19th Annual Celebrating Words Festival

Apr 26, 2024 | Books, Business

Distributing high quality literature and culturally relevant books to the community for free! Plus a 25′ rock climbing wall, workshops on art, music, heritage, nature, & wellbeing as well as savory food and refreshing drinks!

CWF24

CWF24

LOS ANGELES – April 24, 2024 – PRLog — The 19th annual Celebrating Words Festival continues on its mission to distribute high quality literature and culturally relevant books to the community for free. Literacy, being vital to the empowerment and prosperity of any society, the festival provides an accessible, brave, and dynamic space, encouraging creativity and supporting intellectual growth and healing for people of all ages.

The festival will be held on May 18, 2024 from 2-7 pm inside the Vaughn G3 Academy campus located at 11200 Herrick Ave., Pacoima, CA 91331.

Watch Celebrating Words Festival & importance: https://youtu.be/vBimw5fmv7s

The Celebrating Words Festival book giveaway is intentionally designed to be a literacy resource that supports our community members in becoming active readers and owners of personal libraries. Brand new books will be given away to all ages, in English, Spanish and bilingual print. Books will be available one per person and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attendees of the Celebrating Words Festival will also find music and art workshops, ancestral knowledge, much needed information on low cost to free community resources, and our newest addition to the festival, the Wellness Zone/Zona de Bienestar; a grounding space for families to engage with plants, the outdoors, yoga, and cooking. There will even be a 25 foot rock climbing wall and of course plenty of great food.

The Celebrating Words Festival provides an accessible, brave, and dynamic space, encouraging creativity and supporting intellectual growth and healing in a vital way that is unique to arts and literacy. This event is family-friendly and for all ages.

This event is a presentation of Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural, whose mission is to transform communities in the Northeast San Fernando Valley and beyond through ancestral knowledge, the arts, literacy and creative engagement. The festival aims to be the leading event to put free, quality, and culturally relevant books in our community’s hands.

We would like to thank our sponsors for supporting the vision of Celebrating Words Festival: California Arts Council, The Getty, PoderArte, Latino Community Foundation, Vaughn Next Century Learning Center, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Take Action LA, California Mental Health Services Authority, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

PROGRAM:
Flor y Canto Stage Schedule 2-7 pm
Kalpulli Temachtia Quetzalcoatl – 2:00PM
Tia Chucha’s Founders Trini & Luis Rodriguez – 2:35PM
Joyas Divinas 2:45PM
Livid Dream – 3:25PM
Nicolás y su Conjunto – 4:05PM
Rosalilia Mendoza 5:45PM
Thee Heart Tones – 5:00PM
The McCharmly’s – 6:10PM

All-Day Outdoor Workshops BY AREA
Literacy Lane:
A literacy-focused space with workshops and activities involving writing, poetry, words, and zine making.

Make a Book! Haz un Libro! By LACMA
Empowerment Banners by Chile Morena
My Story in a Mini Zine! by Blancis the Creative
Collaging Through Printmaking by Alfonso Aceves of Kalli Arte Collective
Recordando: A Block Print Workshop by Xitlalic Guijosa. Sponsored by The Big Read

Arte y Sana:
Art is healing and healing is an artform. Let your creativity blossom and connect with our highlighted organizations at our Resource Fair.

Charms ‘n Things by Jo and Jo
Tú Arte, Tú Voz by Abby Aceves
Fun Fact Light Up Bookmark by DIY Girls

Plaza Regeneración:
A grounding space to reconnect with oneself, rest, regenerates and engage in radical conversations.

Visionary Vessels by The Getty
Herbal Tea Station by Yerba Mystica
Pacoima Outdoors by Nature For All
The Magic of Compost by LA COMPOST
Wellness for Every Body by The Wild Plum
Flower Magic Eco Printing by Deyaworldwide
Native Plants Poster Screenprint by Meztli Projects
Solidarity Stencils by Guadalupe Gutierrez
Pot-a-Palooza: Planting Paradise by Pacoima Beautiful & Mr. List

Scheduled Workshops:
“Civilization of Death: Zapatista Philosophy & Autonomy”
by Sexta Grietas del Norte and facilitated by Dr. Bryant Partida
Zapatista Philosophy 3:30pm-4:30pm
Autonomy 5:00pm-6:00pm

