Category Archives: Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

The Latest news about what is effecting those with Disabilities in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them.

Expert Life Coach and Speaker Lovell Casiero Announces Release of Empowering New Book: Lead Like a Girl: From Aspirations to Achievements


Key highlights of Lead Like a Girl include:

Empowering women to embrace their unique leadership qualities.

Inspiring individuals to break through barriers and shatter stereotypes.

Providing practical tools and techniques for effective leadership.

Encouraging inclusivity and fostering diverse teams for innovation.

Provides personal stories of trials and triumph.

Offering insights into overcoming challenges and building resilience.

Lovell Casiero’s engaging writing style and her ability to connect with readers on a personal level make Lead Like a Girl a must-read for anyone aspiring to make a difference in their professional and personal lives. By sharing her own journey and the stories of other remarkable women who have blazed trails in various fields, Casiero offers a roadmap for leadership success.

“I wrote Lead Like a Girl to empower individuals, regardless of their gender, to lead authentically and with purpose,” says Lovell Casiero. “I believe that by embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and amplifying the unique qualities of each individual, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive as leaders.”

Lead Like a Girl: From Aspirations to Achievements is available in both print and digital formats at all major book retailers.

For more information about Lovell Casiero and Lead Like a Girl, please visit www.lovellcasiero.com.

About Lovell Casiero:

Lovell Casiero is an established executive, entrepreneur, professional life coach, and advocate for gender equality. With a background in leadership and a passion for empowering individuals, she has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers and challenging conventional notions of leadership. Lovell is a sought-after speaker and mentor, inspiring individuals to embrace their unique qualities and lead with authenticity. Lead Like a Girl: From Aspirations to Achievements is her latest endeavor, aimed at helping others unleash their full leadership potential.

For media inquiries, review copies, or interviews with Lovell Casiero, please contact:

Lovell Casiero

[email protected]

Media Contact

Lovell Casiero, FLC Business Consulting, 1 7038889182, [email protected], FLC Business Consulting

SOURCE Lovell Casiero

Greenberg Traurig Earns Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index


Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) and the designation as recipient of the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.

NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Index Assesses LGBTQ+ Workplace Equality

Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) and the designation as recipient of the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion. CEI is the United States’ foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This marks the seventh year the firm has received a score of 100 on the CEI.

“Greenberg Traurig is committed to an inclusive workplace where all are welcomed and where you can come to work and bring your authentic self. This respect for the individual and focus on diversity in all its forms were pillars of our firm’s culture at our founding in 1967 and remain true today,” the firm’s Chief Executive Officer Brian L. Duffy said. “We are proud to once again achieve a score of 100 on the CEI and to be among HRC’s Equality 100 Award recipients.”

The survey looks at detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:

  • Non-discrimination policies across business entities;
  • Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families;
  • Supporting an inclusive culture; and,
  • Corporate social responsibility.

The CEI rates employers providing crucial protections to over 20 million U.S. workers and an additional 18 million outside of the United States. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (Am Law 200), and hundreds of public and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.

In HRC’s announcement of CEI results, its Senior Director of Workplace Equality RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins noted: “For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion. While there is much more work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion.”

For information about Greenberg Traurig’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, its Voices of Pride campaign, and LGBTQ+ Year-In-Review presentations, click here. The firm joins 544 other major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year. Additionally, for three consecutive years, the firm’s Mexico City office scored 100 percent from HRC Equidad MX through 2022.

About Greenberg Traurig’s Diversity Initiative: From its inception, Greenberg Traurig has been committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Greenberg Traurig is a uniquely empowering and diverse firm built on a foundation of fairness, equality, and authenticity. Through its Social, Racial, and Economic Justice Action Plan, the firm has committed $5 million over five years to help combat systemic racism and support impoverished communities. In addition, the firm’s efforts have been recognized through its Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification Plus, administered by The Diversity Lab, and by local, national, and global publications and organizations including Chambers and Partners. Web: https://www.gtlaw.com/en/general/our-firm/diversity Twitter: @GT_Drives.

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2650 attorneys in 47 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI “Highly Recommended Law Firm” for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com

About HRC: The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase its impact and shape the future of its work.

