&PEOPLE EVENTS

Congratulations to Grady Burrows, who was selected as a 2023 Changemaker Award Recipient by HIMSS (Health Information Management Systems Society). As (HIT in the CLE) moves forward every day to make a positive difference in the lives of Black and Brown Students within the fields of computer and data science, it is indeed encouraging to have the support of a global organization such as HIMSS.

Retanio Rucker Moving Onward and Upwards

On January 16, 2023, Bro. Retanio Aj Rucker began as a Litigation Associate with Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC. He will be handling child custody, criminal, and immigration cases in Ohio and around the Country. Congratulations to our brother!

management, tax, and finance. He is one of the founders and managing partners of CLE Consulting Firm, an accounting, tax, and payroll company located in downtown Cleveland. As a firm, innovative financial and strategic leader with instincts and intellect, Purnell is a formidable combination in the business world. He has served in executive positions, leading business and finance departments within multimillion dollar for-profit and nonprofit corporations.

Congratulations to LaRese Purnell, now the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Step Foward organization. Purnell was quoted as saying, “Who would have ever thought that I would one day become the for this organization, Step Forward (formerly known as CEOGC), one of Ohio’s largest community action agencies, that I once stood in line growing up with my family, to receive assistance with our utilities (electric, rent, and heat) through programs like HEAP, PIPP, and Headstart that has assisted 1000’s of families right here in our community over the years. Even as a young father, Headstart was a blessing to my kids and my family,” said Purnell.

What was even more special and a coincidence and blessing was that it was announced at the Grand Opening of one of the new Step Forward community centers in Warrensville Hts, where he grew up. Life tends to come full circle. “God is so amazing, and I can’t wait to continue serving our community alongside my fellow Board members, our dynamic CEO Dr. J. Chisolm, and our entire Leadership and staff team,” said Purnell.

Last year Purnell was appointed the Co-Chair of the Economic Empowerment Program for the National 100 Black Men of America. Purnell has 18 years of experience in business

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Purnell is the author of Financial Foundations: Building Financial Freedom One Tool at a Time, where he uses everyday language to address people’s fundamental questions about money. Purnell also created The Real Black Friday, which brings awareness and develops educational and collaborative opportunities for hundreds of small Black-owned businesses. Purnell has traveled to over 35 cities nationally to teach financial literacy at conventions, seminars, colleges, universities, and other events. He has been featured in local and national publications and has appeared on multiple radio and television programs discussing financial matters. Purnell has received several awards, including the Smart 50 Business award, Crain’s Business 40 under 40, Cleveland Magazine’s Most Interesting People, and more.

The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is recognized as the nation’s top African American led mentoring organization.

37th Annual Conference, June 14th - 18th, Las Vegas, NV

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