Suite Life SoCal - Spring 2022 by suitelifesocal

SuiteTalk with

Sarah Harris PUBLISHER, SUITE LIFE SOCAL

@SUITELIFESOCAL

PRESENTED BY

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

SoCal

Contents

CONTENTS

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

COVER FEATURE

Super Charged for an Electrifying Future Co-founders of ChargerHelp!, Kameale Terry and Evette Ellis ﬁnd their place in the Cleantech space STORY BY ANGELA JACKSON & AJA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHER KAI BYRD PHOTO ASSISTANT NICK BRANCH

30 36

26 20 23 LIFE & STYLE The Big Idea of Tiny Homes

16 FACES WE LOVE Audra Huffmeyer Founder of FIL2r tackles plastic waste and unmindful consumption with filtration pods.

A look at the tiny-home trend and why it’s happening; to become the play things of the rich or to help the under-privelaged? Along with a look at how some Southern Californian organizations are showing people the ropes and others are using tiny homes to serve the under-served in their communities.

STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR

STORY BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

u16

u26

Ben Caldwell Oversees Million Dollar Sustainable Living Grant for Leimert Park Ben Caldwell aka the Leimert Park Mayor rallies to bring jobs and state of the art sustainable technology to Leimert Park. STORY BY SHIRLEY HAWKINS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SANKOFA CITY

u18 Yara Shahidi: The Purpose Principal Yara Shahidi is driven by purpose.

STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER

u34

Sustainable Living at Home Every individual is able to participate in fighting for our sustainability. Here are some ways to live a sustainable life. STORY BY KEN CALVIN

u28 Sustainable Home Products 101: If it’s Not a Certiﬁed B Corporation, What are We Even Talking About? A sustainable list of home products that are friendly to our resources, environment, and health provided by certified B Corporations.

STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADIDAS

u20

Electric Company Electric Vehicles (EVs) have certainly evolved since they debuted in 1890. Today, there are major automakers like Tesla, Ford, Porsche, and Volkswagen vying for first place—yet not sacrificing form and function for innovation. Take a look at what's new for 2022.

They're Good On Any MLK Boulevard! A Spotlight on some of LA’s Top Blackowned Sustainable Shopping Brands Investing, uplifting, and celebrating Black-owned businesses is more than just a trend, it’s imperative to close the racial wealth gap. Read the following article to learn of some of the Blackowned businesses you can support and know you are helping the environment and to close the racial wealth gap. STORY BY ASHLEY YANCEY

u36

STORY BY ASHLEY YANCEY

u30

IN EVERY ISSUE From the Publisher

From the Editor

Contributors

The Suite List

A resource guide featuring Event, Media, Marketing and Creative Professionals SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

CONTENTS

56 74

41 SUITETALK

Community Gardens: A Collective Sustainable Solution

Carbon Copied (Transformed), Sustainably

The Green New Deal Network: and Host of Sustainable Podcast “For Your Listening Pleasure”

Community gardens often promote community cohesion and accessibility to food. Besides this, one will find that these gardens do so much more for its locals and residents that either contribute or benefit from these plots of land.

Dr. Etosha Cave & Twelve turn carbon dioxide into useful industrial products as they prepare to effectively scale their technology and impact to achieve a fossil-free future.

Podcasts have gradually become the source of dialogue and knowledge, creating spaces for listeners of all tastes and preferences. In particular, the subject of climate change and the green economy proves to be one of the genres that provokes activism. From Mattias Lehman to countless others, these podcasters challenge or inform their listeners about the subject matter in hopes of producing effective and active change. STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR

u42

47 SUITECAUSES

STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR

STORY BY MISCHA DUFFIE PHOTOS: TWELVE.CO

u54

u74

Connect SoCal—A Planning for the California of Tomorrow

REPtura: The New Green NFT Company

An In-depth look at the Connect SoCal (2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy). How this long-range plan tries to deal with climate change and how it will help the people deal with a changing Southern California in the face of global warming. STORY BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

California Greenworks: Sustainability is Social Justice

u56

Frontline environmentalist Michael Meador sets the example by doing small things that leave a large impact in urban spaces.

Climate Designers: A Force for Good

STORY BY MISCHA DUFFIE PHOTOS BY CALIFORNIA GREENWORKS

Climate Designers are changing the world one design at a time. STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER

u60

Defining what sustainability means to civilizations with a brief profile of Nikki Okuk, environmentalist, current Deputy Director/Alternate fuels Program Manager for CAL START, entrepreneur and former owner of RCO² Material Reuse. A tire recycling/upcycling business. How being dealt a blow from the Pandemic and suffering a setback didn’t keep her down as she was able to rebound. Leading to what she’s doing now to help advance the field of environmental sustainability. STORY BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

u52

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

STORY BY KEN CALVIN PHOTO COURTESY OF REPTURA

u78

81 SUITE ESSENTIALS Mandatory Composting is Now a Law in California Have you heard? SB 1383 requires Californians to compost. Learn how to comply with the law. STORY BY SHIRLEY HAWKINS

u82

u48 Sustainable Hope: Nikki Okuk

REPtura - the new green NFT Company owned and operated by melanated people led by Bobby Robinson, Esq.

63 SUITEBIZ

The Suite List

COVER FEATURE

A resource guide featuring Event, Media, Marketing and Creative Professionals

Super Charged for an Electrifying Future Co-founders Kameale Terry and Evette Ellis built a successful cleantech startup in less than two years, meeting the needs of EV consumers and the needs of the urban workforce. STORY BY AJA A. BROWN & ANGELA JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAI BYRD

u64

u84

from the publisher

Suite Sustainability We l c o m e t o o u r S p r i n g I s s u e w h e r e w e enthusiastically celebrate all the wondrous things that are gifted to us from mother Earth! In this issue, we not only serve to help bring awareness to the importance of reducing our footprint for a more sustainable future, we are also striving to highlight the innovation and opportunity that have resulted from our need to create sustainable solutions. Our cover feature is a prime example. Co-founders of ChargerHelp!, Kameale Terry and Evette Ellis, are two enterprising women who have found their place in the Cleantech space. We marvel at their story and ingenuity to create a thriving, multimillion-dollar startup in just two years. Seeing more Black and diverse businesses carve out a huge chunk of the pie in the green economy industries is a joyous thing to witness. You will also nd stories of great causes, sustainable products and home furnishings, as well as, a selection of new electric vehicles for 2022. Even though this is a themed issue, rest assured that Suite Life SoCal will continue to spotlight sustainable solutions and stories as a regular feature because we have an uncertain future that will take a collective effort to protect. We hope that you enjoy this issue and nd it of value to you. Continue to stay in touch and follow us @suitelifesocal on all social media and sign up for our newsletter at suitelifesocal.com. Stay Suite!

Sarah

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Sarah R. Harris Publisher-in-Chief

@suitelifesocal

#suitelifesocal

from the Editor

A Must Read The current climate trends are more than concerning. The need to educate our readers on what it means to lower your carbon footprint so we leave a sustainable earth behind for the generations to follow is paramount. In this issue, our contributing writers stretched themselves to become educated on sustainability to share a message that can change our lives. I am more than proud to share this issue with our readers. Our cover stor y featuring the co-founders of ChargerHelp! is beyond inspirational. The path each of these ladies, Kameale C. Terry and Evette Ellis, took that led to building a multimillion-dollar cleantech company —that trains and employs community members to be the certied technicians who meet the need of consumers seeking to charge their electric vehicles— encourages you to bring your gifts to your community. Make sure you read their story. Our Spring 2022 issue serves as a guide for those seeking to live environmentally-friendly lives. As Southern Californians, we live in a state leading the way in creating sustainable communities. While the legislation will encourage citizens to be eco-friendly, we must make a daily choice to reduce our carbon footprint. We hope you enjoy the pages of this issue and emerge environmentally aware toward living a sustainable life for you and future generations.

Angela Jackson, ABD, MS Managing Editor @_angelarena

@ajgrateful2be angelarenaandco.com

Suite Sustainability,

Angela

Earth Day Pledge by Angela Rena

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Mother Earth I pledge to Honor you By Lessing my carbon footprint each day

I turn away from my selﬁsh ways I choose to only purchase products that can easily be recycled. I learn to accept less so there will be more For future generations

I commit to Recycling all materials Sorting my waste and using only what will be consumed

Thank you, Mama for being patient with me Thank for not giving up on me until I could clearly see the destructive path I was on.

Mama Earth you have given And I have taken Now it is time for me to give back

Today I pledge to be one with you. Today I stand with you and not Against you.

Contributors

WELCOME from our

Suite Team

If you have a story idea or you are interested in writing for us, contact us at suitelifesocal@gmail.com. Follow and Share with us at: suitelifesocal.com

We invite you to follow us.

@suitelifesocal | #suitelifesocal

WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Lisa J. Baxter

Joshua Berrymon

IN: lisa-baxter-5b7a9b10

@theoneljb

@coolin_caughtit

WRITER

Ken Calvin @kencryce

WRITER

Mischa Dufe

Shirley Hawkins

Faith Petrie

mischainspires.com

@mischainspires

@petriefaith

WRITER

Kamea Taylor

Eddie Trujillo Grijalva

Ashley Yancey

@KameaTaylor 12

@kamea.taylor

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

@eddie.trujillogrijalva

@fancyayancey

Plan your days with

Suite Life

COVER FEATURE CONTRIBUTORS

SoCal

CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

Subscribe Today! 1 year $24.95 (4 issues) 2 years $39.95 (8 issues) (Price includes shipping & handling.)

PAY ONLINE AT:

suitelifesocal.com OR MAIL PAYMENT TO: 6709 La Tijera Blvd, #625 Los Angeles, CA 90045 FOR MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL TO:

suitelifesocal@gmail.com WRITER

Aja Alysia Brown @soulshine_light

If the

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

is for you, PHOTOGRAPHER

Kai Byrd

@kaibyrd_

kaibyrdphotography.com

@Kai.Byrd

Nick Branch | Cover Photo Assistant

SoCal

Advertise with us. Inquire today! Contact Lance Washington sales@suitelifesocal.com or call 323.445.6745 SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

C O N C I E R G E

M A G A Z I N E

Suite Life SoCal

SPRING ISSUE VOLUME 4, NUMBER 2 APRIL ! MAY ! JUNE PUBLISHER-IN-CHIEF

Sarah R. Harris

MANAGING EDITOR

Angela Jackson, ABD, MS Sarah R. Harris

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Lela Christine

TECH PR

Lance Washington

SALES MANAGER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lisa J. Baxter Aja Brown Ken Calvin Mischa Dufﬁe Shirley Hawkins

Faith Petrie Kamea Taylor Eddie Trujillo Grijalva Ashley Yancey

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Joshua Berrymon Xavier Harris Kai Byrd Michael Moore THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS

SUMMER 2022 ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: JUNE 3, 2022 For sales, contact Lance Washington at: Phone:

323.708.6427

Email:

lwashington@suitelifesocal.com

For mailings, please send to: Address: 6709 La Tijera Blvd, #625, LA, CA 90045 Visit us online: www.suitelifesocal.com

All Saints Lending Black Beauty and Wellness Foundation Bridge Builders Foundation Coach Wendy FEP Consultants LA Business Printing Lura’s Kitchen Nurturing You Women’s Health & Wellness Plush Vodka Recycling Black Dollars Splendid Affairs, Inc. The American Dream Grant Program The Center by Lendistry Unlock Wealth$hare, LLC We Luvv Rare Grooves Vince Bacon Construction VIS Jolie

SPECIAL THANKS @suitelifesocal , #suitelifesocal

Wendy Gladney Ron Carter Monique Bacon

Suite Life SoCal magazine is published quarterly. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Letters to the publisher are welcome. Email submissions to suitelifesocal@gmail.com. © 2022 SuiteLifeMedia

