Prepared by Improve Consulting and Training Group, LLC
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Women of Color Foundation Board Retreat – March 23,Meet 2021 Our New Board!
CAREER & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Prepared by Improve Consulting and Training Group, LLC
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Volume 7 Winter/S prin g 2021
GOING THE DISTANCE
FOR OUR
COMMUNITIES. At Dominion Energy Ohio, going the distance for our customers means more than just delivering safe, affordable natural gas. It means being a positive force in the communities we serve. Our EnergyShare® program has raised $6.8 million and helped more than 70,000 people in Ohio alone. These resources, combined with more than 6,300 volunteer hours from our employees, have benefited organizations as diverse as the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition.
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Executive Profile: Gloria M. Ware Q & A with the dynamic founder of Get the Bag.
11 Seven Qualities to Look for in Your Next Employer
by Nicole Barringer Searching for your next career opportunity can be stressful, but openings are available if you know where to look.
ON THE COVER:
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Meet the Women of Color Foundation’s New Board!
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Time to Travel or Plan? by Kareem George Demand for travel is extremely high, and destinations are beginning to reopen during the pandemic. Is it time to travel?
17 Book Suggestions
Explore books by Vice President Kamala Harris and the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
SPECIAL CENTER PULL-OUT SECTION
Closing the Economic Divide: How JumpStart Helps Position Tech Entrepreneurs for Success by Montrie Rucker Adams, APR Two entrepreneurs found assistance at JumpStart, a nonprofit, venture development organization.
24 Stop Playing the Juggle Game
by Cassandra Hill As a woman in business, life gets hectic! Learn how to balance your personal and professional life.
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Burn Excess Body Fat: 8 Tips to Getting the Body You Want by Phillip Germany, II Explore 8 tips to lose and keep excess fat off your body.
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5 Powerful Steps to Awesome Self-Care by Natalie Rudd This writer’s mental and physical exhaustion led her to the most powerful 5-step self-care regimen available today.
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The Burden of Leadership: The Art of Maintaining Your Crown by Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” Learn how Dr. Chisholm navigated leadership waters.
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Discover the World Through Books by Kelly Woodard Cleveland Public Library celebrates the love of literacy and discovery. WINTER | SPRING 2021 | 3
CL Magazine Team Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer Alexandria Johnson Boone Creative Director Jennifer Coiley Dial Senior Copy Editor Michelle E. Urquhart Business Manager Paula T. Newman Assistant to the Publisher Bernadette K. Mayfield Senior Strategist, Subscriber & Community Development Simone E. Swanson Database and Information Coordinator Cheretta Moore For advertising information please contact us at: advertising@CL-Magazine.com Subscribe free online: www.CL-Magazine.com
CLMagazine_ CLMagazine_ CLMagazine C L Magazine is published digitally on a quarterly basis by the Women of Color Foundation (WOCF), a 501 (c) (3), tax-exempt organization, for the benefit of women and girls of all colors. Our offices are located at 4200 Warrensville Center Road, Medical Building A, Suite 353, Cleveland, Ohio 44122. Toll Free Phone number: 866.962-3411 (866.WOCF.411). Copyright © 2014-2020. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be distributed electronically, reproduced or duplicated in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. Readers and advertisers may subscribe for free at: www.CL-Magazine.com Magazine Production: GAP Communications Group
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SAVE LIVES.
Publisher’s LETTER Hello 2021: I Am So Glad to Meet You!
Dear Readers, 2021 has started off like a dream come true, with blessings galore for the Women of Color Foundation. We have enjoyed groundbreaking financial support, connected with several new partners and praise for our positive community impact, grows every day. However, for us, it’s really all about our work to advance the careers and lives of Black women and girls. During our 19-year history, we have developed relevant programming and produced training and educational events for women of color in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois. We have tirelessly worked with under-served, incarcerated and marginalized women and girls across the region. Often, offering free access to our events and services.
girls have access and opportunity that others have long enjoyed. Black women belong in the C-suite and the M-suite. We have a right to be in board rooms and classrooms. We deserve sponsors and mentors in career and life situations. We have the right to be heard and to have a seat at the table. But when given the access and opportunity that we crave, we also have the responsibility to do three import things: to succeed, to lift as we climb, and to pay it forward. Simply put, it the right thing to do and now is the right time to do it. And the Women of Color Foundation’s leadership, board, staff, consultants and volunteers are here to help you.
Please feel free to visit our website at: www. This year, we have compiled a “rockstar” womenofcolorfoundation.com to learn more board of directors. These C-level prominent about our programs. women leaders, non-profit and corporate executives and entrepreneurs have dem- In the spirit of the greatness in us all, onstrated a prefect understanding of the needs and challenges facing Black women during this unprecedented racial and social injustice pandemic. They have also committed to facing these challenges head on and to promote systemic change. Alexandria Johnson Boone Publisher/Chief Editorial Officer, CL Magazine Our goals and vision for the next two years and (we will celebrate our 20th anniversary in Chairwoman/Founder Women of Color 2022), is to ensure that Black women and Foundation WINTER | SPRING 2021 | 5
Women of Color Foundation Board Members Charmaine D. Brown Chief Executive Officer Connexions Consulting, Inc.
Erica Merritt Founder & Principal Consultant Equius Group, LLC
Lorna Wisham Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Community Involvement President, FirstEnergy Foundation
Tracy Bean Oliver Director, Media & Local, External Affairs, Dominion Energy Ohio
Le Joyce K. Naylor Chief Diversity Officer Cleveland Clinic
Ariane Kirkpatrick President The AKA Team and Chief Executive Officer Harvest of Ohio, LLC
Belva Denmark-Tibbs Founder Denmark-Tibbs Foundation
Pamela Marshall Holmes Retired Senior Executive Cleveland Clinic
Nancella Wilson Harris Founding Member Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF)
Michelle Urquhart Vice Chairman Urquhart Memorial Foundation
Dr. Jacklyn A. Chisholm President & Chief Executive Officer, Step Forward (formerly CEOGC)
Sheila M. Wright Executive Vice President The Good Community Foundation
Kathryn M. Hall, MA, CDP Vice President Diversity and Inclusion JACK Entertainment
Rachael D. Sampson Senior Vice President & Director of Key4Women KeyBank
Marsha Mockabee President & Chief Executive Officer Urban League of Greater Cleveland
Dalithia C. Smith Chief Human Resources Officer Oatey Co.
