Tag Archives: Diversity Equity and Inclusion

iEmergent confronts the DEI debate with bold webinar on the business case for diverse lending

'Not Sold on Diversity? Fine. Let's Talk About Your Bottom Line' tackles how lenders can reach underserved markets and fuel long-term growth

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — iEmergent, a forecasting and advisory services firm for the financial services, mortgage and real estate industries, today announced a provocative new webinar that dares to reframe the diversity conversation through a business lens. Amid growing pushback on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, iEmergent is doubling down on the importance of inclusive lending to lenders’ long-term success. Titled “Not Sold on Diversity? Fine. Let’s Talk About Your Bottom Line,” the roundtable session will take place Wednesday, April 30, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm ET and will feature mortgage industry leaders sharing actionable insights on how lenders can drive sustainable growth by expanding access to homeownership.

Image caption: iEmergent confronts the DEI debate with bold webinar on the business case for diverse lending.

With more than 77% of net household formation in the next decade projected to come from diverse households, the mortgage industry is at a turning point. While some lenders are adapting to these demographic shifts, others remain focused on traditional, often affluent borrower segments. The roundtable will explore the business case for reaching underserved markets and the risks of ignoring them.

“This conversation isn’t just about diversity — it’s about the future of mortgage lending,” said iEmergent CEO Laird Nossuli. “Lenders that overlook these borrower segments today risk falling behind in a market where diverse households will drive future mortgage demand. Understanding where the opportunities exist and implementing the right strategies is a game-changer for long-term growth.”

Panelists will explore how lenders can assess gaps in minority and low- to moderate-income (LMI) lending, strengthen their real estate referral networks using MLS data and recruit loan officers already connected to these communities. They will also discuss practical approaches to overcoming systemic barriers to homeownership, such as appraisal bias and limited generational wealth, and highlight ways to build durable community partnerships that support a consistent borrower pipeline.

Moderated by Nossuli, the panel will feature:

Nikki Bialka, national community lending strategy manager at Fifth Third
John Harpst, vice president of community lending at Lake Michigan Credit Union
Gabe Ewing del Rio, president and CEO of the Homeownership Council of America
Tom Sullivan, head of retail mortgage sales for First Commonwealth Bank
Tony Thompson, founder and CEO of the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America
Tay Toliver, vice president and retail market leader at Cardinal Financial

Mortgage executives, sales leaders and compliance professionals from banks, credit unions and independent mortgage banks (IMBs) are encouraged to attend to learn how data-driven strategies can unlock new growth opportunities while meeting the needs of today’s — and tomorrow’s — homebuyers.

About iEmergent

Founded in 2000, iEmergent provides mortgage lending forecasts and analytics to the lending, housing and real estate industries. The company offers an extensive variety of forecast and market intelligence products, including Mortgage MarketSmart, a visualization tool that helps lenders quantify how mortgage markets will change. For more information, visit https://www.iemergent.com.

Tags: @iEmergent @NAMMBAConnects @FinanceBetter @LMCU @CardFinancial @FifthThird #mortgage #lending

Media Kit:
https://www.iemergent.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/presskit_digitallinked.pdf

NEWS SOURCE: iEmergent

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (iEmergent), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/iemergent-confronts-the-dei-debate-with-bold-webinar-on-the-business-case-for-diverse-lending/

Dr. Velma Trayham Joins Nation’s Top Business Leaders at A.G. Gaston Conference to Chart a New Path for Economic Empowerment

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 20, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Renowned business strategist, corporate advisor, and economic empowerment advocate Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO, Black Chamber of Arizona, will take the stage at the A.G. Gaston Conference, joining an elite lineup of business leaders, innovators, and policymakers dedicated to fostering economic growth and sustainable success for minority entrepreneurs.

Image caption: Dr. Velma Trayham.

As the President & CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona and one of America’s 100 Women to KNOW by JP Morgan Chase, Dr. Trayham has been at the forefront of shifting business strategies to empower small and minority-owned businesses beyond traditional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She was also recently recognized as one of the Most Influential Women of 2024 by AZ Big Media, solidifying her position as a leading voice in economic transformation.

A BLUEPRINT FOR THRIVING IN A CHANGING ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE

Dr. Trayham will introduce her MERIT framework, a cutting-edge strategy designed to help businesses achieve long-term success and financial independence without relying solely on corporate-backed DEI programs.

“This is not the time for fear—it’s the time for strategy, action, and collaboration,” says Dr. Trayham. “We must shift from dependency to empowerment, using business intelligence, innovation, and resilience to create lasting wealth.”

Her highly anticipated session will provide attendees with:

Strategies for securing capital in uncertain times
Insights on business expansion, sustainability, and financial resilience

WHY THE A.G. GASTON CONFERENCE?

Held annually in Birmingham, AL, the A.G. Gaston Conference honors the legacy of A.G. Gaston, a trailblazing Black entrepreneur who built a multimillion-dollar empire despite economic and racial barriers. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of financial independence and strategic business growth—principles Dr. Trayham continues to champion today.

“This conference is about action. A.G. Gaston built wealth through strategic reinvestment in his community, and that’s the mindset we must embrace to thrive in today’s economy,” Dr. Trayham emphasizes.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT TOWARD ECONOMIC POWER

Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers attending the A.G. Gaston Conference will gain invaluable insights into how to build sustainable businesses, navigate economic shifts, and create generational wealth.

Dr. Velma Trayham’s keynote session takes place on February 25, 2025.

Register now at https://aggastonconference.biz to secure your seat at this game-changing event.

For media inquiries, interviews, or speaking requests, please contact: Nancy Davis | 888-509-1145, or email info@thinkzillaconsulting.com

About Dr. Velma Trayham:

Dr. Velma Trayham is a nationally recognized business strategist, award-winning entrepreneur, and fierce advocate for economic empowerment. As the President & CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona, she advises Fortune 500 companies, government entities, and small businesses on strategic growth, financial independence, and sustainable success. Recognized as one of America’s 100 Women to KNOW by JP Morgan Chase and one of the Most Influential Women of 2024 by AZ Big Media, Dr. Trayham continues to shape the future of business leadership and economic transformation.

