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BUSINESS JOURNAL

October 2021

Inspire, Inform & Educate

170TH Edition

8th Annual Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Shines the Spotlight on a Sisterhood Representing Success and Service

17-28

INSIDE

The Ensemble Theatre Names Sharon Samuel Managing Director

Bread of Life, Inc. Teams Up with Beyonce’s BeyGOOD to directly aid Hurricane Ida Evacuees on her 40th Birthday This Year

Sineria Ordóñez Named Comerica Bank External Affairs Manager for Houston and San Antonio Markets

2 | October 2021

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October 2021 | 3

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE d-mars.com is proud to continue our partnership with the community, publishing positive content and success stories promoting the advancement of our African American businesses and civic and community leaders. This month’s cover story highlights the recent d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards. Women are absolutely, without question unstoppable. This year’s honorees, though from different backgrounds, possess a similarity in being dedicated. They are dedicated to achieving in their careers, bringing other women up with them, also dedicated to their families and the communities in which they live and work. This is what makes a woman influential. We are seeing more women promoted in corporate America, walking into entrepreneurship, earning advanced degrees, leading in politics and other fields. Women today have more opportunities, not

Women who fought and sacrificed so much for equality, liberty, and justice for all, including the Black women, who are too often overlooked, but so often prove that they are the backbone of our democracy. What a testament it is to Joe’s character that he had the audacity to break one of the most substantial barriers that exists in our country and select a woman as his Vice President. But while I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last. Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.” —Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States of Ameri

because they ask for them, but because they are creating them. They are courageously breaking glass ceilings and overcoming the barriers in their respective areas, not only for themselves, but for the advancement of women who come after them. And we cannot forget that women, while they are achieving in their professional lives, also are wearing the most important hats of being a wife, mother, caregiver, church member, and volunteer in their communities. The d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston continues to recognize deserving women who are successes in their professions and who possess a servant-spirit. Reading this month’s cover story, highlighting the honorees, will hopefully encourage you to do more to welcome women to the table, and if you are a woman, do more to uplift other women in your circles and communities. As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars. com, progressing our publication’s efforts to highlight the communities in which we serve, live, and work. Partnering together, we succeed in making positive things happen.

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CONTENTS 04 BUSINESS 04 67% Of Business Travelers To Reduce Trips Amid Rising Covid-19 Cases 04 Sineria Ordóñez Named Comerica Bank External Affairs Manager for Houston and San Antonio Markets 06 COMMUNITY 06 Bread of Life, Inc. Teams Up with Beyonce’s BeyGOOD to directly aid Hurricane Ida Evacuees on her 40th Birthday This Year 07 19th Annual Texas High School Jamboree 08 The Ensemble Theatre Names Sharon Samuel Managing Director 10 President Biden Calls for End to Systemic Racism During CBCF Conference 11 Haiti Residents Still Struggling in Aftermath of Deadly Earthquake 13-16, 30-32 HEALTH & WELLNESS 14 Why Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn and What You Can Do About It 15 Creating a Satisfying Marriage 16 After Rapper Launches Anti-Mask, Anti-Vaccine Rant, Black Doctors Speak Out 30 How a Simple Tape Measure May Help Predict Diabetes in Black Adults 17-28 SPECIAL SECTION 17-28 2021 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 33 EDUCATION & CAREER 33 5 Skills for Successfully Turning Ideas Into Reality 34 5 Tips for Effective Job Hunting in 2021 34 Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at TSU Receives $4 Million From Bezos Earth Fund

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36 FINANCE 36 3 Credit Factors That Might Affect Your Auto & Homeowner’s Insurance Premiums 38 African American Entrepreneurs Head SPAC in $126.5 Million IPO to Acquire Black-Owned Firms 40 REAL ESTATE 40 Housing Market Expected to Stay Stable as COVID-era Protections End 42 What Options Do You Have During a Home Search?

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4 | October 2021 BUSINESS

BUSINESS

Ordóñez 67% Of Business Travelers Sineria Named Comerica Bank External Affairs Manager for Houston To Reduce Trips Amid and San Antonio Markets Rising Covid-19 Cases By d-mars.com News Provider

Findings respondentsinclude: include: Findingsamong among those those respondents

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior

.S. business travelers are scaling back travel plans amid rising COVID-19 cases, with 67% planning to take fewer trips, 52% likely to cancel existing travel plans without rescheduling, and 60% planning to postpone existing travel plans, according to a new national survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Despite an uptick in leisure travel over the summer, the new survey highlights the dim outlook for business travel and events, which account for more than half of hotel revenue and aren’t expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024. The lack of business travel and events has major repercussions for employment both directly on hotel properties, and in the broader community. Hotels are expected to end 2021 down nearly 500,000 jobs compared to 2019. For every 10 people directly employed on a hotel property, hotels support an additional 26 jobs in the community, from restaurants and retail to hotel supply companies—meaning an additional nearly 1.3 million hotel-supported jobs are also at risk. The survey of 2,200 adults was conducted August 1112, 2021. Of these, 414 people, or 18% of respondents, are business travelers—that is, those who either work in a job that typically includes work-related travel or who expect to travel for business at least once between now and the end of the year.

• 71% are likely to attend fewer in-person events or gatherings • 67% are likely to have shorter meetings or events • 59% are likely to postpone existing meetings or events until a later date • 49% say they are likely to cancel existing meetings or events with no plans to reschedule According to a recent Deloitte survey, corporate travel is projected to remain at only 30% of 2019 levels through the end of 2021. This lack of corporate travel would cost the hotel industry an estimated $59 billion in 2021, according to leading economists, underscoring the need for targeted federal relief such as the Save Hotel Jobs Act. “Hotels were already on pace to lose more business travel revenue this year than we did in 2020. And now rising COVID-19 cases threaten to further reduce the main source of revenue for our industry,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “Hotel employees and small business owners across the nation have been pleading for direct pandemic relief for over a year now. These results show why now is the time for Congress to listen to those calls and pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act.”

"Sineria brings a breadth of experience to our External Affairs team."

Keyfindings findings Key among among business business travelers travelers includethe the include following: following: • 67% are likely to take fewer trips, while 68% are likely to take shorter trips • 52% say they are likely to cancel existing travel plans with no plans to reschedule • 60% are likely to postpone existing travel plans until a later date • 66% are likely to only travel to places they can drive to The survey also tested attitudes among 1,590 people (72% of respondents) who are likely to attend large gatherings, meetings, and events—all key drivers of hotel revenue.

omerica Incorporated announced today that Sineria Ordóñez has been named the external Affairs manager for the Houston and San Antonio markets, reporting to National External Affairs Manager Vanessa T. Reed. Ordóñez will work closely with the bank's nonprofit partners as well as other key stakeholders in the Houston and San Antonio markets; with a primary focus on financial education initiatives and programs for children and adults as well as economic / community development for programs that promote and enhance opportunities for low-and moderate-income families and communities through: job creation training, readiness and retention; neighborhood/community revitalization and business development; small business training and development; and Sineria Ordóñez affordable housing advo- Comerica Bank External Affairs Manager For Houston And San cacy and development. Antonio Markets Prior to Comerica, Ordóñez has been an entrepreneur and held positions in marketing, media, insurance, education and the nonprofit sector.

Hotels are the only segment of the hospitality and leisure industry yet to receive direct aid despite being among the hardest hit. That is why AHLA and UNITE HERE, the largest hospitality workers’ union in North America, joined forces to call on Congress to pass the bipartisan Save Hotel Jobs Act introduced by Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Fla.). This legislation would provide a lifeline to hotel workers, providing the assistance they need to survive until travel, especially business travel, returns to pre-pandemic levels. Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association

said Comerica Bank Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford, Jr. "The professional relationships and community partnerships she has established across the various industries she's worked in will be instrumental in carrying out the bank's mission of raising expectations in the communities we serve." Ordóñez is active in the community serving on Houston Community College's Project Management Advisory Board and as a mentor with DiscoverU. She also is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum Class XLIV and volunteers for the City of Houston's Citizenship Forums. In addition, she was the Downtown Team Lead at the Project Management Institute and on the board of Capital IDEA-Houston. In 2018, she was recognized as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Ambassador of the Year. A graduate from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Ordóñez also earned a Master of Science in Project Management from St. Edward's University. Comerica Bank is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $88.4 billion as of June 30, 2021.