Meltrice D. Sharp Managing Partner CLE Consulting Firm President, BPACF Tammy Moore Coney Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Renita L. Jefferson Senior Human Resources Manager Global Leadership Development Avient Corporation
Phyllis Harris Executive Director LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland Yolanda Armstrong President & Chief Executive Officer Friendly Inn Settlement
Margaret Mitchell President & Chief Executive Officer YWCA of Cleveland
EXECUTIVE PROFILE
Gloria M. Ware Gloria M. Ware Founder and Chief Rainmaker Get The Bag, LLC HOMETOWN:
Cleveland, Ohio
Son - Michael A. Bussey, 27 – Chicago-based Cartographer and Filmmaker
FAMILY:
EDUCATION:
The Ohio State University, B.S. International Business, Venture Capital Institute, InBIA Entrepreneurship Center Management Certificate CIVIC ENGAGMENT:
Co-Founder, The Gathering of Black Women Entrepreneurs Co-Founder, Alliance of Black Business Women and Entrepreneurs of Ohio MY MANTRA…
Educate a woman and you educate a nation – African Proverb FAMILY LIFE AND GROWING UP EARLY YEARS
I’ve been entrepreneurial since the age of 8 when my brother and I started a bottle recycling business in Englewood, California to support our candy habit and later in high school when I sold gourmet cookies and pastries to my teachers. Black Enterprise Magazine is where I first encountered Black entrepreneurship en masse. From that point, I began to appreciate business ownership as a pathway to economic freedom. My first entrepreneurial shero and mentor from afar, was B. Smith. I’ve always enjoyed interior design and style and she was an example of how one could build a business that fused with class with
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emotionally draining at times (all that problem solving). It’s essential for your emotional wellbeing to surround yourself with a community CAREER/ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY of secure women who will inspire you to think What professional or business accomplish- bigger, encourage you, be your champion ment are you most humbled by and why? and support your efforts. I also like to think Professionally, as Director of the KeyBank of myself as a “new majority” business owner. Center for Technology, Innovation and Changing demographics are here to stay! Inclusive Growth, I’m humbled to have been able to identify, invest in and give visibility What have you come to learn about balancing to Black women-led non-profits across a business and lifestyle? Entrepreneurs tend Ohio. We’ve seeded their innovative and to have higher rates of stress, heart disease, transformational ideas and have seen those diabetes, depression and substance abuse. ideas come to life and positively impact the Much of it due to working long hours without lives of the men and women in the commu- breaks, not having a reliable support system nities that they serve. As a result of their and not taking care of our physical health. successful implementation of these initiatives, There is a never-ending stream of work and they have been able to secure follow-on responsibilities, which tends to create more funding from local, state and in some cases, strain for Black-owned businesses because national funders. we aren’t well-funded and don’t have the resources needed to hire the support and What is the toughest decision you’ve made expertise we need to scale and grow. As a professionally? Staying in an environment result, we often risk damaging our physical that was challenging to Black women. and emotional health trying to wear all of the Business? I’m still early in my entrepreneurial hats. This access to capital problem is the journey, so I haven’t been faced with too core problem that Get The Bag plans to solve. many challenging decisions at this point. I’ve come to learn that one can easily fall into the trap of believing that you can’t take a break, but have also come to realize that PHILOSOPHY The essentials to creating a harmonious like humans, I’m not productive when I don’t work environment at your business are… take breaks from the work and get enough Reducing the temptation to wake up with the exercise and sleep. I’ve seen too many Black phone and laptop to start work. I’ve created women entrepreneurs suffer from long-term a new routine to ease into the work day with health issues from the constant grind. morning prayers, hydration, stretches and surrounding myself with beautiful art and HOW HAS COVID-19 plants. Sometimes I’ll treat myself to or be AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS? The quarantine treated to a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I’ve started just as I was launching my beta also been trying to incorporate meditation product, so the pandemic slowed down and positive visualization into my morning some of my early momentum and impacted my ability to secure some inventory in a routine. timely fashion. But once the initial shock of What have you come to learn about success massive shut-downs passed and people were as a minority business owner? Positive adjusting the new reality, sales picked up as visualization, goal setting, perseverance buyers saw our boxes as a perfect way to and problem solving are critical to success. send some love, joy appreciation to loved Running a business can be physically and ones that they weren’t able to see in person. creative flair. I was attracted to her warm and hospitable personality.
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WHAT DID YOU DO TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES?
1.) Given the economic and impact of the pandemic, I created some more budget-friendly product options for those that had been affected by layoffs or were watching their spending. 2.) Delayed the launch of the subscription component of the business to 2021.
When you buy Black, you power-up the ability of Black businesses to secure business capital in the form of customer sales, loans or investments. Get The Bag does the curating for you, scouring the “innanets” for the best, most exciting and socially responsible products and services from Black-owned, diverse and women-owned businesses and experts. We also incorporate green business practices.
MY CONFESSIONS
What part of your business brings you the most joy? Compliments received from Black women sharing their appreciation for the curated information that we provide on funding and finance.
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What is the most important lesson you’ve learned as a business owner? How do you apply this lesson to the work you do? I can’t do it all! Time is a precious and limited commodity. I’ve reduced my volunteer and board commitments and say no more often. I’m investing my energy into creating impact through my business. Get The Bag’s mission to power-up and promote Black women entrepreneurs will have a positive effect on the lives of Black women and by extension, the larger society. HOBBIES
Perennial gardening, book arts and mixed media art IDEAL VACATION
A tour of the great ancient sites across Africa – from Aksum of Ethiopia to the Dogon architecture of Mali to the ruins of Great Zimababwe. I’d also love to visit West Guinea, Africa, which is where one of my ancestors, listed in the census as Susan Hall, lived before being taken and enslaved in the U.S. in the late 18th century. ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS?
I believe that women of color have the capacity and potential to make even more outstanding innovations and contributions, yet we don’t always know what the path to that success is or the possibilities of what that success can look like and when we do, there are many barriers attempting to block our entry. It was the need to help more Black women achieve entrepreneurial success that led me to create Get the Bag.
years in business banking and early-stage investing to help more women of color access the financial information, financial capital and social capital they need to grow successful businesses. Get the Bag Subscription delivers: • A biweekly easy-to-understand newsletter with relevant financially-focused information and resources to help you successfully connect to business opportunities and access capital, the #1 challenge Black women face when starting or growing a business. • A comprehensive funding and grants database – curated specifically for business owners • Access to a growing online community led by Chief Rainmaker, Gloria Ware, and other women of color in her network offering guidance about how to navigate the formal and informal networks advancing the entrepreneurial pursuits of aspiring and current Black women business owners. • Diverse profiles, stories and strategies from women who are first time founders, serial and successful entrepreneurs to help motivate, inspire and empower them to imagine and achieve their own entrepreneurial success. • Your “quarterly bonus” Get the Bag box offering you exceptional products and discounts on services offered by Black women entrepreneurs across the globe that are part of the GTB network. MY NEXT STEPS…
Create a grant fund for Black women entrepreneurs from the proceeds of the sales of each subscription, each dollar would be matched by entities/parties which align with our values, mission and appreciation of the contributions of Black women.
