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.

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Lightbridge Academy Announces First Franchise Signing in Colorado, Bringing High-Quality Early Child Care to the Rocky Mountain State

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Lightbridge Academy, a rapidly expanding early childhood education franchise, has signed its first franchise agreement in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with experienced franchisees Sara and Zach Van Hilsen. The couple shares Lightbridge Academy’s Circle of Care philosophy and aims to provide high-quality early childhood education to the community. With this signing, Lightbridge Academy continues its growth momentum, offering essential childcare services and educational programs in new markets like Colorado, further solidifying its position as a leading franchise in the child care education industry.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Lightbridge Academy®, Innovators in Educational Child Care® and one of the fastest-growing early childhood education franchises with over 150 centers either open or in development, announces its latest franchise signing in Colorado Springs with new franchise owners Sara and Zach Van Hilsen. The signing includes an agreement for their first franchise unit in the Rocky Mountain States, bringing its Circle of Care philosophy and innovative programs to the Olympic City community. The award-winning franchise has continued growth momentum across the country as investors, with an interest in education, recognize the opportunity to introduce an essential and rewarding service to their local community through Lightbridge Academy’s proven franchise business model.

Sara and Zach share Lightbridge Academy’s Circle of Care philosophy® and are thrilled to be making an impact within the community as The Solution for Working Parents® with the first franchise signing in Colorado.

About three years ago, Sara and Zach made the decision to leave their separate careers and join forces to build a business that involves the entire family. After much research and thought Sara and Zach took a leap and purchased a turf franchise for Colorado. They hit the ground running and broke revenue records for any startup in the network. As the business grew, Zach and Sara began looking for ways to provide an even greater benefit to their community. The idea of providing superior early education and innovative care is something they both felt passionate about offering. “We’ve not only found a wonderful franchise brand; we’ve discovered a shared dream worth investing in,” Sara Hilsen said regarding choosing Lightbridge Academy with her husband Zach. “We see this as a partnership with a growing brand that is more than just a signed contract; it’s the foundation of our future journey, nurturing not only our business but building the future of the community with the little ones we nurture.”

Lightbridge Academy is filling the local need for high-quality educational child care, as the industry continues to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.18%, according to Grand View Research. In 2023 Lightbridge Academy has celebrated 15 franchise signings for a total of 24 franchise units, entering new markets including Colorado, Florida and Texas while continuing to grow in existing markets across the Mid-Atlantic region. As an industry leader in educational child care franchising, Lightbridge Academy is making significant strides in expanding its presence nationwide, bringing The Solution for Working Parents® to vibrant communities in need of high-quality educational child care across the nation. With a commitment to providing exceptional care and fostering a nurturing environment, Lightbridge Academy is poised to make a positive impact on the local Colorado Springs community, supporting families in their pursuit of a balanced work-life dynamic.

“We’re excited to announce our first franchisees in Colorado, the Van Hilsen’s, and extend our Circle of Care to the families in Colorado Springs,” said Chief Executive Officer, Gigi Schweikert. “This new signing is a testament to our dedication to providing unparalleled early childhood education programs to working families and highlights Lightbridge Academy’s impressive growth throughout the country. We are incredibly proud of our proven business model that allows us to make established partnerships with dedicated franchisees who make a transformative impact in communities in need of quality child care.”

As a category disruptor and the renowned option for successful franchise investors because of its proven business model, Lightbridge Academy is thrilled to partner with passionate and qualified franchisees like Sara and Zach Hilsen in new and existing markets across the United States in the growing child care industry. Ranked as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the essential child care education industry, Lightbridge Academy leads with visionary business-minded innovation and technological advancements, provides ongoing support infrastructure and trainings, and collaborates with dedicated franchisees to transform the child care education space.

To learn more about Lightbridge Academy’s early childhood education programs in Colorado Springs, visit, LightbridgeAcademy.com.

To learn more about franchising opportunities throughout Colorado and other states, visit LightbridgeAcademyFranchise.com.