Media Contact

Lou Brezo Scholl, Greenberg Traurig, +1 212.801.2131, [email protected], gtlaw.com

Twitter

SOURCE Greenberg Traurig



Google and U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Launch Fourth Annual Black-Owned Friday to Empower Black-Owned Businesses Now and Beyond the Holidays


Google and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) are thrilled to announce the launch of the Fourth Annual Black-Owned Friday campaign, an initiative aimed at supporting and empowering Black-owned businesses, not only during the holiday season but throughout the year.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Google, in collaboration with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), proudly announces the launch of the fourth annual Black-owned Friday campaign. This initiative aims to drive support for Black-owned businesses nationwide, fostering economic empowerment within the Black community. This year’s campaign features the talented KeKe Palmer, Emmy Award-winning Actress, and Recording Artist, in a fun-filled video that serves as an inspiring call to action for searching, shopping, and supporting Black-owned businesses 100% of the time.

The campaign spotlights dozens of businesses from across the country, including brands showcased on the ByBlack Platform—a no-cost national directory and certification program powered by USBC. ByBlack is strategically designed to connect Black businesses with customers, capital, and community, emphasizing the sustained importance of supporting Black entrepreneurs.

KeKe Palmer, known for her impressive contributions to the entertainment industry, takes center stage in this year’s Black-owned Friday campaign as she reimagines the 90s classic by Crystal Waters, “100% Pure Love” to “100% Black-owned Friday,” encouraging consumers to make conscious choices to buy from Black-owned businesses as a continual commitment. Palmer’s involvement exemplifies the power of influential voices uniting for a cause that transcends beyond commerce.

Alicea Gay, VP of External Affairs, expresses the significance of the partnership and the impact it has on Black-owned businesses. “The collaboration between Google and USBC is a powerful testament to the potential for positive change when industry leaders join forces. ByBlack is not just a directory; it’s a catalyst for growth and prosperity within the Black business community. This partnership amplifies our commitment to connecting Black businesses with the resources they need to thrive.”

From the Google Black-owned business attribute to the comprehensive ByBlack Directory, this initiative seeks to simplify the process of discovering and supporting Black-owned businesses. The collaboration goes beyond mere visibility, providing essential resources to help these businesses grow and prosper.

In a world where conscious consumerism is gaining momentum, the Google and USBC partnership is a beacon of support for Black-owned businesses, driving sustainable economic growth and fostering a sense of community.

To watch the video and for more information about Black-owned Friday please visit g.co/blackownedfriday.

About U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC):

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership, and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support a network of African-American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. Learn more at usblackchambers.org.

About Google:

Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Google Cloud, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.

Media Contact

Tiffany Murphy, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., 1 4802678395, [email protected], www.usblackchambers.org

SOURCE U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

ParivarBayArea and The LGBT Asylum Project forge enhanced partnership under the Center for Immigrant Protection (CIP)


The CIP makes history as the first organization in San Francisco to provide comprehensive support to LGBTQ+ immigrants, centering TGNCI+ identities

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Parivar Bay Area and The LGBT Asylum Project are proud to announce their enhanced partnership as they continue their journey together as the Center for Immigrant Protection (CIP). As the first organization on Castro Street to provide comprehensive support for the unique and multifaceted needs of the LGBTQIA+ immigrant community, the CIP focuses on ensuring safety and well-being and celebrating social belonging, particularly uplifting TGNCI+ (Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Intersex) immigrants. The resource-rich space continues to offer comprehensive and accessible support services, including legal assistance and social integration while promoting awareness, education, acceptance, and resources to foster intersectional unity and rebuild lives in America.

With this enhanced partnership, Parivar Bay Area (PBA) and The LGBT Asylum Project will continue scaling their programs and services under the CIP with one mission and one voice to ensure the Center continues to meet the diverse needs of LGBTQIA+ asylum-seekers and immigrants to America, centering Transgender immigrants of the Global South.