Through our platform, I leverage my knowledge and network developed over 25 https://www.getthebag.biz/
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Seven Qualities to Look for in Your
Next Employer Searching for your next career opportunity can be stressful, especially in the midst of a pandemic. The good news is that openings are available if you know where to look, and new ones are undoubtedly on the horizon as our local business community gradually works its way back to a new normal. While it is essential to take a focused approach in your search, it’s equally important to remain mindful of the challenging circumstances we are all living through. Be kind to yourself. Take breaks to get outdoors or engage in an activity that brings you joy. Enlist the support of family members, friends or a trusted mentor in the community as you begin your search. Eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep and incorporating daily exercise can also go a long way toward boosting your energy and keeping your stress at bay. As you begin your search, remember that the process of hiring an individual is a twoway street. While most people focus on trying to say the right things and impress the interviewer, the interviewer also needs to impress you! Just as an organization looks for candidates who are well-qualified and have potential, so, too, should you look for an employer who will value what you bring to the table and help you grow in your career. You can empower yourself and boost your confidence by viewing your search as an opportunity to find your dream job.
Nicole Barringer Vice President of Human Resources Hospice of the Western Reserve nbarringer@HospiceWR.org www.hospicewr.org WINTER | SPRING 2021 | 11
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useful tips to help you accomplish that goal:
• Define what type of culture you want to be a part of. Does the organization’s mission align with your values? Do you want to be a trailblazer or a culture change agent? Are you a highly collaborative person? Do you value autonomy? Look for a culture that embraces your strengths. • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are no longer just buzz words. Inquire about the organization’s level of corporate responsibility, not just internally, but in the communities it serves. What level of commitment is DEI to the strategic plan? Is DEI part of the organization’s values or mission, and to what extent do you need them to be? • Speak to goals as they relate to the position. The interviewer wants to know whether your goals are a match for the company. Are they looking for an innovator? Are they looking for a creative and solutions-focused personality? Focus on how you will add value to the company. This is your opportunity to shine! • Look for online reviews, speak with people who have personal or professional experiences with the organization. Check out the website and social media presence to get a better feel for culture and values. Doing the right research will provide you with a competitive edge. • Be honest; never claim to be something you are not. Stay true to your personality and expertise. • Be prepared with your own questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions that will determine how you transition into the organization; questions around diversity and how belonging is defined. Successfully transitioning into a workforce is the foundation of success. • One workplace trend further accelerated by the pandemic is the shift toward more remote work for some positions. The benefits of this business model include not only greater cost savings and efficiency for employers, but an improved work-life balance for employees. Some studies project the percentage of employees working from home could double in 2021. Ask the right questions about the plan for the specific role. Not everyone thrives doing remote work. If the role is remote, ask about the engagement strategy for the remote workforce.
About Nicole Barringer
Nicole Barringer oversees all aspects of Human Capital Management HR strategy at Hospice of the Western Reserve (HWR). “This is purpose-driven work,” she said of her role. “I am excited to be a part of an organization that has the privilege of serving our community in such a meaningful way. Our greatest resources and most valuable asset are our people. My goal is to create a culture of ‘best place to work’ practices and belonging through several initiatives to include employee engagement and total rewards.” A resident of Brunswick, Barringer is actively involved in mentoring and coaching foster care adolescents and young adults who are interested in pursuing higher education and successful careers in Human Resources. For more information about career opportunities at HWR, visit hospicewr.org/careers.
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View the PREMIER ISSUE of
Experience the Multicultural Flavors of Cleveland
culinarycle.com
Time to Travel or Plan? Now past the one year anniversary of “lockdown,” pent up demand for travel is extremely high. The vaccine is here, international destinations are beginning to reopen and the historically busy summer travel season approaches. COVID is still with us, however, so is it indeed now time to travel or time rather to plan for the future? Where, when and how to travel have always been personal questions. The pandemic has now layered on the additional question of “if.” Is it possible (are borders open)? Is it advisable? Is it “safe”? We encourage our clients to consult with their doctors to most appropriately determine risk thresholds as everyone’s health profile is so unique. And following a “green light” we then assist with the complex navigation of reviewing destination health/safety protocols, entry requirements, testing and re-entry requirements.
able to travel, countless wonderful domestic destinations await as well as several compelling international options. I have enjoyed discovering more of our beautiful country the past 12 months and have many more US trips planned through the end of the year. This Winter and Spring I discovered Kiawah Island, South Carolina. My grandfather was born on neighboring John’s Island, his mother a descendant of slaves and indigenous Cherokee; his father a European immigrant of mixed (German and Russian) ancestry. I have been charmed by the lush topography of this region and spoiled by the endless amenities of this resort. The backdrop of live oaks and Spanish moss is juxtaposed with the Atlantic Ocean. And then there is the delicious southern fare: fresh fish and other seafood, okra, grits, cornbread — all so flavorful.
For those that are ready and In February I returned to Mexico and made Kareem George Founder & Principal, Culture Traveler kgeorge@culturetraveler.com www.culturetraveler.com
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my first trip to Los Cabos. The rugged landscapes and endless ocean vistas were stunning. I was equally impressed by the ubiquitous safety protocols in place from the airport, to the tourist areas, to the hotels. This was my first international journey since the start of the pandemic, and I was pleased by the ease of the process. Even the scheduling and administration of the required predeparture PCR test was managed seamlessly by my resort. Cuisine was also a highlight of the trip to Los Cabos, and I particularly enjoyed visiting one of the organic farms in the area. The proprietors walked us through the crops and explained irrigation and fertilization methods, before engaging us in a cooking class. We learned how to make one of the seafood specialties of the region, pescado a la veracruzana, utilizing all the fresh ingredients from the farm. Moreover, we witnessed the fresh whole fish being delivered by a local fisherman as we started the class by chopping herbs!