NEWS SOURCE: Black Chamber of Arizona

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Black Chamber of Arizona), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/dr-velma-trayham-joins-nations-top-business-leaders-at-a-g-gaston-conference-to-chart-a-new-path-for-economic-empowerment/

NPA Announces New Cohort of IMPACT Fellows: Six remarkable postdocs hailing from underrepresented communities form fourth IMPACT class

BETHESDA, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today announced the members of its fourth class of scholars in its signature program designed to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the postdoctoral community and beyond. The six fellows in the NPA's 2024-2025 IMPACT Fellowship Program ("IMPACT") are postdoctoral researchers representing diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and geographies.

"We are thrilled to welcome this new cohort of remarkable individuals who are not only striving to reach their full potential but committed to lift up one another along the way," commented Thomas P. Kimbis, J.D., executive director and chief executive officer of the NPA. "By strengthening themselves through the IMPACT Fellowship, they position themselves as leaders within their fields, their communities, and society."

IMPACT was launched in 2021 to empower postdoctoral scholars from underrepresented backgrounds to build skills, understand strengths, and develop networks. Competition for seats in the fourth year of the program stayed consistently strong with last year, with nearly one hundred applicants from across the country for only six positions. This year's selectees are early-career professionals in fields ranging from evolutionary biology and mechanical engineering to climate science and organizational leadership.

Fellows begin this month with a 16-month program that allows them to recognize and build upon their strengths, learn from their peers, network with experts, connect with IMPACT alums who have already completed the program, and gain additional mentors, allowing them to advance confidently in their careers. IMPACT Fellows also use the knowledge, tools, and resources they gain from the program to implement innovative activities or initiatives at their institutions that amplify the impact of the fellowship as they contribute back to home communities.

"We are just beginning to grasp the full reach and impact this program has on both IMPACT Fellows and their communities," said Caleb McKinney, Ph.D., MPS, chair of the NPA board of directors. "In the right environment, a small cohort of diverse leaders like this one builds capacity to positively affect thousands."

* NPA IMPACT Fellows, Class of 2025:

* Kati Kish Bar-On, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology

* Helen Wagner Coello, Ph.D., Florida International University

* Ramisa Fariha, Ph.D., Brown University

* Hager Kowash, Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center

* Tracie McCargo, Ph.D., The Chicago School / Harvard Extension School

* Colette Ngana, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University

IMPACT is made possible through the generosity of its sponsors, who have included the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Charles River Laboratories, Columbia University, Gallagher Insurance, LS-PAC MODELS Center, the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of Chicago, and the National Science Foundation. The NPA is seeking additional sponsors to support underrepresented communities of scholars, promote their own diversity goals, and advance discussion and action in areas needing critical attention.

Learn more: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/IMPACTProgram.

Academic institutions, companies, and nonprofit funders wishing to engage with the NPA can read more about available sponsorship opportunities - https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/store/ListProducts.aspx?catid=839646.

About National Postdoctoral Association:

The NPA is a national charitable and educational nonprofit association headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, that seeks to improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of inclusive connection. Individuals seeking to support NPA and its charitable mission, please visit https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/donate.

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today announced the members of its fourth class of scholars in its signature program designed to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the postdoctoral community and beyond. The six fellows in the NPA's 2024-2025 IMPACT Fellowship Program ("IMPACT") are postdoctoral researchers representing diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and geographies.

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

Black-Owned Consulting Firm Thinkzilla Celebrates 11 Years of Advancing Racial Equity and Economic Opportunity

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- For the past 11 years, CEO Dr. Velma Trayham and her team at Thinkzilla Consulting have been addressing inequality by building and managing programs with the support of public and private partnerships, advancing economic opportunities across diverse and underserved U.S. communities. In addition to the many holidays this month, Dr. Trayham and Thinkzilla, one of the fastest-growing consulting firms in the country, have a lot to celebrate.

"Entrepreneurs of color represent the fastest-growing segment of the small business market, yet they have the least access to capital, are more likely to be denied credit, and have limited access to entrepreneurial training and technical assistance that would allow them to win multi-million dollar contracts through supplier diversity and contracting opportunities. Thinkzilla is solving this problem," Dr. Trayham said. "We are proud to partner with government entities and corporations to expand access and contracting opportunities for underserved businesses. We all have a lot to celebrate this year."

A global company with offices in Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Scottsdale, and a recently opened office in Ontario, Canada, Thinkzilla is based at Arizona State University's Skysong Innovation Center and specializes in supplier diversity development, implementation of technical assistance programs, capacity-building programs and consulting to help organizations improve their social, environmental and economic programs.

President Joseph Biden recently awarded founder and CEO Dr. Trayham the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for the select few who "exhibit outstanding character, work ethic and dedication to their communities." She also joined CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion(tm) in an unprecedented commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The firm's programs have supported over 8,000 underserved entrepreneurs over the past 11 years, spurring more than $400 million in economic impact and advancement for diverse businesses. During that time, Thinkzilla launched a proprietary DEI Scorecard, used by hundreds nationwide to help organizations grow diversity, equity, and inclusion. Thinkzilla also developed IMPACT AZ 2025 in collaboration with the Arizona Black Chamber, Arizona's largest technical assistance Supplier Diversity accelerator for Black entrepreneurs, which includes the support of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, the City of Phoenix, the City of Scottsdale, and many more.

"Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, accounting for almost half of our GDP and employing nearly half of all private-sector workers, which is why we devote so much time and energy to supporting and sparking small business growth," Dr. Trayham added. "Over the next five years, we aim to triple our impact, creating job opportunities, expanding public and private partnerships, and helping hundreds of communities foster innovation and bridge the racial wealth gap."

