Local

LOS ANGELES, CA— The Empower Her Project CEO and Founders Raquel Wilson and Tynisha Lewis announced today that the 2nd Annual Women of Color Empowerment Brunch will be held Sunday, June 9, 2019, from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm at Jordan Downs Community Center, 1501 E. 103^rd Street in Los Angeles, California. The brunch is designed to bridge a gap between young millennial women of color who are starting out in business, connecting them with veteran women of color from around the world who are already thriving in business. “It is time for us as women of color to come together to empower and celebrate one another, when we do this, we are unstoppable,” says Wilson and Lewis.       

The brunch will feature seven veteran women of color in business and will honor three women of color in politics, activism, and community service. This year’s honorees include Former Councilwoman Jan Perry (Honoree), Community Partnership ConsultantLinda Miles (Honoree), Activist Susan Burton (Honoree), panelists B. René Norman (Celebrity Red Carpet Photographer), Deborah Griffin (Entertainment Publicist), Ericka Chancellor (Professional Cosmetologist), Natasha D Burton (Producer and Brand Builder), Sauda S. Johnson (Attorney), Tonya McKenzie (Author, Motivational Speaker and PR Consultant), Umaymah Rashid (Content Creator, Digital Media Producer and Marketing Manager) and moderated by Syd Stewart,Founder & Executive Director of Better Youth.

Open to the public. $30 to attend and tickets may be purchased online at Eventbrite. Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-women-of-color-empowerment-brunch-tickets-57290228616

To become a sponsor of The Empower Her Project, contact: info@empowerherproject.org with Sponsorship Inquiry in the subject line. All press and media inquiries, please contact Deborah Griffin at deborahmckj@yahoo.com.

Social Media:

Twitter: @empower_inc

Instagram: @theempowerherprojectinc

Facebook: @theempowerherproject 

Official Social Media Hashtags: #WCEB2019 #TheEmpowerHerProject

###

About Empower Her Project

Empower Her Project is a 501(c)(3) provides women of color who are starting in business a platform to network with polished women who are already thriving in business. The organization provides professional development and advocacy opportunities. For more information on Empower Her Project, please go to www.empowerherproject.org

About Raquel Wilson – Empower Her Project

Raquel Wilson is a former foster youth from Compton, CA. She has been a vessel for foster care youth and an advocate for at-risk youth since age 17. She is an active participant in volunteer work in her community and is passionate about being powered by service. She created The Empower Her Project to empower, mentor, and inspire young and matured women of color through workshops and programs that celebrate women in business & future entrepreneurs.

About Tynisha Lewis – Empower Her Project

Tynisha Lewis also known as “Ty,” is a former homeless youth and first-generation transfer student graduating with a B.A. in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and minoring in Africana Studies at Cal State University, Northridge in May 2018. Her past work experience includes working as a student writer for CSUN Today and Warner Bros. Television Publicity Intern. She also served as CSUN PRSSA Director of Member Services and as Social Media Director of Real To Reel Global Youth Film Festival. Tynisha has been inspired by the endless creative possibilities in the world of entertainment in which she is truly passionate about. Her hobbies include reading, writing, volunteering and mentoring at-risk youth.

Company AIMS TO TRIPLE SPEND WITH DIVERSE SUPPLIERS OVER NEXT 5 YEARS

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— OAKLAND, CA— Blue Shield of California has set new targets to dramatically increase the amount of business it does with suppliers of goods and services from diverse businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, disabled veterans and the LGBT community.

“If our mission is to provide quality affordable healthcare worthy of our family and friends and sustainably affordable, then we must also do our share to make a greater impact in the communities where we operate and live,” said Pradip Khemani, Senior Director of Global Business Services at Blue Shield of California.

Blue Shield’s target for diverse supplier spend is 12 per cent of its procurement budget by 2023, up from about four percent in 2018. This means millions of dollars in incremental economic opportunities for these business owners compared to $28 million in supplier diversity spend in 2018.