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

faceS we Love

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

FACES WE LOVE

Audra A

STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR PHOTOS COURTESY OF FIL2R

Huffmeyer

udra Huffmeyer, a recent college graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and current Ph.D. candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, is an excellent example of being the change you want to see! As founder and product lead, Huffmeyer’s company FIL₂R (pronounced lter) was created to tackle the ongoing issues of plastic waste and unmindful consumption worldwide. Her desire to make such a product was not only sparked because she was “tired of throwing her Brita lter in the trash” but was also born from her passion for reducing plastic waste. Aside from the successes of Huffmeyer and her business, one must acknowledge the many perils endured to get here. As a Black woman and solo founder of FIL₂R, she was constantly underestimated, often told to “Expect to give 50% of your business away,” or, “Be ready to be competitive.” In understanding this intersectional experience, she reminds

herself and encourages those who also desire to start a business to utilize their community resources and keep their head held high. She shares, “Make sure it’s something you’re passionate about,” ensuring that you are fully committed to your vision and business ventures. Shifting our focus back to FIL₂R, these ltration pods are compatible with many models of water pitches from Atlantis, Soho, Chrome, Everyday, and many, many more! By being recyclable and made with an activated carbon pod, this product reduces chlorine, particulates, and lead from tap water for up to forty gallons. In fact, for every purchase of these eco-friendly and sustainable water ltrations, you would be replacing 7,200 plastic bottles of water and therefore reducing your carbon footprint by 1,323 pounds of CO2! How can one purchase the product, you may ask? By visiting the FIL₂R website (l2r.com), you can learn more about Huffmeyer’s FIL₂R products and buy them if you feel compelled to support or invest in such an incredible creation. As she prepares to restock in the next four weeks, she shares with you, as the reader, a unique chance to receive a discount code (SUITE12) for 12% off, valid until 5/31/22. With this kind of courtesy, I not only perceive this opportunity as a chance to invest in a Black-owned business, but also to be more knowledgeable and aware of your ecological footprint. Though still learning as I go, I believe that my interview with Audra Heffmeyer only afrmed my belief that change does start with you and me! +

@Fil2rwater @ﬁl2rwater @ﬁl2r1

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

faceS we Love

Ben Caldwell Oversees Million Dollar Sustainable Living Grant for Leimert Park EXPANDING FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE

STORY BY SHIRLEY HAWKINS PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANKOFA CITY

s air pollution and gas emissions continue to affect the air quality in Southern California, Sankofa City’s Zero Emissions Multimodal Transportation Ecosystem (ZEMTE) project anticipates a million dollar “Sustainable Living Grant” to expand free on-demand shuttle services that will improve the air quality of Leimert Park, a cultural landmark in Los Angeles. The project is a consortium effort that includes the Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program (CMO), Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)’s ZEMCP; Circuit, an electric shuttle service; Leimert Park Multimodal Transportation, and the Department of Water and Power. The project is led by the beloved and well-respected longtime Leimert Park business owner and professor, Ben Caldwell.

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

According to Caldwell, the Sustainable Living Grant will expand a eet of 100% electric, eco-friendly shuttle buses and e-bikes designed to eliminate vehicle pollution and to provide alternative transportation options in a historically underserved community. Painted in vibrant African kente cloth colors, Circuit will employ local drivers from the community who will transport residents to shopping and doctor’s appointments as well as to buses and the new railway line to mitigate trafc and congestion.

FACES WE LOVE

Residents can download and access the Circuit app to ag down a Circuit shuttle or request a ride on-demand. Caldwell, the lead planner of the Sankofa City Zero Emissions Multimodal Transportation Ecosystem, is one of the artists who helped design the shuttles. He also is the cocreator of Sankofa City, a community design project that is working to maintain the sustainable cultural preservation of Leimert Park as well as to upgrade the area with a wealth of futuristic designs.

“Affordable, safe travel options and clean air are resources everyone should be able to access,” Caldwell said. “We need more programs like this that specically support underserved communities that suffer from generations of inequitable access to these resources.”

Leimert Park Service Hours :Catch a ride to/from Leimert Park Plaza, and all your favorite shops and restaurants! FREE rides are offered around Leimert Park, 7 days a week!

Monday-Friday: 8am - 6pm Saturday: 10am - 8pm Sunday: 9am - 7pm

Text for a ride at (310) 737-2299 or visit ridecircuit.com. SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

faceS we Love

Yara Shahidi The Purpose Principal STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER

ara Shahidi is a force. In a time where authenticity is lauded, the multi-hyphenate’s accomplishments read like a handbook for purposeful, sustainable, and intentional living.

As of late, she's popped up on your Instagram feed celebrating the completion of her thesis. She's partnered with adidas Originals twice for ReCreation, a sustainable and ecofriendly collection and conception of her own that pays homage to her Iranian and African American roots. She's signed a multi-year deal with Dell XPS to spread the gospel to Gen Zer's about using technology to drive their passions. Amid it all, she and her mother launched a production company, 7th Sun Productions, to create TV programs centered on themes of history, heritage, culture, and joy.

With all the hats she wears, it's clear what's driving her work; a sentiment she shares in a Teen Vogue article, "What remains a through-line in each and every project-and any world that I occupy-is that I want there to be a greater purpose. That purpose may be as simple as providing joy, or it may be helping in the eld of equity or amplifying other people's voices. But my metric for success is having an impact on something greater than myself." 20

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Photos from the adidas Originals by Yara Shahidi Collaborative Collection ReCreation

Her activism, passion for equity, representation, and leadership is reected in everything she does, and it comes as naturally as her foray into the tech space. She has positioned herself as a thought leader with 6.9M followers to back it up. "Technology has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. It's something that touches nearly every aspect of our lives and has the power to make a meaningful impact," said Shahidi in a Dell XPS press release. Creating inclusive creative campaigns like "Expand Your YOUniverse" and curating forthcoming collaborations is something that bridges all her worlds together. The campaign's tagline alone, "Be All Of Who You Are," could easily be a mantra that she ascribes to daily. Yara is creating a purposeful life, not just for herself but for the world, and well, it all sounds very…Grownish. +

New York, NY - June 3, 2019: Yara Shahidi wearing dress by Monse attends 2019 CFDA Fashion Awards at Brooklyn Museum

FACES WE LOVE

@yarashahidi

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

Life & Style

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

SPRING 2022

FROM TINY TO ELECTRIFYING

sustainablE living AT HOME F E AT U R I N G

Tiny Homes

Home Products

Shopping Brands

SoCal

Electric Vehicles

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

Life & Style | HOME

THE BIG IDEA OF

TINY HOMES STORY BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

he tiny home idea is an old idea rediscovered every few generations. Usually, it's a domicile at or below six hundred to four hundred square feet. Recently they've been trending as the minimalist lifestyle. The desire to live a greener life and achieve sustainability has people interested and investigating living off-grid or in a tiny home. Along with today's reality, where people are more likely to switch careers more often in life than in previous generations, the mobility of the lifestyle is valued. In my research for this story, I noticed a dichotomy in the tiny-home trend: a disconnect. To my surprise, I found a tiny home that sold for 2.5 million dollars. Most people think of tiny houses as a way of paying less for housing and utilities. A way to consume less and leave a smaller carbon footprint. And therein lies the rub. When people decide to go tiny, they start to run into problems, primarily due to a lack of knowledge of their area's zoning bylaws, building codes, or just installing a septic system. People start to realize their tiny home needs big, expensive, custom work, which they can neither accomplish themselves nor afford.

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

The LATCH Collective There are many ways to get in on the tiny-house movement and use them for people's benet; for the do-it-yourselfer who possesses the drive and resources to learn the ropes, there exist organizations like the Los Angeles Tiny Co-Built Homes or LATCH. Co-founded by Teresa Baker, an American Tiny House Association State Chapter Leader, the LATCH Collective is a cooperatively owned and managed organization. A support network that offers knowledge through community and their online presence where they have DIY workshops and webinars to get people the necessary skills to live off-grid or in a tiny home. In other words, they'll teach you how to install that septic system. LATCH Collective is offering a Tiny Home Bus and Van Cobuild in April of 2022. They gather for "Topic Tuesdays" to connect the community, share DIY skills, and offer support and advice for the lifestyle's challenges. If you are interested in future LATCH Collective events or if you are interested in joining the tiny home lifestyle itself and wondering where to get started, visit latchcollective.com.

HOME

A Solution for all Sizes Honestly, there are three kinds of people in the world: those who think the idea of tiny homes would be an excellent way to save money and lower their carbon footprint, those who will pay $2.5 million to buy a tiny home with all the xings, and those who need tiny homes just to survive. SoCal has quite a homeless population; the Imperial Valley knows this too well. In collaboration with the City of El Centro, the only college in Imperial County, Imperial Valley College (IVC), brought together several entities. Through the Home Key Program—a state program made to combat homelessness—they created the Lotus Living, Rise Above Resilient Community Project, a tiny-home community for the cost of $2.6 million and $458,000 in a Homeless Emergency Aid Program. IVC and its partners expedited this project during the pandemic and had 26 tiny homes built and lled them with enrolled students who had aged out of the foster care system or were identied as homeless. As I spoke with the IVC Housing team: Dean of Student Affairs, James Dalske, Associate Dean of Student Equity, Alexis Villa, and Interim Director of Student Housing, Joshua Lopez, their passion was evident. Lopez described a closeness with the students almost a year in and the whole team's pride when a student successfully transitions from the Lotus Living homes. Dalske mentioned proudly that the program was doing "exceptionally well" in just under a year of existence. Adding, “We've had three students transition through the program, who have successfully been able to land on their feet in either nding another home…and a job." Lopez, who's in charge of the day-to-day operations of the Lotus Living Tiny Homes, describes a "one-stopshop" operation, where he takes care of the upkeep of the tiny homes and the needs of the students. Whether food insecurities or help with the $200 at rate, the students are expected to pay monthly for rent and utilities. Lopez says, "Housing is just one part; it takes a team." Villa explained, "This [program] does answer a lot of different problems that we have in the community, especially when it comes to homelessness." As Dalske chimed in, "I think we've become one of 'the' models for future homeless housing." Tiny homes can be a fun DIY project, even a cool little side hustle. Though I believe it's safe to say that the tiny home concept is versatile and can be used in various ways to help a tremendous amount of people and our drive toward sustainability. Whether you get started through an organization like the LATCH Collective or benet from a community like Lotus Living, it's safe to say tiny homes are here to stay because it's not the size of the house that matters. It's the size of the life in it. + + SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

Life & Style | HOME

Sustainable Living

AT HOME STORY BY KEN CALVIN

s we enter a spring devastated by skyrocketing gas prices, many of us are trying to nd ways to navigate the mineeld of nances. One of the best strategies to counteract what’s happening outside is to focus on how one can maximize their savings at home. This piece will highlight some of the groundbreaking, energy-efcient ways that many are saving hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars a year by accessing programs offered throughout Southern California and the rest of the state.

OhmConnect Energy-saving Rewards App

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

It’s only tting to begin by highlighting a program that I’ve used to win cash rewards by meeting daily goals over the past few years. OhmConnect is a software-based power plant that pays its users to reduce electricity, the opposite of traditional power plants that use coal or gas during peak demand. Over the past decade, I have obtained gift cards and smart devices by monitoring my electricity usage between 7 pm and 9 pm. Users are also rewarded cash for referrals.