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October 2021 | 5

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6 | October 2021 COMMUNITY

Bread of Life, Inc. Teams Up with Beyonce’s BeyGOOD to directly aid Hurricane Ida Evacuees on her 40th Birthday This Year Non-Perishables, Prepared Meals, Preserved Goods, Water, And Visa Gift Cards were Distributed In Midtown Houston

ouston nonprofit Bread of Life, Inc. (B.O.L .) provided direct financial assistance to hundreds of families affected by Hurricane Ida on Saturday, September 4. B.O.L. partnered with nonprofit Lucille’s 1913 providing Louisiana inspired prepared meals to serve 430 families from Louisiana and other affected areas. Harris County Public Health was also on-site to provide 37 vaccines, giving $100 Visa gift cards to those getting their first vaccine dose. Additionally, Mrs. Tina Knowles-Lawson and Beyonce’s BeyGOOD partnered with B.O.L. to identify and provide direct financial support to over 250 families who were displaced by Hurricane Ida. Many attendees from the event say that this was the first aid support they had received in nearly the week since evacuating. “It’s important to keep an open door and a helping hand to our neighbors in need, especially during this time of year. Our goal was to set up a rapid response and I'm proud of all those who worked behind the scenes to provide relief” said

B.O.L.executive director Johnie Jones. “Through the generous support of our partners, donors and volunteers, together we aim to continue making a tangible difference this hurricane season and beyond.”

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October 2021 | 7 COMMUNITY

19th Annual Texas High School Jamboree

The Best of Thanksgiving Basketball Where will you be? Presented by Nelson Brand Sports By d-mars.com News Provider

his month, d-mars.com is teaming up with the Nelson Brand Sports organization to November 26-27, 2021. The Texas High School Jamboree was created as a platform for student-athletes who wouldn’t necessarily get the opportunity to be seen by college coaches or get a chance to compete at a high level for college scholarships. There will be numerous college coaches in attendance for the full two days of 47 top notch high school basketball playing at two High School locations. As President of Nelson Brand Sports, Rick Nelson’s mission is to provide a positive environment for academics and the game of basketball for young men and women. He recognized early on the value of using basketball as a tool to further one’s education after having played point guard, on scholarship for Texas College. Nelson won two National College Championships and went on to receive his Bachelor and Master’s degrees from Prairie View A&M University and became a Certified Life Coach. “In sports, the principle of working as a team is essential to achieving championship success in

life,” adds president and CEO of d-mars.com, Keith J. Davis, Sr. “With this partnership between d-mars.com, Nelson Brand LLC, Urban Social Lounge, and Boost Mobile, we are showing the community that there are ways to achieve your goals in life - whether it is through entrepreneurship or athletics. Strong team players make some of the best leaders.” For more information or to get involved with Nelson Brand Sports, please email eliteaction@sbcglobal.net or visit www.nelsonbrandsports.com

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8 | October 2021 COMMUNITY

The Ensemble Theatre Names Sharon Samuel Managing Director By d-mars.com News Provider

ouston’s Ensemble Theatre, the oldest and largest professional African American theatre in the Southwest, has named finance and management professional Sharon Samuel as its Managing Director. Ms. Samuel, whose prior connection to the Ensemble Theatre includes subscriber, donor, and service as Treasurer of its Board of Directors, will assume the duties of former Executive Director Janette L. Cosley, who retired earlier this year. Ms. Samuel will bring her extensive experience in accounting, finance, and operations and her strategic leadership and process optimization skills to The Ensemble as the organization continues to focus on bringing quality cultural arts and youth enrichment programming to the Houston community. “Following a nationwide recruitment effort to staff this essential position,” reports Board President, Jesse Tyson, “we were delighted to find the ideal candidate already working among the Theatre’s talented, dedicated team.” A Certified Public Accountant, Ms. Samuel holds a Master of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University. She received her Nonprofit Finance Certificate from Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies and is also certified in Women’s Studies and as a Project Management Professional.

An avid live theater participant, Samuel states, “It is truly an honor to be given the opportunity to lead and advance the mission of The Ensemble Theatre; a premiere, culturally rich organization posed to tell the varied stories of African Americans. I am looking forward to working with and leveraging the collective experiences of the staff, community, and collaborators to continue enriching the lives of Houstonians and visitors alike.” A native Texan, Ms. Samuel began her career in public accounting with Ernst & Young and later rose through the ranks of CenterPoint Energy, transitioning from audit to finance to electric distribution operations. As part of her service with The Ensemble Theatre, she successfully led the implementation of electronic payments processing, information

digitization, and revision of the organization’s policies and procedures. Ensemble Board Vice President of Operations, Lynda House-McPeters notes that Samuel’s professional and academic pedigree are perfectly suited for her role as Managing Director. “Ms. Samuel’s experience in the nonprofit world complements her experience in managing the financial operations of programs with a multimillion-dollar organization,” said House-McPeters. “We will call on her talent and leadership skills to engage and direct our volunteers, support staff, and management professionals in pursuit of the Ensemble Theatre’s mission.” Ms. Samuel assumed her duties on July 1, 2021.

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For more about The Ensemble Theatre, please visit ensemblehouston.com. Source: The Ensemble Theatre

October 2021 | 9

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10 | October 2021 COMMUNITY

President Biden Calls for End to Systemic Racism During CBCF Conference By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior

resident Joe Biden applauded the work of the Congressional Black Caucus and called for ending systemic racism during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards. The awards closed out the week-long Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. “I got here just a year after the Black Caucus started, 50 years, and the Black Caucus has gotten stronger every year with a powerhouse of ideas and a training ground for a lot of great leaders,” President Biden remarked. “The CBC has made a difference, and as we emerge from this pandemic, the time is right to root out systemic racism. The time is now for a moral response to heal the soul of this nation and to ensure that Black Americans are fully dealt into the economy, and to this society, they have built and shaped for centuries.” Hosted by actress Angela Bassett, the Phoenix Awards recognizes extraordinary contributions to the Black community and featured Stacey Abrams, Ledisi, and others. Singer Chaka Khan closed out the awards with her hit song, “I’m Every Woman.” The conference also acknowledged the largest Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) class to date. “The conference programming reflect[ed] our charge for 2021 and beyond to a continued commitment to uplifting, empowering and mobilizing Black communities through

the theme of ‘Black Excellence Unparalleled: Pressing Onward in Power,’” CBCF officials noted. The conference featured thought leaders, legislators, and concerned citizens who engage in economic development, civil and social justice, public health, and education. CBC Chair Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) opened the conference with honorary co-chairs Rep. Anthony Brown (D-Maryland) and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware), CBCF Chair Lori George Billingsley, and CBCF President Tonya Veasey. Sessions included “Re-envisioning Liberation for the Global Black Diaspora” and “Real Talk: Conversations about Family Caregiving in the Black Community,” featuring Melanie Campbell, president, and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable. The conference also tackled “The Impact of Covid-19 on Black Businesses: One Year Later,” where panelists discussed the racial wealth divide. “Black businesses continue to experience the downside of navigating a pandemic and dramatically reduced access to resources, especially customers and contracts,” conference officials stated. “The lack of equitable access to capital and shrinking reserves continues to hinder sustainability. Clearly, COVID-19 has impacted our society in more ways than one, and Black entrepreneurs are fighting a pandemic within a pandemic.” Sessions also included an “Environmental Justice Braintrust,” which focused on the connection between

environmental justice and health disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the significant impact both environmental and health disparities have on communities of color. This year’s program delivered discussions on the intersections of these two areas and what must occur to address these disparities. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) led a voting rights brain trust titled, “Winning the Fight for Voting Rights,” where panelists will discuss the urgency of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s legislation to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and address modern-day barriers to the ballot box. Additionally, the conference featured a panel discussion on the importance of mental health in the Black Community. Panels also took on the narrowing of the wealth gap and the state of housing in Black America, Sustaining Fathers, Black Men and Boys through the Impact of Covid Pandemic and Racial Justice, and a discussion on the impact of the late boxing great Muhammad Ali. The 13th annual Black Women’s Roundtable Policy Forum: The Power of Black Women’s Leadership in the Voting Rights Movement, also occurred during the weeklong event. The conference concluded with the annual Phoenix Awards and the “Black Block Party.”

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Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association

October 2021 | 11 COMMUNITY

Haiti Residents Still Struggling in Aftermath of Deadly Earthquake Some have called the situation in Haiti “a forgotten disaster.”

will continue to emerge in the next few months, due to the disruption to the healthcare system and supply chain for Haiti,” Cotter added. “People are at risk of infectious diseases like cholera, acute respiratory infection, diarrhea, and malaria.”