Blue Shield purchases a vast array of services in their regular operations, and the following are the top categories:

1. Professional Services such as event planning, catering, language translations, etc.
2. Advertising and Marketing including promotional items
3. Consulting
4. Information Technology
5. Human Resources
6. Facilities
7. Office Supplies

Joe Partida of Partida Benefits, a local of Blue Shield, “It was great to have the opportunity to host this breakfast and I hope the upcoming Blue Shield move to Oakland allows me to sell more coverage.”

Suppliers who wish to do business with Blue Shield and are certified or working to obtain certification as a diverse supplier will be given key consideration during the procurement process.

To learn more about Blue Shield’s Supplier Diversity program, visit the Supplier Diversity page under Corporate Citizenship page at https://www.blueshieldca.com/about.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) recently announced that the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is the recipient of the 2019 Kris Sinclair Leadership Award for its successful implementation of a new strategic direction, which has led to impressive growth in concert attendance and community engagement over the past three years.

This award is named in honor of Kris Sinclair, ACSO’s long-timer former executive director, and is given to an ACSO Organizational Member that demonstrates recent and measurable leadership initiatives by its staff and/or board in one or more of the following areas: finance, governance, staff development, audience development, education, or community engagement.

“The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is a great example of how orchestras that have been in operation for decades can still continue to evolve and grow and provide relevant and meaningful art experiences for their diverse audiences,” said Sarah Weber, executive director of the Association of California Symphony Orchestras. “In the last few years, the leadership of the orchestra has programmed innovative concerts, provided music education for thousands of at-risk youth, and increased community awareness and ticket sales through expanded media coverage. They did hard work to make a plan for improvement, and that plan is yielding amazing results.”

With the Sinclair Award comes a $5,000 prize, which the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will use to install new software for ticketing and to train staff to effectively utilize the system.

Grand Terrace Troop shares 800 boxes to say ‘thank you’

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK–ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— The Girl Scouts Grand Terrace Troop 76 delivered 800 boxes of their famous cookies to construction workers on the building site of the new Loma Linda University Medical Center and Children’s Hospital towers, Thursday, April 25. The troop of 14 girls braved 90 degree heat for more than an hour to personally give each construction worker a box of cookies as their way to say thanks for building the new hospitals.

One of the troop’s scouts, Ava Firnkoess, 9, said she suggested the activity because she was inspired by the construction workers’ dedication and teamwork.

“When we drive past the construction site, the workers are here rain or shine,” Firnkoess said. “They’re working together to build this hospital for the community, and I wanted to thank them for that.”

The troop stationed themselves near the exit of the construction site at the end of the workday. With multiple cookie boxes in their arms, scouts offered a box to each worker that passed, even running to catch those who hadn’t noticed them.

The cookie delivery was met with smiles and surprise. Although many workers tried to give monetary donations to the scouts, they always answered with a “no, the cookies are free —we just wanted to say thanks.”

Loma Linda Campus Transformation Project Director Eric Hoffman, on behalf of McCarthy Building Companies, said they were touched by the troop’s generosity.

“We are extremely grateful to Girl Scout Troop 76 for their generous donation of 800 boxes of cookies,” Hoffman said. “McCarthy, our subcontractors and all of our craft workers are honored by their recognition. It’s easy at times to think of what we are building just in terms of concrete, steel and drywall. This was a very heartfelt reminder that this is not just another project.” 

The troop was able to donate the boxes of cookies through the support of the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council I Care Program. This program gives people the option to buy a box of cookies and donate it back through “Cookies Share,” allowing the troop to take those donations and give it to a charitable organization of their choosing. This program empowers the troops to give back and become more involved in their communities.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Makeup artists, hair stylists and photographers flocked to Jensen Alvarado Ranch and Museum in Riverside earlier this month. They were among roughly 40 volunteers who helped create senior portraits for foster children preparing to graduate high school in May.  