At La Placita:
Comida en Resistencia! by Guayaba Kitchen
Lil’ Readers Storytime! By Lil’ Readers
3:00-3:20 pm- Lil’ Readers
3:30-4:00 pm – Guayaba Kitchen
4:15-4:45 pm- Lil’ Readers
5:00-5:45 pm- Guayaba Kitchen

Art Resources:
Special Edition Art Poster by Heidi Moreno, @heidiroo_art
Special Edition stickers by Noctamy, @noctamy & Riimachii, @riimachii
Special Edition Bookmark by Erica Friend Insomniart, @insomniart
Coloring Book by 818 artists:

  • Luis Tovar, @luistovartattoos
  • Gabriela Cortes, @onyourflesh
  • Brisa Sisk, @sunnibri
  • Riimachii, @riimachii
  • Karen Ugarte
  • Jasmine Diana, @jasminedianad
  • Amber M. Garcia, @ambeemagdee
  • Clarissa Campos, @clrssacmpos
  • Piedradeluna444, @piedradeluna444

Resource Fair:

  • El Nido
  • Black and Latino Men Read & Young Women Of Color Read
  • Danzone
  • MEND
  • CHIRLA
  • MEChA de LAMC
  • La Poet Society
  • Plaza Comunitaria Sinaloa
  • Valley Views KROJ (Radio Olin)
  • El Centro de Amistad
  • Vida Mobile Clinic
  • Enrichment Works
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness

Hearts and Hands Mercadito:

  • Artist Vendors
  • 2ndwnd, @2ndwnd
  • Missing Cosmonaut, @missingcosmonaut
  • Rabbit.Print, @Rabbit.Print
  • Chica de Luz, @shopchicadeluz
  • Mexicons Art, @mexiconsart
  • Candy’s Kloset, @candyskloset
  • Sol Embrace, @sol.embrace
  • Peligroso Social Club, @peligrososocialclub
  • Semillas Artes, @semillasartes
  • Clase de Joyería, @pacoimadiamonds
  • Bloomcrushing, @bloomcrushing
  • byHarryDiaz, @byharrydiaz
  • Food Vendors
  • Soledad’s Sopes, @soledads_sopes
  • Zuly’s Kitchen, @zulyskitchen
  • Guayaba Kitchen, @guayabakitchen
  • EL Chaparrito Tacos, @elchaparritotacos
  • Sweet Stacks LA, @sweetstacksla

For information on the day’s programming, vendors, arrival and parking & shuttle services available please visit the Celebrating Words Festival Website at https://www.tiachucha.org/celebrating-words-festival

#cwf #cwf2024 #celebratingwords #cwf818 #sfvcwf #tiachuchascwf #books #culturalspace #culturalbooks #POCartists #read4change
Facebook: Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore
YouTube: Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore
Instagram: @tiachuchas

Madarson IT Now Available in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace

Apr 24, 2024 | Books, Business

Microsoft Azure customers worldwide now gain access to Madarson IT to take advantage of the scalability, reliability, and agility of Azure to drive application development and shape business strategies.

SILVER SPRING, Md. – April 22, 2024 – PRLog — Madarson IT, a leading provider of cloud and security solutions, today announced the availability of CIS benchmarked Ubuntu virtual servers and desktops in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, an online store providing applications and services for use on Azure. Madarson IT customers can now take advantage of the productive and trusted Azure cloud platform, with streamlined deployment and management.

Madarson IT’s new offering features an Azure-based virtual machine preconfigured with Ubuntu images that are hardened to address the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Level 1 & 2 compliance needs. Cybersecurity is a top priority for organizations worldwide, and implementing CIS Level 1 or 2 benchmarks can significantly enhance their security posture. The CIS controls, a set of cybersecurity best practices and guidelines, provide organizations with the framework needed to protect against advanced and persistent threats.

CIS Level 1 benchmarks establish foundational cybersecurity practices, while Level 2 benchmarks build upon these practices by providing additional security controls and recommendations. By implementing CIS Level 2 benchmarks, organizations can further strengthen their security posture and better protect against advanced threats.

Key features of Madarson IT’s offering include:

  • CIS benchmarks, internationally recognized as security standards for defending IT systems and data against cyberattacks.
  • CIS controls that map to established standards and regulatory frameworks, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27000 series, PCI DSS, and HIPAA.
  • Hardened images that protect against unauthorized access, denial of service, and other cyberthreats by limiting potential weaknesses.