While the CIP serves all LGBTQIA+ immigrants, the center’s primary focus is on supporting the most vulnerable within our community. Recognizing the challenges TGNCI+ immigrants face, the two organizations are uniting efforts in a shared commitment. CIP’s foremost objective is to go beyond the provision of legal services to address the holistic journey of TGNCI+ immigrants, supporting them at every stage of their immigrant experience from the moment they arrive. The center provides resources to support them throughout their journey as they put down roots in their home of San Francisco, an internationally known refuge for the LGBTQ+ community, a place where they can be safe, secure, healthy, and productive.

Moving forward as one voice and one tribe, Okan Sengun, Esq. (He/Him) has been appointed Executive Director, Center for Immigrant Protection (CIP) by the newly formed Board of Directors of the Center for Immigrant Protection. Mr. Sengun brings over 15 years of experience as an advocate for the most vulnerable. Since 2012, he has been securing asylum and legal protections for LGBTQ+ asylees with a deep commitment to serving Transgender migrants. Okan is an openly gay asylee from Turkey. Most recently, Okan Sengun was recognized as a grassroots immigrant leader by the City and County of San Francisco.

Anjali Rimi (She/They) has been elected to serve as the President and Chair, Board of Directors, Center for Immigrant Protection. Anjali served as the most recent president and CEO of ParivarBayArea and is a San Francisco Bay Area-based award-winning Global South Asian API “Kinner” immigrant Transgender woman and local legend known for her transgender advocacy. Read more about Anjali at anjalirimi.com

“In order to meet the needs of our clients and all LGBTQIA+ immigrants in our community while they start their new lives, we are proud to officially partner with ParivarBayArea (PBA),” said incoming Executive Director of CIP, Okan Sengun, Esq. “PBA has been providing services to Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Intersex immigrants from the Global South for the past five years, including three years under our fiscal sponsorship, and we’ve been working successfully together since then. Now is the time to strengthen our partnership between The LGBT Asylum Project and PBA, under the Center for Immigrant Protection, to ensure that all LGBTQIA+ immigrants in our community have access to life-saving services. These services should not be limited to legal assistance but should also address a wide range of needs, particularly those of TGNCI+ immigrants.”

“We are proud to come together as the Center for Immigrant Protection. Our commitment to tackling the unique and unaddressed needs of LGBTQIA+ immigrants sets us apart, said Anjali Rimi, newly elected President, Center for Immigrant Protection. “And we are dedicated to ensuring that TGNCI+ immigrants receive the holistic support they deserve so they are able to thrive in San Francisco and beyond.”

The Center for Immigrant Protection is the umbrella organization under which LGBT Asylum Project and ParivarBayArea have been working together since 2019, and this partnership marks a significant milestone in their journey. Headquartered on Castro Street, a historic district with a rich LGBTQ+ history, the mission of the newly fortified CIP is to empower and advocate for LGBTQIA+ immigrants while providing comprehensive and accessible support services to TGNCI+ immigrants, ensuring their safety and well-being and celebrating social belonging in the United States of America (USA), while building a community of light, love, and unity.

For more information about the Center for Immigrant Protection, please visit https://www.cipsf.org.

Media Contact

Carole Barrow, Center for Immigrant Protection, 1 4153051561, [email protected], https://www.cipsf.org

SOURCE Center for Immigrant Protection

Dream Vacations Ranked #2 Franchise for Veterans According to Entrepreneur Magazine


This year, nearly 500 companies applied to be considered for Entrepreneur’s annual ranking of the top franchises for veterans. To determine the top 150 from that pool, Entrepreneur evaluated their systems based on several factors, including the incentives they offer veterans (such as franchise fee discounts), how many of their units are owned by veterans, whether they offer any franchise giveaways or contests for veterans, and more. The ranking also took into account each company’s 2023 Franchise 500 score, based on an analysis of 150-plus data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

“Veterans hold a special place in our hearts, and they’re incredibly meaningful for the communities they live and work in,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations. “We are proud to have veterans as part of our Dream Vacations family. Their involvement on committees provides crucial feedback, and many are willing to mentor new franchisees. It is an honor to support them every day after the sacrifices they and their families have made for our country.”

Military veterans interested in starting a work-from-home business can purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business at a 30 percent discount and receive an enlistment package valued at more than $5,000, which includes waived administrative fees valued at $1,350. In addition to having access to the Command Center, an internal portal with veteran-specific training and veteran-themed marketing assets, all veterans receive a waived training fee for a business partner and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.