HOME OhmConnect is just one of many companies that assist with sustainable living. One of the most popular programs is Electrify America. It is an electric vehicle DC fast charging station network with more than 500 charging locations across the continental US and over 2000 individual charging units. Electrify America is part of the Volkswagen Group of America, established in 2016 by the automaker as a part of its efforts to offset emissions in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal. CEO Giovanni Palazzo saw an avenue of opportunity through an actual setback and created a revolutionary system that continues to thrive today. Another monumental company at the forefront of energy conservation is Hyundai Home. They offer services that are compatible with your electronic vehicle and your solar panels connected to your home that assist with conserving and storing energy so that it is done in an unbelievably efcient manner. Growing up having a Hyundai as a car was laughable, since then the company has become a key player in the world of innovation and technology, as well as providing some fantastic vehicles that t an upper echelon lifestyle that one can now enjoy in the comfort of their own home through these genius products. Several other programs offered by some California utility companies like Edison & LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water & Power) have garnered tremendous praise by continuing to evolve as new technology is made available. They’ve even hosted science fairs to allow high school students to showcase their level of expertise to assist with energy conservation. North Hollywood Senior High School won their latest Regional Science Bowl. Believe it or not, most of the lifechanging technology that allows us to live in this energy-efcient time is developed by some of the youngest minds. Their passion and love for science have given them the ability to think outside the box, providing new avenues to an energy-efcient future. So, what are some other ways one can achieve sustainable living at home? Many say that your landscaping can assist with conserving energy as well. Due to high water bills, some have switched to a more energy-efcient yard in the form of sand, rocks, and gravel instead of grass. I even chose to go the route of mulch instead of a traditional lawn in my backyard which has cut my water usage by 50%, allowing us to save on a water bill that uctuates based on the amount used. Others say that smart devices in the form of thermostats, newer appliances, and having your home inspected by your energy provider can assist with cutting costs on electricity usage. As times change, it’s a challenge to evolve with them as we live in desperate times. Whether it's war abroad or weather at home, we have continued to face adversity that has caused us to reshape how we approach life. As we learn how to improve our energy conservation, it allows us to teach others the skills we all need to make the world a better, more energy-efcient place on this beautiful marble we call earth. I challenge you to nd more ways to be energy efcient on your homefront to achieve sustainable living. This practical philosophy aims to reduce personal and societal environmental impact by making positive changes that can counteract climate change and other harmful environmental concerns. By being more attentive towards our energy usage, we improve our global outcome. I thank you all in advance; you are greatly appreciated. +

Electrify America HomeStation

Hyundai Home “home-energy” ecosystem model

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

Life & Style | HOME

Sustainable Home Products 101

If it’s Not a Certiﬁed B Corporation, What are We Even Talking About?

STORY BY ASHLEY YANCEY

hen it comes to ushering in the new season and all of the accompanying spring cleaning references, one would be remiss to exclude the impact of global warming. With temperatures rising, severe calamities and natural disasters on the rise, along with a severe reduction in natural resources that is bordering on extinction, never before has it been as important as it is today to reduce our wear and tear on this incredible planet we call home.. For this specially curated list of sustainable home products that are friendly to our resources, environment, and health, all are Certied B Corporations. By balancing both purpose and prot, this elite designation ensures that a business is meeting high standards of veried performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benets and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. As Avocado, a Certied B Corporation and featured business listed below, puts it, “They are the gold standard for responsible business, demanding accountability toward a sustainable and inclusive economy. The rigorous certication process provides the highest standard of veried positive impact of a company.” This designation, and reckoning with the broader implications of business choices and impact, is what sets the businesses below apart from standard companies who tout themselves as “responsible.” Please check out the list and consider these companies (along with any other Certied B Corporations) when shopping for your next home xtures and furniture.

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

HOME

Global Trunk

| theglobaltrunk.com

Avocado

| avocadogreenmattress.com

A local, mission-based company located right here in Los Angeles, California that collaborates with Indigenous artisans in Mexico and Guatemala, Global Trunk produces collections of home goods and housewares. There’s a focus on handcrafted, repurposed and fair trade products to create opportunities for indigenous artisans.

With a mission to make healthy sleep accessible and affordable, this mattress company creates organic and natural mattresses, pillows, and bedding at affordable prices — while maintaining environmentally conscious, ethical, and sustainable business practices across their entire supply chain.

Grain

Downeast Home

| graindesign.com

| downeasthome.com

A design practice dedicated to social and environmental responsibility, Grain’s work unites manufacturing technologies and age-old craft techniques to create beautiful table tops, tapestries, and other unique home accessories.

An omnichannel lifestyle brand that combines furniture and apparel, they are committed to helping the global shift toward environmental responsibility by using sustainable, natural fabrics in upholstery and furniture. I have used their chairs and tables and can attest to the quality and beauty of their pieces.

Fully

Haptic

| fully.com

Fully designs and sells desks, chairs & things to keep you moving. Prioritizing wellness and movement, this workrelated furniture company brings more ow and well-being into your work day through their highly customized and quality built ofce furniture. I have used their electric standing desks complete with bamboo table tops and can vouch for the quality.

| hapticlab.com

Lab A textile design studio that makes handmade home goods designed to playfully explore the sense of touch, Haptic Labs’ game quilts in particular place them in a league of their own. Checkers, Snakes & Ladders, and Backgammon quilts are just a few of their offerings, coming complete with game pawns to boot! +

What does B in Certified B Corporation stand for? The B in B Corp is open to interpretation. It was originally derived from “benefit corporation,” a type of US corporate structure, but B Corp means many things to many people. Learn more at: bcorporation.net/en-us/certification SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

Life & Style | AUTO

STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER

Electric Company Electric Vehicles (EVs) have certainly evolved since they debuted in 1890. Today, there are major automakers like Tesla, Ford, Porsche, and Volkswagen vying for ﬁrst place — yet not sacriﬁcing form and function for innovation. Look at what's new for 2022:

Kia Niro EV MRSP $39,990 - $44,650 The 2022 Kia Niro is the electric version of the gasolinepowered Niro hybrid. It touts top-notch standard features, a premium sound system, and a navigation system. According to Edmunds Review, the Niro EV boasts one of the longest distances from a single charge that has been seen from a reasonably priced EV. Comfort, utility, and efciency are what one can look forward to with this model.

Volkswagen ID.4 MSRP $40,760 - $48,940 The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric small SUV that seats ve people. It's available in two trim levels: Pro and Pro S, with top-grade safety and technology features, electrical efciency, and spacious interiors. Three years of complimentary 30-minute charge sessions at your neighborhood Electrify America Stations might make it hard to say no to this ride.

Ford Mach-E GT MSRP $42,895 - $59,900 The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT allelectric SUV stands out for performance, price, and cargo area. While not related to the Ford Mustang, it is inspired by its look and feel. With upgraded interiors, a 15.5-inch center touchscreen, and overall practicality, it's a solid contender with Chevrolet's Bolt EUV, Hyundai's Ioniq 5, and Kia's Ev6.

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

AUTO

Tesla Model 3 MSPR $44,990 - $58,990 The 2022 Tesla Model 3 is the automaker's smallest and most affordable car. It comes in three trim levels: base, long-range, and performance and varies by range and acceleration. It received an overall Edmund's rating of 8.4 out of 10 with a 9.5 for drivability as it goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3. seconds.

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ MSRP $102,310 - $125,310 As the rst all-electric model from Mercedes’ EQ sub-brand, the EQS does not disappoint. Boasting a new Hyperscreen display, a single electric motor, and advanced driving aids, it mirrors the luxury features of the S-Class sedan. The in-car tech shines and received a 9.0 Edmunds rating.

Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo MSRP $93,700 -$187,600 Rapid acceleration (0-60mph in 3.7 seconds), fast charging capabilities, and new automated Remote Park Assist make the Taycan 4S the upgrade of your car dreams. Utility and comfort are the leading stars here. Heated front seats, auto-dimming heated mirrors, and Porsche's custom paint-to-sample program put customization at your ngertips. Once you get over the sticker shock, the 4S has everything you'd want from a high-performance car. SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

Life & Style | SHOPPING

They're Good On Any MLK Boulevard! A Spotlight on some of LA’s Top Black-owned Sustainable Shopping Brands STORY BY ASHLEY YANCEY

he world is on ﬁre. Globally, temperatures have increased by 1 degree Celsius over the last century, resulting in the past 7 years being the warmest on the record. This has led to a steady uptick in heat-related deaths in humans as well as nearly 1 million species facing a risk of extinction. The intensity of natural disasters has permanently displaced entire communities, permanently altered crop production, and increased the spread of infectious diseases. Despite the dismal outlook, there is a sliver of hope. Here in Los Angeles, there has been a signicant push towards sustainable practices, including ethical manufacturing, equitable pay, and fair work practices. Leading the pack, pushing many of these initiatives forward, are many Blackowned brands and businesses who prioritize sustainable practices. “There was no one-stop shop where you can discover sustainable brands,” shared Dechel Mckillian, a local business owner and stylist who has since opened her own retail business. “[At Galerie.LA] we connect our customers with emerging brands that are using sustainable production methods.” Over the last several years, various businesses have popped up throughout the city, all approaching the challenge in their own unique way. Because there is no one-size-ts-all solution, the paths of access one can take on their sustainability journey are different. Below, we have found three local Black-owned businesses who have found success by prioritizing sustainability and ethical practices in the sourcing, production, and procurement processes of their companies.

Galerie LA

| galerie.la

“Making green a bonus, not the focus” is one of the leading business mantras for Dechel Mckillian, the CEO and Founder of Galerie LA, one of LA’s premier boutique destinations. A celebrity stylist for over ten years whose clients have included the Black Eyed Peas and Lil Wayne, Mckillian found herself itching for more. Much of it came to a head while she was traveling on tour, being confronted with the sobering reality of consumer waste, fashion’s impact on the environment, and being aware of what she was putting in her body. “I wanted ethical and eco-friendly options that I can wear myself and put on my celebrity clients. There was no one-stop-shop where you could discover sustainable brands.” While Mckillian would go on to spend over three years on tour, she was quietly planning her next move. “That's really how Galerie.LA was born, out of the need to really showcase fashion for brands that were producing responsibly, but also taking all account into the materials they were using and how they were producing their clothes.” Always on the hunt for the newest cutting-edge materials, the entrepreneur is energized by the plethora of options that no longer relies on cheap polyester and polyurethane. “Now there's so many materials like pineapple leather, apple leather… I have brands that are using cactus leather even. There's so many new materials you can substitute if you don't want to buy animal products.” Mckillian admittedly has a high standard for the brands she showcases that goes beyond the materials used in production. “I want them to guarantee that they're producing their garments in an ethical facility, meaning their workers are getting paid fair wages and they have safe working conditions.” Finally, Galerie LA sorts all their items into ve categories including: vegan, eco-friendly, local, recycled, and handmade. There’s no question that these thoughtfully curated collections of sustainable fashion from emerging brands worldwide has Galerie LA truly in a league of their own.

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

SHOPPING PHOTO COURTESY OF CIARA IMANI MAY | REBUNDLE

Rebundle

| rebundle.co

With an itchy scalp, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to non-toxic and eco-friendly braiding hair, Ciara Imani May began the journey of a lifetime when she founded Rebundle, the plant-based braiding hair that uses extracted banana bers. The rst of its kind, this biodegradable organic material sold out in less than a month when it was released in early 2021. As is customary with traditional plastic braiding hair, May was tired of suffering from an itchy scalp each time she chose to get her hair braided. "It was upsetting to feel like I had to choose between ease/convenience and pain/discomfort, and I knew that millions of other women faced the same dilemma while wearing braids," she shared with Essence. When researching the braiding hair ingredients to learn more about what may be causing the itch, she quickly realized that the answers she needed weren't readily available. She wound up having to get a lab analysis. Within those results, she learned that the leading ingredient, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a popular toxic plastic that is found in many household items such as children's toys and baby bottles. "PVC does not belong on our heads," said May. From there, May's entrepreneurial journey began. After spending a year and a half in development and investing $130,000+ in funding, May was able to offer her eco-friendly, sustainable extracted banana ber braiding hair to the public. Business is booming and is showing no signs of slowing down. In addition, May has also added a recycling component. Rebundle has collected over 235 pounds of synthetic hair that they sustainably dispose of, recycling it into outdoor furniture and lawn and garden tools. These days, May's biggest concern is keeping her hair in stock-it sells out almost instantly each time she adds inventory to her online store.