About Lightbridge Academy:

Established in 1997, the company was founded as a family business based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners and the community. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Lightbridge Academy provides quality early education and child care programs to children aged six weeks through kindergarten. The company currently has over 150 child care centers either open or in development throughout Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Lightbridge Academy also follows enhanced health and safety measures with The Lightbridge Promise as the Gold Standard in the child care industry. In 2020, the company was featured on the Inc. 5000 ranking, Franchise Times Top 200+ awards, and on Newsweek’s 2021 list of America’s Best Customer Service. In 2022, Lightbridge Academy was featured for the 7th year on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 and for the 2nd year on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies.

Media Contact

Konnect Agency, Lightbridge Academy, 1 7133060270, [email protected]

SOURCE Lightbridge Academy

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

USBC Power 50 Under 40 2023 Class Presented by Walmart Honors Trailblazing Black Business Leaders and Visionaries of Tomorrow

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The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) is thrilled to unveil the prestigious USBC Power 50 Under 40 2023 Class, proudly presented by Walmart. This esteemed recognition spotlights the remarkable accomplishments of outstanding young Black professionals, entrepreneurs, visionaries, and leaders who are revolutionizing their industries. These individuals represent a new generation of talent and innovation, driving positive change and leaving an indelible mark on their respective fields. The USBC Power 50 Under 40 2023 Class is a testament to the limitless potential and bright future of Black business leaders, and we celebrate their extraordinary contributions to our community and society as a whole.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. is proud to announce the highly anticipated USBC Power 50 Under 40 2023 Class presented by Walmart, recognizing the exceptional achievements of young Black professionals, innovators, leaders, disruptors, and business visionaries who are making a profound impact on their respective fields.

The “Power 50 Under 40” is an annual initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the emerging cadre of Black leaders who are not only excelling in their specific domains but are also actively shaping their industries. The recognition provides inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps, fostering a sense of empowerment and excellence within the Black community and beyond.

Ron Busby Sr., CEO & President of USBC, expressed his excitement about this year’s honorees, saying, “The Power 50 Under 40 represents the very best of our future. These remarkable individuals embody innovation, leadership, and resilience, and they are driving positive change in their communities and industries. We are proud to honor their achievements and look forward to witnessing their continued success.”

USBC Power 50 Under 40 honorees for 2023 include:

  • TJ Adeshola, Operating Partner, Arctos Partners
  • Lorenzo “Zo” Amani, Vice President, Chief Compliance & CRA Officer, Industrial Bank
  • Curnelius Arnick, COO & Co-Founder, Tequila With Friends
  • Jolie Bernard, Principal Owner & Chief Strategist, The Bernard Group
  • Dr. LaDonna Boyd, President & CEO, Boyd Publishing Corp
  • Jaylen Brown, Professional Athlete, Entrepreneur & Activist, Boston Celtics / 7uice
  • Brittney Carter, CEO, B. Carter Solutions
  • David Castro, Founder & CEO, Dungeon Forward
  • Kai Cenat, Content Creator, Streamer
  • Dewayne”Kountry Wayne” Colley, Entrepreneur & Comedian
  • Terence “Bud” Crawford, Entrepreneur & Undisputed Welterweight Boxing Champion
  • Nathan Duhon, CEO & Founder, Duey Juice Cocktails
  • Imani Ellis, Founder & CEO, CultureCon + The Creative Collective NYC
  • Falayn Ferrell, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Black Restaurant Week
  • Asia Gholston, VP of Marketing, Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Gabby Goodwin, Inventor & Founder, GaBBY Bows
  • JaQuelynn Griffin, Senior Manager, Multicultural Marketing, Global Advertising & Brand Management; American Express
  • Braxton Gunter, Head of Engineering, ByBlack
  • Lewis Hamilton, Entrepreneur & Professional Driver, Formula One
  • Jasmine Hudson, Chief Merchant, Black Paper Party
  • Marques Hunter, Sr. Director II, Regional Health & Wellness Operations, Walmart
  • Sarah Jakes Roberts, Pastor, Author & Entrepreneur, Potter’s House, Women Evolve
  • Howard Jean, Founder & CEO, Black Meta Agency
  • Daniela Jean, City Commissioner, City of North Miami Beach
  • Alencia Johnson, Chief Impact Officer & Founder, 1063 West Broad
  • Courtney “CoCo” Jones, Recording Artist & Actress
  • Kateri Jones, Analyst, Syncom Venture Partners
  • Shannon Jones, Co-Founder, Verb
  • Kevin Larkai, Founder & CEO, Blackleaf Organic LLC
  • Zakiya Larry, Chief Communications Officer, Quest Media Training
  • Michael Leach, Special Assistant to the President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at The White House, The White House
  • Erica P. Loewe, Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for the White House Office of Public Engagement, The White House
  • Nicole Lynn, Sports Agent & President of Football, Klutch Sports
  • Ciara Imanai, May CEO & Founder, Rebundle
  • Brittany McCallum, Vice President of Basketball Marketing, Klutch Sports
  • Tylik McMillan, Social Justice Leader, Movement Strategist & Social Impact Consultant
  • Sean Mickens, Associate Vice President of External Affairs, Comcast
  • Regine Moore, Director of Constituent Relations, Walmart
  • Damola Ogundipe, Founder & CEO, Plural
  • Kwame Onwuachi, James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur & Author; Tatiana NYC
  • J.K. Phenix, Chief of Staff, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
  • Jordan Pierre, Social Entrepreneur & Journalist
  • Calvin Quallis, CEO, Scotch Porter
  • Steve Roberts Jr., Founder / Managing Partner, Roberts Law LLC
  • Derek Robinson, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Black Restaurant Week
  • Symone Sanders, Political Strategist & MSNBC Host, MSNBC
  • Yara Shahidi, Entrepreneur, Actress & Producer
  • Abdoulaye “AB” Sow, Chief Operating Officer, Earn Your Leisure
  • Christian Taylor, Senior Supplier Diversity Sourcing Manager, AT&T
  • Amber Thomas, SVP of Operations, Effectiveness and Improvements, NAACP
  • Brandon Thompson, VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; NASCAR
  • Emile Thompson Chairman, Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia
  • Shawn Townsend, President & CEO, Restaurant Association
  • Gloria Walker, Policy Advisor & Associate, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
  • Lauren Wesley Wilson, Founder, ColorComm
  • Samantha Williams, Associate Managing, Director Gauge
  • Dominic Williams, Director of Corporate Partnerships, MGM Resorts International
  • Jabari Young, Senior Editor, Forbes / ForbesBLK

Alongside honoring the emerging stars of Black business leadership, USBC is proud to present the “Power 50 Game Changer of the Year” award to Jesseca Dupart Harris, the visionary Founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products and an iconic figure featured on WE TV.

Jesseca Dupart Harris is not only a trailblazing entrepreneur but also a true game-changer in the beauty industry, where her innovative products have revolutionized the way we care for and style our hair. Her incredible journey, marked by innovation, determination, and unwavering commitment to empowering individuals through self-expression, makes her a fitting recipient of this prestigious accolade.

The honoree reception to celebrate these outstanding individuals will take place on Friday, October 6th, at the prestigious Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck offices in Washington, DC.

The honoree reception promises to be a night of celebration and inspiration as these remarkable individuals are recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to their communities and industries.

This event is made possible with the generous support of Walmart, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, and Sysco, who share a commitment to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of young Black leaders. Learn more at www.usbcpower50under40.com

For more information about the event, partnership opportunities, or to request media credentials, please contact USBC at [email protected].

About 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.

Media Contact

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

SOURCE U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Global Superstar Ellie Goulding Visits Zaatari Refugee Camp In Jordan For The Grand Opening Of The Zaatari Music & Arts Center

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The Music & Arts Center, a joint project of Dream Day Foundation, Questscope and Playing for Change Foundation, includes a State-of-the-Art Recording Studio

ZAATARI REFUGEE CAMP, Jordan, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Global superstar Ellie Goulding joined Syrian refugees in the Zaatari Refugee Camp for the grand opening of the Zaatari Music & Arts Center. Whilst at the camp, Ellie observed Syrian cultural music performances; interacted with young entrepreneurial female visual artists and saw a gallery of their work; took in a girls dance troupe performance with members from age 4-14 and recorded the first vocals in the newly set up recording studio. This new facility will offer youth a safe haven within the camp from which they will have the opportunity to overcome trauma through the arts and find their self-identity.

