on everyone in the global IP community to take this Report back to their organizations, to absorb the data, and to join us in promoting this important cause.”

“Sideman & Bancroft is proud to sponsor this important study. As one of the largest women-owned law firms in the United States, we are committed to establishing a balanced and positive environment for our attorneys and staff no matter their gender identity,” said Kelly McCarthy (Sideman & Bancroft LLP, USA). “This requires constant vigilance, and the Report’s findings are extremely helpful. We hope that the results of this study encourage others to view the practice of law through the lens of the survey respondents and look for ways to develop meaningful opportunities in their own organizations.”

Read the full Report.

About the International Trademark Association
The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a global association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and complementary intellectual property (IP) to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation, and committed to building a better society through brands. Members include nearly 6,400 organizations, representing more than 36,000 individuals (trademark owners, professionals, and academics) from 181 countries, who benefit from the Association’s global trademark resources, policy development, education and training, and international network. Founded in 1878, INTA is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Beijing, Brussels, Santiago, Singapore, and the Washington, D.C., Metro Area, and representatives in Amman, Nairobi, and New Delhi. For more information, visit inta.org.

Media Contact

JC Darné, International Trademark Association, 212-642-1774, [email protected], https://www.inta.org/

SOURCE International Trademark Association