Category Archives: Society

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

Aequalend launches innovative financial services platform designed to bridge the financial inclusivity gap for underserved communities


“We believe financial inclusion is not a privilege but a fundamental right. And we know access to financial literacy is critical to economic mobility for the underserved. We want to dismantle barriers to resources that can transform lives,” said Aequalend CEO and Co-Founder Marc Hernandez. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology, embracing diversity, facilitating knowledge and maintaining an unwavering commitment to our mission, Aequalend is poised to redefine financial inclusion in the United States.”

The TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index, an annual study that assesses financial literacy among U.S. adults, reports significantly lower financial literacy rates among Hispanic and Black Americans, who correctly answered 6% and 7% of P-Fin Index questions, respectively. White and Asian Americans correctly answered 24% and 23% of the questions, respectively. Additionally, financial literacy rates are declining with each generation, which only compounds the financial challenges Gen Z faces.

“As minorities ourselves, we’ve witnessed the struggles that result from the inclusion gap firsthand – both amongst our families and our customers,” said Aequalend President and Co-Founder Sandra Estrella. “Not only is there a lack of affordable, accessible and culturally competent financial products to meet these consumers’ needs, they’re already behind from birth and very rarely catch up because they lack financial literacy. And a lack of financial literacy in the U.S. isn’t unique to minorities; it’s a major issue that’s also currently impacting Gen Z across all races and ethnicities. We want to make a difference.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Tailored financial solutions: Recognizing that one size doesn’t fit all, Aequalend offers residential mortgages, personal loans and credit cards, small business loans, financial education and personalized financial management tools designed to meet the unique needs and challenges of underserved communities.
  • Financial literacy: Aequalend believes in empowering its customers. Beyond just providing financial services, the company prioritizes financial literacy ensuring its customers understand how to use its products and possess the knowledge to make sound financial decisions, thereby fostering financial independence.
  • Culturally competent services: Aequalend is committed to understanding and respecting the diverse cultural nuances of its customers, making it truly relatable.
  • Tech-driven accessibility: Using innovative technology, like artificial intelligence and blockchain, to democratize access to wealth creation, Aequalend delivers a seamless, secure and transparent user experience that promotes trust and long-term relationships with its customers.

The nation is witnessing the intersection of finance and technology, as well as a surge in minority entrepreneurs, families and individuals looking to shape their financial destinies. These factors are transforming the way people manage their money, access credit, invest and make payments – democratizing access to previously exclusive financial services. With a focus on financial inclusion, innovation and community empowerment, as well as a commitment to transparency, Aequalend is well-positioned to make a lasting difference in the lives of the individuals and communities it supports.

Hernandez and Estrella have a combined 40 years of financial services experience with a focus on helping minorities purchase homes. Aequalend’s team brings vast experience in finance, technology and community development, as well as a profound grasp of compliance requirements, to the table. The company currently serves residents in Texas, Georgia, Colorado, Florida and Washington, D.C., and plans to expand its operations across the U.S. in the coming months.

As it grows its national presence, Aequalend is also looking to grow its team with associates who share its vision for a more equitable financial future in the U.S. and an undivided approach to finance.

About Aequalend

Aequalend (pronounced eh-KWUH-lend) is a minority-owned fintech company seeking to revolutionize the financial services industry by addressing financial exclusion in the U.S. With a focus on innovative technology, affordable financial solutions and financial literacy education, the company’s mission is to help close the financial wealth gap and build generational wealth within underserved populations across America. Aequalend is headquartered in Houston. To learn more, visit www.aequalend.com

Media Contact

Jasmine Hernandez, Aequalend, 1 7735172105, [email protected], www.aequalend.com

SOURCE Aequalend

DFW Alliance of Technology and Women Announces Lineup for 2023 Executive Leadership Forum


The funds raised will support programs such as ignITe, an upskilling and reskilling program for women in tech, and iLEADinSTEM, a scholarship-based program that introduces girls to science and technology fields.” Over 18 months, 100 women attending the ignITe program have improved their career prospects and raised their wages by $1.6 million by earning tech certifications. Over 3 years, more than 400 girls ages 10 – 17 attending iLEADinSTEM experienced the fun and value in STEM and are considering joining the future workforce in technology fields.

“I am proud of everything DFW*ATW has accomplished for women and girls, and just as proud of the volunteers and sponsors that give so much of their own time to make all the magic happen. Without them, we have nothing,” added Barry Shurkey, Chief Information Officer of NTT Data and DFW*ATW Advisory Board Chair.

The annual event and fundraiser slated for September 14th, 2023 at the Frisco Hall in Frisco, Texas will feature:

