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

National University and School Districts Awarded $14.9 Million to Expand Research-based Community School Model

Leave a comment


With prestigious U.S. Department of Education grant, the San Diego-based university, National School District and San Marcos Unified School District will build community school programs that offer a single stop for children and families

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — National University, which houses one of the largest colleges of education in the United States and is the largest provider of teaching credentials in California, today announced it received $14.9 million from the U.S. Department of Education to bring a nationally-recognized school model to high-need elementary, middle, and high schools in San Diego County. Through the five-year grant, the university as the grantee will provide community services to National School District and San Marcos Unified School District to implement full-service community programs, which integrate extended academic, social, health, and workforce development services through the university and community-based organizations.

“To ensure every learner has the opportunity to achieve their full educational potential, we need to create the conditions for healthy learning, which in many cases means understanding the challenges that students and their families may be experiencing outside the classroom,” said Dr. Robert Lee, dean of the Sanford College of Education, an expert in partnerships between community-based organizations and schools who founded the National Center for Urban Education at Illinois State University early in his career. “The power of the community school model is that it creates a single stop for multiple wraparound services that make it possible to meet the complex needs of children, families and communities.”

Interest in the community school model has accelerated in recent years, in part to help combat the impact of COVID-19 learning loss on K-12 student achievement. In 2023, federal investment in community school programs climbed to its highest level on record, and states have ramped up support with billions in funding. Research shows a strong evidence base for the model: a RAND study found improved attendance and student achievement at New York City community schools, while a study of community schools in Albuquerque, New Mexico found a $7 Return on Investment for every $1 invested in community school support.

Through a five-year project entitled Project ENLACES (Engaging a Network of Locally Accessible Community Establishments and Schools), the project will build Full-Service Community School programs at five high-need schools serving predominantly low-income neighborhoods and English language learners. The project was one of just 30 competitive grants awarded across the country, and one of three within the state of California.

In collaboration with National University’s JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences, the School of Health Professions, Harmony Academy, and Workforce Education Solutions (WES), along with community-based organizations, the project will focus on delivering high-quality wraparound support services to address the emotional, social, health, and academic needs of children, including those who are English Language Learners (ELLs), students with disabilities, and students from other diverse backgrounds, cultures and languages. For example, the program will offer free on-site after-school and summer programs, using the areas near school as the center hub for the community, as well as high-quality early childhood education programs and services for parents.

To implement the program, the project team has assembled a diverse coalition of nonprofit and community-based organizations to help provide integrated health care, enrichment, high-quality early childhood education, family therapy and other services. The list of organizations includes:

  •     A Reason To Survive (ARTS)
  •     Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos
  •     Community Wraparound
  •     Comprehensive Youth Services
  •     FBI San Diego Citizens Academy Alumni Association
  •     Fresno County Juvenile Justice Commission
  •     National Head Start Association
  •     Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center
  •     Project Next
  •     YMCA of San Diego County

“We have the opportunity to be a model for California and the nation on how community schools can genuinely change the trajectory of a child’s life and elevate the vitality of both the school and the community,” said Dr. Sharmila Kraft, assistant superintendent of educational services at National School District. “This is about tapping the power of place and community partnerships to help meet the needs of learners and change the trajectories of children.”

The U.S. Department of Education Grant is the latest in a series of pilot programs designed by NU’s Sanford College of Education in collaboration with school districts and local education agency partners, including an innovative teacher residency program established in Chula Vista. As the largest education school in California, the Sanford College of Education brings to bear a unique combination of faculty expertise, online instruction, school, district and community partnerships, research opportunities, and holistic student support to meet the diverse needs of the K-12 education workforce.

To learn more about National University, and its role in Project ENLACES, visit NU.edu.