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

Thinkzilla Consulting Group, LLC is a black and woman-owned consulting firm that helps corporate and government entities engage communities and make an economic impact. Our clients include commercial, corporate, and government entities. Thinkzilla assists financial service firms, Fortune 500 companies, and small to midsize companies in enhancing CRA efforts and providing measurable progress and success metrics.

As one of the fastest-growing consulting companies, Thinkzilla is committed to developing world-class programs and providing data-driven strategies that move our economy forward. Thinkzilla's dual headquarters are in Atlanta and Scottsdale, Arizona.

Visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/ to learn more.

For the past 11 years, CEO Dr. Velma Trayham and her team at Thinkzilla Consulting have been addressing inequality by building and managing programs with the support of public and private partnerships, advancing economic opportunities across diverse and underserved U.S. communities. In addition to the many holidays this month, Dr. Trayham and Thinkzilla, one of the fastest-growing consulting firms in the country, have a lot to celebrate.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Mortgage Bankers Association honors iEmergent for leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion at its Annual Convention and Expo

DES MOINES, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- iEmergent, a forecasting and advisory services firm for the financial services, mortgage and real estate industries, has been named the winner of the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) 2023 Residential Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Award for Market Outreach Strategies - Non-Lender. Laird Nossuli, iEmergent's CEO, accepted the award at MBA's Annual Convention & Expo today in Philadelphia.

iEmergent's software, Mortgage MarketSmart, helps mortgage lenders grow market share by identifying untapped home lending opportunities within the communities they serve. With technology that accurately models and forecasts demographic, economic and housing market trends down to the neighborhood level, iEmergent has created the only tool that helps lenders understand the home financing needs of underserved, minority and emerging markets.

"We are honored to be recognized by MBA for our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion and look forward to continuing the work of fostering a more inclusive industry that extends more wealth-building opportunities to underserved borrowers," said Nossuli. "Our long-term vision is to help lenders change the homeownership pool so it mirrors the population of each market."

MBA is the leading trade association for the real estate finance industry. As part of MBA's multifaceted strategy and promotion of DEI, the Leadership Award for Market Outreach Strategies recognizes member company initiatives designed to increase outreach, marketing and products to attract customers from the industry's underserved market segments. The award also commends the hard work, dedication and creativity of exemplary programs promoting DEI.

"MBA received several worthy submissions [for the Residential DEI Leadership Award] this year, but iEmergent's application stood out for its clear goals and impressive metrics," said Laura Escobar, MBA chair-elect 2024 and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee chair in a written statement. "We were particularly impressed by [its] efforts in improving our industry and the communities we serve. It is apparent that these programs are positively impacting organizational culture."

About iEmergent:

Founded in 2000, iEmergent provides mortgage lending forecasts and analytics to the lending, housing and real estate industries. The company offers an extensive variety of forecast and market intelligence products, including Mortgage MarketSmart, a visualization tool that helps lenders quantify how mortgage markets will change. For more information, visit https://www.iemergent.com.

For media queries, contact Depth: https://depthpr.com/contact-us/

DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 15, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- iEmergent, a forecasting and advisory services firm for the financial services, mortgage and real estate industries, has been named the winner of the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) 2023 Residential Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Award for Market Outreach Strategies - Non-Lender. Laird Nossuli, iEmergent's CEO, accepted the award at MBA's Annual Convention & Expo today in Philadelphia.

Related link: https://www.iemergent.com

New Class of NPA IMPACT Fellows Announced: Six outstanding postdocs hailing from underrepresented communities form third IMPACT class

ROCKVILLE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today announced the members of its third class of scholars in its signature program designed to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the postdoctoral community and beyond. The six fellows in the NPA's 2023-2024 IMPACT Fellowship Program ("IMPACT") are postdoctoral researchers representing diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and geographies.

"We are thrilled to welcome this cohort of remarkable individuals who are not only striving to reach their full potential but committed to lift up one another along the way," commented Thomas P. Kimbis, J.D., executive director and chief executive officer of the NPA. "By strengthening themselves through the IMPACT program, they position themselves as leaders within their fields, their communities, and our society."

IMPACT was launched in 2021 to empower postdoctoral scholars from underrepresented backgrounds to build skills, understand strengths and develop networks. Competition for seats in the third year of the program grew dramatically, with nearly one hundred applicants from across the globe for only six positions. This year's selectees are early-career professionals in fields ranging from molecular biology and neuroscience to chemical engineering and education.

Fellows begin today on a 16-month program that allows them to recognize and build upon their own strengths, learn from their peers, network with experts, connect with IMPACT alums who have already completed the program, and gain additional mentors, allowing them to advance confidently in their careers. IMPACT Fellows also use the knowledge, tools and resources they gain from the program to implement innovative activities or initiatives at their institutions that amplify the impact of the fellowship as they contribute back to home communities.

"We are just beginning to grasp the full reach and impact this program has on both IMPACT Fellows and their communities," said Caleb McKinney, Ph.D., MPS, chair of the NPA board of directors. "In the right environment, a small cohort of diverse leaders like this one builds capacity to positively affect thousands."

NPA IMPACT Fellows, Class of 2023-24:

* Angela Crumdy, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

* Lisa Eshun-Wilson, Ph.D., The Scripps Research Institute

* Pierre Kawak, Ph.D., University of South Florida

* Nicole Maphis, Ph.D., University of New Mexico

* Islamiat Raji, Ph.D., Queen's University

* Henkel Valentine, Ph.D., Fox Chase Cancer Center

IMPACT is made possible through the generosity of its sponsors, who have included the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Charles River Laboratories, Columbia University, Gallagher Insurance, LS-PAC MODELS Center, the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of Chicago, and the National Science Foundation.