I returned to Kenya, rediscovering Nairobi and experiencing the fascinating wildlife areas of Lewa, Maasai Mara and Tsavo. Now is an ideal time to plan a safari vacation for 2022, allowing ample lead time to select the perfect safari camp and to prepare for entry requirements. The vast African continent is home to several other iconic destinations such as Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Uganda. A weekend sojourn is a relaxing way to ease back into travel and there are so many creative possibilities. Perhaps a staycation at a hotel in or near your home, pampering yourself with room service and exploring overlooked local attractions? Or a destination within a 3-6 hour drive that you have been keen to discover? I am eager to finally spend some quality time in Cincinnati, visiting both the numerous Black history attractions and the historic German neighborhoods.
Although COVID-19 remains a challenging reality, it is heartening to see the return of For those that are not ready and able to travel travel. We will each have our own time, and just yet, now is also a perfect opportunity our own way, but inspiring days of exploration to plan both bucket list vacations as well as lie close on the horizon. easy weekend escapes. At the end of March,
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Book Suggestions The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris Vice President Kamala Harris’s commitment to speaking truth is informed by her upbringing. The daughter of immigrants, she was raised in an Oakland, California community that cared deeply about social justice. Growing up, Harris herself never hid her passion for justice, and when she became a prosecutor out of law school, a deputy district attorney, she quickly established herself as one of the most innovative change agents in American law enforcement. Known for bringing a voice to the voiceless, she took on the big banks during the foreclosure crisis, winning a historic settlement for California’s working families. Her hallmarks were applying a holistic, datadriven approach to many of California’s thorniest issues. Being smart means learning the truths that can make us better as a community, and supporting those truths. That has been the pole star that guided Harris to a transformational career as California’s attorney general, as a United States senator, and now as vice president. My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg In this collection the late Justice Ginsburg discusses gender equality, the workings of the Supreme Court, being Jewish, law and lawyers in opera, and the value of looking beyond US shores when interpreting the US Constitution. Throughout her life Justice Ginsburg was a prolific writer and public speaker. This book’s sampling was selected by Justice Ginsburg and her authorized biographers Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams, who introduce each chapter and provide biographical context and quotes gleaned from hundreds of interviews they have conducted. Witty, engaging, serious, and playful, My Own Words is a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America’s most influential women and “a tonic to the current national discourse” (The Washington Post). The New York Times bestselling book from Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg – “a comprehensive look inside her brilliantly analytical, entertainingly wry mind, revealing the fascinating life of one of our generation’s most influential voices in both law and public opinion” (Harper’s Bazaar). Book descriptions courtesy of Amazon.com WINTER | SPRING 2021 | 17
2021 Calendar of Events Cleveland, Ohio (Virtual Event)
18th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat “Connections, Community and Career 2021” Thursday, May 20, 2021 9:00 am - 12:00 pm HOSTED BY: Women of Color Foundation Cleveland, Ohio (Virtual Event)
10th Annual “Speaking of Women: A Dialogue Series for Women in Leadership” Thursday, June 24, 2021 11:30 am - 1:30 pm HOSTED BY: Dominion Energy Ohio Cleveland, Ohio (“LIVE” and Virtual Event)
5th Anniversary C-Suite Executive Women’s Summit Walden Inn & Spa 1119 Aurora-Hudson Road, Aurora, Ohio 44202 Sunday-Tuesday, October 24-26, 2021 HOSTED BY: Women of Color Foundation LEARN MORE
womenofcolorfoundation.com 216.391.4300, ext. 307 or 866-962.3411 (toll free)
Women Color Foundation of
4200 Warrensville Center Road Medical Office Building A, Suite 353 Cleveland, Ohio 44122
Closing the Economic Divide:
How JumpStart Helps Position Tech Entrepreneurs for Success by Montrie Rucker Adams, APR It’s hard not to get drawn in by Camille Heard’s enthusiasm. Her face glows and her voice resonates with passion as she explains FELOH (pronounced “fellow”), For Everyone’s Love of Hair + Beauty. FELOH is a new business venture founded by 30-year-old Heard and co-founder Jacqueline Baron who were former roommates at The University of Pennsylvania. It’s powered by an app that curates hair and beauty products but also rewards those who purchase items or posts on the site. “The idea started in 2014, when I was transitioning out of a relaxer and began dealing with my natural hair texture,” Heard explains. “I needed to find a place of community. There is lot of content out there, on YouTube and Instagram. It’s a lot of information but hard to navigate. I thought it would be cool to have a community for people with similar needs to learn from each other, to have a “home” for all the content and discourse.”
Camille Heard (top) and Georgio Sabino, III
Artist Georgio Sabino, III, is equally enthusiastic about his new tech project – The Govia Police Safety App. After attending an event involving the consent decree following the death of Tamir Rice, Sabino decided to “answer the call” and help provide a solution. “The app helps solve the social issues we have with the police officers and the community. It provides officers more time before they make the best possible decision because they enforce the law,” explains Sabino. “If they [police] want community support, this app will help them gain it. We want both parties, the community and the police, to go home.”
There’s an App for That
Last year, an article in Business of Apps stated there were more than 4 million apps available. Consumers downloaded 130 billion apps between iOS and Google Play (source: TechCrunch). Heard and Sabino are part of a growing trend of entrepreneurs eager to enter the tech space, offering consumer, civic, and personal solutions to issues impacting individuals and cultures. Though the industry is growing, the playing field is small. To help them move their projects forward, Heard and Sabino found assistance at JumpStart, a non-profit, venture development organization that assists entrepreneurs in starting and growing their companies. JumpStart’s three core focus areas include: Making Investments: Funding tech entrepreneurs with the capital they need to grow their startup businesses quickly. Delivering Services: Providing technical assistance to help highpotential businesses solve problems, drive growth and create jobs. Acting as a Value-Added Partner: Working on behalf of private, public and philanthropic funders who want to assist entrepreneurs by making grants and convening networks to turn their vision and resources into action and impact.
JumpStart’s Ron Stubblefield Heard has worked with Ron Stubblefield, JumpStart’s Entrepreneur in Residence, since February 2021. “He’s our ‘go to’ guy,” states Heard. “He’s helping us think through ideas and assisting us with our go-to-market strategy.”