About National University
National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of hard-working adults by providing accessible, affordable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 190+ online and on-campus programs with flexible four-week and eight-week classes and one-to-one graduate education models designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to 130,000 learners served per year—50,000 degree-seeking students and 80,000 workforce and professional development students—and 230,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. To learn more about National University’s new possibilities in education including next-generation education, credential-rich education, and whole human education, visit NU.edu

Media Contact

Ashleigh Webb, National University, 760-889-3494, [email protected], https://www.nu.edu/

Twitter

SOURCE National University



Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

NextUp announces Board of Directors, Committee Officers and Board Chairs for 2024

Leave a comment


New members joining the NextUp Board of Directors include:

Ena Williams, chief operating officer of Casey’s General Stores

Andrea Adegas Faccio, president & chief growth officer of Nestlé Purina PetCare, North America

Ena Williams is the chief operating officer of Casey’s General Stores. She leads store operations, real estate, supply and distribution, fuel operations, procurement, acquisition integration and operations support. She is a member of the board of directors for Vestis Corporation (NYSE) and Children International, and currently serves on the board of advisors for the Robert B. Rowling Center for Business Law & Leadership, SMU Dedman School of Law. Ena is also a member of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Dallas Leadership Committee.

Andrea Adegas Faccio is the president and chief growth officer of Nestlé Purina PetCare, North America providing unified leadership across the organization to help transform business strategies into actions that drive powerful growth. She began her career in 1996 as a commercial trainee at Nestlé Brazil and has since served in many key roles across the company and the globe as a dedicated steward of iconic brands and one of the architects of Nestlé Purina PetCare’s ongoing success. A lifelong pet lover, Andrea brings her Bernedoodle, Rio, to work with her almost daily.

The following board members were reelected to two-year terms and to officer positions:

  • Board chair and officer, Dagmar Boggs, president Foodservice & On-premise, NA, The Coca-Cola Company
  • Vice chair and officer, Beth Marrion, senior managing director, Accenture
  • Board secretary and officer, Melody Richard, senior vice president, Pantry, Walmart
  • Past chair and officer, Abbe Luersman, executive vice president and chief people officer, Otis Worldwide Corporation at Otis Elevator Company
  • Board member and officer, Christina Bieniek, deputy CEO, Deloitte Consulting LLP
  • Board member and officer, Marla Daudelin, senior vice president and general manager Global 7 Eleven Team, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay
  • Board member and officer, Diana Marshall, executive vice president and chief growth officer, Sam’s Club
  • NextUp board member Sri Rajagopalan, chief customer officer with General Mills, was elected to an officer position.

The following board members were reelected to two-year terms:

  • Board member, Mike Theilmann, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Albertsons Companies
  • Board member, Veronica Fernandez, senior vice president and head of Visa Commercial Solutions, North America
  • Board member, Wendy Davidson, president and CEO, Hain Celestial Group
  • Board member, Tonya Herring, senior vice president, Omnichannel Development, Peapod Digital Labs, a company of Ahold Delhaize USA.

“We are so grateful to our incredible board of directors who give significant time and expertise in support of NextUp,” said Lisa Baird. “I want to offer my gratitude and appreciation to outgoing past chair Monica Turner and Sarah Dodd who completed their terms December 31, 2023, and who have provided support and countless hours to achieve our mission of advancing all women in business. We are grateful for their service and commitment.”

The newly constituted board, including incoming chair Dagmar Boggs, took effect on January 1, 2024.

“I am thrilled to accept this role and thankful for the confidence placed in me by the NextUp board,” said Dagmar Boggs. “I am inspired by the opportunity in front of me and am grateful to both Abbe Luersman and Monica Turner, both past chairs of the board, for leaving the organization so well positioned to achieve holistic success.”

Additionally, the NextUp board confirmed committee memberships for the coming year:

Executive Committee:

  • Committee chair: Dagmar Boggs
  • Beth Marrion
  • Melody Richard
  • Abbe Luersman
  • Lisa Baird (non-voting member)

Nominating and Governance:

  • Committee chair: Diana Marshall
  • Wendy Davidson
  • Veronica Fernandez
  • Ena Williams

Finance, Audit and Compensation:

  • Committee chair: Christina Bieniek
  • Tonya Herring
  • Val Jabbar
  • Mike Theilmann

Development and Fundraising:

  • Committee chair: Sri Rajagopalan
  • Chau Banks
  • Andrea Faccio
  • Libby Wright

Regions:

  • Committee chair: Marla Daudelin
  • Andi Marston
  • Open (At large)

A full membership list, including biographies, for the NextUp board of directors can be found at nextupisnow.org.