“Every ribbon and medal that is pinned onto the uniform of a veteran was earned through dedication to others, for their organization and the success in accomplishing each mission,” said Shane Gray, a proud veteran and Dream Vacations franchise owner in Marshall, Mich. “A veteran will provide this same type of dedication to the corporate office, each client, brand, and supplier, as well as their own business. This alone sets veterans apart from other travel agent franchise owners and has the potential for making them the best in the industry.”

The only travel franchise to receive a 5 STAR ranking from the International Franchise Association’s VetFran initiative, Dream Vacations proudly supports military veterans and is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a veteran-friendly franchise. Accolades include number one rankings from Military Times and Forbes, as well as inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans,” US Veterans magazine’s “Top Veteran-Friendly Companies”, USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans” and recognition by MSC Cruises in its Seaside Salute Award. The “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” program won gold from the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards and the IFA Franchising Gives Back Awards.

To view Dream Vacations in the Top 150 Franchises for Veterans list, pick up the November/December issue of Entrepreneur magazine, on newsstands November 14th or visit the full rankings online.

Military veterans with a passion for travel and entrepreneurship who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise, please visit http://www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.

About Dream Vacations
Travel agents with the top-ranked home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. A member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings and has received franchise partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines as well as national recognition for its support of military veterans. For more information about Dream Vacations, visit http://www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at http://www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

Media Contact

Michael Cadigan, Dream Vacations, 9549583627, [email protected], https://www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com/

SOURCE Dream Vacations

Fable ranked #10 in Canada’s Companies-to-Watch in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50™ program


Pillai said, “We are honoured to be among Canada’s fastest-growing companies in the Deloitte Companies to Watch list. Fable’s mission is to empower people with disabilities to participate in, contribute to, and shape society. Through the increasing commitment enterprises have to digital accessibility, Fable is facilitating the integration of one of the most marginalized segments into the workforce.”

Over one billion people live with a disability globally. This largely unaddressed market segment is vastly increasing due to an ageing population. Digital inclusion and accessibility are vital, as everything from media to commerce and healthcare is moving online. However, the digital products and websites we depend on are still often unusable to people with disabilities.

Fable is a leading digital accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities. Through their research and learning products, Fable’s customers are able to mature and scale their accessibility practice to confidently serve a wider and more diverse user group.

The Companies-to-watch category is a ranking of Canadian technology companies with the potential to be future Technology Fast 50™ candidates by their revenue growth percentage over their last three years of operation.

“Congratulations to this year’s Companies-to-Watch winners,” commented Anders McKenzie, partner and national leader for the Technology Fast 50 program at Deloitte Canada. “These companies have demonstrated promising growth trajectories and an exemplary ability to seize opportunities even in the face of a challenging economic context. This sets them apart as members of an emerging cohort of tech leaders in Canada. We look forward to keeping an eye on their progress in the months and years to come.”

About the Deloitte Technology Fast 50™ program

The Deloitte Technology Fast 50 program is Canada’s pre-eminent technology awards program. Celebrating its 26th anniversary, the program recognizes business growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in four distinct categories: Technology Fast 50 ranking, Enterprise—Industry leaders, Clean Technology, and Companies-to-Watch. The program also recognizes companies within the North American Technology Fast 500 ranking, identifying thriving technology companies in the United States and Canada. The 2023 program sponsors include Deloitte, RBCx, Osler, EDC, CCI, TMX, Clarity, and Lafond. For further information, visit www.fast50.ca.

About Fable

Fable is a leading digital accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities. Fable helps the world’s largest and most innovative enterprises build accessible and usable user experiences by engaging people with disabilities throughout the product development cycle – from custom accessibility training to research and testing. Organizations work with Fable to make digital products more accessible for the more than one billion people who live with disabilities, and in turn, more usable for everyone. For more information, visit www.makeitfable.com.