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior

Cotter continued:

hat’s because it appears that much of the western world hasn’t bothered to call to mind what residents in the Caribbean nation have experienced. In August, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that tore through the island nation left more than 2,200 people dead and at least 30,000 homeless. Further exacerbating the country’s need, Haiti hadn’t fully recovered from the 2010 quake that officials there put death estimates at more than 300,000. Today, over one month since the August 2021 quake, half of the Haitians affected still need humanitarian assistance – about 400,000 people, according to the Districtbased nonprofit Project Hope. “To get medical care, some people are walking for hours. Some come on the back of motorcycles. One man with severe crush injuries to his limbs was carried down the mountainside by a family member and then brought in the back of a pickup truck,” said Project HOPE’s Director

of Emergency Response & Preparedness Tom Cotter, who led our team in Haiti in the initial days after the quake. “When people do get to a clinic, they hope that it is not one of the 32 health facilities that were completely damaged or destroyed,” Carter remarked in a news release. “If the clinic is operational, they still may have to face shortages of medical supplies and personnel to treat them. If it isn’t, they are being tended to outside amidst challenging weather, heat, mosquitoes,

and potential violence from crowds,” he stated. Project HOPE has worked in Haiti since the 1980s and deployed an Emergency Response Team after the earthquake to conduct rapid assessments of the situation and most urgent needs on the ground. The organization now helps the country’s health system recover for the long term. “While the urgent medical needs from houses falling on people have passed, there are other more deadly medical needs that

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“Over 119,000 people are in need of clean drinking water, while 130,000 are trying to figure out where they will sleep with their children since their homes were destroyed. With so many people gathering in temporary camps and shelters, concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus are yet another source of stress for these communities. On top of the physical trauma being attended to, only a few doctors in Haiti are trained to provide mental health support.” “We must remain committed to supporting recovery and rebuilding the capacity of this country beyond when the cameras leave and the news coverage ends.” Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association

12 | October 2021

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October 2021 | 13

FREE

HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL

October 2021

Inspire, Inform & Educate

20th Edition

How a Simple Tape Measure May Help Predict Diabetes in Black Adults

INSIDE

Why Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn and What You Can Do About It

After Rapper Launches Anti-Mask, Anti-Vaccine Rant, Black Doctors Speak Out

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

Creating a Satisfying Marriage

14 | October 2021 HEALTH

Why Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn and What You Can Do About It By d-mars.com News Provider

s the weather cools and women switch from open to closed shoe styles, the transition can be painful. According to Dr. Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon and president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) two of the most common types of pain women feel in their feet in autumn come from bunions and hammertoes.

The The ACFAS ACFAS offers offers the the following following insights into treating insights into treating these these conditions conditions and and easing easing associated associated pain: pain: Understanding Bunions A common myth is that tight-fitting or narrow shoes cause bunions. The truth is, bunions are genetic. However, symptoms occur most often when wearing high heels or other styles that crowd the toes. “A bunion is a change in the bony framework of the front part of the foot and is most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot,” Dr. Dinh explains.

“When the big toe leans towards the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead, it throws the bones out of alignment and produces the all-too-familiar, bunion bump.” Pain from bunions most often occurs along the side of the foot near the big toe. Women sometimes describe it as a throbbing that continues even after taking off their shoes and putting up their feet. The site of the bunion can also be inflamed or red and can feel numb or have a burning sensation. Demystifying Hammertoes “A hammertoe is a ‘bending’ or contracture deformity of one or both joints of a toe,” Dr. Dinh says. “The abnormal bending puts pressure on the toe when wearing shoes and causes problems to develop -- which can start mildly and worsen over time.” Women with hammertoes can experience pain or irritation of the affected toe when wearing shoes. Corns and calluses (a buildup of skin) on the toe, between the toes or on the ball of the foot can occur from the constant friction against the shoes with hammertoes. Inflammation, redness or a burning sensation are also possible and in severe cases, open sores may form. Next Steps Proper shoe selection and conservative

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treatments can go a long way in managing pain from bunions and hammertoes. Foot and ankle surgeons recommend avoiding high-heeled shoes and styles that crowd the toes together, as well as using padding and taking anti-inflammatory medication. While these techniques address pain, they don’t generally stop bunions or hammertoes from getting worse. Surgery is commonly performed by foot and ankle surgeons to both correct the deformities and alleviate pain. Those who suffer from both ailments can have surgery to correct the foot deformities at the same time. “Recovery time varies based on the procedures performed, the advancement of the deformities, the number of toes involved, age and other factors, but the success rates for the surgeries are encouraging,” says Dr. Dinh. “Plus, the advanced procedures foot and ankle surgeons perform today to fix bunion deformities reduce the likelihood of a recurrence,” she adds. Experiencing increased foot pain? Make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon to see how they can help alleviate pain. Visit FootHealthFacts.org to access the Find an ACFAS Physician Tool. While everyone loves fall fashions, certain shoe styles for women can exacerbate painful foot conditions. Taking steps to manage these conditions can make for a pain-free autumn and beyond. Source: StatePoint

October 2021 | 15 HEALTH

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Creating

a Satisfying Marriage Tami V. Allen, MS, LPC Contributing Writer

alling in love is easy, but staying in love is where the work begins. The ideal goal of marriage is to find your soulmate and live happily ever after. While the fantasy of “happily ever after” is not always reality, creating marital satisfaction is. Here are four tips to consider as the foundation for a satisfying marriage.

Dr. Mikenah Joyy and Dr. Simone Ellis

TipOne: One:Establish EstablishaaCovenant, Covenant, Tip NotaaContract Contract Not

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A contractual marriage is where a couple enters a marriage, expecting personal needs to be met. Spouses agree to remain committed if the feeling of love is present and needs are met. Most couples unconsciously enter marriage with this thought process, and when these factors are no longer present, divorce becomes an option. Once divorce becomes an option, one or both spouses emotionally leave before physically. A covenant marriage is biblically established where divorce is only considered for abandonment, abuse, or adultery. Couples establish a commitment for the longhaul and exhaust every option to make things work. Even with difficulties, covenant marriages can lead to overall marital satisfaction. The key to satisfaction is to make sure the two of you have the same marital views, values, and level of commitment.

TipTwo: Two:Address AddressYour YourOwn Own Tip Shortcomings Shortcomings Many shortcomings originate from childhood and do not show themselves until in relationships with others. Controlling behavior, defensiveness, passive/aggressive behaviors, over-independence, and abusive behaviors are just a few which may not get addressed before starting a relationship. Each individual needs to be accountable for the toxic “stuff” they bring into the relationship. Healing your weaknesses allows you to see your individual role in conflicts and develop compassion for your mate. Most conflicts arise out of individuals pointing out the problems in the other instead of looking at the self. Lack of accountability creates a vicious cycle of negativity which can be difficult to get under control. Make sure to seek personal counseling to address your own behaviors before blaming your spouse for theirs.

TipThree: Three:See SeeYour YourSpouse Spouseas as Tip Your Equal Your Equal Sharing power and making decisions together indicates that you view each Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

other as equals. Occasionally, there is one spouse who is assertive and imposes their opinions on the other spouse who may be passive and give in easily. This imbalance of “power” can lead to discord and resentment. Be aware of these behaviors, and strive towards developing balance where both feel heard and respected.

TipFour: Four:Develop DevelopEmotional Emotional Tip Connection Connection Couples have no trouble developing a close bond in the beginning of a relationship but after years together, the relationship takes a back seat as other life events become priority. One of the primary ways to deepen an emotional connection is to learn your spouse’s love language. Love languages are communicated in the form of compliments, physical affection, sexual/emotional intimacy, spending time together, and/or random acts of service. Regularly speaking, a spouse’s love language communicates genuine love and desire to make the other happy. The most damaging circumstances are when spouses start taking each other for granted by prioritizing work, children, outside activities, etc. Learning effective communication and conflict resolution skills from a relationship specialist is crucial to developing a deeper intimacy and emotional bond. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman is a read I recommend, outlining five general ways that romantic partners express and experience love. For couples to remain in love, both must work on incorporating some of the above tips. Holding regular check-ins with each other builds strong bridges of communication that leads to everlasting love. For more information about me and my services, please visit my website at www.AllenCounselingGroup. com. You can also reach me by email at Tami@ AllenCounselingGroup.com or by phone at (713) 597-4499. Visit me on the web at www.AllenCounselingGroup.com. Tami Vienn Allen is the owner of Allen Counseling Group and specializes in relationship counseling. Like and follow the Allen Counseling Group on social media: FB: @AllenCounseling2017 IG: @AllenCounselingGroup Twitter: @CounselingAllen