About NextUp

For more than 20 years, NextUp has brought professional women, allies, and corporate partners together to champion gender equity and Advance All Women in Business. NextUp has a powerful, growing community of more than 17,000 members and 300+ national corporate partners and regional sponsors. NextUp works to create leadership opportunities, amplify women’s voices in the workplace and ensure that all women in business can seize opportunities now and in the future. To learn more about NextUp, visit nextupisnow.org or on LinkedIn, Facebookand Instagram @nextupisnow.

Media Contact

Jenifer Howard, NextUp, 1 2032734246, jhoward@jhowardpr.com, https://www.nextupisnow.org/

SOURCE NextUp



Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Ziegler Closes $68,530,000 Financing For ACTS Retirement-Life Communities, Inc.

Leave a comment


The proceeds of the Series 2023 Bonds will be used to reimburse a line of credit in the amount of $55 million for prior project costs in Delaware and to fund future project costs of $13 million in both Delaware and Pennsylvania. The project costs funded with the bonds and the line of credit include various upgrades and renovations to residential and healthcare units and common areas.

“Acts evaluated a number of financing options with our banking and underwriting team throughout the fourth quarter,” stated Amy Castleberry, Managing Director, Ziegler Senior Living Finance.
Castleberry continued, “Ultimately, Acts’ confidence in the improving fixed rate market and Ziegler’s ability to negotiate with investors the opportunity for Acts to refinance in seven years at no cost led to the selection of the fixed rate option as the most attractive. The scale and sophistication of the Acts’ financing team along with Acts’ strong ongoing investor relations platform enabled the transaction team to move from decision point to pricing to closing in just over one month, meeting the organization’s end-of-year timeline.”

Susan Ahern, Chief Financial Officer at Acts, added “We are thrilled that this financing allowed us to enhance our resident experiences through additional amenities and furthers our strategic initiative to enhance privacy in our healthcare centers. We have a very long history of partnering with Ziegler on debt financing transactions and we highly value the talent and expertise the Ziegler team brings to each transaction and the guidance they provide. Ziegler delivered sound advice as to the timing of when Acts should access the market as we ended up over four times subscribed allowing us to reduce our spreads. The great advice, service, and execution Ziegler provided allowed us to have the quickest financing transaction in my twenty-four-year tenure with the organization. We would not have been so successful without them.”

Ziegler is the nation’s leading underwriter of financing for not-for-profit senior living providers. Ziegler offers creative, tailored solutions to its senior living clientele, including investment banking, financial risk management, merger and acquisition services, seed capital, FHA/HUD, capital and strategic planning as well as senior living research, education, and communication.
For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at http://www.Ziegler.com.

About Ziegler:
Ziegler is a privately held, national boutique investment bank, capital markets and proprietary investments firm. It has a unique focus on healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance. Headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler provides its clients with capital raising, strategic advisory services, fixed income sales, underwriting and trading as well as Ziegler Credit, Surveillance and Analytics. To learn more, visit http://www.ziegler.com.

Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This client’s experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

Media Contact

Chirstine McCarty, Ziegler, 3125961617, [email protected], www.ziegler.com

SOURCE Ziegler

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

CSG Government Solutions Selected for Project Management and Organizational Change Services for Virginia’s Child Support System Modernization

Leave a comment


The Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement collects more than $650 million in child support payments annually. DCSE’s legacy system is nearly 30 years old and manages almost 280,000 cases, comprising nearly 350,000 children, and interfaces with TANF, SNAP, Child Welfare, and Medicaid systems to accept referrals, complete intake, and conduct case management.