Media Contact

Ashley Hargreaves, Fable, 1 604.323.3347, [email protected], www.makeitfable.com

SOURCE Fable

New Homestead Fair Holiday Season Begins Thanksgiving Weekend


Young and old alike can try their hand at the make-your-own activities in each craft area at the Fair. Live demonstrations abound. Help to milk a cow, lend a hand at an old-fashioned timber frame barn raising or watch the age-old craft of spinning cotton on a traditional wheel.

Food courts and kiosks offer dozens of delicious food, dessert and beverage selections from multicultural menus in the open-air food courts.

When asked what’s new in 2023, Wheeler responded, “Our guests will enjoy our new Heritage Center where we will present the music for this year’s Fair! We can seat over 2,000 in this brand new building. It will also serve several purposes throughout the year including a Farmer’s Market starting next spring. So now we can accommodate all our guests with a much larger, more comfortable climatized environment year-round. Also, a brand new Homestead Craft Village shop for leatherwork and glass blowing will open for the first time during the Fair!”

Favorite “Must See” Events

  • Sheepdog Herding Demonstration
  • Hands-on Timber-frame Barn Raising
  • Horse Training Demonstration

Favorite Fair Activities

  • Freshly prepared foods at the Food Courts, Booths and Kiosks
  • Make-Your-Own Handcrafts
  • Horse-drawn Hayrides
  • Kid’s Petting Zoo

Farm Experiences – Back by Popular Demand

  • Small group tours of the community’s working farm in the Brazos River Valley

Outdoor homesteading skills will be presented daily throughout the Fairgrounds from cheese making and soap making to horse farming, sheep shearing, horse training, goat milking and more.

The Craft Pavilion booths and craft village shops will present live craft demonstrations including hand tool woodworking, blacksmithing, casting, pottery, quilting, spinning, weaving, basketry, broom making and more. Shoppers will find hundreds of hand-crafted items as well as specialty foods for sale in the pavilion, The Barn gift shop, the Homestead Farms Barn and the restored 1760’s Gristmill.

A wide variety of educational seminars are presented throughout the Fair daily. These seminars offer instruction on practical topics ranging from whole grain bread making and sustainable home gardening, to beekeeping and water collection, as well as thought provoking topics such as the impact of digital technology, unplugging from the matrix of consumerism and cultivating hope in an age of upheaval.

Music presentations include children and youth choirs along with a youth orchestra midday each day, and the Heritage Choir and Orchestra during the evenings.

To better plan your visit ahead of time, view the activities, schedules and map available at: www.homesteadfair.com

What: Homestead Fair

When: Friday & Saturday, Nov 24 & 25 – 9 am to 9 pm • 1 Sunday, Nov 2612 am to 5 pm Friday, Dec 1 – noon to 6 pmSaturday, Dec 2 – 9 am to 9-pm Friday. Dec 8 – noon to 6 pmSaturday, Dec 9 – 9 am to 9-pm

Where: Homestead Craft Village

608 Dry Creek Road, Waco, TX 76705

Contact: www.HomesteadFair.com • 254.754.9600

Parking: Free

Tickets:

  • Adults: Season Pass, $35 – Day Pass, $15
  • Children: Season Pass, $12 – Day Pass , $5
  • Kid’s General Admission – ages 4 and under are FREE

All passes and tickets can be purchased online at HomesteadFair.com

Fairgrounds are easily accessible just off Interstate 35 in central Texas just north of Waco. The event is hosted by Homestead Heritage and The Ploughshare Institute for Sustainable Culture.

Media Contact

Andre Taylor, Homestead Fair, 1 (254) 716-7103, [email protected], https://www.homesteadfair.com/

Twitter

SOURCE Homestead Fair



Winners in the 20th Annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business Announced


Finalists in the 2023 competition were announced in September. The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award placements among the Finalists were revealed at a gala event at New York’s Marriot Marquis Hotel on Friday, November 10. More than 400 nominated working women and their guests attended the presentations, which were broadcast live via Livestream.

The 2023 competition attracted more than 1,600 nominations submitted by organizations and individuals in 26 nations. Winners were honored for achievements in more than 100 categories including Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Most Innovative Company of the Year, Startup of the Year, and Women-Run Workplace of the Year. More than 200 business professionals working in seven specialized judging committees determined the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners.