16 | October 2021

Rapper HEALTH

After Launches Anti-Mask,

Anti-Vaccine Rant, Black Doctors Speak Out By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor

n a culture that worships celebrities and amplifies their words and actions, the coronavirus pandemic has presented an opportunity for some to apply and others to confuse. Even after over 635,000 have died in the U.S. as a result of the coronavirus, some celebrities have continued to loudly protest against the advice of doctors and other medical professionals. Over 4.5 million around the world have died as a result of the pandemic. Recently, anti-mask and anti-vaxxer celebrity Eric Clapton wrote a song entitled “This Has Got to Stop” to express his dissatisfaction regarding government mandates on masks. “I’m used to being free,” Clapton sings in his new track. A week before Clapton’s song dropped, rapper Busta Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, had something to say on COVID on August 24. “It’s called the God-given right of freedom, right? No human being is supposed to tell you that you can’t even breathe freely,” he said, speaking against wearing a mask. His comments went viral and so did the reaction against them. On Roland Martin Unfiltered, the daily digital broadcast hosted by Martin, three Black doctors were featured to comment on what the rapper said and anti-vaxxer efforts in general. “A throat doctor later discovered that there were polyps in his throat, restricting 90% of his breathing and he had to have emergency surgery.” <—You’d think Busta Rhymes would be more concerned about a virus that attacks your respiratory system given his history. “Confirmed: Busta Rhymes is better when he’s rapping too fast for us to really understand what he’s saying,” wrote Brandon Kyle Scott on twitter. Then came the medical professionals. “It angers me, and it vexes my soul when I hear entertainers and other peoPhoto Source: iStockphoto/NNPA ple who have mass followings say ignorant things such as Busta Rhymes. I was telling my students today about wearing a mask and getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Kristy McDowell in a recent interview on Roland Martin Unfiltered.

“If you don’t get the vaccine you are gambling with your life,” she added. Dr. Joseph Graves, Jr. said, “It’s one thing to do stupid things that put your own life at risk… It’s an entirely other thing when you take a public platform, and you use your celebrity to get up there to tell other people that it’s OK in the middle of the deadliest pandemic since 1918. Those people who die because they listened to a video. Despite misinformation, political discord and political policy changes, 51 percent of the American population is vaccinated. Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association

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October 2021 | 17

FREE

Honoring the 2021 Top 30 Influentual Women of Houston Leading with Tenacity and Grace By d-mars.com News Provider

ccording to recents statistics, an impressive increase from years past, 38.3 percent of women in the United States had completed four years or more of college in 2020 (Statista.com). And the latest Women in the Workplace report from McKinsey & Company, in partnership with LeanIn.Org, highlights women making important gains in representation, and especially in senior leadership. In addition, this study reveals though added stress and exhaustion women are experiencing in the corporate realm due to COVID-19, women are rising to the moment as stronger leaders and taking on the extra work that comes with this: compared with men at the same level, women are doing more to support their teams and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. In politics, our nation for the first time in history, has a woman of color, Kamala Harris, as Vice President of the United States. These accomplishments are impressive and absolutely worth celebrating, but there are some glass ceilings that are just cracked, with women still working in their respective fields to break them. This year’s d-mars.com 8th Annual Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards continues to honor, highlight, and raise awareness on the importance of women in our great city who are making a difference in their careers and communities, going beyond Houston, making a global impact to shatter glass ceilings and open doors for all women to win.

Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr.

2020 had the annual award event on hold due to the pandemic, so this year, the always highly anticipated and well-attended 2-day celebration and tradition was especially important for our city, esteemed honorees, and community. d-mars.com Publisher and CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. aka “MR. D-MARS” and Kim Floyd, Chief of Staff and Managing Editor, along with the d-mars.com team, worked tirelessly with Honorary Co-Chairs Dr. Heather Brown, Johnte’ Archer, and Paula McHam for an unforgettable VIP cocktail reception and award event at the Royal Sonesta Galleria Hotel, paying tribute to dynamic women who exemplify tenacity, discipline, and diligence in their individual professions. This year as years before, the honorees are proven in defying limitations, forever changing the landscape of business and community service in the city of Houston that is leaving a great legacy for global change.

Kicking off the festivities was the VIP reception, sponsored by Trez Art & Wine Bar, that brought together past honorees and special guests to support and celebrate this year’s superb Top 30 sisterhood. Words of encouragement and congratulations were expressed during the reception program, with the honorees receiving special gifts that included a copy of MR. D-MARS’ book, “Maximizing Your Own Treasure Chest.” KHOU-11’s Shern-Min Chow served as the Mistress of Ceremonies on award’s night, continuing to be a welcome part of this annual celebration, with her warm and welcoming personality. As the night was all about celebrating women in a big way as d-mars.com is known for, songstresses Mary Griffin and DeQuina Moore performed on stage an Aretha Franklin compilation, with Andra Day’s “Rise Up” to end their energetic performance. Passing the torches were State Rep. Dr. Alma Allen and Lina Sabouni, welcoming their daughters, Dr. Patricia K. Allen and Dr. Reem Sabouni into the Top 30 sisterhood. The C.I.T.Y. performed at the afterparty, and Branwar Wines sponsored wine for the gala attendees.

Electedofficials, officials,dignitaries, dignitaries,and andspecial special Elected guests included: guests included: • Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner • Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 18th District • Consul General of the State of Qatar – Rashid bin Abdullah Al Dehaimi • State Rep. Shawn Thierry State Representative, District 146 • State Rep. Ron Reynolds State Representative-District 27- Fort Bend County • Dr. Reagan Flowers, HCC Board of Trustees - District IV • Teneshia Hudspeth, Harris County Clerk • Commissioner Adrian Garcia-Precinct 2 • Houston City Council – Edward Pollard – District J • Houston City Council – Robert Gallegos – District I • Judge Audrie Lawton Evans – Harris County Civil Court #1 • Missouri City Councilman Jeffrey Boney – District B • Dr. Patricia K. Allen – HISD Board of Trustees, President District IV • Honorable Judge Engelhart – 151st Civil District Court • Art Murillo, Board Trustee, District 4, Lone Star College • Erica Davis Rouse – San Jacinto College District – Board of Trustees • Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam - Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees, Secretary – Position 4 • Jim Rice - Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees,

-Vice President – Position 3 • Honorable Cynthia Ginyard, Fort Bend Democratic Party Chair • Marilyn Burgess, Harris County District Clerk • Martina Lemond Dixon, Humble Independent School District Board President • Cindy Siegel, Harris County Republican Party County Chair • Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary, HCC Board Secretary, HCC Trustee District 7 • Rhonda Skillern Jones – HCC Trustee District 2 • Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth, HCC Trustee District 9 • Janice Weaver, City of Houston Community Relations Director • Saba Abashawl, Houston Airport System Deputy Director • Molly Waits, Houston Airport System Chief Marketing, Air Service Development and Communications Officer • Rhonda Arnold, Houston Airport System Chief Community Relations Officer • Dr. Cesar Maldonado, Chancellor Houston Community College • Dr. Steve Head, Chancellor Lone Star College

“At d-mars.com, we remain committed to raising awareness on the strides and accomplishments of women who are heroes to those who they impact professionally and personally. Not only are attendees encouraged by our honorees’ accolades and contributions, but I know that our honorees are motivated to do more and be more in their communities, not taking this honor lightly,” said MR. D-MARS. “As women continue to support our publication and serve on the d-mars.com team, I see first-hand how women positively leave a footprint in the city and beyond. This event is our way of shining the spotlight on women, our jewels, letting them know we cherish their sacrifice and leadership.” “These women hold the great power of influence, not because of their titles or accolades, but because of their genuine heart of sisterhood and serving. What most inspires me about these women is that they are using their positions of power in the boardroom, courtroom, practice, and business to pay it forward to others,” expressed Kim Floyd, Chief of Staff, Vaskey Media Group, Inc. Being in business for more than two decades, it is d-mars.com’s privilege to host the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards, shining the spotlight on women as they continue to be a driving force in the city and nation, creating a domino effect for global change for the betterment of all women. In line with d-mars.com’s expansion, expect some major events highlighting, empowering, and motivating women to stem from this annual awards event. If you want to nominate a dynamic woman as a 2022 honoree who represents tenacity, discipline, and diligence, please visit www.top30women.com.