“It was an honor to visit Zaatari today,” Ellie said, “For those that have lost everything, displaced from their homes, music and the arts can be powerful tools in healing trauma and reclaiming personal identity through creativity. I witnessed the most talented young musicians and artists today, and it was an incredible privilege to meet them. We must not forget that 110M people are currently forcibly displaced from their homes, which is the most since World War II. We must face up to this crisis together, as a global community.”

Thanks to a partnership between Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) Questscope, and Dream Day Foundation (DDF), the youth among the 85,000 residents (60% of which are under 25) of the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan now have access to culturally-based music and arts education. This new offering will provide classes in Guitar, Drums, Oud, Voice & Dance, as well as a recording studio and community performance space.

Students will additionally have the opportunity to collaborate with other PFCF participants from their other 50+ locations in 19 countries across the globe – including in recording, performance, and music video production. Today’s event was sponsored by the Fairmont Amman which generously hosted Ellie and the PFCF, Questscope and DDF delegation.

Today’s event was sponsored by the Fairmont Amman which generously hosted Ellie and the PFCF, Questscope and DDF delegation.

A link to photos taken by FARRAS ORAN can be found here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1riCoJ2zS-hwEdWbKg-vNwe6QjxsAEbbE?usp=sharing

A long-standing activist and philanthropist, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding uses her platform to engage young people with global issues. Her environmental work dates to 2017, when she was awarded the UN’s New Voices Award, and in recognition of her wider activism became a goodwill ambassador for UN Environment. In 2022 Goulding also became a TIME100 Impact Award winner, was named an ambassador for the WWF and was honored by the UN Association as a Humanitarian of the Year.

About Playing For Change Foundation

Founded in 2007, PFCF grew out of a common belief that music has the power to connect people regardless of their differences while creating positive and wide-reaching social impact through music and arts education. Its efforts engage marginalized youth in diverse communities around the world. Although its programs are generally located in low income communities, these areas are home to great cultural wealth which is utilized to create educational and social opportunities. PFCF currently operates 50 music programs in 19 countries, and has positively impacted more than 40,000 lives, including more than 3,000 youth each week through regular programming. For more information, visit PlayingForChange.org, email [email protected], or follow @PlayingForChangeFoundation on Instagram and Facebook.

About Questscope

Questscope is an international non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 1988 with the goal of putting the last, first. We rely on a theory of social change that recognizes the interconnected nature of individual transformation, institutional response, and policy changes at the governance level. For 30 years, Questscope has rigorously applied this model in partnership with dozens of community, government, and international organizations.

About Dream Day Foundation

Inspired by a visit to Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan in 2018, Dream Day was founded by Todd Krim to bring music to refugees as a form of healing, inspiration, creativity and skills training. A signature

component of Dream Day is the establishment of Dream Day Recording Studios in refugee camps where refugees can learn to produce music alongside other refugees as well as major recording artists. Follow Dream Day on Instagram @DreamDayOrg

Media Contact

Todd Krim, The Krim Group, 1 3109277910, [email protected], www.TheKrimGroup.com

SOURCE Playing For Change Foundation

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

MediaSource Celebrates 25 Years of PR Success and Impactful Storytelling

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Over the next 25 years, MediaSource pushed the industry forward, prioritizing innovative ways for public relations professionals to communicate and disseminate stories, elevating diverse voices, and telling stories on the cutting edge of health care communications. From creating the agency’s trademark Multimedia Release and digital delivery newsroom to pioneering brand journalism and leveraging social media for storytelling, MediaSource’s forward-thinking approach to communications has kept the organization at the forefront of PR.

Since its founding, MediaSource has secured over 100,000 placements for its clients — including placements in every major national outlet, like The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, and over 600 national network television appearances — accounting for a combined audience of more than 100 billion. But it’s the impact beyond the placements that really reach the core of the agency. MediaSource’s mission to tell impactful stories has made a difference in thousands of lives, helping medical experts raise awareness of important and life-saving work, connecting hundreds of thousands of patients to groundbreaking clinical trials and procedures, and improving health equity by telling stories that impact underrepresented communities.

“Our commitment to impactful storytelling has always been the North Star for MediaSource,” Arledge Powell said. “We’ve found a specialty in health care because we believe in the life-changing work our clients are doing, and our team of PR professionals is able to amplify stories with confidence because those stories match our own values and truly make an impact on the communities that are so important to us.”