Grand Stevie Award trophies were presented to five organizations that submitted the best body of entries to the competition, in their own names or in the names of one or more clients. These awards cannot be applied for directly. Grand winners were determined by the total number of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards won in the competition, with a Gold Stevie win counting for 3 points, a Silver Stevie for 2 points, and a Bronze Stevie counting for 1.5.
The 2023 Grand Stevie Award winners, listed in descending order by points, are as follows:

  • IBM, worldwide, with 37 points, for 4 Gold, 5 Silver, and 10 Bronze Stevie Award wins
  • Green Door Co, Sydney, New South Wales, with 23 points for 3 Gold, 3 Silver, and 4 Bronze Stevie Award wins on behalf of themselves and several of their clients
  • Purpol Marketing Ltd, Chippenham, United Kingdom, with 18.5 points for 2 Gold, 4 Silver, and 3 Bronze Stevie Award wins on behalf of themselves and clients
  • Everise, Florida, United States, with 17 points for 3 Gold and 4 Silver Stevie Awards
  • Women’s Biz Global, Queensland, Australia with 11.5 points for 1 Gold, 2 Silver, and 3 Bronze Stevie Awards

The 2023 Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners reflect a diverse group of large and small organizations from around the world. Notable Gold Stevie Award winners in this year’s competition include:

  • A.S Watson Group, Hong Kong, China, for Company of the Year – Consumer Products – More Than 10 Employees
  • Amazon Web Services, Arlington, VA, U.S.A., for Communications or PR Campaign of the Year Digital Media Relations
  • Cindy J. Miller, President and CEO, Stericycle, Inc., Bannockburn IL, U.S.A., for Female Executive of the Year – Business Services – More Than 2,500 Employees
  • Coca-Cola Company, Istanbul, Turkey, for Achievement in Women-related Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Dara Busch, Co-CEO, 5W Public Relations, New York, NY U.S.A., for Woman of the Year – Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations
  • Havas Health & You, New York, NY U.S.A., for Marketing Campaign of the Year – Healthcare – Disease Education & Awareness
  • Heather Hoytink, President South Division, PepsiCo Beverages North America South Division, Orlando, FL, U.S.A., for Female Executive of the Year – Consumer Products – More Than 2,500 Employees
  • Hilton Supply Management, McClean, VA, U.S.A., for Best New Product or Service of the Year – Business Services
  • Kelley Higney, Founder & CEO, Bug Bite Thing, Port St. Lucie, FL, U.S.A, for Female Thought Leader of the Year – Consumer Products
  • LTK, Dallas, TX, U.S.A., for Most Innovative Company of the Year – More Than 10 Employees
  • Nancy McKinstry, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Wolters Kluwer, Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, for Best Female Entrepreneur- Business Services – More Than 2,500 Employees
  • Preethika S. Kalyanasundaram, Product Executive, Salesforce, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A., for Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Computer Software Industry
  • Rashmi Verma, VP of Employee Experience, Hugo Boss, Metzingen, Germany, for Maverick of the Year – Consumer Products – Durables
  • Thamina Stoll, Leader & Senior Client Solutions Manager, LinkedIn, New York, NY, U.S.A., for Female Employee of the Year – Business – Computer Services
  • Tina Mahal, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Frito-Lay North America, Plano, TX, U.S.A., for Female Executive of the Year – Consumer Products – More Than 2,500 Employees

Organizations that won more than two or more Gold Stevie Awards, other than the Grand winners mentioned above, include Alena Bennett, C. Light Technologies, EngageSmart, Everything Podcasts, Halkbank, LickYourPhone Media, Paxon Energy & Infrastructure, and TELUS.

Visit http://www.StevieAwards.com/Women for a complete list of Stevie winners by category.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business event will be complemented by the seventh annual Women|Future Conference, a one-day virtual networking and learning event on July 23 for women entrepreneurs, small business owners, and industry leaders. Details and registration will be available soon at http://www.WomenFutureConference.com.

Entries for the 2024 (21st annual) Stevie Awards for Women in Business will open in May. Sign up now to get the entry kit once it becomes available.