FATRA

| hifatra.com

High-end purses are usually known for inated price points, luxe fabrics and materials, and exclusive access. Their trademark and true value rely on how aspirational their advertising has elevated their brand. Akilah Steward understood this when embarking on her entrepreneurial journey to craft her brand of luxury handbags crafted from none other than plastic bottles and other recycled elements and fabrics. As the founder of FATRA and the Recycled Plastic Bottle Bag creator, Steward reimagines waste as a valuable resource, leveraging sustainability and eco-friendly practices for her creative waste management goals. "Fatra" is Creole for what overows our landlls & chokes the life force of our waterways - trash. Because communities in the Pacic Islands account for a fraction of the waste created but are affected the most by drastic climate changes, Steward prioritizes collaborating and hiring women in those very environments. FATRA handbags embody ethical fashion futurism for the purses themselves by infusing repurposed plastic containers such as laundry detergent, coffee, and cookie containers as the body of every bag. "The future should be thought of rst when we're talking about fashion, when we're talking about many industries — just that end of life design happening at the beginning," shared Stewart with Conscious Chatter. "I just want to keep [my business] going in that manner… working with immigrant women, working with women who want to develop their skill sets, working with lots of marginalized groups of people—so I think that ultimately, the growth doesn't have to mean exploitation anywhere — it just means literally doing more good for more people." SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

Life & Style | SHOPPING In addition, check out the list below of several other sustainable, eco-friendly companies that carry an assortment of apparel, gifts, accessories, and jewelry.

House of Aama

| houseofaama.com Mother and daughter design duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka are the masterminds behind House of Aama, a culturally inspired lifestyle brand rooted in the ethos of the African continent and diaspora. Produced 100% in Los Angeles, this apparel line's sustainability efforts include a low waste model made to order.

Two Days Off

| twodaysoff.com An independent woman and POC-owned and operated climate-conscious clothing brand, Two Days Off prioritizes ethical practices across all production areas. Locally sourced and created here in Los Angeles, they specialize in closet staples, including linen and cotton dresses, skirts, and tops.

House of Aama

Omi Woods

Two Days Off

| omiwoods.com "My main mission is to make jewelry that reects African cultures in materials that are built to last," says Ashley Alexis McFarlane, owner of Omi Woods, the acclaimed jewelry line. Relying on fair trade gold sourced from small-scale artisanal mines and silver sourced from casting houses that use a blend of recycled and pure silver, Omi Woods has established itself as a leading-edge jewelry line.

Tree Fairfax

| treefairfax.com At its core, Tree Fairfax is a Black-woman owned minimal leather goods shop with durable, timeless designs that will change how you move about the world. These quality accessories and handbags are never mass-produced, created by hand, and locally sourced here in Los Angeles.

Omi Woods

Uncommon Goods

Tree Fairfax Selva Negra

| uncommongoods.com Truly the place to go when you need a unique gift, Uncommon Goods is where to discover hand-picked, creative designs by independent artists and makers— unexpected gifts for everyone in your life (including yourself). They also take things a step further by providing team members with a living wage, offering paid family leaves, and print catalogs on recycled, FSC-certied paper. I have been buying their items for years.

Selva Negra | selvanegra.us This Los Angeles-based collection of women's clothing and accessories represents drive, holistic energy, united empowerment, careful craftsmanship, and engineered comfort. Rooted in the use of ethical practices and committed to production transparency, Selva Negra features low-waste solutions, including compostable packaging, upcycling fabric waste, and small-batch production runs. 38

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Suite

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

SPRING 2022

talk

Sustainably Speaking The Green New Deal Network A N D O T H E R E N V I R O N M E N T A L LY- M I N D E D P O D C A S T E R S

Laura Alexander Wittig and Liza Moiseeva

Colah B. Tawkin

SoCal

Kristy Drutman

Leah Thomas

Suitetalk

The Green New Deal Network @GND_Network greennewdealnetwork.org

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Mattias Gustaf Lehman Political Activist & Digital Director of The GND Network and Host of Sustainable Podcast, “For Your Listening Pleasure” STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR

ue to the ever-growing popularity of podcasts, such forms of media have enabled listeners to participate in the fruitful discussions they foster. A great example of this is The Green New Deal Network (GND). Among its many campaigns, this coalition addresses the discriminatory policies that hinder marginalized groups and communities of color from obtaining gender and racial equity or beneting from local, state, and national policies that would produce countless family-sustaining jobs. Mattias Gustaf Lehman, political activist and current Digital Director of The GND Network, discusses and directs many conversations concerning the climate crisis within his recent podcast. He shares, “Racial justice and environmental justice have to be at the forefront of everything we’re thinking about and everything we’re doing,” and continues, “We are now in the ght for the future and our planet, and we must take into consideration everyone and not just a select few.” Among many other statements, understanding and compassion are evident within the dialogue, thus centering this vital conversation of the marginalization of poor, minority communities suffering during these drastic global warming shifts. In calling to action, Lehman not only encourages p ro g r e s s i v e v o i c e a n d c h a t amongst his peers and those of the community but further urges geopolitical activism in addition to racism and classism. If interested in diving deeper into the racial inequities and the worsening climate crisis that persists to affect individuals of all communities, or wanting to discover ways in which you can counter or alleviate such sustainable issues and challenges, then here are the following podcasts, blogs, and television shows that enable you to engage:

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

Suitetalk

The Spotify podcast, Good Together: Ethical, Eco-

Friendly, Sustainable Living, makes living sustainably easier. Curious about a zero-waste lifestyle? Do you want to know what the “circular economy” or “slow fashion” really means? Each episode is brought to you from Brightly.eco by experts Laura Alexander Wittig and Liza Moiseeva features daily, actionable tips to help you live your life more sustainably. Start changing the world by listening to a new, bite-sized episode every week! brightly.eco

2. Black in the Garden, on Spotify, resides at the intersection of horticulture and Black culture in a world where most of the garden gnomes are white. Hosted by millennial Black plant enthusiasts and self-proclaimed Plantrepreneur, Colah B. Tawkin, you are destined to be a part of a great range of topics and discussions that directly inuence and impact Black plant keepers at the local and national levels. blkinthegarden.com

3. Another Spotify podcast, Brown Girl Green, was created by Kristy Drutman, activist, speaker, and digital media strategist. In making this collaborative, intersectional online media curate conscious and culturally relevant content, Drutman engages with her audience about proactive solution-building to the climate crisis that has managed to affect marginalized communities disproportionately. blkinthegarden.com | browngirlgreen.org

4. The blog, Intersectional Environmentalist (IE), was founded in June 2020 by Leah Thomas. To center BIPOC and historically under-amplied voices in the environmental space, Thomas creates discussion about the climate justice community while serving as a resource hub for followers and viewers. These accessible educational resources and experiences serve as incubators to connect the community with grassroots environmental justice efforts, spark ideas, and promote collaboration. Furthermore, in rooting environmental practice in equity and inclusion, Thomas further empowers her audience to be the change they want to see in their local communities. intersectionalenvironmentalist.com | greengirlleah.com

5. The television show titled, Welcome to Earth (2021), with Will Smith brings a more engaging and wholesome perspective of ecology and education concerning sustainability. Shown only on Disney Plus, this six-episode docuseries by National Geographic takes you on adventures from visiting the edge of an active volcano and scaling the side of a glacier to plunging to ocean depths of more than 3,300 feet with a marine biologist. The series simply utilizes the experience of Smith as he goes on a journey to connect with the Earth to encourage others to do the same. 44

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

SCauses uite

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

SPRING 2022

Sustainably Inspired reducing our Collective footprint featuring

California Greenworks

Environmentalist Nikki Okuk

SoCal

Community Gardens

A Plan for California

Climate Designers

SuiteCauses

California

Greenworks Sustainability is Social Justice STORY BY MISCHA DUFFIE PHOTOS COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA GREENWORKS

“Loss of resources that will never come back is our biggest detriment if we don't get things right and do better by the earth." These are the alarming words of California Greenworks founder Michael Meador. Having spent the last twenty years on the frontline of the environmental sustainability movement, Meador and his team's overarching strategy is to do small things that have a large impact on the climate while simultaneously improving life in urban space. If, like me, you are wondering what better means or what this matter of sustainability is all about, I offer insight from the University of Alberta's Ofce of Sustainability. "Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In addition to natural resources, we also need social and economic resources. Sustainability is not just environmentalism. Embedded in most denitions of sustainability, we also nd concerns for social equity and economic development. While the concept of sustainability is a relatively new idea, the movement has roots in social justice, conservationism, internationalism, and other past movements with rich histories." California Greenworks certainly sees aspects of sustainability as a social justice issue. In fact, Meador often refers to their work as environmental justice; he believes that ecological justice is our new civil rights movement. Therefore, he's just as determined as Dr. King was to galvanize and equip an army of young people duly prepared to push back against oppressive tactics.

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Preparing future generations to meet their own needs is at the heart of California Greenworks' mission. With so much to tackle and a staff of only three, plus an intern, the organization operates as a planning and project management model that comes up with programs/projects they then contract out to others to implement. Having made clean water, clean air, and revitalization their north star, the work in real-time looks like environmental education programs in urban schools, revitalizing urban open space, and advocating for green development throughout South LA. Green development means testing water, planting trees, creating gardens, and forging viable partnerships with grassroots organizations that already serve the youth they endeavor to reach. Because their message is not as easy to digest as, say, voting rights, the California Greenworks has had to use inspiring engagement to put their message within reach. To this end, they've creatively promoted environmental sustainability via a plethora of initiatives. Some are the Watershed Education Program, the South LA Sustainability Summit, and the South LA Earth Day Festival. As a result of being awarded a contract for over a half-million dollars for four years, they were able to work with the Compton Unied School District, Boys and Girls Club, and churches to teach hundreds of youth about nonpoint source water pollution. The program taught about pollutants getting into the storm drain and how the contaminants contaminate the sea's

SUITECAUSES @calgrnwks @CalGreenWorks @calgreen1 californiagreeworks.org

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

SuiteCauses

occupants. It also taught about the urban watershed being the last line of defense before waste (cigarette butts, trash, etc.) get into the water. When asked how California Greenworks has managed to thrive and educate at the level it has for twenty years, Meador responded, "We've grown this business because of water. Policy is what drives what we do. Because of the legislation that policymakers put in place, it allows us to get money that we can then put into the community." With a commanding group of allies that include the likes of 14th District Councilman Kevin de Leon, who has put a substantial number of measures through the legislature around the environmental space, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Annenberg Foundation, Southern California Gas Company, Southern California Edison, California Coastal Commission and Toyota, California Greenworks is thankful for the steady support it gets moving the sustainability needle forward. Another unsuspecting ally in moving the sustainability needle forward is data. Did you know that areas with an abundance of trees reduce the crime rate and increase property value? Have you heard that one tree reduces the environmental temperature by four degrees, and this reduction in temperature stands to benet those with respiratory illnesses? Were you aware there is research to substantiate that the lack of tree canopy, like most injustices, is systemic? For example, South LA is tree poor and park-poor when the opposite is true for areas such as Brentwood. Revving efforts to engage more youth and adults who can help right such environmental wrongs means extending their advocacy reach to tackle issues that have social injustice implications embedded in them. Having served over ve thousand youth over the last twenty years, California Greenworks has new opportunities in the pipeline. In the fall of 2022, they hope to launch Sprouts, a skill development program for the rejuvenation of urban trees. They will be growing their efforts to teach youth about careers in sustainability. They will also be hosting an awards gala to celebrate their twentieth anniversary and honor those who have done remarkable work in the environmental sustainability space. CEO Meador ended our time together by reminding me, "We all have to be well together. No group should be above another." I agree. You can follow California Greenworks on Instagram @calgreen1, on Facebook at @Calgrnwks and on their website at californiagreenworks.org. +