“Madarson IT certified images are always up to date, secure, follow industry standards, and are built to work right out of the box,” said Shola Madariola, CEO, Madarson IT.

“Microsoft Azure Marketplace welcomes Madarson IT’s CIS benchmarked Ubuntu virtual servers and desktops, which join a cloud marketplace landscape predicted to grow revenue 500% from 2022 to 2025,” said Jake Zborowski, General Manager, Microsoft Azure Platform at Microsoft Corp. “Thanks to Azure Marketplace and partners like Madarson IT, customers can do more with less by increasing efficiency, buying confidently, and spending smarter.”

The Azure Marketplace is an online market for buying and selling cloud solutions certified to run on Azure. The Azure Marketplace helps connect companies seeking innovative, cloud-based solutions with partners who have developed solutions that are ready to use.

Learn more about Madarson IT’s CIS benchmarked Ubuntu virtual servers and desktops on this page (https://azuremarketplace.microsoft.com/en-US/marketplace/…) on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace. You can also check out all of our current offers here (https://azuremarketplace.microsoft.com/en-us/marketplace/…).

About Madarson IT

Madarson IT is a managed information technology consulting firm headquartered in Maryland. We specialize in cloud security, hybrid/multi-cloud deployment/migrations and managed IT services, providing businesses with strategic guidance, top-notch technical solutions, and technology advice to best serve their needs. Partner with us today and we can help deliver cost-effective IT strategies to meet your organizational needs.

For more information, press only:

Shola Madariola, CEO and Chief Information Security Officer, Madarson IT, (240) 478-6070, shola@madarsonit.com

Mastering Valuations in Emerging Markets: ASA’s Exclusive Webinar for Business Valuers

Apr 21, 2024 | Books, Business

HERNDON, Va. – April 19, 2024 – PRLog — Business valuations in emerging markets present unique challenges compared to their counterparts in developed markets. To address this, the BV544 Valuation Considerations in Emerging Markets webinar is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm Eastern Standard Time.

Hosted by ASA, this webinar aims to provide participants with valuable insights into conducting valuations in emerging markets. Led by industry expert Andy Southall, Associate Director at Grant Thornton, attendees will gain an inside view on navigating the complexities of emerging market valuations.

The webinar agenda will cover crucial topics such as scoping engagements, evaluating management forecasts, determining the cost of capital, and addressing regulatory considerations specific to emerging markets. Participants will learn to recognize key challenges and apply appropriate methodologies tailored to these unique contexts.

Designed for business valuers and professionals in related fields, the webinar promises to offer practical insights and strategies for performing valuations in emerging markets. Upon completion of the course, participants will be better equipped to tackle the complexities of valuations in these dynamic environments.

To register or for more information please visit https://bit.ly/49GtWIn or contact us at (800) 272-8258.

ABOUT ASA

ASA is a world-renowned and respected international organization devoted to the appraisal profession. As the oldest and only major appraisal organization representing all appraisal specialists, ASA is dedicated to providing the highest possible standards in all areas of ethics, professionalism, education, and designation criteria. For more information about ASA, the ASA designation program for appraisers, or the Society’s free “Find an Appraiser” Referral System, visit www.appraisers.org or call (800) 272-8258.

American South Fund Management Invests $13.5M into South Carolina Workforce Housing Development

Apr 20, 2024 | Books, Business

Preserve At Hanover Park

Preserve At Hanover Park

BEAUFORT, S.C. – April 18, 2024 – PRLog — American South Fund Management (“ASFM”), has provided the joint venture of Portage Properties, LLC, Piedmont Private Equity and Mid-Atlantic Capital with $13.5 million of preferred equity for the development of The Preserve at Hanover Park, a 280-unit workforce housing community now under construction in Beaufort, SC.

ASFM, a joint venture between SDS Capital Group and Vintage Realty Company, made the investment through its $174 million American South Real Estate Fund II, which provides preferred equity and equity financing for real estate sponsors with projects located emerging low- and moderate-income neighborhoods in 10 Southern states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas). Through ASREF II and its predecessor fund ASREF I, ASFM to date has collectively committed over $138 million to 23 projects, financing 5,429 housing units – 79% of them affordable to families at less than 80% of the AMI.