That impact has been acknowledged through a variety of recognition from MediaSource’s peers. The agency has won multiple Emmy Awards for outstanding video campaigns and averages 20 awards per year, including PRSA Bronze Anvils, PR Daily, the PRSA Central Ohio PRism Awards and the Telly Awards. Competing against larger firms, MediaSource was selected Best Healthcare Agency an unprecedented four years in a row in the Healthcare PR and Marketing Awards by Ragan Communications.

The company prides itself on building long-standing relationships with clients, staff and its community. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center was the agency’s first-ever client and still works with MediaSource today, in addition to an 18-year relationship with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 10 years with National Jewish Health and nine years with Orlando Health. Four different MediaSource team members, including all three vice presidents, have been with the company for more than 12 years.

For Arledge Powell, a major honor came earlier this year, when MediaSource was certified as an official Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). The certification represented both Arledge Powell’s work in founding MediaSource and the company’s commitment to diversity and equity, which is reflected in its partners and projects.

“Many of our clients have been a driving force for equity and inclusion especially within their own organizations,” Arledge Powell said. “We’re incredibly grateful to be working with people and brands that champion this message of diversity and expect their partners to do the same.”

Both internally and in conjunction with its bold and forward-thinking clients, MediaSource prioritizes staying on the cutting edge of marketing and public relations. From keeping a pulse on emerging social media and cultivating relationships with journalists in the changing news landscape to creating inventive ways of telling stories and utilizing the best in current technology, MediaSource aims to remain a leader in the field.

“We’ve built an innovative team that is constantly seeking new ways to excel for our clients and wants to move our industry forward,” Arledge Powell said. “MediaSource will continue to find the best and most relevant ways to tell stories and leverage emerging technologies and media to connect with audiences across the country. I’m excited for what the future holds.”

About MediaSource

MediaSource is a certified woman-owned communications agency that helps organizations meet business goals by combining storytelling with strategy. With a 25-year history of success, MediaSource understands today’s communications realities, allowing your brand’s story to be seen and heard by the right audiences. To learn about our health care public relations, video storytelling, thought leadership content and other specialties, visit mediasourcetv.com.

Media Contact

Ben Roselieb, MediaSource, 1 614-932-9950, [email protected]

SOURCE MediaSource

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Shinewater Unveils Partnership With Dreamworks Animation To Launch Limited- Edition “Trolls Band Together” Products

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Limited-Edition Beverages Set to Feature Characters from the New DreamWorks Animation Movie, “Trolls Band Together” in Full Lineup of Fan-Favorite Flavors, and NEW Tropical Lemonade

BAY CITY, Mich., Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Limited-Edition Beverages Set to Feature Characters from the New DreamWorks Animation Movie, “Trolls Band Together” in Full Lineup of Fan-Favorite Flavors, and NEW Tropical Lemonade

DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls Band Together” Arrives in Theaters November 17, 2023

  • ShineWater, the only ready-to-drink beverage on the market that provides 100% of your daily dose of Vitamin D, has partnered with DreamWorks Animation for the new chapter in the blockbuster musical franchise, Trolls Band Together (in theaters Nov. 17).

ShineWater is the only beverage brand to partner with DreamWorks Animation for the launch of the film and the limited-edition cans will feature the brand’s newest flavor, Tropical Lemonade, along with ShineWater’s full lineup of beloved flavors, and reflect fan-favorite characters from the film. The partnership will also feature limited-edition packaging for the brand’s pouch format, which is the only nutrient-enhanced water available in kids’ pouch size.

ShineWater will debut the limited-edition “Trolls Band Together” cans and pouch packaging this fall ahead of the film’s Nov. 17 release. The National promotion will also include custom- branded shippers and POS at ShineWater’s participating retail accounts, consumer sweepstakes, digital billboards in top markets, a social, digital and influencer campaign, all designed to promote the collaboration between the film and ShineWater.