“It’s amazing,” said 18-year-old Melissa Sauceda, a senior at Rancho Verde High School. “All of us don’t have the support and money to do it ourselves. We don’t have our parents so just to have volunteers to do it for free is just a great feeling.” The event, known as ‘High School Senior Portrait Day,” started five years ago with a dozen students. This year 60 kids signed up. DPSS Children’s Services Regional Manager Michelle Wohl said returning caretakers who bring students from all over Riverside County helped the event grow.

“This year DPSS signed a contract with Riverside County Regional Parks. With help from park rangers and Jensen Alvarado Ranch and Museum, foster youth teamed up with volunteers to spend the entire day preparing for senior pictures.

“It really gives us the opportunity to talk with the community about the awesome things that happen in child welfare,” Wohl said.

The foster youth ranged from age 17 to 20 and came from several school districts and communities across Riverside County, including Moreno Valley, Indio, Perris and Beaumont.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOS ANGELES, CA— As May 1st is the deadline by which many high school seniors determine which college they plan to attend in the fall, Reach Higher hosted their annual College Signing Day on Wednesday, May 1 with former First Lady Michelle Obama and over 9,000 students from across California at UCLA‘s Pauley Pavilion.

Reach Higher, started by former First Lady Michelle Obama during her time at the White House, works to inspire every student in America to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university. 

McDonald’s is a proud supporter of Reach Higher’s mission to empower students to take charge of their future and own their success. McDonald’s and its franchisees bring positive economic opportunities to the neighborhoods they serve in numerous ways, including hiring directly from the community, providing scholarships and engaging in other philanthropic activities that provide access to education, empowerment and entrepreneurship.

The high-energy event featured celebrities such as John Legend, Yvonne Orji and Usher, as well as education influencers, all of whom attended to recognize students’ academic achievements, and to offer encouragement and guidance on how to make the most of their future educational opportunities.

St. Elmo Village’s 50th Anniversary
THE ART OF CREATIVE SURVIVAL

Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, 2019

Memorial Day Weekend

12pm-6pm

FREE

Mid-Town Shopping Center4830 St. Elmo Drive
Los Angeles, California 90019-5571

Park and use the Shuttle Bus

4725 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019 (behind Living Spaces / Shuttle Bus Location)

The Village is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this Memorial Day Weekend with outstanding performers and musicians. Amongst them are some of our favorite musicians and cultural symbols of Los Angeles including Dwight Trible, which Bandcamp calls “The Bridge Between Two Generations of Jazz.” And highly respected for her scat ability and “Crystalline Tone,” Sandra Booker pushes the musical envelope to create a unique style and sound. We can’t wait for their performances!

The two-day weekend will also feature cultural dance and spoken word performances, artisan vendors, delicious food trucks, arts and crafts and more – come join the fun and invite your friends! For more info, please visit our website.

The Village is transforming as folks come to paint to courtyard mural. There are two weekends left to participate in our Pay-to-Paint Fundraiser – come add your creative energy to the space and be a part of something beautiful!

For more information visit stelmovillage.org.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Women of St. Paul A.M.E. located in San Bernardino will hold a weekend of Prayer, Praise and Worship May 18 and 19, 2019 at 1355 W. 21st St. The speakers will  include Rev. Laurie McDonald Albert and Rev. Noella Buchanan. The  weekend theme is “Overcoming Life’s Challenges and Living Victoriously.”

The Women’s Prayer Conference on Saturday will focus on the spiritual means of overcoming challenges and living victoriously through Christ. McDonald, former pastor of Greater Harvest AME Church, will bring the inspirational message that will focus on “Overcoming.”  

On Sunday the 10 A.M. worship service will also honor two faithful members Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry and Mrs. Thelma Earl and will feature Rev. Noella Buchanan former pastor of Corona, Allen Chapel Riverside, and St. James AME, St. Louis, MO. Her message will focus on “Living Victoriously.”