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Honorary

Co-Chairs

VIP Reception

Dr. Heather Brown

Paula McHam

Johnté Archer

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October 2021 | 19

VIP Reception

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20 | October 2021

Honorees

The Honorable Community SHELIA JACKSON LEE Achievement Award Dr. Janice M. Beal

Saba Abashawl

Talia Alfred

Dr. Patricia K. Allen

Marna Graham Arvie

Dr. Vanessa T. Barrow

Dr. Ira K. Blake

Cindy Clifford

Glenda Demas It was truly an honor to be included in the 2021 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston. I was humbled to stand with so many prodigious women. The memories of the evening will forever be etched in my heart. I was blessed to share the moment with my son, friends, and clients. Thank you to Keith, Kim and the staff for honoring women in our community. While the entire event was amazing, the moment that was the icing on the cake was when Keith’s granddaughter took the stage and captivated the audience with her words. The hush over the room as she spoke gave me chills. She is destined to be a future Top 30 and I hope I am in the crowd when she receives the honor. The Dmars team rocks!

Dr. Shelly Lesikar deZevallos

Melinda Faust

Raynese Edwards

Dr. Charlene Flash

—Raynese Edwards, CEO and Chief Strategy Consultant, OutsideIn Consulting

Dr. Reagan Flowers

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Honorees

October 2021 | 21

Honorees

Lauren Fontaine

Eureka Gilkey

Cynthia Ginyard

Dr. Cherry Ross Gooden 2021 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston event was nothing short of AMAZING!! To be honored amongst women that have been trailblazers in fields such as aerospace, medicine, law, and education, was truly a dream come true for me! Keith and his entire team at DMars took extreme care in honoring each woman and making their hard work known to the City of Houston! To be celebrated by my peers and family was a night I will never forget! Thank you #TeamDMars

DeAnna Green

—DeAnna Green, CEO and Founder, The Nydan Group, LLC.

Veronica Chapa Gorczynski

Teneshia Hudspeth

Jenifer Jarriel

Jamie Jordan

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2021 Top 30 Influenti

TOP ROW: Tasha Royal – Founder, The Royal Agency • Dr. Ira K. Blake – President, University of Houston-Clear Lake • Glenda D Linda Leto Head - Senior Associate Vice Chancellor, Lone Star College • Raynese Edwards - CEO/Chief Strategy Consultan Lauren Haller Fontaine - Senior Director & Legal Counsel – Operations, Pattern Energy • Dr. Roberta Grace Scott - Dire Founder, Co-Owner & CEO, Scrubs to the Rescue • Talia Alfred - Director of Operations, The Alfred Firm • Veronica Cha MIDDLE ROW: Johnte Archer (Honorary Co-Chair) • Paula McHam (Honorary Co-Chair) • Janice Weaver - Director of Co Executive Officer, Change Happens • Denise Navarro - President and CEO, Logical Innovations, Inc. • Jamie Jordan Dr. Reem Sabouni - REI Physician, Director of Infertility and Oocyte Cryopreservation, Houston Fertility Institute • S D-MARS. • Cassie A. Levy – CEO, Emmit Moss Trust • Cindy Clifford - Founder & Owner, The Clifford Group • DeAnna DePelchin Children's Center • Melanie Miles, Esq. - Board Certified Family Law Attorney and Real Estate Profession BOTTOM ROW: Lenora Sorola-Pohlman - Broker Consultant, Navarro Insurance Group • Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam – Sec • Tracy T. Smith – CEO, Taylor Smith Consulting, LLC • Molly Waits - Chief Marketing, Air Service Development and Com Southern University • Dr. Reagan Flowers - Houston Community College, Board of Trustees • Erica Davis Rouse - Trust - Franchise Owner, Mobility Plus Pearland • Teneshia Hudspeth - County Clerk, Office of Teneshia Hudspeth, Harris Count Resiliency • Dr. Patricia K. Allen - Trustee District IV, President – Houston ISD

presented by

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October 2021 | 23

ial Women of Houston

Demas, MA, LPC, ACTP - Lead Practitioner and Owner, Pearls of Change Wellness, LLC. • Eureka Gilkey - Executive Director, Project Row Houses • nt, OutsideIn Consulting • Rani Puranik - Co-Owner and Global CFO, Worldwide Oilfield Machine • Amber Mostyn - Co-Founder, Mostyn Law • ector Social Emotional Learning & Student Discipline, HISD • Shelly Lesikar deZevallos, Ed.D. – President, West Houston Airport • Tennille Johnson - Coapa Gorczynski – President, East End District, ommunity Relations, City of Houston - Mayor's Office • Dr. Charlene Flash - President and CEO, Avenue 360 Health & Wellness • Helen Stagg - Chief - Family Law Attorney and Owner Community Service Advocate, Jamie Jordan, PLLC • Melinda Faust - Managing Director, Detring Energy Advisors • Sylvester Turner - Mayor, City of Houston • Tamla Oates-Forney - Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer, Waste Management • Keith J. Davis Sr. – CEO Green - CEO and Founder, The Nydan Group, LLC. • Karen Carter Richards - Forward Times Publishing Company, Inc. • Jenifer Jarriel - President and CEO, nal, The Law Office of Melanie Miles, P.C. • Saba Abashawl - Chief External Affairs Officer, Houston Airports • Dr. Heather Brown – Honorary Co-Chair cretary, Fort Bend ISD, Board of Trustees • Andrea Nguyen - Director of Community Relations, Executive Director of Education Foundation, Pasadena ISD mmunications Officer, Houston Airports • Cynthia Ginyard – Chairwoman, Fort Bend County Democratic Party • Dr. Cherry Ross Gooden - Retired, Texas tee, San Jacinto College District Board, Co-Founder of ReachOne713 • Dr. Vanessa T. Barrow - Founder & Owner, Sole Aesthetic • Marna Graham Arvie, CPA ty Clerk • Vivian R. King - First Assistant/Chief of Staff, Harris County DA's office • Linda M. Rhodes - Executive Director, Women's Fund Health Education &

y d-mars.com Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

24 | October 2021

Honorees

Vivian R. King

Linda L. Head

Tennille Johnson

Cassie A. Levy

Melanie Miles, Esq

Amber Mostyn

Andrea Nguyen

As an honoree, I was deeply humbled to be named among so many accomplished and incredible women. I applaud D-Mars, the “Top 30 Women” Organization, event sponsors, and everyone else involved in putting together a first-class event to honor us. We do what we do not for recognition, but it is still very nice to be celebrated in such a grand way so that other women and young girls can be inspired and empowered. I appreciate every attention to detail to make the event so memorable and meaningful to us. It will always be a night to remember for me. —Andrea Nguyen, Pasadena Independent School District

Tamla Oates-Forney

Linda M. Rhodes

Rani Puranik

Karen Carter Richards

Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam

Tiffany D. Thomas

Erica Davis Rouse

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Honorees

October 2021 | 25

Honorees

I was so humbled and excited to receive the honor of being recognized as one of the Top 30 most influential women of Houston for 2021. As I stood alongside these amazing women, I was in awe at the accomplishments of my fellow honorees. The event was a wonderful celebration of all that we can achieve, and especially appreciated that I could share the evening with the next two generations of influential women - my daughter and 2 granddaughters – as well as my son and husband, along with the rest of my supportive family present. Thank you for what you do to promote and honor women! Denise Navarro

—Denise S. Navarro, President and CEO, Logical Innovations, Inc.

Tasha Royal

Dr. Reem Sabouni

Dr. Roberta Scott

Tracy T. Smith

Lenora Sorola-Pohlman

The Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala was a spectacular event. It was great to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women who are making a difference in the Houston community. The celebration was elegant, inspiring, and entertaining. Mr. D-MARS and his team organized an excellent tribute to women. Helen Stagg

Molly Waits

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—Helen Stagg, CEO, Change Happens

Janice Weaver

26 | October 2021

Gala

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Gala

October 2021 | 27

Gala

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Gala

28 | October 2021

L WELDING ACAD STRIA EMY NDU

ACCURATE INC.