Learn more: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/IMPACTProgram

The NPA is seeking additional sponsors to support underrepresented communities of scholars, promote their own diversity goals, and advance discussion and action in areas needing critical attention.

Academic institutions, companies, and nonprofit funders wishing to engage with the NPA can read more about available sponsorship opportunities: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/store/ListProducts.aspx?catid=839646.

About National Postdoctoral Association:

The NPA is a national charitable and educational nonprofit association headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, that seeks to improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of inclusive connection. Individuals seeking to support NPA and its charitable mission, please visit https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/donate.

MULTIMEDIA:

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/23-0210-s2p-npa20years-300dpi.jpg

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today announced the members of its third class of scholars in its signature program designed to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the postdoctoral community and beyond. The six fellows in the NPA's 2023-2024 IMPACT Fellowship Program ("IMPACT") are postdoctoral researchers representing diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and geographies.

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

CDF Labor Law LLP Named to Bloomberg Law’s 3rd Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP is pleased to announce that it has been named to Bloomberg Law's third annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Framework for the third consecutive year. CDF is one of 55 U.S.-based law firms that was recognized for its level of disclosure of diversity-related metrics and distinguished performance against six core pillars and more than 85 metrics: demographics, leadership and talent pipeline, recruitment and retention, business innovation and strategy, marketing, and diversity and inclusion in the community. The DEI Framework report is available for complimentary download at http://blawgo.com/UXoPcVq.

"We are honored to once again be included on the Bloomberg DEI Framework list. This acknowledgement is a testament to our firm's commitment to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace," said Alison Tsao, Partner and Chair of CDF's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. "We remain committed to continuing our work to create a more inclusive law firm and provide meaningful opportunities for advancement to our employees and to the legal profession as a whole."

This acknowledgment of CDF's efforts in DEI comes on the heels of the firm's achievement of Diversity Lab's Mansfield Certification Plus status and inclusion in the Orange County Business Journal's Embracing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Special Report.

"DEI remains a critical factor for general counsel seeking to engage law firms that reflect their values, and we've brought our industry expertise and strength in data analytics to bear in assessing how law firms are performing in this critical arena," said Joe Breda, president, Bloomberg Law. "Through a demonstrated commitment to DEI, CDF is helping to move the legal industry forward and we're pleased to recognize their performance."

About CDF Labor Law LLP:

For close to 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment, and business immigration law firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

For more information, visit: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/ and find CDF on LinkedIn to learn more about how the firm protects California employers.

About Bloomberg Law:

Bloomberg Law combines the latest in legal technology with workflow tools, comprehensive primary and secondary sources, trusted news, expert analysis, and business intelligence. Our deep expertise and commitment to innovation provide a competitive edge to help improve attorney productivity and efficiency. For more information, visit Bloomberg Law at: https://pro.bloomberglaw.com/in-house-counsel/.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/alison-tsao

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/news/article/cdf-labor-law-llp-achieves-mansfield-certification-plus

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/news/article/cdf-included-in-orange-county-business-journals-embracing-dei-special-report

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdflaborlaw/

CDF Labor Law LLP is pleased to announce that it has been named to Bloomberg Law's third annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Framework for the third consecutive year. CDF is one of 55 U.S.-based law firms that was recognized for its level of disclosure of diversity-related metrics and distinguished performance against six core pillars and more than 85 metrics.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

CDF Labor Law LLP Achieves Mansfield Certification Plus

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF), a preeminent California-based labor and employment defense and business immigration law firm, is pleased to announce that the firm has officially achieved Diversity Lab's Mansfield Certification Plus status.

This certification recognizes the actions CDF has taken over the past 18 months to document its continuing commitment to diversify its attorney ranks, and particularly in leadership roles, by broadening the slate of talent considered for recruitment and internal leadership roles. Our Certification "Plus" status indicates that, in addition to successfully meeting the certification requirements, CDF has achieved 30% representation of historically underrepresented lawyers in current leadership roles and pathway activities. In fact, we have far exceeded the 30% baseline for plus certification. Currently, underrepresented lawyers (women lawyers, underrepresented racial and ethnic lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers and lawyers with disabilities) represent over 68% of all of our attorneys, and 65% of underrepresented lawyers occupy firm governance roles.

"Diversity, equity and inclusion are foundational values at the core of our firm. Achieving this certification shines a light on CDF's ongoing efforts to mirror the diversity of our clients and of the communities in which we practice," said CDF's Firm Managing Partner, Marie DiSante. "Those efforts, which began on the day we opened our doors nearly 30 years ago, have yielded powerful results within our firm, and we hope to be a role model for businesses of all types as we continue those efforts into the future."

"This is our first year participating in certification, and achieving the Plus Certification is a significant accomplishment," said CDF's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Chair, Alison Tsao. "It demonstrates the firm's continued commitment to diversity and inclusion across all leadership levels and is consistent with the firm's strategic goal to increase engagement and provide advancement opportunities for women attorneys and attorneys from diverse backgrounds."

In keeping with this promise, CDF has already committed to pursuing re-certification through Diversity Lab for their 2023/2024 cohort for Mansfield.

A comprehensive overview of CDF's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as a full list of the firm's accolades, can be found here - https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/diversity-equity-inclusion.

About CDF Labor Law LLP:

For close to 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top employment and labor defense and business immigration firms in California, defending, advising and counseling national and regional employers with California employees and workforces, as well as California-based startups, midsize ventures, and privately and publicly held companies and Fortune 500 corporations on legal compliance.

We are dedicated to creating an environment that provides opportunities for people with varied backgrounds for our attorneys and administrative professionals. CDF continues to be ranked highly for its hiring and promotion of women and minorities and is committed to supporting the communities in which we work and live.