The Right Stuff
In this position since May 2020, Stubblefield has kept busy helping small businesses get the traction they need to grow and scale. He’s leading a Civil Rights initiative to advance Black and Brown technological economic development. “I am doing more than that,” said Stubblefield when asked if he is doing what he always wanted to do. “I advise entrepreneurs on economic development, systems, resources and programs that help them on their journey. I work with JumpStart, Cuyahoga County Department of Development, the Hispanic Business Center, the Presidents’ Council, the Economic and Community Development Institute, The Urban League of Greater Cleveland, a nice range of organizations. I’m working with them to see how we are going to get this right. What I am doing is beyond my wildest imaginations and I’m loving every second of it,” he emphasizes. While growing up in Silver Springs, Maryland, Stubblefield’s parents were his entrepreneurial influences. They
founded R. L. Stubblefield, CPA, offering tax services and other business advice to a variety of companies. “There was unapologetically Black excellence coming to our family as clients,” he remembers. “I learned from their stories. Why they started their businesses: It was their dream - They want to leave something for their children - They wanted independence - To not have to depend on a job - I saw a problem that I want to address. It was amazing,” he said. Stubblefield received a BS in physics from Morehouse College, an MS from Stanford University and a JD in law from the New York University School of Law. Morehouse confirmed his life’s purpose, “No matter what you are going to be, you are thinking about how you are going to be a change agent in this world. That’s what separates the Morehouse Man from the Morehouse graduate,” he says emphatically. He’s always thinking, “How can I use what I learned to make a difference in the community?” Making that difference didn’t begin when Stubblefield joined JumpStart. He helped the Baltimore Development Corporation focus on early-stage technology-based startups with incubation. He also assisted the New York City Department of Small Business Services with corporate governance and economic development research and program management. He’s also adept at designing and implementing financial models and strategic plans for a variety of colleges, financial institutions, non-profit organizations, political campaigns and foreign governments. These experiences and successes are what Stubblefield uses when he helps guide FELOH, The Govia Police Safety App and others to business success.
From Art to Activism
Sabino speaks passionately about pursuing art since seventh grade. It wasn’t until singer Jill Scott hired him to work her Sugar Water Tour, with Erykah Badu, Queen Latifah, and Floetry, that he became more entrenched in photography. “I toured with Jill Scott for three years,” said Sabino. “After that, I began shooting hundreds of people.” To his entertainment repertoire Sabino added weddings, sports, The Ohio State Buckeyes’ National Championship, and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ trip to the White House in 2016 to meet President Obama after their NBA Championship win. “I enjoy the history of documenting someone’s experience. That’s the beauty of photography. My experience as
a painter and graphic designer excelled me toward the camera.” His activism was sparked while capturing the images of the civil protests throughout the country, documenting the people’s fire and fight, and watching news channels like Aljazeera, CNN, Fox, and NPR. “I went to an event in 2015 where the Cleveland community came together to talk about Tamir Rice and the consent decree. They asked us how we can solve this problem.” Sabino says, “The Lord gave me the answer in my dreams. With this app, I could have stopped George Floyd, Michael Brown, Philando Castille and Eric Garner. The goal is the love of people.” Explaining his app, Sabino says there are various community members that can assist when the police are in pursuit or when they have pulled someone over. It will prevent civil rights abuse(s) and provide due process of law for anyone who is unjustly detained or stopped by law enforcement.
Mitigating Disparities
“We are creating a social media company,” explains Heard, “and we are very conscious about the way we want to pursue it. One thing that I find disturbing about social media is it perpetuates ideas of success, such as having lots of followers and getting lots of likes. Companies are profiting off your eyeballs, generating data and making millions, if not billions, of dollars. For us,” continues Heard. “We don’t want to incentivize people amassing lots of followers. If that happens, great. We want to level the playing field. We are literally sharing some of our profit with our users because we wouldn’t be successful without them. That’s the least we can do in this social media economy. It a conscientious way of giving back and bringing everyone up with us.” “We are definitely melanin-focused,” Heard continues, “but anybody can use these products. Seventy percent of our sellers that are on FELOH today are black owned. We are growing a social community created by two black women. We are very conscious about being inclusive in the imagery and in the content. Our overall goal is to create a digital beauty eco-system that independent brands, no matter who they are, can leverage. There are a lot of barriers to entry, getting into Target, Walmart and other stores. No matter who you are, if we can get a group of people together, we can help them get exposure, make their brand stand out and make sales. No matter who they are.”
From left, Camille Heard; Zarin Hamid, Chief Administrative Officer for FELOH; and Jacqueline Baron, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer for FELOH.
Tech is the New Black
That both of these companies are in the tech landscape is moving the needle in the right direction. “Simply put, Black and Latinx communities are grossly underrepresented and under-included in the tech space,” mentions Stubblefield. “This can be seen financially, with less than one percent of Black and Latinx founders nationally being able to successfully access Venture Capital dollars per Brookings Institute and National Venture Capital data. Locally, Cleveland is a majority-minority city according to US Census Bureau data. Yet, to date, this fact has not been reflected within Cleveland’s tech ecosystem. Addressing this disparity is necessary as tech is the key driver of economic growth and job creation that can make a difference in equitably changing Cleveland’s trajectory.”
Both Heard and Sabino are grateful for the assistance JumpStart and Stubblefield provides. Heard’s weekly power sessions and Sabino’s connections have given them the fuel to compete in the tech space. Sabino describes himself as a “preseed.” “I am in the very beginning stages of being an entrepreneur with a new technology idea,” he explains. “The skills and connections outside of Cleveland and the ones he’s [Stubblefield] leveraging in Cleveland have propelled this project forward in a lot of ways,” adds Sabino. “The focus groups and having other business assistance like the Presidents’ Council, the Urban League, gBeta (at CWRU) have helped tremendously. Getting it done and pushing to make it go further has been tremendously helpful.”
There’s Room for You
Though the entrepreneurial landscape is wide open, it takes a certain type of individual to see an idea or project through. Stubblefield suggests the person have a compelling “why.” The reason must go beyond making money. “It’s the person who says, ‘I can make this service work,’ or ‘I want to leave something for my children.’ They are willing to listen and learn more than they are willing to sell, and is curious about what the market really wants, this is who experiences success,” offers Stubblefield. “It takes a lot of grit and determination because there will be a lot of down days starting out. Whatever it is, you must be passionate about it. You have to think, ‘I get to play this game and I get to have fun with it every day.’”
Georgio Sabino, III, getting an autograph from President Obama during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ trip to the White House in 2016 after their NBA Championship win. “Be patient and keep stepping forward,” says Sabino. He encourages people to, “Live your dreams and keep stepping forward. Put on the shoes of responsibility. Every time you take a step it should be closer to your dream.” Heard suggests connecting with people who can help you. “You cannot do it alone. Align yourself with people who see your vision. Not everyone is going to get it 100 percent. Not everybody is meant to get you to that next step. Align with individuals that propel you forward,” she adds.