About the Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Middle East Stevie Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. The ninth program, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence, is coming soon. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Contact:
Nina Moore
[email protected]
+1 (703) 547-8389

Media Contact

Nina Moore, Stevie Awards Inc., 7035478389, [email protected], www.stevieawards.com/women

SOURCE Stevie Awards Inc.

PrideStaff Co-CEO Tammi Heaton Named to Staffing Industry Analysts’ “Global Power 150” List of Leading Women in Staffing


After more than 25 years in the staffing industry, Heaton’s unwavering dedication to leadership, empowerment, and company-wide professional development has positively impacted the staffing industry and established PrideStaff as one of the largest staffing firms in the country (ranked #106 on SIA’s 2023 list). Proving herself an indispensable asset at PrideStaff as an executive VP since 2008, she swiftly rose through the ranks and was named Co-CEO in 2020. Heaton has consistently generated impressive results for the organization while building an industry-leading experience that has helped PrideStaff earn ClearlyRated’s coveted Best of Staffing Awards from 2010 through 2023.

By championing gender equality, professional growth, and opportunities for women across the entire organization, Heaton has helped build a sustainable culture that led PrideStaff to secure a place on ClearlyRated’s 2023 inaugural list of Best Staffing Firms for Women and SIA’s Staffing 100 North America Award for the second year in a row.

A visionary leader, Heaton has also been instrumental in the development of PrideStaff’s most successful strategic initiatives, including the following:

  • PrideStaff’s digital Client Portal, a platform designed to streamline collaboration & encourage quicker feedback, ultimately leading to faster placements, and providing a more engaging client experience.
  • The PrideStaff Companies Pulse, a new internal communications and social media advocacy platform that allows the entire system to share best practices, drive growth, and leverage recruiting strategies.
  • PrideStaff’s mobile app, PrideStaff Edge®, which increases candidate engagement by providing an innovative way for candidates to interact with the PrideStaff brand.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized on the ‘Global Power 150’ list for the ninth consecutive year,” said Heaton. “In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount, PrideStaff takes immense pride in the presence of numerous women leaders throughout our franchise network. We celebrate the unique contributions of every individual and live Our Mission to ‘Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.’

“I’m proud to be part of this remarkable community of female executives and forward-thinkers, guiding our industry through these transformative times,” Heaton continued. “As our nation continues its journey towards a more equitable workplace, PrideStaff stands resolute in its commitment to help our clients reach their business goals while creating meaningful career pathways for all our field associates and internal team members.”

About PrideStaff
PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began staffing franchising in 1995. They operate over 85 offices in North America to serve more than 5,000 clients and are headquartered in Fresno, CA. With 40 plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide, commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing 10-Year Diamond Awards five years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services, or for staffing franchise information, visit our website.

Media Contact

Bri Castro, PrideStaff, 559.432.7780, [email protected], www.pridestaff.com

SOURCE PrideStaff

Picture Book Focuses on Author’s Real-Life Story Advocating for Kindness and Addresses the Impact of Bullying


“Nearly two-thirds of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum are victims of childhood bullying,” Ball said. “Many children and their families are experiencing what I faced. However, I believe that inside every child who is a victim of a bully, there is a powerful and tenacious will to survive and overcome.”

With color-filled illustrations and a story that may resonate with many readers, Ball aims to serve his experience as a discussion between parents, teachers, and children, hoping to advocate for a world where every child feels valued and supported.

“I want my book to symbolize the steps towards a future where the actions of today’s children are guided by love, empathy, and a deep-rooted understanding that treating others with kindness is of paramount importance,” Ball said.

“A Dream Come True: Based on a Real-Life Story”
By Alex Ball
ISBN: 9781665738453 (softcover); 9781665738477 (hardcover); 9781665738460 (electronic)
Available at Author Website, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Alex Ball currently attends the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and has an interest in fashion journalism. As an individual on the autism spectrum, he experienced bullying as a child. He has written this book in support of those who may experience similar challenges. To learn more, please visit https://www.authoralexball.com/.

General Inquiries:            
LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        
Taylor Moralez
[email protected] 

Media Contact

Taylor Moralez, LAVIDGE, 4803066597, [email protected]

SOURCE Alex Ball