Learn more: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF), a preeminent California-based labor and employment defense and business immigration law firm, is pleased to announce that the firm has officially achieved Diversity Lab's Mansfield Certification Plus status.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

NPA Announces Exciting DEIB Efforts During National Postdoc Appreciation Week

ROCKVILLE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) announced two marquee programs designed to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in the postdoctoral community and beyond. During the highly successful National Postdoc Appreciation Week, the NPA shared details on both the finalists in its 2022-2023 IMPACT Fellowship Program, as well as the first NPA Race & Ethnicity Equity Summit, a free global event taking place November 17, 2022.

"Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is not only at the heart of our strategic planning, it is one of our core values," explained Thomas P. Kimbis, J.D., executive director and chief executive officer of the NPA. "These ground-breaking activities not only help those directly engaged in the programs, but they push hard in difficult areas across the whole scientific and research communities."

The IMPACT Fellowship Program (IMPACT) was launched last year to empower postdoctoral scholars from underrepresented backgrounds to build skills, understand strengths and develop networks. Competition for program seats in the second year of the program was intense with more than fifty applicants from across the globe for only six positions.

IMPACT Fellows will interact with experts from a range of disciplines as well as learn from one another as they strategically build upon existing skills, recognize opportunities, and advance more confidently in their careers. Fellows will also use the knowledge, tools and resources they gain from the program to implement innovative activities or initiatives at their institutions that amplify the impact of the fellowship as they contribute back to home communities.

NPA IMPACT Fellows, Class of 2022-23:

* Camilo A. Duarte-Cordon, Ph.D., Columbia University

* Phyllis Kyei Mensah, Ph.D., Utah State University

* Caleb Muefong, Ph.D., Washington University in St Louis

* Kathryn Sanchez, Ph.D., University of New Mexico

* Ricardo Velasco Trujillo, Ph.D., University of Minnesota Twin Cities

* Liisa Veerus, D.Phil., Rutgers University

The first NPA Race & Ethnicity Equity Summit was created in recognition that scientists and researchers from underrepresented communities face additional challenges and barriers that are too often disregarded. Through a series of interactive online race and ethnicity discussions featuring more than twenty expert speakers from industry, academia, government, and nonprofits, the summit seeks to identify barriers - and find paths forward - in the greater postdoctoral community on the path to greater racial and ethnic equity. Hundreds of participating scientists, researchers, and academic professionals are expected to attend.

The NPA's DEIB activities are made possible through the generosity of its sponsors, including Gallagher Insurance and the University of Chicago. The NPA is seeking additional sponsors to support underrepresented communities of scholars, promote their own diversity goals, and advance discussion and action in areas needing critical attention. Academic institutions, companies, and nonprofit funders wishing to engage with the NPA can read more about available sponsorship opportunities.

The NPA is a national charitable and educational nonprofit association headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, that seeks to improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of inclusive connection. At the individual, organizational, and national levels, the NPA facilitates enhanced professional growth, raises awareness, and collaborates with stakeholders in the postdoctoral community. Membership in the NPA is open to all organizations and individuals interested in advancing the interests of postdocs in the United States. Affiliate membership in the NPA for most postdocs is free and available at https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/.

To support NPA and its charitable mission, please visit https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/donate or text 20FORNPA to 44-321.

RELATED LINKS

https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/IMPACTProgram

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFM3gJOrrc/SP9uZ2fRte9yIhA-QMte5w/view?utm_content=DAFM3gJOrrc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=homepage_design_menu

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) announced two marquee programs designed to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in the postdoctoral community and beyond. During the highly successful National Postdoc Appreciation Week, the NPA shared details on both the finalists in its 2022-2023 IMPACT Fellowship Program, as well as the first NPA Race & Ethnicity Equity Summit, a free global event taking place November 17, 2022.

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

United Diversity Business Summit Provides Full Day of Discussion on Key Issues Relating to Diversity, Inclusion

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- The second-annual United Diversity Business Summit last week brought together hundreds of local business and community leaders for insightful and important discussion of issues related to diversity and inclusion, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

More than two dozen speakers provided their thoughts on key issues in both panel discussions and individual presentations that included "Overcoming Barriers to Entry & Promoting Statewide Economic Growth," "Moving from Transactional to Transformational," "Increasing Visibility in Underrepresented Demographics" and "Diversity in Progress: Strides Made to Date and Work Moving Forward," to name just a few.

Keynote sessions were complemented by breakout sessions on two tracks, one for corporate and one for entrepreneurs, providing even more information for the attendees.

"We are so pleased with the important dialogue that was created as part of this year's United Diversity Business Summit," said Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of ThinkZilla Consulting Group, which produced the summit in partnership with the City of Scottsdale. "We are grateful to everyone who attended the event, the many great speakers and panelists we had and all of the sponsors and community partners that made the event happen."

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit was held on September 14 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with the theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation." It was free for attendees.

Taniqua Broughton, Executive Director of the State of Black Arizona, said the conference was an important event for discussion of diversity particularly considering the findings of the organization's 2022 study.

Broughton said it's not about helping one group at the expense of others, "But we must continue our fight to make intentional, target[ed] investments of political, social and business capital to aid in our priorities of building a better ecosystem for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. It is a matter of good business, which creates a greater opportunity for all Arizonans."

A link to view the entire programming can be found on the City of Scottsdale, YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkuaheoOhjU

The event's sponsors included Fry's Food Stores, Salt River Project, Blaylock Van, Country Financial, Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Arizona State University Office of Economic Development. Community Partners included the Black Chamber of Arizona, Base Arizona, Maricopa Community Colleges, Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals, and Associated Minority Contractors of Arizona.

The United Diversity Business Summit offers corporations and governmental entities the opportunity to reach hundreds of business owners during the event and through pre-and post-event marketing. Planning for the 2023 conference is now underway, with details to be shared at www.UnitedDiversityBusinessSummit.com.

