PrideBusiness FYI News & Notes
Atrium Health and Other Organizations Help Curb Food Insecurity
Compiled by John Burton, Jr.
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Atrium Health is partnering with Feeding Charlotte and Morrison Healthcare to reduce food waste and improve access to nutritious food in Mecklenburg County for those who experience food insecurity. Morrison Healthcare specializes in providing food, nutrition and hospitality services to hospitals and healthcare systems. An estimated 1,000 pounds of surplus fresh food that might otherwise go to waste will be distributed each week. The distribution will include vegetables, proteins, and other perishable items. Limited access to nutritious foods has directly impacted Mecklenburg County residents who live in hungry households. Food insecurity contributes to chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. The partnership help thousands in the Charlotte area gain access to healthy food. “We are proud to partner with Morrison Healthcare and Feeding Charlotte to feed Charlotte's hungry neighbors instead of local landfills and to reduce food waste across our community,” said Ken Haynes, president of the Greater Charlotte Region for Atrium Health.
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation (CHF) has named Brandi Long, a South Carolina-based chemist and fashion entrepreneur, the winner of its inaugural Innovation Summit. The foundation announced the launch of the virtual innovation summit in January. The summit was created Brandi Long to help empower minority entrepreneurs in Charlotte by giving them access to social and financial capital, professional resources and skill development. The summit is part of a larger social justice initiative launched in 2020. "When we first started this initiative, we weren't sure what to expect because we'd never done anything in this realm. Innovation is somewhat out of our typical focus area," said Betsy Mack, CHF senior director of corporate social responsibility and executive director. After receiving 150 applications, the pool was narrowed to five finalists — three of whom were chosen by fan votes and two were picked by the foundation's internal committee. Long's venture, The Jurse, was created in 2017 shortly after founding her company B. Long Fashion. The Jurse transitions from a jacket to a purse to meet the wearer's needs. Long received a $15,000 investment from the foundation.
New Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council CEO: Tayuanee Dewberry
Gift to College Aims to Increase Diversity in Healthcare
The Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council has announced Tayuanee Dewberry as their new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment comes after an extensive nationwide search. “We’re excited to welcome Tayuanee to the Hornets’ Nest Council and believe she is the right person to lead Tayuanee our organization,” said Marie McLucas, interim chair of the Dewberry board of directors. “Her strong track record of nonprofit leadership and her passion for uplifting girls in our community are undeniable. We look forward to her fresh perspective on membership, programming and fund development as well diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.” Dewberry possesses decades of nonprofit experience. She previously partnered with Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council on projects to support girls within the council’s footprint. The majority of Dewberry’s career as the executive director of Right Moves for Youth, where she revitalized and refocused the organization’s programs, led its rebranding efforts and rebuilt the organization into a thriving Charlotte nonprofit. "I am tremendously excited about joining the Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council,” Dewberry said. “Empowering girls and young ladies to reach their greatest potential and develop into the best versions of themselves is essential to strengthening the fabric of our communities. When they succeed, we succeed in making the world a better place."
Atrium Health Foundation has received a generous commitment from Charlotte business executives Todd and Janelle Collins to increase the diversity of Carolinas College Janelle and Todd Collins of Health Sciences student body and to remove barriers for underrepresented students who want to work in healthcare professions. The Todd and Janelle Collins Nurse Aide Scholars Program will provide full scholarships to qualified Charlotte-area high school students and graduates. Preference will be given to racial minority students and those living in Charlottearea underserved neighborhoods. “We believe in the strength of Atrium Health’s Nurse Aide program and are honored to contribute towards helping applicants complete the program and begin their career in nursing,” said Todd Collins, founder and CEO of Red Hill Ventures. In addition to providing a full-tuition scholarship for five recipients in its first year, the program will provide an additional stipend to allow for students to work part time while enrolled in the Nurse Aide program. P
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Photo Courtesy of Janelle and Todd Collins
Photo Courtesy of Tayuanee Dewberry
Photo Courtesy of B. Long Fashion
Hornets Announce Brandi Long as Winner of First-Ever Innovation Summit