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

bridge builders foundation p r e s e n t s

dr. ernest e. just science program

Saturday Science Academy

2022

pr g ram

classroom site:

California State University at Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) 1000 E Victoria St. Carson, CA 90747

MONTH 1 CLASS Jan 15 Physics Field Trip: JAN 22 MONTH 2 CLASS feb 19 Human Anatomy Field Trip: FEB 26 MONTH 3 CLASS mar 19 Aerospace Field Trip: MAR 26 MONTH 4 CLASS apr 16 Transportation Field Trip: APR 23

MONTH 5 CLASS may 21 Elec. Engr/robotics Field Trip: MAY 28 MONTH 6 CLASS Jun 18 Computer Science Field Trip: JUN 25 MONTH 7 CLASS Jul 2022 Architecture Camp Field Trip: TBA all class sessions are:

9am – 3pm

This is a FREE STEAM Program for Elementary (Gr 4-5), Middle (Gr 6-8) & High School Students of Color

Includes: FREE lunch, snacks, supplies and materials. register online (preferred) at

SSA STEAM APPLICATION or download at bridgebuildersla.org or email at bridgebld@bridgebuildersla.org

SuiteCauses

SUSTAINABLE HOPE @niniokuk

Nikki Okuk STORY BY EDDIE T. GRIJALVA

ustainability, whether economic, social, or environmental, is an essential concept for the survival of any civilization. For any society to achieve true sustainability, it must satisfy all three of these categories. Economic and social sustainability cannot be attained by ignoring environmental concerns. Even so, today, we aren’t meeting the demands of our society and especially nancial needs by ignoring ecological needs, which compromises future generations' abilities to meet any of their own needs. To change this trend, it's going to start with the individual. In other words, we need people who care enough to be examples, make necessary sacrices and change attitudes to rise to the challenges of this tremendous existential threat facing our times, Global Warming.

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

I believe Nikki Okuk is one of these people who possess the spirit to step up and become a leader of our era. An LA native, Okuk comes from a fth-generation family of community/labor organizers. She attended college in New York at Columbia as an economics major. Okuk completed her MBA at Nanyang University in Singapore, including a Sloan School of Business certicate at MIT.

“

You know, my Grandma really liked to ﬁsh and garden. She'd take me camping a lot, up in the mountains, so being with her made me think of the earth as a family member. Something you take care of.”

SUITECAUSES

She opened RCO² Material Reuse in 2011 in Compton, which was a tire recycling/upcycling business. Okuk stated, "I had this MBA….So how do I use all this education I have and take it back to my community? I wanted to build a business that created an environmental impact, though I also wanted to create jobs. I looked at plastics…oil…all types of recycling projects and nally decided on tires because we have a big waste-tire problem in SoCal." In the beginning, they had a small warehouse, one forklift, one used truck, and just started collecting tires. They quickly found out the chips were stacked against them. Okuk says, "The big recyclers don't pay you to bring in tires; you pay them. It's very expensive, which is why people don't recycle their tires… it's expensive to do the right thing, the green thing."

and accelerating clean transportation development. As Deputy Director and Alternative Fuels Program Manager, Okuk is developing a $25 million project called the Innovative Small E-Fleets Project to assist small trucking eets in making the transition to zero-emission electric vehicles. You can nd out more at californiaHVIP.org and calstart@calstart.org. Okuk is someone to look out for in the future of this struggle to achieve sustainability and save our planet. It's people like Okuk that'll change the world. At the end of our talk, I asked: When did you realize the importance of the environment? She replied thoughtfully, "You know, my Grandma really liked to sh and garden. She'd take me camping a lot, up in the mountains, so being with her made me think of the earth as a family member. Something you take care of." +

The concept of upcycling is not just making something else with the tire but making something specic of a higher quality. Okuk and her team developed a manufacturing process to upcycle truck tires into loading dock bumpers and marine fenders, among other things. "We made all kinds of crazy things…any piece of the tire we could sell; we were guring out how to do that. We grew really fast…servicing most of the trucking companies in the Ports of Long Beach and LA. We rented a 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Compton." Okuk and her family were sleeping in the warehouse, and through all the years of the business, Okuk never took a salary. She sacriced much to keep her business going. It provided much-needed jobs for her community, stability for her employees, and a vital service to the earth. RCO² processed twelve hundred tires daily, ve days per week, four weeks per month, twelve months per year, for eight years. That's 2.3 million tires taken out of the environment. Moreover, every tire contains twenty-two gallons of oil, that's over fty million gallons of oil—roughly equal to ve times the Exxon Valdez spill of 11 million gallons—were repurposed and didn't end up in an ever-expanding tire graveyard. Okuk reminisced, "We got to be a pretty big business in just eight years…problem was, we never made much money. The margins in recycling are very slim, and that's true for all recyclers."

ABOVE: AN ELECTRIC TRUCK CONCEPT | ADOBE STOCK

To check out Nikki Okuk's work, look her up at californiaHVIP.org and @niniokuk on Instagram.

Unfortunately, Okuk's company, like so many others, did not survive the pandemic. "Early in the pandemic, my rent went up from fteen to twenty-four thousand dollars at the same time all my business fell off," Okuk recalled. She hung on as long as she could for her employees. She said, "I was so sad when I had to lay-off, my guys." Okuk isn't one to stay down; after closing her business in 2020, she still wanted to work in the sustainability eld. Today, she works at CALSTART, a nonprot organization dedicated to advancing clean transportation technologies and systems

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

SuiteCauses

Community

Gardens A Collective Sustainable Solution

STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR

Solano Canyon Community Garden Patton Street Community Garden

Seed of Carver Community Garden Spring Street Community Garden

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

SUITECAUSES

lthough fruitful in new experiences and interactions, the livelihood and robustness of city life have forced urban, rural, and suburban populations to constantly move farther and farther away from accessible and convenient food sources. To combat this issue, community gardens have proven to emphasize collectivism while aiding in cultivating its city's true beauty: its community. Since the 1890s, Americans have utilized gardens to address social issues like war, urban decline, economic recession, and environmental injustices. Specically, in the city of Los Angeles, there have been many struggles carving out community spaces and gardens for those in need. For example, South-Central Los Angeles allotted fourteen acres of property; it quickly became a source to over 347 families, thus making it the largest community garden in the United States! Unfortunately, after eleven years, the city had sold and displaced many of the community garden's farmers, leaving it a vacant lot absent of the countless residents and local families that grew nopales, cilantro, papayas, bananas, and many other crops and goods. Aside from this unfortunate tale, one can only hope to aid in their community's continuous growth and ourishment. Still, it also brings importance to why we should foster these spaces for ourselves and others within it. This ever-growing popularity of community gardens permits locals to gather and grow fresh vegetation and owers, transforming empty lots into productive, green vegetable plots.

In addition, community gardens have many benets, from promoting healthy lifestyles, revitalizing neighborhoods, building stronger communities, and working towards a cleaner environment. In producing fresh produce for these urban neighborhoods, a collective can rid communities of their food deserts, improve locals' health, and relieve hunger by donating excess produce to food pantries. If you are reading and this has piqued your interest in visiting one within your community, here is a list of beautiful community gardens that continue to give fresh produce to residents and families: Spring Street Community Garden, Patton Street Community Garden, Solano Canyon Community Garden, Seed of Carver Community Garden, Mariposa-Nabi Community Garden, Pasadena Community Gardens, Belvedere Park Community Garden, Crenshaw Community Garden, Fountain Community Gardens, and Jardin del Rio Community Garden. I highly encourage you to visit one of these community gardens to continue promoting and cultivating such resources and educate yourself and those around you. You can even be the start to the change you want to see by starting your community garden! It's just as simple as talking to your neighbors and speaking the interest of locals. Besides this, we must remind ourselves that community starts with you and me in all these pursuits! +

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

SuiteCauses

Connect SoCal —A Planning for the California of Tomorrow STORY BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

n the early 19th century, the poet Goethe propounded: "I Thank God I am not young in so thoroughly nished a world." Such was the attitude of that precursive era following the preceding Napoleonic wars and the climate event known today as ‘The Little Ice Age.’ However, there is something evocatively redolent in those words today for people of a particular generation—something familiar. We Americans have grown weary of decades of wars. Being Southern Californians, we feel climate change creeping up, with rising tides and yearly re events, each more intense than the last. Something about the human spirit compels us forward, to plan for a future we can never see but only imagine. And just as the world wasn't nished in the day of Goethe, it isn't nished today either.

SUITECAUSES

Encouraging a More Sustainable Southern California The people of SoCal can rest assured their leaders not only take an optimistic view of their futures, but they are actively planning and working towards how Southern Californians will not only live in the future, but thrive in it. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), now managed by its executive director, Kome Ajise, was created in 1965 as a Joint Powers Authority under California State Law. SCAG consists of six SoCal counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino, encompassing 191 cities and a Regional Council made of eighty-six members. On September 3, 2020, it was this council that unanimously voted to approve and fully adopt the Connect SoCal (2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan / Sustainable Communities Strategy) — an enormous, long-range plan with a bold vision of preparing us how to live, work, travel, and do business in a green society; so Californians can achieve true sustainability, harmony, and balance with our environment and each other. The plan attempts to curb climate change by electrifying vehicles, lowering emissions, becoming better stewards of the land, and building the green infrastructure of tomorrow that we will desperately need soon.

Kome Ajise, Executive Director of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) - COURTESY PHOTO

Gradual, Impactful Change Connect SoCal calls for the gradual change of how people get from place to place and how public land is used by making our cities more compact. Compact cities mean people live closer to work, where they shop, and where their food is grown. Living closer, in turn, would relieve trafc congestion and emissions by reducing the number of vehicles on the road. Also, by revamping and expanding our transit and rail systems, we will provide new lines of communication and commerce to our more rural, out-of-the-way towns and hamlets. The plan also calls for affordable housing to meet the demand of a growing population and provides strategies towards this end. A Plan Summary for Connect SoCal on scag.ca.gov states that the projected regional growth will add 3.7 million people to SoCal's population by 2045 and would need 1.6 million more households to keep pace, which would also add 1.6 million jobs. As a society and individually, many changes must be made. The same plan summary for Connect SoCal on scag.ca.gov also states several challenges for SoCal: the average motorist spends one hundred hours in trafc per year, we have fteen hundred fatal car crashes annually, about fteen percent of bridges are in poor condition, since 1984 we lost 21% of farmland annually, we spend $16.7 billion a year treating heart disease, strokes, chronic lung disease, and diabetes and with climate change coming, seventy-seven percent of residents who live in ood hazard zones are minorities. We have our work cut out for us.