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

ThinkZILLA is one of the country's fastest-growing DE&I Consulting, digital engagement, and program management firms. Making brands more relevant, ThinkZILLA builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers. For more information on ThinkZILLA or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/.

About the City of Scottsdale:

Scottsdale is one of the state's leading job centers, with a diverse economy built on medical research, high-tech innovation, tourism, and corporate headquarters. Scottsdale is home to nearly 18,000 businesses supplying over 150,000 jobs. The high-tech innovation center SkySong, located just a few miles from Downtown, is designed to help companies grow through a unique partnership with nearby Arizona State University. For more information, visit https://www.choosescottsdale.com/.

The second-annual United Diversity Business Summit last week brought together hundreds of local business and community leaders for insightful and important discussion of issues related to diversity and inclusion, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Eliminating Bias in Employment Hiring

FORT MYERS, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Black people routinely face discrimination in the hiring process. Sometimes this happens because of a conscious bias. However, unconscious bias frequently occurs due to people's tendency to hire people like themselves, according to job site Trove Talent.

Potential employers often skip over applicants with better skills and more relevant experience for a specific job if their resume reveals one or more of the six common contributors to bias.

A Better Way for Employers to Hire.

Trove Talent brings a new approach to the problem of initial bias in the hiring process with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Trove Talent's proprietary algorithm.

Trove Talent rates and ranks all job candidates according to how well their abilities, skills, and talents match the specific requirements for an employer's open job position. Then, Trove Talent removes the six most common causes of bias in an organization's talent recruitment thinking, resume review procedures, interview consideration process, and hiring practices.

By eliminating the bias (conscious or unconscious), Trove Talent's new website helps firms find the talent they've been missing and leads employers to hire the best candidate for the job regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or age.

Because Trove rates and ranks job seekers on their talents, more people get through the screening process providing for "real" equal opportunity employment.

A Better Way for Job Seekers to Get Hired.

For job seekers, Trove Talent is like having a personal job recruiter working for them 24/7.

Traditional job search sites require a candidate to search through hundreds of job listings and submit their resume through an online portal. Trove Talent constantly scans and categorizes open job positions that best match each person's job abilities, preferences, skills, talents, and compensation requirements.

Should an employer want to interview a top-ranked candidate for a specific job, Trove lets the job seeker know, empowers the job seeker to decide if the job is a good match, and initiate the conversation with the potential employer.

"The current gap for technical talent in the marketplace will grow with 50% of the workforce expected to move into more technical roles," said Kelly Smith, co-founder. "Trove Talent helps firms fill this gap by finding the technical talent that often gets overlooked because of unintended bias. Diversity of thought is critical to the success of any business. Good employers embrace diversity because it leads to new ideas and perspectives. And, despite the strides made at progressive firms to minimize bias in the interview decision process, many hiring and talent acquisition leaders remain frustrated by the fundamental flaws in how talent recruitment works today. This is why we created Trove Talent."

And while Trove's objective isn't as lofty as Google's to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible, it is to help one person at a time to be recognized for their true talents and break through the glass ceiling of discrimination.

About Trove Talent:

Trove Talent helps hiring managers attract a diversity of talent for open job positions and ensure candidates with the skills and talent that best match the specific requirements for available jobs get considered based solely on the talent and potential they offer.

By eliminating bias in recruitment thinking, resume review procedures, and the interview consideration process, Trove Talent's website removes less-qualified candidates from the consideration and helps find better-qualified talent for consideration and selection.

To learn more, visit https://TroveTalent.com

Black people routinely face discrimination in the hiring process. Sometimes this happens because of a conscious bias. However, unconscious bias frequently occurs due to people's tendency to hire people like themselves, according to job site Trove Talent.

Related link: https://trovetalent.com/

NGPA Partners With ALPA, Int. to Host Fourth Biennial Aviation Inclusion Summit

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Education and awareness are critical to the mission of the NGPA; this is why the NGPA is eager to announce our fourth Aviation Inclusion Summit. This event will take place November 1-3, 2022, in Washington, D.C. This event targets leaders in today's robust aviation industry with aspirations of heightening diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. In addition, it aims to arm attendees with the right tools to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all.

After a short hiatus due to the pandemic, the NGPA is ready to build upon learned knowledge from the previous summits. This year's schedule will address inclusion across a wide array of aviation specialties. NGPA will again have speakers representing the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), Latino Pilots Association (LPA), Women in Aviation International (WAI), Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA), Professional Pilots of Tomorrow (PPOT), and others to speak to the incredible value of diverse and inclusive workspaces.

"I believe that having their participation will surely contribute new ideas and discussions to further our goal of making the industry more inclusive and diverse. The faces in aviation are changing, and I am proud that the NGPA is doing its part to be a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion," says NGPA Board Member Jason Israel.

"This event is an excellent opportunity to enhance personal knowledge surrounding DEI and how to integrate it into your daily practices and workplace culture," says NGPA President, Brian Gambino.

Registration for the Aviation Inclusion Summit opens today! The cost of this event is $599 per attendee. Attendees can register or find more information about this event at http://www.ngpa.org/ais.

About NGPA:

The NGPA is a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis. Founded in 1990, NGPA is an international organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) aviation professionals and enthusiasts. Our organization aims to encourage individuals to begin aviation careers, foster an environment of equality for LGBTQ+ aviators, promote safety, and establish personal and professional networks. The NGPA makes this a reality through education, outreach, and social events. Our organization is run by a board of directors, executive leadership, and volunteers!

For more information, visit https://www.ngpa.org/

Education and awareness are critical to the mission of the NGPA; this is why the NGPA is eager to announce our fourth Aviation Inclusion Summit. This event will take place November 1-3, 2022, in Washington, D.C. This event targets leaders in today's robust aviation industry with aspirations of heightening diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. In addition, it aims to arm attendees with the right tools to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Related link: https://www.ngpa.org/

Blaylock Van Partners to Support 2nd Annual United Diversity Business Summit

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation's longest continuously operating Black-owned investment bank, will serve as a sponsorship partner for the 2nd annual United Diversity Business Summit, Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group & The City of Scottsdale. The Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs across Arizona.