The Preserve at Hanover will feature a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes housed in eight garden-style residential buildings on a nearly 20-acre site at 139 Robert Smalls Parkway.

Unit interiors will feature high-end finishes, stainless steel appliances, smart-home technology, and in-unit washer/dryers. Common area amenities include state-of-the-art fitness center, resort-style swimming pool and pickleball courts. When completed, the Portage-led joint venture will deliver the $75 million high-quality housing community to low- and moderate-income households earning 115% or less of the area median income (“AMI”).

This is the third investment ASFM has made with Piedmont and Portage, and now with the additional partners of Mid-Atlantic Capital. Collectively, the financing relationship has constructed 760 workforce and affordable multifamily units.

“ASFM has been key partner in our success, enabling us to continue building quality workforce housing units across the South,” said Walter Hall, Managing Member of Piedmont Private Equity. “All of our partners in the Preserve at Hanover Park are enabling us to bring much-needed high-quality for-rent housing to the community of Beaufort.”

According to a study by Beaufort County, half the renters in the county are rent burdened (defined as paying more than 30% of their income towards rent) with approximately one in five households severely so, which means they are paying more than 50% or more on rent and utilities. Many of these families are living in the city of Beaufort, according to, Deborah La Franchi, ASFM Managing Partner.

“Our mission is to deploy capital to stimulate the development of not just quality rental housing, but housing that is affordable to working class Americans,” she said.

“We are financing affordable and attainable housing units in communities that have a deep desire for this housing yet confront a stagnant supply within their communities,” added David Alexander, ASFM (https://asref.com) Managing Partner.

Contact
Bruce Beck
DB&R Marketing Communications, Inc.
***@dbrpr.com

WZ announces promotion of Brett L. Ward, CFI to SVP – Client Relations and Business Development

Apr 19, 2024 | Books, Business

Brett L. Ward, CFI will lead the WZ Business Development team in both the public and private sector divisions and continue to build strong relationships with the investigative community.

AURORA, Ill. – April 17, 2024 – PRLog — Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Inc (WZ), an international training firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Brett L. Ward, CFI, to the role of Senior VP of Client Relations and Business Development. This role is an expansion of Ward’s previous responsibilities to include leadership over the WZ Business Development team in both the public and private sector divisions.

Brett L. Ward, CFI, has been a member of the WZ team since 1998, contributing in a variety of ways to the success of the organization and, most importantly, to the education of investigators across the globe. Ward, a highly requested instructor at WZ, has conducted hundreds of training seminars, keynote presentations, and one-on-one consulting sessions over the last two decades. He has had the ability to educate practitioners in law enforcement, federal agencies, loss prevention, legal professionals, auditors, and dozens of other verticals. Ward has also worked to support our human resources, employee relations, ethics, people and culture, and talent development professionals as he led the marketability of WZ’s customized training programs for this portion of the industry.

Shane Sturman, CEO shared his excitement for the organization, “Ward’s dedication, work ethic, and passion for training and education has been well established over his 26 years with WZ. We are excited about his expanded role and confident his leadership will be instrumental in achieving our company’s vision of growth through professional relationships.”

Ward’s most recent role centered on relationship building and business development within the private sector. In addition to that role, Ward has also been responsible for conducting dozens of training programs annually – further building relationships with the community while spreading the knowledge of evidence-based practices. With the additional task of supporting our public-sector partners in law enforcement and state or federal agencies, Ward will dedicate most of his time to relationship-building, meetings, and leading his team. Ward, known for rolling up his sleeves, will still be in the field working directly with investigators but will now have a reduced capacity to lead full-length training programs.

“Looking forward to the challenge of this final chapter of a truly blessed career with WZ. Somewhat of a ‘coming home’ after spending most of my first decade working within the law enforcement vertical. Personal and professional growth often comes with sacrifice. Although my time will lean away from something I truly love – speaking, I will remain a liaison and in contact with the hundreds of organizations and departments I’ve been fortunate enough to work with over the last 26 years with WZ. I have a great team, and together we’re going to continue to move the needle of advancement on education in moral and ethical investigative interviewing.” said Ward, regarding this new venture.

The WZ Business Development team continues to build strong relationships with the investigative community. Within this team, Kole Cluxton partners as a liaison and client relationship representative with private sector organizations, working diligently to listen to the field and deliver on expected objectives. Additionally, Kelly Pate continues to work with our law enforcement partners in co-sponsored training programs and building long-term relationships to deliver value to their specific needs. Jake Alba, the newest addition to the WZ team, is focused on outreach to law enforcement or federal agencies to develop contractual or customized training sessions.