Since 2000 the SCAG region has added 2.3 million people, despite a national dip in birth rates. Those gains are expected to continue. We've added 2.1 million more cars with all these people, and air quality is getting progressively worse every year. Our communities have increasing asthma cases to prove it. The plan addresses this with its "Accelerated Electrication" strategy, increasing purchases of electric vehicles by incentivizing sales and expanding the availability of charging stations. One of the main topics of the plan is transportation and increasing mobility through “Intelligent Transportation Systems.” In this day and age of supply chain problems, we all realize how critical the movement of people and goods is to our communities, a vibrant economy, and quality of life. "Complete Streets" are another integral part of the plan to provide mobility options, whether you are a pedestrian, biker, bus rider, or motorist. Upkeep of the roadways is vital. Connect SoCal's plan commits itself to infrastructure preservation by following the ''Fix it First' philosophy, as it's eight times more expensive to x a roadway than to do the preventative maintenance in the rst place.” "Smart Cities" will also be part of SoCal's future. A Smart City will be able to connect people—of course—and connect people with vehicles, vehicles with infrastructure, which will communicate with each other in real-time via local telecommunication networks. SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

SuiteCauses

Connect SoCal

A Plan for the Next Generation The Connect SoCal (2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy) is a very ambitious plan with many strategies, statistics, and forecasts. Though the most crucial aspect of the plan is the people, it's undeniable while reading through this enormous document that one of the main themes is the changing face of the demographic. In the SCAG regions over the past twenty years, the Hispanic and Asian populations have increased by 2.6 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively. The minorities are becoming the majority, though that won't mean much if we don't have a healthy planet to

encompass its citizens. This Connect SoCal Plan, in truth, isn't for us. This plan is meant to ensure the world of our children and grandchildren. It is their future we are working for; it is their plan. True sustainability is being a good steward of the land and passing it on more verdant and thriving than when we found it. We have one planet, we have one future, and we have one shot to right the wrongs of previous generations, so our descendants can look at a forest, a shoreline, or the clear blue sky and think back to us and remember us for our compassion and humility for preserving the best parts of the world for them. Not for our hubris and greed, in thinking, we could sell the world and still expect it to care for us! +

UPDATES FROM SCAG SCAG Sustainability Awards SCAG’s 57th Annual Regional Conference & This isn't just an LA issue; it's a national a highlighting excellence in sustainable General Assembly - May 5–6 SCAG is issue...It's committed to

well-known problem; the underachievement Black in Southern California. These projects planning andofprojects Join Southern California’s most inﬂuential elected ofﬁcials and and brown students...If you’re a Black or brown parent, are integral to carrying out the goals and policies of SCAG’s policymakers on May 5–6 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Connect SoCal plan and promoting a more mobile, you can’t just drop your child off at the front gate then Resort & Spa. This two-day event will focus on solution-oriented sustainable, and prosperous region. Each year, SCAG honors pickpressing them upproblems in the twelfth grade with a diploma.” discussions to address the most facing projects that best exemplify the core principles of sustainability communities, businesses and families throughout the SCAG with awards at the annual Regional Conference & General region. Assembly. Videos of winning projects will be presented in an For questions about the event or your registration, contact us at awards ceremony held on May 5, 2022 at the 2022 Regional update@scag.ca.gov or register at: Conference & General Assembly. https://form.jotform.com/SCAGweb/ga-2022 For questions regarding the 2022 SCAG Sustainability Awards, please contact Lyle Janicek at janicek@scag.ca.gov.

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

SuiteCauses

Climate

Designers: A Force for Good STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER

lobal warming, endangered animals, and the increase of natural disasters are just some effects of the climate crisis.

These dangers have triggered a worldwide call to action. It has mobilized communities of environmentalists, educators, scientists, and activists to drive climate consciousness in hopes of mitigating future damage. These communities have birthed collectives of climate designers whose work infuses purpose, innovation, and advocacy. According to climatedesigners.org, these changemakers are creative professionals who focus their talents on solving our climate crisis. They collaborate with others to build out, launch and promote new climate approaches. You can nd them in disciplines like fashion, architecture, advertising, lmmaking, and technology. The magic of their work unfolds through intentional thinking, design, and approach. Will this help everyone? Is this good for the earth? Is this efcient? It’s a formula that aims to shift climate-related issues into positive long-term results for people and the planet. Margaret To, a co-founder of Studio SAKA, shares, “Being a climate designer means using my creative skills as a force for good. Whether it be educating my client on sustainable alternatives in the production process (e.g., print design) or avoiding working with clients in climate-harming industries, I always consider the impact the project would have on the environment.” An ethos of activism is also prevalent, and you can see it showcased in many forms. For example, the Ron Finley Project focuses its work on gardening education to change South Central Los Angeles from a food desert to a food forest. Leah Thomas’ efforts as eco-communicator and founder of Intersectional Environmentalist (IE) centers BIPOC and historically under-amplied voices in the environmental space. To’s Studio SAKA sheds light on climate solutions in an engaging way—through lm, design, and immersive experiences; and climate clubs, like Adapt, marry various elements to communicate societal issues and build community. So how does climate design apply in history and in real-time? While it has taken on several iterations, its current state has given way to meaningful action. In The Breakdown by Earthrise Studios, the series explores climate change through the lens of history. It highlights how colonialism created slavery and gave colonizers access to fossil fuels (ex. natural gas, oil, coal). The money made during slavery nanced the Industrial Revolution, which ultimately contributed to the climate crisis. Though an abridged version of its development, it’s clear why activism is embedded in climate design work. A safe and equitable world is possible, but we must continue to ght for it. Climate designers prove that positive change and a brighter future will always be one design away. And that is a force for good. +

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

SUITECAUSES

Catch a MasterClass of the Ron Finley Project at masterclass.com Credit: Courtesy of MasterClass

Follow Ron Finley: TW: @RonFinleyHQ IG: @RonFinleyHQ FB: @RonFinleyProject

“I realized the biggest impact I can make is using my voice and creativity to make a difference.” – Margaret To, Co-Founder, Studio SAKA IG: @studiosaka.co IN: studiosaka

Follow The Breakdown produced by Earthrise Studios TW: @earthrisestudio JG: @earthrise.studio

Leah Thomas founder of Intersectional Environmentalist (IE) SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

Black Beauty & Wellness Foundation

SuiteBiz

ChargerHelp! Co-founders

Kameale Terry and Evette Ellis FIND THEIR PLACE IN THE CLEANTECH SPACE

Dr. Etosha Cave & Twelve.co TURN CARBON DIOXIDE INTO USEFUL INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS

Bobby Robinson & REPtura SPRING 2022

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

SoCal

INTRODUCE A NEW GREEN NFT COMPANY

SuiteBiz | CLEANTECH

Super

Charged for an Electrifying

STORY BY AJA A. BROWN & ANGELA JACKSON 64

PHOTOS BY KAI BYRD

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Future

CLEANTECH

Thinking of buying an electric vehicle (EV)? You’re not alone. With gas prices skyrocketing and an increasing number of EV models debuting in 2022, many people are thinking about electric vehicles. EVs may solve the skyrocketing gasoline prices, but that doesn't mean owning one is without its challenges, especially when it comes to inoperable charging stations. Here to the rescue with ChargerHelp!— co-founders Kameale Terry and Evette Ellis were inspired by these challenges to develop their response to inadequate charging stations. SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

SuiteBiz | CLEANTECH

THE CHARGERHELP! SOLUTION Electric vehicles are the way of the future. According to Governor Gavin Newsom's recent $10 Billion Zero-Emission Vehicle Package, California will end the sale of new gas cars by 2035. As a result, the demand for more electric vehicles will rise and thus the need for efcient charging stations. With many failed charging stations, Terry and Ellis found the need to create ChargerHelp!, a cleantech company focused on maintaining charging stations by partnering with network providers. For example, a provider contacts the company when a station experiences an issue. ChargerHelp! sends certied trained troubleshooters to address software challenges allowing them to x the charging station within an hour versus 30 days, in most cases. Being millennials, the co-founders created an "app that eliminates the high cost of station downtime by enabling an on-demand repair of EV charging stations." Now providers can report a charging station outage via their app or online platform and know that help is on the way. According to Terry, ChargerHelp! "xes electric vehicle charging stations and gets people back to work."

“Good Business. Good Service. Good People.” ChargerHelp! has grown to accommodate a national service coverage supporting a broad set of industry customers such as Chargie, FLO, EVgo, Amazon.com, EVConnect and more. As if creating a company to meet the growing need within a booming industry wasn't enough, this dynamic duo not only met the need of network providers and EV consumers, but they endeavored to be a company that provided jobs, careers, and opportunities for others to excel with them in this sustainable technical space. As the Chief Workforce Ofcer, Ellis' key role is to manage the workforce by ensuring that trained workers are available to meet the need for charging

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

stations sustainability so ChargerHelp! can work with providers to maintain their upkeep. For the past seven years, Ellis has worked with Job Corps, the U.S. Department of Labor's free education and vocational training program for young men and women, where her primary job description included creating and maintaining workforce development programs. Ellis' expertise prepared her to do the same for ChargerHelp! which works to maintain a successful program that will help ensure the future of electric vehicles in meeting the needs of consumers. “Workforce Development is weaved into the fabric of our company.” Terry and Ellis did not just stop with meeting a need and creating a workforce. It was essential for these two South Central Los Angeles and Compton natives to empower their workforce. "It is important to empower the workforce with more than development. We must not only create robust training pipelines, but they have to be connected to wellpaying careers," Ellis explained. In their determination to do more than solve the charging station inadequacy issue, ChargerHelp! not only helps consumers; it helps the community. "We solved two problems. One, we have created a workforce, the right workforce that's aligned with xing charging stations… We created a workforce that understands the parts component, but most importantly, that understands the software component. The edge of what we do is, we aggregate data in order to provide predictive analytics," Terry adds. Today ChargerHelp! employs 35 people. Nineteen of those employees are certied technicians trained by ChargerHelp! According to Terry, more than 1600 people applied for 20 positions with ChargerHelp! in their latest cohort to become technicians with this company, which started in January 2020.

Join the Black Business Association AS WE PRESENT A

Dinner, Roast & Celebration on the occasion of the recent retirement of the BBA’s illustrious longtime leader

Earl “Skip” Cooper, II Retired BBA President & CEO & Current Chairman of the Board

SAVE the DATE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2022 LOCATION: LOS ANGELES, CA (VENUE TBA) More details to be announced soon. For inquiries, please email to: mail@bbala.org

Stay tuned for details. Follow us at: @BlackBusinessAssociation @black_business_association

Est. 1970

BBALA.org

SuiteBiz | CLEANTECH

TERRY IGNITES THE CHARGE

Is the start date a misprint? No, you read it right. ChargerHelp! began in January 2020, just before the pandemic was announced. After working with a software company that sourced federally funded charging stations, Terry accessed a need. She listened to complaints all day long about charging stations being down. Customer complaints ooded her phone line as an EV Charger Support representative. As life would have it, Terry's mother became ill and would need her to be home with her full-time. Terry quit her job to be there for her mother. While Terry left her job behind, she didn't leave behind the need of EV consumers. The fact that electricians who were called to the charging stations to meet consumers' demand and were unable to meet their needs sat with Terry. "I taut it up to being a millennial; we are in a space where people value experience over anything,'' Terry said. "We will give you all of our coins if you are going to give us the experience," Terry jokingly added.

“

Once again, fate would step in, and Terry decided to volunteer at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI). While volunteering, Terry began to "identify that there could potentially be a workforce (to x charging stations) that wasn't created yet and maybe (she) could be the person to help create that workforce."

I am shooting towards dominating this market for EV charging; I want ChargerHelp! to be a household name…I want us to be a voice for folks that are new to the EV landscape; we get people that have never heard of EVs…we have a very unique opportunity to expose more people to this thing that is coming…I want us to step into that and to own that space."

This thought led Terry to talk to Ellis, an expert in community workforce development, and in their conversations, the idea of ChargerHelp! was born. Two educated Black women, Terry, with immigrant parents from Belize, and Ellis, with parents born in Watts and raised in Compton, brought their wisdom and their grit together to create an efcient service for EV consumers and to build a workforce that would meet the needs of not only South Central Los Angeles and Compton, but of the entire nation.

According to Terry, her parents came to America for the "American Dream." While they both had the same goal, their individual experiences differed. Terry's father was an underpaid software engineer turned entrepreneur who was able to put two girls through college. On the other hand, her mother worked for the Los Angeles Unied School District (LAUSD) as a teacher's aide and never made more than $30,000 a year. These two examples left Terry with this belief: "America can be all of these things (the land of opportunity), but we have to hold it accountable and push it through. Underneath this ideal, that economic mobility is possible. We just have to create the right infrastructure in order to support it. That infrastructure doesn't exist, but we have to do the work to get there," Terry shared in introspection.