The annual summit is a critical part of the work to accelerate DEI progress; each person's new tools, connections, and understanding will be taken and transformed into action. Whether that is a conversion, a commitment to action, a policy change, a new community partnership, etc., the need to carry the energy, information, and momentum forward is essential to driving equity and inclusion.

Certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the State of New York, Wisconsin, the City of New York, and the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Blaylock Van is 81 percent Black-owned. It recently established a formal training program as part of its DEI initiatives. It serves corporations, municipalities, investment managers, and pension funds with a diverse employee base committed to working beyond financial services.

"We are honored to again have the support of an organization that threads diversity and inclusivity into everything it does," said summit's founder and CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting, Dr. Velma Trayham. "Blaylock Van has an incredible history. We are thrilled that Eric Standifer will share some secrets to their ongoing success with diversity, inclusivity, and equity in the investment world."

"As the oldest Black-owned investment bank in the country, we have a unique perspective on diversity best practices," Standifer added. "I look forward to sharing some of our challenges, opportunities, and insights on making decisions and taking actions that truly incorporate diverse perspectives."

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with the theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation." It is free for attendees.

Attendees will learn from more than 25 keynote experts on innovative approaches and best practices to improve economic diversity outcomes for organizations and entrepreneurs. The summit will host two tracks: Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes, and Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the minority small business community. Workshop topics will include using disruption to advance business strategy, entrepreneurship 101, supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, overcoming financial challenges, and more.

In addition to Standifer, speakers for the 2022 summit include David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla; Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale; Rob Millar, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group; Danny Seiden, President, and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant and more to be announced.

Other Event Sponsors Include SRP (Salt River Project), ASU Office of Economic Development, Country Financial, Fry's Food Stores, and Truist Bank.

Registration is now available at https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

About Blaylock Van, LLC:

Blaylock Van, LLC (BV) is the oldest and continuously operating Black-owned investment bank in the United States, providing personalized services for clients across the country. Clients include corporations, municipalities, investment managers, pension funds, and family offices.

The Firm's headquarters are in New York City, with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and Oakland, Calif. For more information, please visit https://brv-llc.com/.

Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation's longest continuously operating Black-owned investment bank, will serve as a sponsorship partner for the 2nd annual United Diversity Business Summit, Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group & The City of Scottsdale. The Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs across Arizona.

Related link: https://brv-llc.com/

CDF LABOR LAW LLP Named to Bloomberg Law’s Second Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP, a California employment, labor and immigration employer-side law firm, was named one of only 43 U.S.-based law firms to earn a place on Bloomberg Law's second Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Framework list.

For the second year in a row, CDF was recognized for its level of disclosure of diversity-related metrics and distinguished performance against six core pillars: demographics, leadership and talent pipeline, recruitment and retention, business innovation and strategy, marketing, and diversity & inclusion in the community.

"CDF is no stranger to DEI. From its inception in 1994, CDF has provided a platform allowing everyone a structural opportunity to advance regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation," says Marie DiSante, Co-Founder and Firm Managing Partner. "We believe that a firm culture that prioritizes inclusivity leads to better outcomes, for both our firm and our clients," she adds.

"We're proud to once again be recognized by Bloomberg Law by their inclusion of CDF in their DEI Framework report," said Alison Tsao, Partner and Chair of CDF's DEI Committee. "From our recruiting efforts, provision of leadership opportunities, to our strong involvement in DEI efforts in the broader legal community, we work tirelessly to enhance equality and inclusion in our workplace and the legal profession."

Bloomberg Law's DEI Framework was developed in 2021 in collaboration with Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index team, as well as diversity leads at corporations and U.S.-based law firms. Performance was assessed across more than 85 metrics, each associated with one of the framework's six core pillars.

"The desire to incorporate DEI into the selection process for outside legal services presents a new challenge for the industry, but CDF has distinguished itself as a law firm worthy of consideration," said Joe Breda, President, Bloomberg Law. "Through a demonstrated commitment to DEI, CDF is helping to move the legal industry forward and we recognize their performance by naming them as a member of our 2022 DEI Framework."

CDF continues to make DEI a priority at the firm by participating in the 18-month long certification process for the 2021-2023 cohort of the Midsize Mansfield Rule. Created by the Diversity Lab, the Mansfield Rule is a growing movement to increase diversity in law firm recruitment and promotion practices. It is named after Arabella Mansfield, the first female lawyer in the U.S. It requires law firms to demonstrate year-long progress in increasing diversity in senior recruitment and leadership decisions and consider a minimum of 30 percent diverse candidates for these roles.

About CDF Labor Law LLP:

For close to 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment, and business immigration law firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

For more information, visit: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/ and find CDF on LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more about how the firm protects California employers.

For access to timely alerts on the latest California labor and employment law developments, sign-up for the firm's blog by visiting: www.CalLaborLaw.com.

About Bloomberg Law:

Bloomberg Law combines the latest in legal technology with workflow tools, comprehensive primary and secondary sources, trusted news, expert analysis, and business intelligence. Our deep expertise and commitment to innovation provide a competitive edge to help improve attorney productivity and efficiency. Bloomberg Law is the only legal research provider to include continuous enhancements to its platform at no cost to existing subscribers. For more information, visit https://pro.bloomberglaw.com/.

CDF Labor Law LLP, a California employment, labor and immigration employer-side law firm, was named one of only 43 U.S.-based law firms to earn a place on Bloomberg Law's second Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Framework list.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

Thinkzilla Launches New DEI Scorecard to help Organizations Grow Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Focus

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Companies with ethnically diverse executive teams outperform their peers by a full 33 percent when it comes to profitability, according to a recent McKinsey report, and yet many companies still come up short in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion work. Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced the launch of a proprietary DEI Scorecard to help clients improve DEI outcomes based on research, data, best practices and organizational goals.