“Ward has been an established leader in this community for several years. The opportunity for him to focus on building relationships while leading our client relations team will give us a more unified voice and presence in the industry,” says Dave Thompson, President of WZ.

About Wicklander-Zulawski: Wicklander-Zulawski has been a global leader in investigative interviewing and interrogation techniques since 1982. With a commitment to providing the most effective and ethical interview strategies, Wicklander-Zulawski has trained professionals from various industries worldwide. Their techniques have proven invaluable for obtaining accurate information while preserving relationships. Learn more at https://www.w-z.com.

Contact
Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Inc.
***@w-z.com

CEO Kyle Simpson of The Neighborhood Talk To Honor Women With EmPowerHer NYC

Apr 19, 2024 | Books, Business

New York City to Host Prestigious EmPowerHer Women’s Empowerment in Landmark Celebration

Image 50736641

Image 50736641

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – April 17, 2024 – PRLog — New York-  In a momentous announcement, New York City has been declared to host the first annual EmpowerHer NYC two-day event, marking a significant milestone for CEO and Founder Kyle Simpson of The Neighborhood Talk LLC in partnership with Malika Manning Marketing. Founded this year, EmPowerHer NYC was created to give back to the women’s entrepreneurship community. The mission is to support programs and initiatives for young girls and college-age women in the world of entrepreneurship. The fest will serve as a prestigious, profound, impactful, and inspiring celebration dedicated to honoring and spotlighting remarkable women, who stand as well-deserved trailblazers in their respectable fields.The eagerly awaited fest is scheduled to take place on April 24th and April 25th, 2024 in a series of impactful women empowerment panels, honorary dinner, giveaways, networking mixer, shopping experience and more.

For the last few years,The Neighborhood Talk has served as a beacon of empowerment, networking, your favorite gossip, and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women across various fields from entertainment, entrepreneurship, activism, and beauty and fashion. Through EmPowerHer NYC, we seek to provide education, opportunities, resources, and access to capital for girls and college-age women who need to grow their businesses.

Founder and CEO Kyle Simpson, expressed his excitement in an exclusive statement.

“I’m excited that ‘The Neighborhood Talk’ is at a point where we can do something to celebrate the amazing hardworking women within the industry, across all respected fields. Being one of the top news outlets in our community has inspired me to want to do things that bring us together for the greater good. EmpowerHER will be that event where you walk away with something impactful, and potentially life changing, while at the same time saluting those who have laid the building blocks for others to be successful.”

Malika of Malika Manning Marketing added, “I Am thrilled for EmpowerHER NYC. As a native New Yorker, I’m honored to contribute to this momentous occasion. Alongside The Neighborhood Talk, I feel empowered by the prospect of uplifting trailblazing women in our city. Stay tuned for greatness”.

This year’s honorees consist of such as Sports agent and Founder of PitCChinFdn Amber Sabathia, President of the dynamo artist management company MBK Entertainment Inc. Jeanine McLean, Award winning Media Personality Anglea Yee, Slutty Vegan CEO and Founder Pinky Cole, CEO and Founder of Camille Rose Janell Stephens, T.V. personality and host Janeisha John, Serial entrepreneur Anaya Ivy, and more phenomenal honorees to be announced. Staying true to its essence, Impactful names such as, The MatriARK of entrepreneurship- Restaurateur (Brooklyn IHOPS) Arkell Cox, T.V. personality of  Bravo’s Below Deck Tumi Mhlongo, and more will also serve as this year’s panelist speakers with the highest standards of propriety. Personality and influencer Ammenah Lee will be this year’s moderator.

With sponsors such as The Zeus Network,  NYC City Hall, Camille Rose, and more these partnerships signal the start of a long-term legacy of cultural celebration and empowerment for womenpreneurs worldwide. The acclaimed response will amplify the event’s mission-driven focus, offering not only a celebration but a source of inspiration for future generations everywhere.

For Tickets visit EventBrite The Neighborhood Talk

For press and talent inquiries, contact: Kelley Jamison- Team@TheJamisonAgency.com

For partnership inquiries, contact: Malika Manning Marketing MalikaTManning@Gmail.com