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

SuiteBiz | CLEANTECH

ELLIS FUELS THE CHARGE Ellis' Compton roots and upbringing left her with the great fortune of having a stay-at-home mom and a father who worked for 39 years as a truck driver to ensure his family's needs were met. Her parents' ability to sacrice for the family is ingrained in her. Though money was tight, Ellis shares, "my father never looked or behaved in a way that reected his low wages or barrier for growth." Now that she is an entrepreneur, she states, "It is very important folks know who and what brilliant ideas come from both Compton and South Central. Our neighborhoods shaped us to be solution-based in every way, and now we see that same grit and innovation drive ChargerHelp!."

SHAPING A NEW LANDSCAPE Terry's and Ellis’ story is lled with miraculous encounters and drive that has caused this dynamic duo to scale the walls and walk the halls of Congress. According to Terry, her rst hire was the Government Relations Manager – Samantha Ortega. Terry states, "We spent all of last year in Washington lobbying for that guideline." What is that guideline? Since EV stations are relatively new and growing, the federal government had to create guidelines for these stations.

“ 70

It is important to empower the workforce with more than development. We must not only create robust training pipelines, but they have to be connected to well-paying careers." As the government contemplated legislation, ChargerHelp! was present to guide the conversation and push for 97% uptime per charging station. As hard work and perseverance would have it, Terry shared, "In the federal guidelines that came up, the rst requirement for charging stations is 97% uptime per charger station."

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

"To see that come out on federal guidelines was huge. Having our voice heard in legislation was huge," Terry shared with an impressive smile on her face. Not that the ChargerHelp! team needed that to validate what their analytics proved to be accurate, but it didn't hurt to know their voice was heard on Capitol Hill. Congress is not at the heart of ChargerHelp!'s focus when it comes to policy. According to Terry, the team spends time with local city councils to educate them on EV policy and the m a n u f a c t u r e r s ’ a n d s o f t w a r e p ro v i d e r s ' responsibility to the consumers. Education is another way to ensure that consumers have a voice and exercise their voice. The spirit of service and education are seen throughout the ber of ChargerHelp! It's not enough to have started ChargerHelp! It's also about company sustainability. So what does success look like for ChargerHelp!? According to Terry, "Success is revenue. It is prot coming into the door because without prot; I can't employ people, I can't take care of health care, I can't give out equity; those are the things we measure success by." To meet the demands of a growing company and the need to meet the 97% uptime guideline,

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

SuiteBiz | CLEANTECH

Terry and Ellis are set to hire, train and certify nearly 140 more technicians before the end of the year. ChargerHelp! is strategically positioning itself to relieve the nation's charging stations of the 30% that could be ofine at any given moment. More specically, the 1 out of 2 in Texas and Washington that are ofine, and the 35% in California that are inoperable at any given time. Through a commitment to their workforce, the workforce commitment to ChargerHelp!, and good relationships with manufacturers and software providers, Terry and Ellis expect to continue to lead the way in this sustainable tech space. Within 3 to 5 years, Terry states, "I am shooting towards dominating this market for EV charging; I want ChargerHelp! to be a household name…I want us to be a voice for folks that are new to the EV landscape; we get people that have never heard of EVs…we have a very unique opportunity to expose more people to this thing that is coming…I want us to step into that and to own that space." "When I think about ten years from now, EV charging stations are publicly deployed ideality assets; as we go towards smart cities, everything is going to become software-enabled. When we think about the people that have to x those things, it should be the way that ChargerHelp! is approaching it; by aggregating the data, having local talent, and being able to learn and grow with the software that is now decentralized," Terry enthusiastically added. As the website clearly states, ChargerHelp! is "Good Business. Good Service. Good People." That indeed is the suite spot. Terry and Ellis have built a good business, and determined to train and certify technicians to provide a good service. The co-founders intentionally pay specic attention to developing good relationships to employ good people to carry out its mission. +

chargerhelp.com

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

Colorful Stories. Colorful People. Colorful Places.

@SUITELIFESOCAL READ THE LATEST AT

suitelifesocal.com SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR PRINTED MAGAZINES

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

SoCal

SuiteBiz | CLEANTECH

Carbon Copied, Sustainably STORY BY MISCHA DUFFIE PHOTOS COURTESY OF TWELVE.CO

With a mission to stop climate change in its tracks, Houston native Dr. Etosha Cave and her cofounders, Kendra Kuhl and Nicholas Flanders, are hard at work, turning c arbon dioxide into useful industrial products. Their company, Twelve, formerly Opus 12, was formed due to the three Stanford University alumni’s shared intrigue around electrolysis, which is a chemical process that uses electricity and a metal catalyst to split molecules of carbon dioxide.

The intrigue around matters of science and sources of waste took root for Cave long before Stanford, though. Raised by a mother who is an elementary school science teacher and a father who is a quality-control inspector in the construction industry, Cave attributes her afnity for learning, science, and problem-solving to what she saw in her hard-working and committed parents. Later, Cave’s afnity morphed into concern when as a little girl, she learned that chemicals from a neighboring but deserted oil and gas plant leaked into the water grid, posing severe health dangers to nearby residents. Though young at the time, Cave carried this incident inside of her. Driven by the unfortunate incident and her parents’ afrming words that she could be “anything she put her mind to,” a teenage Cave took her concern and passion and enrolled 74

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

in the Booker T. Washington High School for Engineering Professions. During this time, Cave joined the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). As Cave’s matriculation journey continued from Booker T. Washington High School to Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering to Stanford University, every credential acquired solidied her place in the ecosystem of science—nevermind, she was a Black woman launching into an orbit of terrain predominantly and historically occupied by white men. Using innovation to dominate, underscored with undeniable facts, was always Cave’s plan. And that’s exactly what the chief science ofcer of Twelve has been able to do. Borrowing from her Ph.D. research, Cave says of her fossil-free company’s core technology, “We convert carbon dioxide gas into useful products such as plastics, diesel fuel, and household cleaners.” It may be helpful to revisit what most, if not all, of us learned in school about carbon dioxide, also known as CO2. A quick visit to our past will help us wrap our minds around the mission of Cave and her company’s work. Who can forget the Periodic Table of Elements with its many letters and colors? Educators taught that CO2 is a colorless, odorless chemical compound that consists of two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom. We learned that carbon dioxide is necessary for everyday life because plants utilize it to produce oxygen, and animals and human beings exhale

CLEANTECH

“

We convert carbon dioxide gas into useful products such as

plastics, diesel fuel, and household cleaners.”

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

SuiteBiz | CLEANTECH carbon dioxide. We learned that although a gas in the earth’s atmosphere is in solid form, carbon dioxide is extensively used as dry ice and in carbonated beverages. Attaching this context with Twelve’s work, we learn by way of their website that “Carbon isn’t just the building block of life, it’s the building block of the chemicals, materials, and fuels that make up our modern world and power innovation. Carbon makes it possible from the spring in our running shoes to our favorite electronics to building materials, electric car parts, and fuels. The problem is we get this carbon today from fossil fuels in the form of petrochemicals, which create CO2 emissions and accelerate climate change. Carbon transformation fundamentally changes this paradigm by sourcing carbon from CO2 instead of fossil fuels. By replacing the fossil carbon in critical chemicals with renewable, recycled carbon from CO2, we can eliminate emissions from thousands of essential products and set a new standard for how things get made in the climate era.” Twelve’s unprecedented advances in the science/ engineering/carbon space have made global partners such as NASA, California utility, Pacic Gas, and Electric (PG&E), and others that are pleased to align with Twelve. On a basic level, Cave and her team want to ensure that things we use regularly don’t end up as pollutants. On a more complex level, they want to use their proprietary carbon transformation technology to turn greenhouse gasses into materials and chemicals we can use, thereby helping reverse some of the damage done to the Earth’s atmosphere. Speaking of the atmosphere, California environmentalists support Twelve’s belief that what slows the climate crisis and eliminates planet-warming fossil fuels is a greater investment in clean energy. However, the problem, as Twelve sees it, is “chemicals are still made the way they were hundreds of years ago, from rening fossil fuels.”

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

SoCal

Join us online at suitelifesocal.com to view our magazine online, for additional content, and have an opportunity to add your voice to the conversation. Visit us today and Follow us @suitelifesocal

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Though still in its early days, Cave says, “We believe carbon transformation to be a critical part of a comprehensive climate strategy.” Twelve’s groundbreaking work has garnered them the coveted Forbes Magazine Change the World Award and over $25 million in funding from private sources and grants. They have also raised $57 million from a series of investors and grown the start-up company from three to a company of one hundred employees in the last six years. Through its carbon transformation technology called CO2Made®—producing products from jet fuel to eyeglass lens, to Mercedes auto parts, to Tide detergent, Twelve would like to see brands replace the petrochemicals in products and supply chains with their materials and fuels, immediately reducing emissions without compromise to quality and performance. Achieving this type of impact speaks to Twelve’s goal of scaling their technology and impact to achieve a fossilfree future ultimately. I would be remiss if I ended this article without recognizing that because of Cave’s brilliant mind and pioneering leadership, she was nominated for UCLA’s prestigious 2021 Environmental Institute Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award. Learn more about Twelve’s ever-evolving and fascinating work at www.twelve.co and by following them on Twitter: @twelve_co2 and Instagram: @twelve.co2. +

CO2Made® a world of things made from air Ÿ zero fossil fuels Ÿ zero new emissions Ÿ zero trade-offs

Use reference code: SHAB-3130

SuiteBiz | FINANCE

REPtura The New Green

STORY BY KEN CALVIN PHOTOS COURTESY OF REPTURA

NFT Company

s society evolves, we continue to nd new ways to keep up with the status quo as human beings. Unfortunately, as people of color, some of us are often the last to access or obtain vital information that provides an even playing eld. For this reason, people like Bobby Robinson and his new green NFT company, REPtura, deserve recognition for their fantastic work. Born in Miami, Florida, Mr. Robinson has made a name for himself as an entrepreneur, lawyer, business strategist, & consultant. Sadly, while on his journey, he often found himself the youngest or only African American male at the table, which didn't sit well with him. Especially in a world of nance and technology where Black people have been denied equal opportunities for generations. Inequality instilled his passion for emerging technology, branding, and marketing which led to the development of his NFT company, REPtura, cofounded by his partner Andre Farr in 2021. 78

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

So, what exactly are NFTs? An NFT is a "Non-fungible Token," a non-interchangeable unit of data stored on a blockchain, a digital ledger that can be sold or traded. They are data units that can be associated with digital les such as photos, videos, and audio. It is a one-of-one digital asset. Mr. Robinson states that NFTs allow entertainers and artists to take more control of their brand and ownership of their content. Much like the goal of owning their masters as a recording artist, NFTs allow owners to have exclusive rights of their IP addresses which provides them the safety and security when wanting to transfer their assets associated with it. Like many monumental opportunities and industries, having your own NFT company sounds like a fantastic journey. However, not everyone wants people of color to have an equal opportunity to thrive. When asked about those types of challenges, Mr. Robinson stated that it was an uphill battle during the beginning of his and his partner's experience. He

FINANCE

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

SuiteBiz | FINANCE reected on meetings where people asked him directly, "Why do we need an NFT platform for people of color?" Robinson stated that it is his responsibility to make sure that his company provides a space for diverse content creators to have a chance to thrive in a billion-dollar industry the same as others. He continued to state that giving access to digestible educational content will aid in onboarding more black and brown creators and collectors into the NFT ecosystem so that they, too, can deepen their knowledge and tap into their earning potential. He did make sure to reiterate that though they want to be inclusive to allow people of color to access this type of information, the level of professionalism for him and his staff would be no less than any other professional agency. As a graduate of Charlotte School of Law, cum laude, Mr. Robinson has continued to use his education to be a beacon of light in many areas. He served as the Associate Editor of the Intellectual Property and Technology Law Journal and the Academic Committee Chair of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). He also received a Master of Public Administration, magna cum laude, from Columbia Southern University and a Master of Business Administration/Finance, cum laude, from Everest University. Robinson's passion for education and paying it forward has led to a tremendous opportunity to assist with something our people have needed for decades. Having the courage to

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

challenge those who would prefer we never access the type of knowledge REPtura is a true symbol of servitude. Knowing that entities like these exist creates a passion for excellence that some may have never had the opportunity to obtain in the nancial realm. I've had the chance to work as an inuencer for companies like Robinhood when stock markets and trading began to become more popular amongst people of color. The excitement that it gave me is something that I was hungry to share with everyone I encountered. Now that NFTs have taken the forefront, I'm just as excited to continue to funnel as many people as I can to this new platform. The only way we, as a people, obtain true nancial freedom is to make sure we follow the right leaders. After three conversations with Mr. Bobby Robinson of REPtura, I feel like I could follow this genius mind anywhere. Before letting you return to the hamster wheel of life, I challenge you to follow Mr. Robinson and his REPtura team as they continue their journey. +

Interested? To Learn more about REPtura, visit: reptura.io FB @repturanft | TW @RepturaNFT

SESSENTIALS uite

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

SoCal

SPRING 2022

PHOTO BY JCHIZHE | ADOBE STOCK

IT’S THE LAW!