The scorecard can be used for audits, to support training and programs, and to help organizations build more inclusive workplaces and workforces. Thinkzilla Consulting is the only firm that combines program development with extensive DE&I expertise, a network of thousands of minority-led business suppliers and full-service marketing capabilities,

"Every organization should develop DE&I goals customized to their team, their industry and their goals, which is why we launched this scorecard," said the CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting, Velma Trayham, who was recently featured in the Business News Ledger for her DE&I work. "Based on feedback from companies interested in growing their diversity and inclusion programming and outreach, the scorecard can be part of your strategic plan and overall growth efforts. It's all about inspiring change in a meaningful way."

After launching the United Diversity Business Summit in 2021 with a proclamation from the city of Scottsdale, Ariz., Thinkzilla's team in Scottsdale, Atlanta, and Houston has continued to innovate and support minority business owners through its work in supplier diversity program development & evaluation, Marketing Services and DE&I assessments and training.

"While everyone knows that diverse, inclusive and equitable companies do better across many metrics, not every organization knows how to get there," said Dr. Trayham. "Our data, our knowledge and our passion can help organizations of all sizes get the information they need to take equitable action and make a true difference."

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group

Thinkzilla Consulting helps organizations create a positive economic impact through cultural diversity. Making brands more relevant, Thinkzilla builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers.

For more information on Thinkzilla or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/delivering-through-diversity

https://businessnewsledger.com/innovative-solutions-of-dr-velma-trayham-ceo-of-thinkzilla-consulting-group/

Companies with ethnically diverse executive teams outperform their peers by a full 33 percent when it comes to profitability, according to a recent McKinsey report, and yet many companies still come up short in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion work.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Minority Business Accelerator Program Expands to Support Small Underrepresented Female Entrepreneurs in Arizona, Georgia and Florida

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- ThinkZILLA Consulting, announced its 15-week entrepreneur accelerator program for female minority entrepreneurs. The only firm that combines program management resources with extensive DE&I expertise, a network of thousands of minority-led business suppliers and full-service marketing capabilities, has expanded programming to combat poverty and support entrepreneurs in need of access. Quality business training and mentorship.

Earlier this year, ThinkZILLA expanded to Scottsdale at the Arizona State University SkySong Innovation Center, where it launched the first United Diversity Business Summit, convening business experts and CEOs to share innovative approaches to enhancing Arizona's economic growth outcomes.

The recent "State of Black Business" report highlighted racial gaps in Arizona, where Black workers are underrepresented in most industries yet overrepresented in the state's lowest earning brackets, and the business accelerator intends to reverse these trends.

"Education and entrepreneurship can support individuals and business owners in rising from poverty, creating sustainable enterprises and making a true mark on the Arizona business world and culture," said Dr. Trayham. "We are proud to lead the way in executing to seeing more business owners build and scale across the state."

ThinkZILLA's 15-Week Accelerator Program is in partnership with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to end poverty through entrepreneurship, has helped more than 7,000 women nationwide gain the education and training they need to succeed in business. Since its founding in 2017, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy has awarded $60,000 in scholarships and more than $30,000 in seed funding to help African American women entrepreneurs create successful and sustainable business enterprises.

"The Pioneer Accelerator Program couldn't have selected a better time to launch in Arizona," noted Cloves Campbell, Jr., owner and publisher of the Arizona Informant, which recently celebrated 50 years of recording Black history. "As the Black population has increased astronomically, so, too, has the number of Black businesses. The need for programs that can specifically assist our Black entrepreneurs is long overdue. Dr. Velma Trayham and her team are providing a service that will not only create more Black businesses in Arizona but will also stimulate the economy for all of Arizona!"

Companies that commit to diversity, equity and inclusion benefit broadly with financial growth, a more diverse and stable employee base, deeper diverse supply chain engagement, greater innovation and enhanced company reputation.

Applications for the Hybrid business accelerator will begin accepting applications Jan. 10, with a deadline of Feb 15. The program will kick off with orientation at ThinkZILLA's SkySong office on March 1.

Learn more: https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/entrepreneur-accelerator-program/

The 15-week program will cover branding, doing business with local government and corporations, funding a business for growth, sales and marketing, and more. In addition, it will provide mentorship and networking to expand entrepreneurial knowledge, connections, and opportunities with the aim of helping business owners and entrepreneurs acquire the skills and support they need to scale and succeed in Arizona.

This program is made possible by public and private partnerships. Founding sponsors for the Accelerator program include American Landmark, M&T Bank and Blaylock Van, LLC.

About the Millionaire Mastermind Academy:

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy was designed to empower Black women to overcome the challenges of economic instability through entrepreneurship and small business. The Millionaire Mastermind Academy educates women and support the growth of their small businesses, engages entrepreneurship to combat the threat of poverty and gender-based income disparities, and enhance local community economies.

For more information, please visit http://millionairemastermindacademy.org/.

About ThinkZILLA:

With its mission to increase economic impact through cultural diversity, ThinkZILLA helps organizations create a positive economic impact. ThinkZILLA supports clients interested in addressing inequities and realizing growth opportunities through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programming, while impacting the local community.

To learn more about ThinkZILLA visit https://ThinkZILLAconsulting.com/.

CITATION:

"State of Black Business" report - (PDF) https://2301uj1nvlmrmp0ty21tpfxk-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/State-of-Black-Business-Report_small.pdf

ThinkZILLA Consulting, announced its 15-week entrepreneur accelerator program for female minority entrepreneurs. The only firm that combines program management resources with extensive DE&I expertise, a network of thousands of minority-led business suppliers and full-service marketing capabilities, has expanded programming to combat poverty and support entrepreneurs in need of access.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/