SECURITY

“Integrity with Attitude” 713-672-WELD (9353)

Platinum Sponsors

Simply Sweet Desserts

Fort Bend Independent School District

JERROLD C O N S T R U C T I O N

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30 | October 2021 HEALTH

How a Simple Tape Measure May Help Predict Diabetes in Black Adults By Thor Christensen

American Heart Association News

easuring waist circumference may be an essential way to help predict who will develop diabetes among Black people with normal blood sugar levels, according to a new study. The problem is, researchers say, waist size often is overlooked at health visits. The study, published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association, focused on how to best determine the risk of diabetes in Black populations. The condition causes blood sugar to rise and can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart. About 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have diabetes, but the numbers are higher for Black men (14.7%) and Black women (13.4%), American Heart Association statistics show. According to federal data, Black people are twice as likely as their white counter-

parts to die of diabetes and three times as likely to end up hospitalized for uncontrolled diabetes. Researchers looked at nearly 4,000 Black adults without diabetes who had their waist circumference and body mass index measured and received different types of blood and imaging tests to assess body fat. Participants had either normal blood sugar levels or prediabetes, a serious condition when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to qualify as diabetes. After about five years, the study found a simple A1C blood test was the best marker for predicting future diabetes in those who had prediabetes. The test measures average blood sugar levels over the past three months. However, for participants with normal blood sugar, the researchers found it was better to measure waist circumference as well as liver fat and visceral adipose tissue, a type of fat that surrounds abdominal organs deep inside your body. Measuring visceral and liver fat can be complicated and costly, but measuring waist circumference is simple and inexpensive, said the study's lead author Dr. Joshua J. Joseph. "All you need is a good old-fashioned tape measure," said Joseph, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. "Waist circumference measurement has fallen off in recent years during office visits. Our (study) is a big reminder about the importance of actually doing that, and considering waist circumference alone, as well in the context of other conditions" such as obesity, he said. About 55% of Black women and 38% of Black men have obesity, AHA statistics show. Since obesity is a key driver of diabetes, Joseph said it's important to maintain a healthy weight, eat a nutritious diet and be physically active. But making and sustaining those changes isn't easy, Joseph acknowledged. "The bigger question is how do you get these individuals into programming that will actually help them improve their waist circumference and improve their life?" Possible solutions, Joseph said, are for doctors to prescribe

physical activity courses and training for their patients, and encourage them to enroll in nutritious cooking classes and take part in community gardens. "We also need to address barriers that cut across all racial and ethnic groups. If you don't have a sidewalk in your community, it's much tougher to go outside and take a long walk," he said. Photo Caption: Verónica "To make sure everyone Sánchez, Senior Director can lead longer, healthiof Healthcare Systems and er lives, we have to work Community Impact, American intensively as academic, Heart Association Greater corporate and government Houston institutions, along with community stakeholders, to really address these social determinants of health." Dr. Michelle Kelsey, who was not involved in the research, said the study was limited by its focus on Black adults in Mississippi. "The results may not be generalizable to all African Americans," she said. In addition, she said, although everyone in the study had their waist size and BMI measured, not everyone received the same blood and imaging tests. Still, Kelsey called the study "an important paper that helps us better understand who is likely to develop diabetes. If we can identify people at high risk earlier, we can intervene earlier to improve exercise and dietary habits, so those individuals don't go on to develop diabetes and all of its complications." Kelsey, a cardiology fellow and researcher at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, said while it's still important to measure a person's BMI, the study is a reminder that not all body fat is created equal. "We know that some of the markers of increased visceral (belly) fat are associated with development of diabetes," she said. "Waist circumference may tell us more about someone's risk for diabetes in the future than body mass index on its own." “The American Heart Association in Greater Houston works closely with hospital systems and clinical sites through our Inpatient and Outpatient Quality Improvement Programs like Target Type 2 Diabetes and Know Diabetes by Heart to tackle Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. The challenge of diabetes in our community requires comprehensive solutions. The American Heart Association is driving change through our Clinic to Community Partnerships as we improve the social determinants of health such as food insecurity, education, access to care through collaborative partnerships in communities across Greater Houston,” said Verónica Sánchez, Senior Director of Healthcare Systems and Community Impact, American Heart Association Greater Houston. For more information, please visit heart.org. Source: American Heart Association

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32 | October 2021

KNOW the signs RECOGNIZE the patterns END the cycle of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Knowing the facts about domestic violence, recognizing the predictable patterns and talking about it can help end the cycle of domestic violence and abuse.

If safe, call 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.hawc.org

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

October 2021 | 33 EDUCATION & CAREER

5 Skills for Successfully Turning Ideas Into Reality By Stacy M. Brown

4. Innovative mindset

NNPA Newswire Senior

An innovative mindset ensures teams are applying new ideas and fresh perspectives to how they organize work and address the myriad obstacles that emerge when turning ideas into reality. An innovative mindset also allows teams to remain agile and pivot more quickly in the face of challenges.

eople across the world have tackled immense challenges since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, from social isolation to financial burdens, in a distanced and digitally enabled world. As a result, many important projects were put on hold. But at the same time, many people took the opportunity to make bigger and better plans - and are ready to make these dreams a reality. In a recent global survey conducted by Project Management Institute (PMI), nearly four in five consumers (79%) said they consider 2021 to be a "do-over," and an even greater number, 86%, plan to work harder this year to bring their ideas to life. "The pandemic disrupted countless 2020 plans, but many leaders and innovative thinkers used the time wisely to map out their next moves," says Mike DePrisco, chief operating officer for PMI. "As more communities and organizations across the globe cautiously turn to recovery and revival, teams are increasingly focused on turning their stalled projects into reality." But turning ideas into reality doesn't come easy. Whether you're looking to level up in your career, kickstart a new project or create a completely new business, PMI outlines the power skills you need to continue advancing:

Communication 1.1.Communication Effective communication maximizes success and minimizes risk. It involves not only conducting outward-bound communication, but also listening, taking

5. Purpose-driven goals

feedback, understanding nonverbal cues, and interpreting what is meant versus what is said. In a team setting, communication helps team members stay on the same page as they work toward success.

2.2.Empathy Empathy Empathy allows team members to build greater trust and connections - with each other and with other stakeholders - by helping them understand the wide range of people and work styles they encounter. Empathy also strengthens teams by helping team members feel appreciated and heard.

Collaborativeleadership leadership 3.3.Collaborative A collaborative leadership style is more effective in inspiring and bringing team members together in pursuit of a shared vision and common goals. Collaborative leaders recognize that each member of the team has something to contribute - in executing a plan and in helping shape objectives.

Having a for-purpose orientation helps minimize risks and ensures the organization's values and commitment to social good are infused in all aspects of project design and implementation. Clear goals also empower changemakers to use their skills to bring about positive social change within teams, companies and communities. To learn more about these skills and effective project management, visit PMI.org/MakeReality, a virtual hub of inspiration with the tools you need to get started on your next big, bold idea. Find support and inspiration from changemakers across the globe turning their ideas into reality; determine your changemaker persona; and view PMI courses that help you take your project or idea and Make Reality, such as KICKOFF, a free, 45-minute digital course and toolkit that guides learners through the basics of project management with bite-sized content and downloadable templates they can quickly implement on the job.

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Source: BPT

34 | October 2021

EDUCATION & CAREER

Tips for Effective Job Hunting in 2021 By d-mars.com News Provider

hether you're actively looking for a job or are simply curious about a new career, you're not alone. Millions of people nationwide are open to work, but it can be hard to know the most effective methods for finding the right job for you. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, almost half of all American job seekers are currently looking to transition careers, according to a new Morning Consult job-seeker insight survey commissioned by Amazon. Many of those job seekers (43%) identified better pay and benefits as the top reason they are looking for new work. "Whether you've been out of the job market for a while or have been working and want a change, this is a fantastic time to be looking for a new opportunity," says Luli Chaluleu, hiring expert at Amazon. "Many companies are hiring, and with the right search tactics you'll find a job that you not only love, but has ample benefits." Amazon is included in that list of companies eager to hire. Despite the pandemic, in 2020 they hired over 400,000 employees in the U.S., of which, more than 60% are now paid more than they were paid at their previous job. Competitive benefits include health insurance, up to 20 weeks of parental leave and company-funded career advancement opportunities.

"Amazon gave me a chance to branch into the IT field with no prior tech experience. The company really values us as employees, and it shows, from the pay to the benefits to the ability to learn and move into new careers - within Amazon or beyond," said Erica Bozeman, data center technician at Amazon. If you want to find a new job, knowing current job search strategies can help, including updating your resume and conducting virtual interviews. Research career events that allow you to learn, network and even apply for positions of interest. Career coaching can help as well.