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COMPOSTING IN CALIFORNIA PLUS. . . I N E V E RY I S S U E The

Suite List

An Industry Listing Guide featuring Event, Media, PR and Creative Resources

Suite eSSEntials

// NEW LAW UPDATE \\

Mandatory Composting is Now a Law in California STORY BY SHIRLEY HAWKINS

n September 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 1383, a bill making composting law in California as of January 1, 2022. The bill was enforced to help reduce pollution, eliminate greenhouse gasses, and mitigate food waste in the state. The bill urges the state's 40 million people, its businesses, and every level of government to reduce landll methane emissions by achieving a 75% statewide reduction in organic waste disposal by 2025. Composting requires residents to separate perishable waste from other trash so it can be converted into new materials like renewable energy sources, which helps offset climate change. According to CalRecycle, half of California's landlls are made up of organic waste, contributing to a fth of the state's methane emissions. Rachel Wagoner, Director of CalRecycle, says this is the fastest way for Californians to help reduce emissions. The law also requires actions to ensure that at least 20 percent of currently disposed of edible food is redirected to Californians who don't have enough to eat. Every year, California throws away about 11 billion pounds of food. During the pandemic, hunger tripled in some counties, leaving one in four Californians with food insecurity. California recently awarded 3.5 million dollars to 12 nonprots that have been redirecting still fresh surplus food to Californians who need a helping hand with groceries. The action will also help keep food out of landlls, generate jobs, and reduce climate pollution. Composting helps to reduce food and other organic wastes. In a landll, this trapped organic material releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. It is a growing problem that costs cities millions of dollars a year. Composting can stem the ow of more trash while creating fertile soil and contribute to making renewable energy. Many Californians are already adhering to the law. Regular composting is an easy, cheap, and efcient way to lower one's environmental footprint. For those who are new to composting, the rst step is to determine where you want to store your compost heap or bin and whether you want it located inside or outside of your

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

home or apartment. You can use an old coffee or yogurt container or purchase a compost tumbler from a garden center, which is a container you can use to rotate and mix your composting materials. Many types of food waste and yard waste can be composted at home, including a vegetable garden and fruit tree waste, grass clippings, tree and shrub trimmings, lawn clippings, autumn leaves, coffee grounds, and fruit and vegetable scraps from the kitchen. Home composters should not attempt to compost meat, dairy, or large amounts of baked goods. Always cover fresh food with a thick layer of high-carbon brown materials to keep out rodents and other vermin. Adding a dusting of dirt will help. If the pile gets too wet or dense with food scraps, it will begin to smell bad, and composting will slow down or stop altogether. Avoid meat, dairy, fats and oils, and large amounts of carbohydrates like bread and pasta; these can cause odors and are very attractive to pests. If you prefer to do the composting inside of your home or apartment, use a small compost bin. Place the compost bin in a closet, in your basement, on the counter, in the freezer, or even in a cabinet. Ideally, your indoor composter should be kept in a dry place that is reasonably dark. You should add to your composting bin "green materials" such as food and yard scraps, while "brown materials" include carbon-rich items like branches, paper, straw, and wood chips. It might be advisable to layer green and brown materials to help optimize the decomposition process. Check the pile regularly and ensure it doesn't get too dry. To test for adequate moisture, reach into your compost pile and grab a handful of material and squeeze it; if drops of water come out, it's probably got enough moisture, but if it doesn't, add water. It is best to put a hose into the pile to ensure that the compost has enough moisture when you water. There are currently no nes issued statewide for residents who fail to compost, but local authorities may implement their penalties. However, businesses and households that don't comply with the law by 2024 will face penalties. +

Suite eSSEntials

The

Suite List An Industry Listing Guide featuring Event, Media, PR and Creative Resources Watch this space for updates or view our online directory at suitelifesocal.com. For more information, email us at suitelifesocal@gmail.com.

CALENDARS & EBLASTS Black Book LA Makiah Green info@blkbkla.com blkbkla.com FB/TW: BlackBookLA IG: blackbookla_ Black Cultural Events blackculturalevents.com info@blackculturalevents.com FB: BlackCulturalEvents TW: BlkCulturalEvnt LI: black-cultural-events Fusicology fusicology.com FB/TW/IG: fusicology SuiteEvents Sarah Harris events@suiteevents.com suiteevents.com The Loop 411 Gayle Corn theloop411blog@gmail.com theloop411.com FB/TW/IG: theloop411

Heartsung, Inc. Lura Daniels-Ball (213) 400-3489 luraball@gmail.com www.heartsung.com FB: lura.ball Mack Enterprises Unlimited Arnetta Mack (323) 789-6224 mackenterprises1@aol.com mackenterprises.net FB: mackenterprises Personal Services Plus Wendy Gladney (951) 313-4732 wendy.gladney@gmail.com IG: wendygladney / seasonofgreatness wendygladney.com Wade & Associates Margo Wade LaDrew (310) 674-6700 margo.wadeassociates@gmail.com FB: margo.ladrew

DÉCOR

DJ Jiji Sweet jijisweet@gmail.com @djJijiSweet jijisweet.com Good Boy Entertainment Kerry Neal (310) 946-2321 kerryeneal@gmail.com goodboyentertainment.com

EVENT PRODUCTION Fun-PR Events Service Tiffany Bradshaw, MBA (866) 219-8558 Tiffany@Bradshaw&Co.com Fun-pr.com Minor Details Productions Terrina Scott terrina@minordetailsproductions.com

minordetailsproductions.com FB: minordetailsproductions IG: mdpevents | TW: MinorDProds Splendid Affairs Sabra Diogioes-Waddy (818) 605-7405 sabra@splendidaffairsinc.com splendidaffairsinc.com FB: splendidaffairsinc

M&G Catering Micheal Chatman (909) 320-0341

Dazzle & Design, LLC Linda Patterson (310) 774-6537 linda@dazzleanddesign.com dazzleanddesigndecor.com

CONSULTANTS

Djs

The Baker Group Tammy Dickerson tammy@tbakergroup.com tbakergroup.com FB/TW/IG: tbakergrp

A Personnel Touch Faye Geyen fayer49@yahoo.com FB: fgeyen LI: in/apersonneltouch

DJ Higher Lvl Jon Harris (951) 347-6242 djhigherlvl.mgmt@gmail.com djhigherlvl.com @djhigherlvl

The Todd Group Todd Hawkins todd@thetoddgroup.net thetoddgroup.net FB: thetoddgroupla TW: thetoddgroup

CATERING

SPRING 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

WP Miller Special Events William P. Miller wpmiller@wpmillerspecialevents.com

wpmillerspecialevents.com FB: WP MIller Special Events IG/TW: wpmillermoments Wright Productions Mena and Shantee Wright wrightprods.com IG: @wrightprods_ Twitter: @wrightprods_ Wynning Touch Event Design DeShawn Wynn, CMP-HC Chief Meeting Architect deshawn.wynn@wynningtouch.com wynningtouch.com 323.691.2005

EVENT RENTALS Collective Rentals Design House Lauren Montgomery 24414 S Main St #208 Carson, CA 90745 (323) 553-0641 collectiverentals.com FB: collectiverentals IG: collective_rentals

EVENT SPACE 1010 Wine & Events 1010 La Brea Ave Inglewood 90302 1010wineandevents.com IG/FB: @1010wineandevents Twitter: @1010Wine Bella Luxe Loft 6081 Center Drive #102, 90045 (323) 423-6446 bellaluxeloft.com TW: loft_luxe / IG: bellaluxeloftla

RESOURCE DIRECTORY GRAPHIC DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHERS

René Cross-Washington Art Director/Creative Consultant (323) 292-8302 rcwgrafx@aol.com reneella.smugmug.com/Art/ReneCross-Washington-Graphics

11:ONE VISUALS Kristina Dixon (310) 855-2032 11onevisuals@gmail.com 11onevisuals.com FB/TW/IG: 11onevisuals

ATTAIN Design and Marketing Communications Kelcey Newman Creative Director (805) 822-9392 kelcey@attaindmc.com FB: kelcey.newman

Foxx Media Group Photography by Foxx Ian Foxx ifoxx@sbcglobal.net foxxmedia.smugmug.com FB: FoxxPhotography

JAGs Design Studio James Green (951) 251-4852 Info@jagsdesignstudio.com jagsdesignstudio.com

Joshua Berrymon jberrymon1012@gmail.com IG: @coolin_caughtit Kai Byrd Photography Kai Byrd kaibyrd@gmail.com kaibyrdphotography.com FB: Kai.Byrd | IG: kaibyrd_

Kaleidoscope Consulting Group Bonique Edwards Website Development | Graphic Design | Social Media (310) 500-2222d kconsultinggroup.com FB: kaleidoscopeconsulting IG: kaleidoscoperocks LI: kaleidoscope-consulting-group

Malcolm Ali Photography Malcolm Ali malcolmali@aol.com FB: malcolm.ali.98

Mack Enterprises Unlimited Arnetta Mack (323) 789-6224 mackenterprises1@aol.com mackenterprises.net FB: mackenterprises

MRM Studios Michael R. Moore iammoore.com @michaelrmoore616

Monica Root Photography Monica Belandres Root monicaroot.photography

Sabra Marie Photography Sabra Marie (909) 215-2104 photos@sabramarie.com sabramariephotography.com @sabramarie

PRINTER L.A. Business Printing Eric Johnson 6840 La Cienega Blvd Inglewood, CA 90302 (310) 649-5855 eric@labusinessprinting.com

PUBLICISTS/PR/ MARKETING CB Communications Cheryl Brownlee (916) 806-3384 cbcommunications@ymail.com cbcommunications.net CW&Company, Public Relations Counsel Clarence R. Williams Owner (323) 979-4355 crwsm9@aol.com facebook.com/clarence.r.williams ESP Public Relations Edna Sims, Owner 310-770-8117 esppr@mac.com espr.net

FD Parker & Associates Farrah Parker (310) 350-1984 fparker@fdparker.com fdparker.com FB: Farrah-Parker | IG: fdparkerpr TW: LeavUrImge2FDP KRPR MEDIA FIRM KimiRhochelle Porter (909) 543-2978 kimirhochellepr@gmail.com krprmedia.com kimirhochelle.com FB: kimirhochellepr TW: kimirhochelle | krprmedia | urbanlyfestyles Platinum Star PR Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA m.lemelle@att.net (213) 276-7827 platinumstarpr.com FB: marie.lemelle IG: platinumstarpr TW: platinumstar Reinvent Communications Vincent Jones reinventcomm.com IG: reinventcomm The Society Nineteen Group Lela Christine lela@societynineteengroup.com societynineteengroup.com FB/IG: societynineteengroup

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2022

Suite Life SoCal - Spring 2022

Articles inside

From the Publisher

From the Editor