Helping You Know and Grow
As more people are finding an interest and desire to move into tech, JumpStart provides the assistance they may need for exploration, guidance, financial assistance and tools for growth. It has engaged more than 6500 companies and invested over $61 million in 125 Ohio tech startups. Of those startups, 44 percent were owned by women and people of color and 20 percent were led by African American or Latinx entrepreneurs. Technical services and investment capital are available through funding from the Ohio Third Frontier. These funds are designated for tech startups and healthcare technologies in the state of Ohio. The services are provided through the Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) program which is a collaboration of multiple organizations. JumpStart is the lead organization in Northern Ohio, but other organizations who are part of the network include MAGNET, Bounce and Youngstown Business Incubator. You can find additional information on this website: https://startupneo.org/resources/ As Heard and Sabino continue to advance their businesses with JumpStart’s assistance, they encourage others to also seek out their resources. “I didn’t know much about the entrepreneurial ecosystem when I first started out,” shares Heard. “JumpStart helped me tremendously.”
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As a woman in business or career life gets hectic! Between homeschooling kids and managing your professional responsibilities there is no time for self-care. However, self-care is necessary for you to be successful in your personal and professional life. The long-term effects of self-neglect are detrimental. Women are becoming more stressed out than ever before and have increased cases of hypertension and heart disease. According to the CDC heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. African American women are disproportionately more at risk of developing hypertension. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health 60 percent of African American women are likely
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Cassandra Hill Holistic Wellness Coach, Author, Speaker www.cassandrarhill.com
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to have hypertension in comparison to non- GOALS Hispanic Whites. Developing SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) goals will ADVOCACY help spend time on the things that matter to The current pandemic the world is you. There should be goals for your personal experiencing has brought many challenges and professional life. Based on the things to light one of which is health care you want to accomplish divide your time disparities. When interacting with healthcare accordingly. As you focus more time on the professionals please be your own advocate. things that are in alignment with your life you The best way to stop an inferno with your will find yourself much more at peace. health is to not experience a fire. Be proactive and ask questions. When a treatment is Along with developing SMART goals I highly recommended learn as much as possible so recommend creating a vision board. The you can make an informed decision. vision board will keep you motivated on the days when it is difficult. Find images for the Ask and it shall be given unto you this famous board that show how your life will look once Scripture serves as a reminder to ask for your you are living out your SMART goals. Place needs. Your loved ones are willing to support your vision board in an area where you can you oftentimes they are waiting for a request. see it daily. Remember your mind is powerful Do yourself a favor and do not wait until you so what it sees and hears on a regular basis are burnout and overwhelmed to get the will manifest in the natural. help you need to maintain peace. Delegate tasks so you can have the time to walk in BALANCED LIFE your divine calling. We always growing and evolving as a woman. Do not beat yourself up over a MENTAL WELLNESS few roadblocks. Speed bumps will come Your mind is so powerful. Did you know that slow down when necessary and then gain you can literally think things into existence? momentum. Remember the best gift you can Let’s say you are looking to purchase a new give to yourself is a healthy you. Start living vehicle. Once you make a decision on the type your life! of vehicle every time you are on the road you notice that type of vehicle. Why? It is simple LOVING INSPIRING FULFILLING ENCOURAGING your mind is unconsciously being drawn to that type of vehicle. Since your mind can create a new world be sure to nourish it properly. Everyday your mind needs to be stimulated whether it is through reading or learning find an activity that causes you to gain knowledge and is enjoyable. Exercise is another great way to improve your mental clarity. Taking a thirtyminute walk or even yoga will fire those endorphins that will improve your mood.
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Burn Excess Body Fat:
8 Tips to Getting the Body You Want Ask most people and they’ll say they want to lose weight, specifically excess body fat, and for good reason. There are many health benefits to losing body fat including better sleep, more self-esteem, enhanced wardrobe, clearer skin, more energy, improved sexual function, and much more. In this article we’ll explore 8 tips on losing and keeping excess fat off your body. So, if you want to lose weight safely and for the long-term these tips will put you on the proper path.
Phillip Germany, II phillip@naturalstrengthandfitness.com www.naturalstrengthandfitness.com
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1. HAVE THE CORRECT MINDSET Losing body fat starts with your mind. The clearer you are about the person you want to become, day by day you will transform yourself into that person. Also, you have to accept responsibility, which puts you in control. When you’re in control you have the power to change your situation and transform your life. However, if you don’t take responsibility you give up control and change is left to chance.
5. MANAGE STRESS Chronic stress can negatively affect your weight loss efforts. There are many ways you can mitigate its effects on your health such as meditating, goal setting, visualization, and having meaningful relationships.
6. MOVE YOUR BODY As mentioned earlier the more muscle tissue you possess the more fat your body will burn. You can build muscle through weight bearing exercises such as yoga and strength training. In addition, in order to really burn 2. EAT ENOUGH PROTEIN In order to burn body fat effectively you need fat and keep your metabolism up you must muscle. Protein is essential in building muscle move your body. This involves daily activities tissue. You can obtain protein from many such as errands, yardwork, walking, hiking, sources. such as fowl, red meat, and fish. You dancing etc. can get protein from other sources such as dairy, and plant-based sources such as pea, 7. GET PROPER SLEEP Sleep is not only an integral part of life but rice, and soy. an integral part of maximizing weight loss. In order to effectively lose weight and balance 3. EAT ENOUGH In order to sustain your body’s functions and your hormones aim for at least seven to nine daily activities you must obtain the proper hours a night. amount of energy in the form of calories which is derived from the foods you eat. If 8. REWARD YOURSELF your daily calories decrease too low, too fast, When you achieve a milestone in your weight for too long your metabolism will slow down. loss journey give yourself a reward. This will Eat enough lean protein, vegetables, fruits, acknowledge your accomplishment and give healthy fats, and whole grains to support you confidence and motivation on your way to your larger goal. Set up a reward system to your activities. give you additional motivation. For example, use coffee at a café or a trip to the spa as a 4. PAY ATTENTION TO THE reward for a hard training session. HORMONE INSULIN Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, is a powerful hormone involved in muscle The above tips are effective and in your building and fat storage. When your blood control. Losing weight can be difficult, but sugar increases due to eating carbohydrates, you must stay with it if you want to transform such as pasta or cookies, insulin is released as your body. The shortcuts and quick fixes will a response and transports the sugar to your leave you drained, frustrated, and fatter than liver and then your muscles. When those two before. The best way is to follow these tips locations are full, the extra sugar is stored in and be patient. If you need more information, fat cells. This means if that you eat too many support, or help please contact me and I will carbs than your body needs at that time the gladly help you. You can do this. excess will be stored as fat. Multiply this at Good luck! every meal every day and you see how a person can gain fat.
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5 Powerful Steps to
Awesome Self-Care!