“CSG is a leader in PMO and OCM services for child support system modernizations across the country,” says Landis Rossi, CSG Child Support Practice Lead. “Our team is applying our expertise and proven methodologies to support Virginia in implementing a child support system that effectively supports the needs of children and families across the Commonwealth.”

Contact:
Landis Rossi
Child Support Practice Lead
CSG Government Solutions
180 N. Stetson Ave
Suite 3200
Chicago, IL 60601
312.444.2760 Fax: 312.938.2191
[email protected]

About CSG Government Solutions:
CSG Government Solutions is a leading government operations consulting firm helping states modernize critical program enterprises. We help governments leverage innovative technology and processes to meet the challenges of administering complex programs. Founded in 1997, CSG clients include 47 state and territory governments, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, and large municipal governments. For more information, visit http://www.csgdelivers.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Twitter

SOURCE CSG Government Solutions



Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

The Importance of Taking Responsibility For Spiritual Growth to Fulfill One’s Divine Purpose in Christ

Leave a comment


When asked what inspired the author to write this book, David said, “There is a need for believers to grow spiritually and help advance the kingdom of God.”

Lesley David encountered the Lord Jesus Christ as a teenager. She has an insatiable desire for the Word of God and a lifestyle of prayer. She is passionate about having sound biblical knowledge and enjoys sharing it with others. David received theological training at Charis Bible College-USA and Adullam Bible Seminary-Nigeria. She is the Prayer Leader at her church (United Nations Christian Center) and Glorious Awakening Christian Network. She lives with her family in Pittsburg, California.

Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 20,000 titles published to date. Making Progress After Salvation: An Essential Guide to Steady Spiritual Growth is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

Media Contact

Lesley David, Salem Author Services, (925) 752-5127, lesleyuzo@yahoo.com

SOURCE Xulon Press

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Children’s Book Shares the Unique Intergenerational Bond Created Through Life Lessons

Leave a comment


E.F. House releases the first in the “A Day with Papa LeRoy” series of children’s books

GUFFEY, Colo., Jan. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Honoring her late father, author E.F. House has released her newest book, “A Day with Papa LeRoy: The Dance Lesson.”

In “A Day with Papa LeRoy,” House shares the charming story of Emily and her grandfather, Papa LeRoy, as he teaches her skills and life lessons.

“I wanted to write about my own childhood experiences,” House said. “The memory of my dad teaching me how to dance is special to me, and I want to share that positive experience with new generations.”

As Papa LeRoy teaches Emily how to dance, she puts her feet on top of his shoes as he moves his feet with the music. She carries the memory of that moment with her as she dances during special occasions later in life, like her wedding day and when she has a child of her own.

After learning from Emily, her son expresses that he hopes to be able to pass the lesson along to his own daughter one day.

“This lesson is one that can connect generations,” House said. “Learning to dance brings Papa LeRoy and Emily closer together, and in turn, helps Emily have a special moment with her son later in life. Readers can experience that same bond with their own family members.”

House plans to continue sharing Emily and Papa LeRoy’s adventures in future books, all based on real life experiences.

“A Day with Papa LeRoy: The Dance Lesson”
By E.F. House
ISBN: 9781665710138 (softcover); 9781665710114 (hardcover); 9781665710121 (electronic)
Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
E.F. House is a Michigan native best known for her literary and musical talents. She began playing piano at age three, writing poetry and fiction at age eight, and playing percussion at 11. A retired executive assistant, House has taught percussion and vocals, and performed with several musical groups, nationwide. She lives in Colorado with her family. To learn more, please visit https://www.adaywithpapaleroy.com/.

General Inquiries:            
LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        
Ashley Fletcher
[email protected]

Media Contact

Ashley Fletcher, LAVIDGE, 480-998-2600, [email protected]

SOURCE Archway Publishing

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Wisconsin Historical Society Announces Speakers for 2024 Ojibwe Storytelling Series

Leave a comment


The 2024 series features four Ojibwe women and will take place every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. CST from Jan. 9-30, 2024. Registration is free and open to the public. Click here for more information and to register.