The weekend is free and the community is invited to come join them in prayer, anointing, worship and praise in song and dance.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—

Anderson School

Graduation: Wednesday, June 5, 9:30 a.m., Anderson School MU Room

Graduates: 7^

Arroyo Valley High School

Graduation: Wednesday, June 5, 7 p.m., San Manuel 66ers Stadium

Graduates: 576*

Valedictorian: Yoselin Mayoral

Salutatorian: Ismael Banuelos-Romo

Cajon High School

Graduation: Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m., Cajon High School, Jack Wilkins Cowboy Stadium

Graduates: 660*

Valedictorians: Zakaria Doueiri, Chloe Cooper, Rocky Rivera, Charlotte Ward, Elizabeth Ortiz, Natsumi Ruiz, and Daniel Gonzalez

Salutatorian: Janay Burks

Indian Springs High School

Graduation: Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m., Indian Springs High Athletic Complex

Graduates: 355*

Valedictorian: Jimmy Nguyen

Salutatorians: Steven Huynh, Kevin Nguyen, and Steven Nguyen

Inland Career Education Center (formerly San Bernardino Adult School)

Graduation: Wednesday, May 29, 11 a.m., California Theater, 562 W. 4th Street

Graduates: 200* (includes high school diploma and GED certificate graduates)

Middle College High School

Senior Crossing: Friday, May 17, 6 p.m., Valley College Auditorium

Graduation: Wednesday, May 22, 6 p.m., San Bernardino Valley College Greek Theatre

Graduates: 67* (includes 10 students who will also earn an A.A. degree)

Valedictorians: Faith Lauren Falcone and Mariah Yasmin Grajeda

Salutatorians: Karen Fuentes Santana, Angela Lizeth Villalbazo Garcia, Madison Virgina Morrie, Samantha Victoria Spencer, and Jennifer Duyen Tran

Pacific High School

Graduation: Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m., San Bernardino Valley College Football Stadium

Graduates: 261*

Valedictorian: Morgan Diaz

Salutatorians: Paloma Alvarez and Maria Stroud

San Andreas High School

Graduation: Monday, June 3, 6 p.m., San Manuel 66ers Stadium

Graduates: 320* (includes Destination Diploma graduates)

San Bernardino High School

Graduation: Friday, June 7, 7 p.m., San Bernardino Valley College Football Stadium

Graduates: 330*

Valedictorians: Ivy Garcia Guevara and Johanna Soto

Salutatorians: Jhunelyn Parafina and Guadalupe Lopez

San Gorgonio High School

Senior Celebration: Monday, June 3, 5 p.m., San Gorgonio’s gymnasium

Graduation: Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m., San Gorgonio’s Phil Haley Stadium

Graduates: 458*

Valedictorian: Athena Vo

Salutatorians: Ashley Alvarado, Ryan Chung, Hanh Le, and Leonarda Medina Ruiz

Sierra High School

Graduation: Saturday, June 1, 6 p.m., San Manuel 66ers Stadium

Graduates: 185*

Approximately 3,412 San Bernardino City Unified School District students will receive their high school diplomas or GED certification this year. This does not include those graduating from vocational programs.

It’s a story of struggle, perseverance, and achievement with a legacy that includes art, music, literature, architecture and lasting contributions to the world. Discover the energy and richness of the African American experience throughout the year and join the Black Chamber as we present the Black History Super Expo Celebration Rewind because everyday is black history.

This event is free to the public and will take place May 18th 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Greek Theater inside San Bernardino Valley College.  Enjoy live entertainment, shop local vendors, enjoy food, a kid zone and youth workshops, a fashion show presented by local designers, artist exhibit and so much more.

Come out with the family and enjoy:
Live Entertainment( Bands, Singers, Dancers)
Kids Zone
Youth Workshops
Artist Exhibit Sculptures
Murals and Painting
Fashion Show
Jewelry
Food and Vendors

San Bernardino Valley College
Inside The Greek Theater
701 South Mount Vernon Ave.
San Bernardino, CA. 92470

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE

We invite you to a vendor or sponsor!BECOME A VENDOR / SPONSOR

Click here for info/ limited spacing

For more information, please call 844-332-2243 ext 902 (Tammy)or visit us (click events):bccinlandempire.com