“At ShineWater, our mission since inception has been to address micro-nutrient deficiencies by delivering meaningful amounts of the vitamins our bodies need most,” said Ryan Coon, Chief Marketing Officer at ShineWater. “We strive to make it easy for our fans, from busy parents who have a hard time staying hydrated to their children who always ask for a sip, ShineWater is something the whole family can enjoy. Our partnership with DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls Band Together was the natural next step for our brand to continue educating consumers of all ages on the importance of hydration and Vitamin D and we can’t wait to see the limited-edition cans in select retailers this fall.”

The partnership features a brand new ShineWater flavor, Tropical Lemonade which boasts bold notes of lemon and guava. Staying in line with ShineWater’s robust lineup of fruit-forward flavors, Tropical Lemonade is made with all-natural ingredients, zero sugar, and electrolytes, while providing a daily dose of Vitamin D. Fan-favorite flavors Mixed Berry Acai, Fruit Punch, Peach Mango, Watermelon Blackberry, Coconut Lime and Strawberry Lemon will also be available in the limited edition can format.

Through this partnership, ShineWater pouches will be distributed in limited-edition packaging, which will also feature characters from Trolls Band Together. Its line of pouches helps each member of a family, no matter the age, boost Vitamin D intake to decrease the chance of deficiency. The limited-edition cans and Trolls-themed pouches will be available for consumer purchase this fall.

Follow the brand online at shinewater.com and find limited edition packaging available this fall at select retailers nationwide.

ABOUT SHINEWATER

ShineWater is the only ready-to-drink beverage on the market that provides 100% of your daily dose of vitamin D. Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, helps support bone health, immune function, and is also believed to support athletic performance. Up to 70% of our country’s teens and adults are believed to have insufficient Vitamin D levels which is associated with various chronic diseases. ShineWater has zero sugar, but is full of vitamin D, antioxidants, electrolytes, and delicious flavors including Watermelon Blackberry, Strawberry Lemon, Fruit Punch and more.

About DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls Band Together

This holiday season, get ready for an action-packed, all-star, rainbow-colored family reunion like no other as Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake return for the new chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster musical franchise: Trolls Band Together.

After two films of true friendship and relentless flirting, Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) are now officially, finally, a couple (#broppy)! As they grow closer, Poppy discovers that Branch has a secret past. He was once part of her favorite boyband phenomenon, BroZone, with his four brothers: Floyd (Golden Globe nominated electropop sensation Troye Sivan), John Dory (Eric AndrI), Spruce (Grammy winner Daveed Diggs) and Clay (Grammy winner Kid Cudi). BroZone disbanded when Branch was still a baby, as did the family, and Branch hasn’t seen his brothers since.

But when Branch’s bro Floyd is kidnapped for his musical talents by a pair of nefarious pop-star villains—Velvet (Emmy winner Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Grammy winner and Tony nominee Andrew Rannells)—Branch and Poppy embark on a harrowing and emotional journey to reunite the other brothers and rescue Floyd from a fate even worse than pop-culture obscurity.

Trolls Band Together is steered by returning director Walt Dohrn and producer Gina Shay, and is co-directed by Tim Heitz. DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls films—2016’s Trolls and 2020’s Trolls World Tour—have sung and danced their way to record-breaking success, earning an Oscar® nomination for Best Original Song and fueling one of the largest and most beloved entertainment brands in the world.

About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation (DWA), a division of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, within NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, is a global family entertainment company with feature film and television brands. The company’s deep portfolio of intellectual property is supported by a robust, worldwide consumer products practice, which includes licensing, and location-based entertainment venues around the world.

About Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com).‥Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal.‥NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Media Contact

Alissa Bremner, ShineWater, 1 7022050019, abremner@konnectagency.com

SOURCE ShineWater

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Stellar Solutions Director Mary Stevenson Wins Women in Aerospace Allyship Award

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“The Stellar Solutions team is incredibly proud of Mary Stevenson and so pleased that she will be honored by Women In Aerospace with the coveted Allyship Award. As a catalyst for productive collaboration and positive change, Mary is respected by women and men alike, throughout the industry, for both her expertise and total commitment to bringing out the best in every team member she encounters. At Stellar Solutions, we are grateful for Mary’s passion for building a culture of inclusion and we see this come to life in every project she participates in and leads,” said Janet Grondin, CEO, Stellar Solutions..