  • Merrilee Kick, CEO & Founder of BuzzBallz / Southern Champion – Merrilee Kick is the CEO/Founder of BuzzBallz/Southern Champion, the only woman-owned Distillery/Winery/Brewery combination in the United States. The Carrollton, Texas company manufactures ready-to-drink cocktails called BuzzBallz and Uptown Cocktails, as well as spirits like rum, vodka, gin, bourbon, and some private label brands for 7-Eleven and H-E-B. With products sold in 50 states and 27 countries, the company is family owned/operated and home to over 650 employees in the Dallas area. Merrilee is a winner of the Dallas Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Award, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, EY’s Winning Women, Winner of the Enterprising Women’s Hall of Fame Award, Winner of the Women Presidents Organization’s and Chase Bank’s 50 Fastest Woman Owned companies, Ranked in the Top 50 DFW Businesses by D CEO Magazine and Winner of the Top Women in Grocery, Winner of the Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas Woman’s University. Merrilee has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana, an MBA from Texas Woman’s University, and she is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. Merrilee’s works with her two sons Alex and Andrew.
  • Romelia H. Flores, IBM Client Engineering – Architect/Designer App Mod and IBM Distinguished Engineer & Master Inventor – Romelia Flores‘ industry experiences, unique software development and design expertise make her IBM Global Markets’ most highly sought-after innovator. She has collaborated with leading clients in the design of Application Modernization, Space Object Analytics Systems, Health & Human Services, Electric Vehicle Systems and Airports of the Future. She holds 86 US patents and 10 patents pending. In 2023 she was quoted in the Texas CEO Magazine feature on AI for Business. In 2021, she received the Dallas Business Journal’s Women in Business Award. In 2018, she was the first female ever named to the Dallas Tech Titan Hall of Fame and was the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award winner from Great Minds in STEM.
  • Nellson Burns, Co-Owner and managing partner of Destination IT – Nellson Burns is co-owner and managing partner of Destination IT, a Dallas-based IT services, staffing and placement firm. Destination IT serves clients in Dallas and across the country as a trusted business partner, delivering positive business outcomes. Nellson has one of the more recognizable names in the IT ecosystem in Dallas/Fort Worth, having served as CIO for 2 different Dallas-based Fortune 500 companies, HF Sinclair and Dal-Tile, over 15 years. During that time, Nellson became a leader in the community, serving as president for the SIM DFW chapter, a co-chair for the Evanta Dallas/Fort Worth CIO Summit, a chair of the Dallas, HMG CIO Summit, and as the Chairman of SAP’s Global Advisory Council for Oil and Gas. He currently serves as the co-chair for North Texas Tech Connect, a local IT executive conference focused on developing the next generation of IT talent in the metroplex. Nellson has been recognized as a 2022 SIM National Leader of the Year, an HMG Global Leadership Institute Award, and as a finalist for the inaugural Dallas CIO of the Year award. Nellson’s team’s work on the Dal-Tile customer portal, ProExchange, was recognized as the 2022 winner of the Floor Coverings Dealers’ choice award for the best technology across all flooring categories. In his personal time, Nellson is a devoted husband and father. He has coached his son and daughter’s sports teams for the last 6 years. Nellson and his wife, Melissa, are both Texas Aggies, and they love to get back to campus for tailgates, football games, and other events where Nellson gets to practice another passion of his, barbequing.

This year DFW*ATW is announcing the inaugural Spark Award, recognizing women forging a brighter future through socially-minded innovation. In addition, the forum will feature a VIP cocktail hour with a world-renowned mixologist, Jeremy Buck founder of the restaurant Coterie, South Carolina. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction, play games, network with technology leaders and enjoy entertainment by innovative streaming platform Tadow presenting virtual streaming by DJ Shannell B and live music by Fitz Lauder, the Vegan DJ. This year’s sponsors include, but are not limited to Tadow, Frisco Hall, GXA, LAM Technology and Shaunna Black & Associates.

Doors open to all ticket holders at 6 p.m. Tax-deductible sponsorships are available. Contact [email protected] for more information. To register and learn more, visit https://www.dfwatw.org/meetings.

About the DFW Alliance of Technology and Women

DFW Alliance of Technology and Women (DFW*ATW) is committed to quality programs and education for girls and women to increase the number on women professionals in technology fields. Founded in 2002, it is the largest organization dedicated to women in technology in Dallas. Its membership consists of women and their allies who support its mission through professional development programs, monthly education & networking meetings, advocacy, STEM initiatives, awards programs, and more. Learn more at https://www.dfwatw.org.

Media Contact

Jigna Vaghela, DFW Alliance of Technology and Women, 1 2145574864, [email protected], dfwatw.org

SOURCE DFW Alliance of Technology and Women



Morris Injury Law Celebrates Impactful Results of Sold-Out Sponsored YMCA Event


Morris Injury Law’s Sponsorship of the YMCA “Fore A Better Us” golf tournament raises 73k for the Las Vegas community.

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Morris Injury Law is excited to announce the resounding success of the YMCA “Fore A Better Us” golf tournament, an event that showcased unwavering community support and commitment to making a positive impact. This year’s tournament, the third consecutive year sponsored by Morris Injury Law, surpassed all expectations, and made an unforgettable impact on the local Las Vegas community.

Through the joint efforts of dedicated participants and generous sponsors, a staggering sum of approximately $73,000.00 was raised for the community. These funds will play a pivotal role in advancing the YMCA’s mission of nurturing the community’s well-being through youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility.

The 30th YMCA “Fore A Better Us” golf tournament captured the hearts of the community, resulting in a sold-out event of 160 participants that demonstrated the profound enthusiasm and commitment of Las Vegas residents.

The event brought together a diverse spectrum of individuals, including YMCA Board members, corporate representatives, philanthropists, and community leaders. The shared purpose of giving back, having fun, and forging meaningful connections infused the atmosphere with palpable energy and camaraderie.

Morris Injury Law extends its sincerest gratitude to the YMCA of Southern Nevada, all participants, sponsors, and supporters who played an integral role in making this event a resounding success. The collective compassion and unwavering commitment to community betterment are the driving forces behind events like the tournament.

For more information, visit https://www.morrisinjurylaw.com/.

About Morris Injury Law

Morris Injury Law is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm committed to advocating for individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others. With a strong dedication to justice and community betterment, Morris Injury Law is proud to support events like the YMCA “Fore A Better Us” golf tournament, which embodies the values of compassion, unity, and positive change.

Media Contact

Charlotte Arkwright, Exults Digital Marketing, 9547739920, charlotte.arkwright@exults.com

SOURCE Exults Digital Marketing