Learn how my mental and physical exhaustion your mental mood, emotionally and led me to the most powerful 5-step self-care spiritually. It is making a habit of reducing regimen available today! anxiety to show yourself some much-needed love so you can show up as the best version If you feel overwhelmed with life, mentally of yourself – every day. drained at work, or physically exhausted trying to keep up with family life, keep reading Remove the guilt and learn self-care this article. I have found a 5-step process that techniques because the benefits are countcan reverse exhaustion and mental tiredness less, from relieving stress, boosting selfesteem, building resilience, gaining clarity – starting today! about the direction of your life, building Considering the changes in our country over healthier relationships, and so much more! the last year, most of us are at the end of our rope. Many women complain that they need So, why do we neglect self-care when the a break from feeling like they have reached benefits are so incredible? their limits and can’t take on another thing. We are sick of social distancing, wearing As with most things, we may have some masks, and being isolated from loved ones. preconceived ideas about self-care that are We want our kids to play with other children, holding us back from creating a regimen that and we want the freedom to enjoy social we can follow. Most women can relate to the following five destructive thoughts, which I gatherings without any restrictions. call the “super-woman syndrome,” saving the If you are like most women, as you feel the day for everyone but yourself. pressures of taking care of everyone else, you’ll find your needs placed on the back 1. My family needs me. Spending time by burner. Please understand how you respond myself is selfish. to the pressures of life is critical to your well- 2. I feel guilty when I focus on my needs. being and your ability to enjoy life, which 3. Because I work away from home, I should brings us to the focus of this article: self-care. spend all of my free time with my husband. Self-care, simply put, is intentionally and 4. Self-care isn’t necessary for me. I am deliberately focusing your time, improving handling my life very well! 5. Self-care is a luxury that I can’t afford right now; I can wait until things settle down. If you have these “super-woman syndrome” thoughts, your self-limiting beliefs about awesome selfcare are holding you back, Natalie Rudd Nurse, Author, and Pastor n.rudd@sbcglobal.net www.becauseofhisgrace.com WINTER | SPRING 2021 | 29
Awesome Self-Care! which is why I wanted to write this article.
we have no idea what we would do in that alone time. Clarity is power. And when you As a productive and progressive woman, if are crystal clear on what you need and want, you want to be good for anyone, accomplish you will do whatever it takes to get it. Please anything worthy, and be around to enjoy it, answer these two questions to clarify what then you must learn to put your oxygen mask self-care looks like for you: What do you need on first by practicing self-care daily. Putting to feel renewed and refreshed? How do you on your oxygen masks means that you take press the reset button to feel energized? time to refill your energy reserves, renew your mind, refresh your spirit, and enjoy life more. Step #3 Be proactive about your self-care. Most of my clients complain about not having It is time for you to get free of the limiting enough time for themselves when they are at beliefs that hold you back and embrace that the end of the rope, feeling emotionally and self-care isn’t selfish; it is a necessity. physically exhausted. When you are crystal clear on what you need, you can shift from Now that we’ve got that out of the way, you reactive to proactive. You can plan for your are ready to learn the five steps process you alone time, prioritize it, and, yes, protect it. must know about creating your self-care Schedule it on your calendar and set the alarm regimen. These five steps will transform your so that you never miss your appointment. thinking and energize you to create a self- Teach your family that this is your “me-time,” care regimen that you can’t wait to practice and you will back feeling like a brand new every single day. woman! I will start from the bottom of the list and work up to the #1 thing essential for you to know! Step #5 Approach self-care with a “solution-focused” mindset. Rather than focusing on the perceived problem of not having enough time to practice self-care shift your energy to I will find time every day to spend some quiet time with myself. Like the old quote says, where there is a will, there is a way. Step #4 Get crystal clear about what self-care looks like for you. The biggest reason why most women feel like having a self-care regimen is impossible is because they are vague about what they need. We cry out that we need some alone time, but 30 | CL MAGAZINE
Step #2 Focus on feeding your spirit. Many articles and blogs narrow self-care down to going on a shopping spree, going to the spa, or binge-watching your favorite show. While all of these are fun ideas, do they feed your spirit or only satisfy your physical desires to relax and chill, do whatever you want, and escape from your reality? Feeding your spirit means checking in with yourself to process your feelings, release any negative emotions, ensure that you are heading in the right direction with achieving your goals, and being true to the vision you have for your life. When you feel overwhelmed about life, your spirit is crying out, begging you to slow down and press the reset button. I’ve read - “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” – fantastic advice for all of us!
yourself that you are necessary and worth it. Your life is valuable, and the gifts you have to offer the world are priceless. And because you are necessary, you deserve to show yourself some self-love – not once a month, not once a week, but every single day of your life. You deserve it, and your family needs it so you can show even more love to them and give them the best of you and not the leftovers. Also, my sister, why not get a bracelet engraved with words of encouragement – you’ll love it! CALL TO ACTION: 1. Plan to execute the five steps outlined in this article. You will be blown away by the results! 2. Schedule your “me-time” today. Find the time that works best for you and show up for yourself.
And the final and most crucial step. Step #1 Never forget that you are necessary. When you are overwhelmed about life, you put your needs on the back burner and forget how important you are. When I was dating my husband, he gave me a bracelet engraved with the words “you are necessary.” Every time I wore that bracelet, I remembered that I am necessary to him. And this is true for you; every time you practice self-care, you remind
3. Get excited about experiencing a renewed mind and spirit so you can live your best life one day at a time! Natalie Rudd, The Original Wise Woman Strategist™, spiritual growth, and personal development coach, teaches women how to experience victory in every area of life. Connect with her through her YouTube channel and Instagram, Coach Natalie Rudd.