EDUCATION & CAREER

Bullard Center

for Environmental and Climate Justice at TSU Receives $4 Million From Bezos Earth Fund

Tipsfor forjob jobseekers seekers Tips

By d-mars.com

To help supercharge your job search efforts, Luli shares these important tips: Explore the company website: One of the best ways to learn more about an organization is through their digital presence. Look at the website, including careers pages, news sections and any applicable departmental information. If you know where you want to work or what role you'd like to pursue, have that information ready when you apply or speak with a recruiter. Keep your resume short: Resumes should be compelling and concise. Think about skills you gained at previous jobs and how they apply to future positions. No matter how long you've been working or how many positions you've had, a resume should be no longer than two pages. Focus on the facts, communicate essential skills and highlight career achievements. When you interview, you can go into more detail. Customize with keywords: Many companies use technology to discover and track the best candidates for open positions. These applicant tracking systems look for important words and phrases within a resume to filter candidates, so be sure to use keywords in your copy. The job description is a good source for potential keywords. If you need more ideas, look at resumes and profiles for other people who have a similar position. Apply even if you're not 100% qualified: If you see a job post of interest, but hesitate to apply because you don't have all the qualifications, think again. Hiring managers know that oftentimes candidates may lack experience in a few areas. If you have the majority of the skills listed and a willingness to learn the ones you don't, apply anyway and then convey your enthusiasm about the opportunity during the interview.

News Provider

Stay positive: Job searches take time and you may have to apply to many positions and interview numerous times before getting an offer. Don't be discouraged, because if one role doesn't pan out, there are plenty more opportunities to explore. Source: BPT

exas Southern University (TSU) has been awarded $4 million from the Bezos Earth Fund to support the Robert D. Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice. The Fund’s grant will continue groundbreaking environmental justice initiatives led by Dr. Robert Bullard, a distinguished TSU professor known as the “father of environmental justice.” “TSU is proud to have our Bullard Center included in this critical environmental justice work and we are grateful for such generous support from the Bezos Earth Fund. Congratulations to Dr. Bullard and all of those who have received grant awards,” said Texas Southern University President Lesia L. Crumpton-Young. Launched in 2020, the Bezos Earth Fund is a $10 billion commitment to fund scientists, activists, NGOs, and private-sector entities that are taking critical action to combat the climate crisis, preserve and protect the natural world, and support climate justice.

“This grant will enhance the Bullard Center and our partners’ capacity to develop ‘roadmaps’ for directing much-needed Justice40 and infrastructure investments to disadvantaged communities that historically have been left behind,” said Dr. Bullard, founder of the Center for Environmental and Climate Justice. “It will also create a rapid response team of experts and professionals to perform ‘quick-strike’ support to our most vulnerable and marginalized communities where structural inequality and systemic racism pose equal access challenges to Justice40 benefits, funding and investments.” The Bezos Earth Fund has recently announced that it will commit $150 million in 2021 to environmental justice organizations to support the historic Justice40 initiative led by the Biden administration. Justice40 is a federal effort to ensure that government agencies work with states and local communities to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities. For more information, please visit tsu.edu or tsu. edu/bullardcenter. Source: Texas Southern University

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

3 36 | October 2021

Credit Factors FINANCE

That Might Affect Your Auto & Homeowner’s Insurance Premiums

Get your before you apply How long credit you'vereport had credit

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior

eople think of their credit scores when measuring their "creditworthiness," like when they're looking to take out a loan, buy a home or open a new credit card. But did you know your insurance credit score can affect your auto insurance premiums too? Before auto insurers take you on as a policyholder, they might use your credit score as an indicator to evaluate how likely you are to file a claim. If your score doesn't fit within their standards, you may get charged a higher premium. On the other hand, some insurance scores are loss ratio models, so they actually rank you based on the probability that you'll be a more profitable customer. According to Consumer Reports, the difference in auto insurance premiums related to credit scores can be significant. Drivers who only have "good" scores can end up paying from $68 to more than $500 more annually in comparison to those who have excellent scores. Moreover, it's important to know that your credit score is not the only factor that determines your premiums. According to Experian, if you live in Hawaii, California, Massachusetts or Michigan, auto insurers can't even use your credit information to determine auto insurance premium.

This holds for most insurers and lenders. The longer a person has credit and keeps that credit in good standing, the higher their score. However, while people who've had credit longer can stand a good chance at getting a lower premium, it's not a guarantee. Insurance companies may still view you as a risk if, for example, you have an excellent credit history but a poor driving history.

Whatpayment mattershistory most for your premiums Your When you sign up for auto insurance, your provider wants to gauge whether you are in financial stress or not and how likely it is that you will file a claim. So if you regularly pay your bills when they're due and don't have any missed or delinquent payments reflected on your score, you should be OK. However, with life's unexpected twists and turns, sometimes it's hard to maintain a healthy credit score, even if your score is historically excellent and you are seen as low risk. Fortunately, many auto insurers understand this and will offer you a reconsideration for the amount of your premium for what they call "extraordinary circumstances." Some of those circumstances may include: * Death * Divorce

* Serious illness/injury * Temporary and involuntary loss of employment * Military deployment

Situations often vary and insurers often have different policy guidelines. If you're curious, contact your insurer to see what circumstances they do and don't consider.

The credit youcredit have Howtypes long of you’ve had Auto insurers, like lenders, want to see the correlation between various factors, such as a good credit mix and a lower credit risk.

Youryour payment Get credithistory report before you apply Applying for insurance can feel daunting. But when you have the right credit information in your hands, you should be able to get a better idea of what to expect. Generally speaking, a strong credit score can help you qualify for lower insurance premiums when you shop around. Check your free VantageScore credit score here: https://vantagescore.com/consumers/education/ tools/free-credit-scores.

What matters most for The types of credit youyour havepremiums Insurance companies say that a person's credit scores help them to better predict their risk of insurance losses. While a score evaluation can seem like a broad judgment, there are often certain factors auto insurers will look at when determining your monthly premium, such as:

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Source: BPT

October 2021 | 37

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38 | October 2021 FINANCE

African American Entrepreneurs Head SPAC in $126.5 Million IPO to Acquire Black-Owned Firms By d-mars.com News Provider

hawn Rochester, who authored the spellbinding book “The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America,” and Robin Watkins, a highly regarded financial and operations accountant, have made Wall Street history. And the two are poised to break through more barriers in the financial world. Their latest venture, Minority Equality Opportunities Acquisitions Inc. (MEOA), has raised $126.5 million they’ve earmarked to help minority businesses and enterprises grow and prosper through mergers and acquisitions. “It’s amazing to be a part of this,” Watkins, a Drexel University graduate, stated. While Rochester serves as CEO of MEOA, Watkins counts as the company’s CFO. “I come from a family of entrepreneurs,” Watkins remarked during an appearance on PBS-TV and PBS-World’s The Chavis Chronicles with National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. The interview took place inside the new state-of-the-art NNPA television studios in Washington, D.C. Because her grandfather owned

a trucking company and café in Lawrenceville, Virginia, and her father and other family members were entrepreneurs, Watkins leaped at this latest opportunity. “It’s historic, and it’s amazing,” Watkins stated. MEOA raised the money after its initial public offering in August and now counts as the first special purpose acquisition company – or SPAC – headed by African Americans.

“We are trading now on the Nasdaq under MEOAU,” Rochester, who earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business with a focus in Accounting, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. MEOA will target MBEs and Blackowned businesses nationwide. “We’re really a blank check company that’s funded through an IPO,” Watkins remarked. “The funds are held in trust to acquire

another company. In this case, we are looking at minority business enterprises to take them public through our IPO. We are the only SPAC that is targeting minority business enterprises.” According to financial experts, SPACs generally have two years to complete an acquisition. If they fail, the company must return the money raised to its investors. For Rochester and Watkins, failure isn’t an option. Rochester said they are looking at companies with enterprise values between $250 million and $500 million with recurring and predictable revenues. The criteria include having a history of being able to generate sustainable free-cash-flow. “There is unprecedented demand for diverse suppliers, but many minority firms don’t have the resources to meet

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the demand,” Rochester said. “That’s where MEOA, and the decades of combined experience that our team has in operations, strategy, business development, and acquisitions enter the picture for the right business, to help accelerate growth,” he continued. Further demonstrating a commitment to racial equity and economic inclusion, MEOA engaged the Industrial Bank of Washington, one of the country’s preeminent Black-owned institutions, for its working capital banking needs during the SPAC and IPO process. The company’s directors are majority-minority including, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, MIT economist and Dean, College of Ethnic Studies, Cal State Los Angeles, Mr. Ronald Busby, Sr., President and CEO, US Black Chamber, Inc., and Mr. Patrick Linehan, Partner, Steptoe & Johnson. “The mission and purpose of MEOA will help to catapult minority enterprise in this country,” Rochester asserted. “As a SPAC, we have the opportunity to not only help drive significant change and unleash superior performance but to also signal to the broader marketplace that there is tremendous value in companies and teams that have long been ignored.” Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association

October 2021 | 39

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40 | October 2021 REAL ESTATE