  •     Jan. 9, 2024: Sirella Ford, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe

An enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe, Sirella Ford is from the Wolf Clan and is called Asiniwaabikwe. She is a graduate of Northland College. Early in her career, she worked for the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission and has worked most recently in education, sharing her love of Ojibwe culture with her students. She is known for her beautiful beadwork and famous frybread. Sirella was raised in a powwow family, traveling the contest and traditional powwow circuit all over the Midwest and beyond. She was a fancy shawl dancer in her youth and transitioned to a jingle dress dancer in her teen years. The family powwow tradition continued when she became a mom and brought her two children on the trail. Now, she has four grandchildren whom she loves spending time with and speaking Ojibwe together.

  •     Jan. 16, 2024: Tina Van Zile, Mole Lake Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa

Tina Van Zile is an enrolled member of the Sokaogon, Mole Lake Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and a descendent of the Forest County Potawatomi. She is the environmental director for the Sokaogon and has been with the department since 1994. Tina is passionate about natural resources, using an approach that respects and acknowledges her ancestors’ sacrifices and hopes while working to preserve resources for future generations. Tina believes we must speak for—and act on behalf of—those who cannot speak for themselves, like water, trees, plants and animals. She enjoys educating people about traditional wild rice processing, rice chiefs, and the cultural significance of wild rice for Ojibwe. Tina is president of the Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council and a former board member for River Alliance of Wisconsin.

  •     Jan. 23, 2024: Tinker Schuman, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

Tinker Schuman is a published poet, storyteller, pipe carrier, artist, tribal elder, and spiritual helper. She is called Migizikwe, Eagle Woman. Tinker is the author of “Baa Bii Dwe We Win: Sounds of Living, Reborn in the Sun” and co-author of “The Healing Blanket.” Tinker attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She has been a member of Ancestral Women, a performance group, and is featured in “Women and Water: Woven Portraits from Around the World,” a fiber arts exhibit by Mary Burns. Tinker is an enrolled member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and has two children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

  •     Jan. 30, 2024: Liz Arbuckle, Bad River Tribe Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Liz Arbuckle is a member of the Bad River Chippewa in northern Wisconsin, where she currently resides. She is a senior councilwoman on the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tribal Council. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Michigan. Her areas of expertise are Native American culture and history and ethnic group identity. She is the northern outreach coordinator for the Wisconsin Historical Society. Liz is the founder and leader of Bad River’s 4-H club, Rezberries. She is the proud mom of two beautiful, brilliant daughters, Bella and Viddy.

About the Wisconsin Historical Society:
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.

Media Contact

Kendall Poltzer, Wisconsin Historical Society, (608) 261-1379, [email protected], https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/

Twitter

SOURCE Wisconsin Historical Society



Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Life Surge Embarks on an Ambitious, Expansive World Tour in the Year 2024

Leave a comment


One of the largest Christian national touring brands in the United States, Life Surge, is kicking off its 2024 schedule in Riverside, CA, on January 12th.

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Jan. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Life Surge, one of the nation’s largest Christian touring brands, is excited to announce the kickoff of its expansive 2024 schedule. Their first event of the year was scheduled for January 13th in Corona, California, but when the show quickly sold out, Life Surge added a new show on Friday, January 12th, by popular demand.

In recent years, Life Surge has witnessed phenomenal growth, tripling its events and ticket sales from 2022 to 2023. This upward trajectory is set to continue with more than 22 events planned for 2024, following 17 successful events in the previous year.

“Our Saturday Riverside event was so popular it sold out rapidly, leading us to add an extra show on Friday,” said Rob Collins, Chief Marketing Officer of Life Surge. The lineup for the events includes celebrated personalities like Priscilla Shirer, Tim Tebow, Nick Vujicic, Ed Mylett, The Benham Brothers, Anne Beiler, and many other influential Christian leaders and entrepreneurs.