Stevenson joined Stellar Solutions in 2016, where she is a senior system engineer, senior program manager, and lean-agile transformation coach. Her track record in managing and motivating teams for maximum efficiency and impact has fortified both client success and professional development. In particular, she has been instrumental in engaging women engineers in significant positions of responsibility and mentoring them to exceed expectations.

Stevenson’s talent-building is rooted in her extensive experience both in business as well as a career in the US Air Force. She is expert in all aspects of spacecraft development from concept definition, contract negotiation, system design, integration and test, launch and orbit raising, and in-orbit operation.

Prior to joining Stellar Solutions, Stevenson served as an Acquisition Principle Senior Analyst for Alion Science and Technology supporting the Secretary of the Air Force Acquisition (SAF/AQ) in planning, coordinating, and executing Joint ISR exercises with NATO.

Previously, she was the NATO Mid-Term (NMT) Program Manager in The Netherlands from 2003-2011 responsible to upgrade the backend of the NATO Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) fleet. During her service in the US Air Force from 1982 –2004, her roles included leading a NATO Joint Force Command Headquarters Training Division in developing training programs for NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan.

Stevenson holds a Master of Science in Systems Management at the College of Notre Dame. In her undergraduate years at the USAF Academy, where she attained a Bachelor’s of Science, she had the distinction of being part of one of the first three graduating classes of women, and first two graduating classes of African-American women.

Women in Aerospace (WIA), is a leading professional organization dedicated to expanding women’s opportunities for leadership, education and visibility in the aerospace community. To learn more about WIA, visit: www.womeninaerospace.org.

About Stellar Solutions, Inc.: Stellar Solutions, Inc. is a global aerospace and systems engineering services provider to commercial, defense, intelligence, civil and international sectors. Stellar Solutions provides systems engineering capabilities and strategic support for global communications, remote sensing, national defense, and space exploration. These solutions to customer critical needs connect technology and customers across multiple domains. With physical operations throughout the U.S. and around the globe, Stellar Solutions is a recognized leader in delivering end-to-end critical expertise and problem-solving skills. https://www.stellarsolutions.com/

Media Contact

Lynthia Romney, Stellar Solutions, Inc., 1 914-589-2140, [email protected], https://www.stellarsolutions.com

SOURCE Stellar Solutions, Inc.

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Women We Admire Announces The Top 50 Women Leaders in Business Consulting & Services of 2023

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Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders in Business Consulting & Services of 2023

NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders in Business Consulting & Services of 2023. The representation of women in the consulting and advisory field has experienced a consistent upward trend over recent years. According to data provided by Inner Circle Consulting, the number of female consultants has risen by 191% during the past two decades. By shattering traditional gender barriers, these exceptional women occupy various roles where they utilize their profound industry expertise and problem-solving abilities to assist clients in navigating intricate challenges and making well-informed decisions.

Their influence can be found across diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, among many others. Notably, these women leaders not only champion diversity within the consulting industry but also serve as inspirational figures, motivating and empowering other women to pursue leadership positions in the corporate world, thus fostering more inclusive and equitable work environments.

Some of the distinguished honorees on this year’s list include Wendy Freeman Carr, a Managing Director with Deloitte US Consulting. Carr has over 30 years of experience leading business and technology transformations for clients like the U.S. Department of State and Foreign Ministries in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Egypt. Next we have Rachel Paul, who leads the Midwest team for KPMG’s Global Mobility Services practice.

Among other roles, Paul currently serves as a member of KPMG’s Women’s Advisory Board and a mentor for members of the African Ancestry Business Resource Group. Lastly, this year we honorJacqui Winters, who is a Principal in Deloitte Consulting’s Government & Public Services Human Capital Practice, and also serves as the National Leader for DEI for People with Disabilities and their allies at Deloitte.

Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders in Business Consulting & Services of 2023.