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The Burden of Leadership: The Art of Maintaining Your Crown “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” (Paraphrased from Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, Part 2: “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”)
budget was over $40 million and that more than 400 people would depend on my leadership of an organization in turmoil due to my predecessor’s imprisonment, as well as funders’ questioning whether the I’ve been silent for almost a year because the organization was still viable? Could I build a last two blogs, while I hope were helpful to team of leaders to support the monumental some, took a great deal out of me in their work that had to be done to transform an retelling. organizational culture that had become stagnant? Could I cast a vision that clearly I now feel that I’m ready to cultivate some articulated who we are as an organization old ground in a new way as a result of my and what we aspire to be in service to our experiences over the past five years in a staff, customers, and our community? Could C-Suite leadership position. I help our staff eliminate the silos that had been constructed with heavy duty concrete I distinctly remember the day I was offered the and reinforced by departmental prejudices job of leading one of the largest organizations and unhealthy competition? And, finally, of its type in my state; I knew that I had very could I help the organization become one of limited experience as a president and chief learning and innovation rather than one that executive officer, but had every confidence primarily sought to simply keep what it had that this was a “God assignment” for me at rather than risk more to serve better? this point in my career. I described it at the time by saying that, I felt like I was in the The answers to these questions could not be deep end of a pool; I didn’t know how deep found in my past because I didn’t have a frame the water, but I knew how to swim! of reference for the enormity of the problems or the experience of leading an organization My initial reaction was fear and self doubt: of this type or magnitude. What I did have, could I really handle an organization of and what I depended totally on, was my belief this size knowing that the that I was sent to the organization by God to
Dr. Jacklyn A. Chisholm Writer, Speaker & Blogger This article first appeared on: www.drjacklynchisholm.com
jackychis@gmail.com
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do my part in its restoration. I’ve written in past blogs about having “Esther moments” that are biblicaly described as being prepared “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). I’ve also recounted in other blogs how difficult this particular journey has been due to unforeseen obstacles like external threats and threats from “friends” who meant to kill me professionally. Those attacks were the most difficult, but God reminded me that, “… the time will come when people will kill you and think they are doing God a favor” (John 16:2 CEV).
that, leadership is very much like wearing a crown: your subjects (i.e., your staff and your customers) and your benefactors (i.e., your funders, sponsors and superiors) are looking to you to lead and to do it well.
Unfortunately, a skewed or unpolished crown is often the first head gear you receive when you are new to leadership. However, over time and with experiences — challenges, failures and triumphs — your crown becomes more fixed on your head and it acquires a shine that is difficult to ignore. Changes in your crown may be noted in: (1) your posture (how you stand), (2) your voice (how and Each attack was an opportunity to walk in what you say), and (3) your perspective, grace with God. In fact, God gave me the which broadens to encompass the multiple imagery that I had a crown on roles leadership requires such my head to remind me that it as caretaker, cheerleader, matters how I walk through taskmaster, motivator, and the my trials, being confident list goes on. In the case of the that I am not alone — He’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with me. So, whenever I enter add the roles of Commanderan unfamiliar or potentially in-Chief, visionary, advocate, hostile environment, I put my bookkeeper and “rainmaker” imaginary crown on my head and act as if (lead fundraiser) among others. nothing can penetrate the protection that God gives me simply because I belong to and Finally, I’ve learned that, while the crown of trust in Him. leadership may be heavy on occasion and the burden of wearing it may become back I have to admit that I’ve become fixated on or shoulder bending, too, the rewards can be this notion of a crown, so much so that I have even greater than the burden because I can purchased items and placed them around affect change that is more impactful for my me as reminders. Like one recent poster organization and those I lead and those we acquisition: “On my darkest days when I serve. And, with each success, I am reminded feel inadequate, unloved and unworthy, that I am only a caretaker of my leadership I remember whose daughter I am and I crown — it is a responsibility that God has straighten my crown.” Or another poster that given me; I must maintain it and wear it with says, “Be a Pineapple: Stand Tall, Wear a Crown humility and complete confidence knowing and Be Sweet.” Or, finally the crown charm that, even though it’s heavy, I am not holding that I’ve placed on my bracelet that I view it up by myself — God made me its steward, throughout my day. These visuals remind me not it’s owner!
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SUMMER | FALL 2020 | 23
Discover the World Through Books Cleveland Public Library offers reading programs for families to nurture a love of reading.
Cleveland Public Library is celebrating the love of literacy and discovery. In partnership with the Case Western Reserve University Schubert Center for Child Studies, we will host a virtual conversation with Cleveland native and author Echo Brown on Thursday, April 8 at 1 p.m. The discussion is part of the 2021 Cleveland Humanities Festival. This year’s festival theme, Identity, will address how we identify ourselves and why it matters. Brown, who wrote critically-acclaimed Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard, will share what motivates her and the experiences that shape her books. She will also raise awareness about the need for more people of color to become organ donors. Brown is currently battling kidney disease and working on hersecond book, which will be published by the Hachette Book Group. “I am so honored and humbled to return to Cleveland to share everything I’ve learned from traveling the world and becoming an author. I hope that the breadth of my experience will inspire others to never give up and go full force in the direction of their dreams,” said Brown Registration is required for the Echo Brown conversation. Visit echobrown.com to learn more about the author and her work. Brown is available for media interviews. To schedule, contact Kelly Woodard Manager, Communications Cleveland Public Library www.cpl.org
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Kelly Woodard, Communications Manager at Cleveland Public Library, at kelly.woodard@cpl. org. Other literacy programs at Cleveland Public Library for children, teens, and families: Children can explore empowerment, identity, and self-expression through a four-part series of interactive, online art classes with The Art Therapy Studio. Registered participants will receive FREE supply kits at our neighborhood branches. For more information about Art Therapy, contact Outreach & Programming Services at (216) 6232921 or ops@cpl.org. READ TO THE BEAT: Groove to music and words every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. In partnership with The Music Settlement, Read to the Beat introduces young readers to books and storytelling through musical instruments, singing, listening, and movement. Read to the Beat is offered LIVE on the Cleveland Public Library Facebook page. STORYTIME: Our staff, community partners, and local celebrities recorded classic children’s stories for families to enjoy. Virtual Storytime can be viewed on cpl.org or our YouTube channel. No computer? No problem! Dial-a-story is avail-
able 24 hours, 7 days a week. Call (216) 777-6500 to hear a recording of children’s stories and jokes. KINDERGARTEN READINESS: You’re never too young to start reading. Young Scholars Academy prepares children ages 3-6 and their families for Kindergarten. The yearlong program will teach young learners about caring and sharing, counting, alphabets, and more. For more information on the Young Scholars Academy, visit here. SAVE THE DATE! Spend summer with CPL’s Summer Lit League, June 7 – July 31. Children of all ages can get reading and get prizes with this annual summer reading initiative. Cleveland Public Library in-person browsing is available at most locations Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Curbside and walk-up services are still available. To order your next read, movie, or audiobook by mail, visit cpl.orgto learn about our Homebound Service and Words on Wheels program.
More info: www.cpl.org
WELD develops and advances women’s leadership to strengthen the economic prosperity of the communities it serves.
Membership in WELD provides the best opportunity to leverage our leadership programs, influential connections, and highly visible volunteer positions to propel your career or business forward.
BE THE CHANGE
Learn how WELD can benefit your career and business today! Visit us at
www.weldusa.org
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WE ARE STRONG TOGETHER