Life Surge events are not just gatherings but are designed to be transformative experiences. They occur nationally every 2-3 weeks, featuring a mix of renowned speakers and musicians. These events inspire attendees, helping them integrate faith into their careers, businesses, and personal lives.

Rooted in the scriptural teachings of Hosea 6:3 and John 10:10, Life Surge’s purpose is to know God and make Him known in the marketplace. The vision is to lead a global movement that surges lives God’s way, as emphasized by Isaiah 48:17.

“Our mandate is to provide an opportunity for attendees to experience personal increase, in line with John 10:10,” adds Collins. “We believe in the power of sudden and impactful positive life changes.”

More than 80% of Life Surge’s events sell out, indicating the high demand for these spiritually enriching gatherings. With an average of 5,000 tickets sold per event and the largest event in 2023 selling 13,000 tickets, the brand’s popularity is undeniable. Remarkably, over 96% of attendees report that Life Surge events have inspired and equipped them to surge their lives God’s way.

Life Surge’s lineup has included popular speakers such as Jamie Kern Lima, Marcus Lemonis, Chris Tomlin, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, Maverick City Music, Duck Dynasty’s Korie and Willie Robertson, multi-platinum recording artist Taya, and “The Chosen” star Jonathan Roumie.

The mission of Life Surge points to a singular purpose—to know God and make Him known. The faith-based organization strives to lead a global movement that encourages believers to grow their resources and leverage them for kingdom impact. Life Surge offers live events as well as ongoing education aimed at transforming and equipping individuals through worship, wisdom, work, and wealth.

For more information and to purchase tickets for upcoming events, please visit www.lifesurge.com.

Media Contact

Media Relations, Life Surge, 1 (415) 326-4475, [email protected], www.lifesurge.com

SOURCE Life Surge



Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Pathbuilders Graduates our 2000th Percepta Mentee in December 2023

Leave a comment


Pathbuilders® Percepta® program reaches milestone of 2000 graduates with special recognition for high-potential women from ADP, Assurant, Equifax, and Lendmark Financial Services

ATLANTA, Jan. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sixty women from 24 companies across the US and Canada are now part of an elite group of more than 2000 alumnae of the Percepta program, dating back to its inception in 2004. These new graduates are current and aspiring managers whose companies invested in their career growth through this innovative leadership development and mentoring experience.

Vanessa Pfeiffer of Assurant, Nadia Batah of Equifax, and Vanessa Avila of Lendmark, were recognized as the Outstanding Mentee Group for this Summer 2023 cohort. Shirrell Meeks of ADP, the Mentor for this group shared that, “the most gratifying part of mentoring this group was their eagerness to learn and apply these new concepts. I have watched them become better leaders as they learned from Pathbuilders and my experiences. It’s fantastic to see the noticeable and tangible impact this program has had on these women – each has strategically positioned herself for increased visibility, and they’ve all taken on additional responsibilities in their organizations.”

The Percepta program leverages a proven methodology that integrates small-group mentoring, educational workshops, and peer exchange. The peer groups and Mentor matches are curated, and the workshop curriculum is tailored to suit the unique needs of each cohort. This cohort focused on developing a personal brand, communicating across levels, building credibility and influence, managing results, career planning, and embracing the leader-follower loop. Though only six months in duration, the impact on participants is immediately recognizable.

Greta Garcia of Equifax was also recognized as the cohort’s Outstanding Mentor. Anisha Naidu of Solvay, one Greta’s Mentees said, “This has been a transformative time in my professional career and having my Mentor there to share insights and think through how I should frame a question or conversation has helped me go from being an individual contributor in the organization to a people manager and on a path to making decisions about what the organization needs.”

Percepta Mentors positively impact their Mentees both personally and professionally, supporting their development into effective leaders. Percepta Mentors are typically alumnae of the Pathbuilders Achieva® program, a one-on-one leadership development and mentoring program for Directors and Vice Presidents with senior-executive potential.