Housing Market Expected to Stay Stable as COVID-era Protections End By d-mars.com News Provider

esperately needed housing inventory is on the rise and expected to come primarily from sales by existing homeowners, among a host of other sources — the smallest of which is foreclosures — according to a panel of real estate experts responding to the latest Zillow® Home Price Expectations Survey. The housing market is expected to stay stable as homeowners exit forbearance programs, while rents and vacancies are not expected to rise dramatically following the end of the federal eviction moratorium. "Now with more confidence in their long-term housing decisions, we are seeing existing homeowners finally returning to the market as sellers, who will provide the largest chunk of for-sale inventory in the next year," said Nicole Bachaud, economic data analyst at Zillow. "This is welcome news for many potential buyers, who should see more options to help their home search. Along with the expected moderation of price appreciation in coming months, the market is beginning to shift toward a balance between buyers and sellers — although that middle ground is still a far ways off." Panelists believe the largest single source of available housing inventory will be existing homeowners buying and moving to a different home, comprising 39.7% of supply over the next year. Inventory trended downward throughout 2020 and into 2021 as demand for homes took off, driven by the Great Reshuffling, low interest rates, and a demographic surge of millennial and baby boomer home buyers. The combination of low supply and high demand pushed prices into new territory, reaching record-high 17.7% annual appreciation in August. Fortunately for frazzled buyers, inventory is recovering. Zillow's August market report saw both inventory and the share of listings with a price cut rise

for a fourth straight month. In February, the panel accurately predicted that additional inventory would enter the market in the second half of the year as existing homeowners became more comfortable listing their homes under a widespread vaccine distribution. The panel expects home foreclosures to make up the smallest source of available inventory at 5.4%. Additional supply is expected to come onto the market over the next few months as homeowners exit forbearance and some sell their homes, according to previous Zillow research. The federal foreclosure moratorium ended on July 31, and roughly 850,000 borrowers are expected to exit forbearance programs before November 2021. However, strong price appreciation over the past few years and very few loans with negative equity mean open market sales are a realistic option for the majority of distressed borrowers. That's unlike in 2008, when financial conditions and a souring housing market pushed many homeowners into involuntary foreclosure. New construction is forecast to be the second-largest source of inventory at 22.5%. New home construction has been weighed down in 2021 due to shortages of key building materials, but even despite the setbacks has largely remained above pre-pandemic levels. Existing homeowners intent on renting, or not buying again, should contribute 9.6% of supply, according to the panel. In the rental market, in light of the expiration of the federal eviction moratorium, Zillow projects

evictions will be roughly 1.5 times what they would typically have been before the pandemic. After the moratorium expired on July 31, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention imposed a new policy to prevent evictions in areas with high COVID infection rates. However, the Supreme Court blocked the new ban, leaving a number of renters at risk of eviction. Zillow estimates there will be more than 485,000 eviction filings in September and October after the Supreme Court's ruling, with a projected 268,000 likely to be evicted — roughly 0.6% of the 43.9 million renters2 in the U.S. The vast majority of survey participants do not expect rents to change much as a result of the moratorium ending. The largest single group of panel participants — 34% — said no change is likely to occur, while 26% expect rents to rise slightly. A total of 14% of respondents said rents will fall either slightly or modestly. Predictions for rents to rise modestly were cast by 20% of the panel, and those believing rents will increase significantly accounted for 6%. When asked how rental vacancy rates will be affected, the largest share of respondents (38%) said vacancies would rise slightly as a result of the end of the moratorium, just ahead of predictions that vacancies would not rise (37%) and beyond calls that they would rise modestly (24%). How many at-risk renters will be evicted will be greatly impacted by the pace of distribution of federal relief funds. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, only $5.1 billion of the $46.5 billion in rental relief has been distributed by state and local governments as of Aug. 25. Experts surveyed expect home prices nationwide to increase a cumulative 31.8% through 2025, the equivalent of an average annual rate of 5.7% — far below the current annual appreciation of about 17%. "Across the U.S., home value appreciation rates and annual rent price increases are at historically high levels, and home price expectations are now the highest we've recorded in the 12-year history of this survey," said Terry Loebs, founder of Pulsenomics, the independent research firm that fielded the survey. "The silver lining for aspiring homeowners is that the worst of the housing supply crunch looks to finally be behind us, and most experts believe that the past year's rapid price boil has begun to simmer down." For more information, please visit www.zillow.com. Source: Zillow

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42 | October 2021 REAL ESTATE

What Options Do You Have During a Home Search? By Marla Lewis President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association

uying or selling a home can become complicated in this already high-pressure market that we are experiencing. Even other expensive items like cars or boats don't present you with the level of complexity you will experience during most home sales. One part of the contract that's designed to help make the process easier is what is known as the option period. The option provision is contained in all Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) residential contracts. On the newhome and resale contracts, it's called the termination option, and you can find it in paragraph 23.

Buyerspay payfor foraachance chancetotosay say"no “nothanks" thanks” Buyers During the option period, a buyer may terminate the contract for any reason and get his or her earnest money back. Most buyers use the option period to evaluate the condition of the property and otherwise determine if they want to proceed with the transaction, but that first point is worth repeating: It doesn't matter what the buyer's grounds are for terminating the contract. In fact, the buyer doesn't even have to give a reason as long as he gives notice of termination within the specified time. If the buyer does not give notification during the option period, the transaction moves ahead and the option fee is either credited to the sales price at closing or not, as negotiated in the original contract.

What’sininititfor forsellers? sellers? What's The termination option sounds pretty attractive to buyers,

but what about sellers? Sellers do not have the ability to terminate the contract during the option period – they are obligated to sell to the buyer under the terms of the contract (unless the buyer terminates), but the termination option does provide benefits to the seller. First, sellers receive a fee in exchange for the buyer receiving his right to terminate. The amount is whatever the buyer and seller negotiated in the original contract. Perhaps more importantly, the option gives the seller peace of mind that the buyer is happy to be purchasing the home. Think about it. Who would you rather sell your home to - someone who is bitterly disappointed that he or she ever agreed to buy your home, or a buyer who is excited to purchase your house and is satisfied with the condition of the property? The truth is that if the buyer terminates the contract during the option period, you most likely got out of a transaction that would have caused you headaches at the least - possibly even a trip to the courtroom. Lest sellers think that the option period creates a free-for-all for buyers to make offers left and right on properties they are not serious about, consider this: Only about one in 10 transactions don't make it past the option period, according to the National Association of REALTOR®.

Whatdoes doesititcost costand andwhat's what’sinvolved? involved? What The termination option is not a required element of a contract offer to purchase a home. However, most buyers do make the option part of their offer. The amount of the fee and the number of days of the option are both negotiable parts of the contract. Your realtor can help you decide what is reasonable and necessary given the circumstances of your situation. As a buyer, you will want to make sure the option fee is an amount you are comfortable paying should you decide to terminate the contract. You also want

to be certain you allow yourself enough time to conduct inspections of the house and address any concerns you have about the property. While most sellers want to keep the option period as short as possible, negotiating hard for an extremely brief option period may work against you. If a buyer feels pressured and cannot get the information needed within the timeframe allowed, he or she may feel her best course of action is termination of the contract. Buyers can do their part by scheduling inspections at the beginning of the option period. You'll want to allow enough time to ask the inspector questions, schedule follow-up inspections with other experts if recommended, and conduct any other due diligence you need to feel comfortable with your decision to purchase the home. Sometimes, an inspection will reveal conditions that lead to additional negotiations between the buyer and seller. A buyer will want this to happen during the option period, so they still have the right to terminate if they choose. Even though there's an option on the property, sellers can continue to market the house and accept backup offers. This gives sellers who choose to accept backup offers a measure of protection in case something does fall through. No matter which side of the transaction you are on, the option period can give you additional confidence that the entire process of buying or selling a home will work smoothly for you. For the most reliable guide to real estate around the greater Houston area and across the state, please visit HAR.com. And for more about the Houston Black Real Estate Association, please visit hbreahouston.org.

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Source: Houston Association of REALTORS®

October 2021 | 43

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Business Journals 170

Articles inside

The Ensemble Theatre Names Sharon Samuel Managing Director

President Biden Calls for End to Systemic Racism During CBCF Conference

Why Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn and What You Can Do About It

What Options Do You Have During a Home Search?

5 Skills for Successfully Turning Ideas Into Reality

African American Entrepreneurs Head SPAC in $126.5 Million IPO to Acquire Black-Owned Firms

Bread of Life, Inc. Teams Up with Beyonce’s BeyGOOD to directly aid Hurricane Ida Evacuees on her 40th Birthday This Year