Jackie Norell (Deloitte Consulting), Lydia Sy (ManpowerGroup), Wendy Carr (Deloitte Consulting), Rachel Paul (KPMG US), Jacqui Winters (Deloitte Consulting), Christine Medina (Deloitte Consulting), Maria Demeke (Deloitte, Government & Public Service Practice), Nicole Gibson (Guidehouse), Anne Kwan (Deloitte Consulting), Julie Meehan (Deloitte Consulting), Natalia Montilla (Slalom), Kate Graeff (Deloitte Consulting), Hua Fang (Black & Veatch), Nancy Zielke (Alvarez & Marsal), Victoria Reese (Heidrick & Struggles), Stephanie Mansfield (Heidrick & Struggles), Rebecca Evans (Roland Berger), Elizabeth Zessman (Heidrick & Struggles), Nicole Deveau (Grant Thornton LLP, Canada), Emilie Johnson (Heidrick & Struggles), Natasha Sunderji (Accenture), Nina Lynch (Accenture), Farrah Andersen (The Cadmus Group), Claudia Thompson (Accenture), Dr. De’Andrea Matthews (Detroit Zoological Society), Lindsay Massengill (Accenture), Umran Beba (August Leadership), Pam Lopez (Customer Focused Strategies), Rebecca Chalson (Create Your Potential), and many others.

To view the full list visit https://thewomenweadmire.com/2023/09/18/the-top-50-women-leaders-in-business-consulting-services-of-2023/

About Women We Admire

Women We Admire provides news and information on today’s women leaders in business, entertainment, sports, motherhood, medicine, law, and many other fields. We cover a broad range of topics and areas of interest aimed at recognizing the achievements of exceptional women while inspiring others to aim high and continue their journey towards reaching their full potential. Women We Admire and its affiliates circulate its content to over 32,000 individuals and businesses.

Media Contact

Editor, Women We Admire, 1 609-365-7014, [email protected], https://thewomenweadmire.com/ 

SOURCE Women We Admire

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

JetRockets Announces JR Ventures to Accelerate Startup Success with MVP Development & Long-Term Support

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“Navigating the technology landscape is a daunting task, particularly for non-technical founders. At JetRockets, we recognized a significant need for a support system that goes beyond mere transactional engagements,” says Natalie Kaminski, CEO of JetRockets. “JR Ventures is our response to this need. It’s an initiative that fosters enduring partnerships, helping startups turn their ingenious ideas into high-quality MVPs, and scale as the product takes off. We’re not just offering a service, we’re establishing collaborations that grow in tandem with these ventures.”

As part of the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, the inaugural cohort at JR Ventures will focus on empowering female founders. The program seeks to address the unique challenges faced by women in the startup ecosystem, including access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

“Empowering female founders is not just a commitment, but a mission we stand by firmly,” said Natalie Kaminski, Co-Founder & CEO of JetRockets. “By prioritizing female-led startups in our inaugural cohort, we aim to address and mitigate the unique challenges they face. Our objective is to foster a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem, one where diversity and inclusivity are more than buzzwords, they’re the norm. At JR Ventures, we’re thrilled to champion this change and look forward to seeing the innovations these women will bring to the table.”

JR Ventures invites applications from female founders who believe their startup idea has potential. To apply, create a 90-second video pitch that showcases your startup idea, customer validation, the problem your startup aims to solve, your target customer, and your unique market position. Then send your video link and a brief description of your startup here.

Confidentiality Assurance
JR Ventures respects the confidentiality of your ideas. All proprietary information and trade secrets shared with us will be kept confidential, in accordance with our confidentiality agreement. We assure the founders that their intellectual property will remain safe throughout the collaboration.

About JR Ventures
JR Ventures, a JetRockets initiative, is a specialized program dedicated to helping non-tech founders transform their ideas into high-quality MVPs. JR Ventures offers end-to-end MVP development services, with an experienced team handling all product and project management tasks. With a proven model that significantly reduces development costs and timelines, JR Ventures makes turning a startup dream into a reality affordable and quick. For more information, please visit our website at https://ventures.jetrockets.com/.

About JetRockets
A leading provider of tech solutions, JetRockets is committed to transforming businesses through innovative technologies. With a proven history of collaborating with leading brands such as eBay and IDG, JetRockets assists companies of all scales and industries in transforming their ideas into user-adored products. Discover how JetRockets can help your business thrive in the digital age by visiting http://www.jetrockets.com/. 

Media Contact

John Eidson, BMV, 2035617112, [email protected] 

SOURCE JetRockets