Participants in the Summer Percepta program were sponsored by their organizations, which included: Assurant, AT&T, Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center, Comcast, Cox Communications, Cox Media, Cricket Wireless, Equifax, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, FireSide Natural Gas, Global Payments Inc., Lendmark Financial Services, Manhattan Associates, MEAG Power, Mercedes-Benz USA, Midigator®, Novelis, OFS, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, Scientific Games, Solvay, Tennessee Valley Authority, Thought Logic Consulting, WestRock Company, White Cap, and Zaxby’s Franchising LLC.

“What an honor to celebrate the 2000th graduate of Percepta! It is a true testament to the dozens of forward-thinking organizations and the hundreds of dedicated volunteer Mentors that we’ve been able to achieve this milestone,” said Helene Lollis, CEO of Pathbuilders. “It’s perhaps never been more important to invest in the development of high-potential female managers, and it’s gratifying that our clients trust us to partner with them in achieving their development goals.”

For additional information about Percepta, Achieva, other mentoring programs, or Pathbuilders custom solutions for moving women forward in leadership, visit www.pathbuilders.com.

About Pathbuilders Inc.

Pathbuilders is a trusted partner in transforming top performers into high-impact leaders. With over 25 years of experience, we are dedicated to advancing women in leadership and creating a future where ready and capable women influence every table where decisions are made, enabling resilient businesses to deliver exceptional results. Our cross-company mentoring programs and custom solutions are designed to cultivate leaders who move companies forward and empower organizations to effect meaningful change.

Since 1995, Pathbuilders has successfully collaborated with thousands of professionals from over 500 client organizations, including the Fortune 500 companies of today and tomorrow. For more information, please visit our website at pathbuilders.com.

Media Contact
Pat Falotico, Pathbuilders, 1 7708096364, [email protected], Pathbuilders

SOURCE Pathbuilders

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Inspiring True Stories about the Journey from Felon to Faithful

Leave a comment


New book shares a compilation of stories from rehabilitated women who found redemption through Jesus Christ

PHOENIX, Jan. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Dedicating more than 20 years to ministry, Norman O. Christianson, Scribe has opened his doors to women who have endured hardship, helping them to overcome their past. He shares some of their stories in “The Fourth Watch: A Woman’s Journey.”

Christianson shares how he and his wife, Elizabeth, have spent the 20 years ministering to women who have suffered from addiction, abuse, or have been incarcerated. All the stories shared in “The Fourth Watch” are true, shared with Christianson by the women who experienced them.

“Many of the women we have helped have lived in agonizing circumstances,” Christianson said, “they felt like they had no way out. Every story is unique, but they all share at least some similarities.”

These stories are shared so that readers can see for themselves the ultimate forgiveness and transformation that these women found through faith.

In addition to the stories of the women he has helped, Christianson also shares some stories of his own. He discusses his own battle with an addiction to food, and how his own opinion of himself, reinforced by those around him, made him feel stifled from achieving his potential.

“In God I have found my true purpose,” Christianson said. “Now, I want to help others grow and turn their lives around through their own walk with the Lord. God can help anyone find their way out of the darkness.”

All proceeds from this book will go directly to a 501(c)(3) corporation to establish and maintain a facility akin to the one described in The Fourth Watch.

“The Fourth Watch: A Woman’s Journey”
By Norman O. Christianson, Scribe
ISBN: 9798385004348 (softcover); 9798385004355 (hardcover); 9798385004362 (electronic)
Available at WestBow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Norman O. Christianson is married to Elizabeth. They have two sons, both of whom are married. He was ordained as a pastor in 1981 and served churches in the Midwest. Together with his wife, who is also an ordained pastor, they operate a ministry that serves women who have endured abuse, battled addiction, and/or have been incarcerated. They have been involved in this ministry for over 20 years.

General Inquiries:            
LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        
Ashley Fletcher
[email protected]

SOURCE Norman O. Christianson