Author: ajbweb

NPower, one of the country’s largest nonprofits providing free tech training and job placement, has announced Gerald Charles Jr. has joined the Board of Directors.

Charles is currently a Vice President and Head of Product for Omni Customer Servicing at Capital One, as well as a McGraw-Hill published author and noted speaker. He has been a Regional Advisory Board member with NPower Maryland since 2017.

Charles has spent the last three decades as a C-Suite advisor building strategies and business models that create markets, generate revenue streams, improve customer experiences, and inspire corporate campuses of the future. During 10 years at Cisco Systems, he served as both an executive advisor and director of strategy, operations, and strategic customer engagement for their U.S. Public Sector.

The Chief Executive Officer of NPower, Bertina Ceccarelli, says Charles’s technology acumen and corporate experience will bring a valuable resource to the nonprofit, helping NPower scale and plan for growth.

“Gerald Charles has a passion for our community and philanthropy and has been an extraordinary leader on our Maryland Regional Advisory Board,” said Ceccarelli. “We are excited to welcome him to the national Board of Directors where he can share his knowledge and expertise with even more individuals across our footprint.”

Charles said his experience as a Black man who rose through the tech world brings a perspective, special empathy, and passion for helping young adults from underserved communities realize goals for themselves, their communities, and their companies.

“I have experienced and seen the obstacles people of color face in their pursuit of a career in technology and business, despite the research that shows the most innovative and profitable companies embed workforce diversity in their operations” Charles said. “My passions include bringing that diversity to technology and lifting young adults of color into positions of leadership.” 

Charles played a pivotal role in Under Armour’s rapid expansion and growth. As Vice President of Global Information Technology and co-CTO, he helped transform their technology infrastructure and Customer facing systems into an international enterprise. He led their “Secure Cloud First” strategy, moving operations into the cloud and accelerating their speed to market, a critical pillar in their global strategy.   This action plan supported Under Armour’s rapid growth in Asia, opening hundreds of stores in only two years, including an incredible 30 stores in 30 days.

“Gerald Charles brings valuable skills, executive reach and tech experience to the NPower national Board of Directors,” said Gail Fierstein, who is board secretary and heads the board nominating committee with NPower. “We are excited to add his diverse voice to our boardroom as we work to expand our organizations to help more communities.” 

Charles is a graduate of Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Maryland, holding B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering, respectively. He has been a Board Member of the Executive Leadership Council in Washington, D.C. since 2019. 

About NPower

Over the past decade, NPower has expanded its program reach, and developed a robust network of Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, government agencies, staffing firms, and a network of nonprofit partners that host its interns and hire its graduates full time. 

NPower is a national nonprofit on a mission to move people from poverty to the middle class by training youth from underserved communities and veterans in a range of tech skills and placing them in quality jobs. Students who enter their free, six-month program, earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. NPower also places students in paid internships with corporate and nonprofit organizations. Eighty percent of NPower graduates get a full-time job or continue their education. Not only is NPower changing life trajectories for individuals from vulnerable communities but they are also strengthening the overall competitiveness of U.S. businesses hamstrung by today’s limited pool of IT talent. To learn more about NPower, visit www.npower.org.

Media Contact:

Mark Macias

646-770-0541

mmm@maciaspr.com

Simone made the jump and changed her name from Late July to her given name Nicole Simone. “I think I’m just becoming myself after three years of being Late July and trying to hide all these pieces of who I am, I’m ready to coalesce with my music.” Simone has a busy fall with a steady stream of releases including a full six song EP entitled “Green Eyes”.

Simone describes the assortment of songs as “a collection of songs from a very frenetic time of my life” the EP was produced by up and coming producer Jessica Taylor. “I wanted to revise and put these all in one spot because they are all related, there’s similar themes, it’s very fun and dreamy.” On her name Simone notes “I’m first generation Sicilian and Simone is homage to being Italian, something I’ve always shied away from because of the stigma of being Sicilian and people not really believing I am actually Italian.” But the fiery songstress is anything but predictable these days.

The animated redhead who has amassed a large social media following since stepping onto the music scene in 2019, shows no signs of slowing down. “I’m just in a really good headspace with music, writing and producing. Figuring out what I’m like as an artist and how I work has been eye opening. I used to think I needed to do everything myself but working with the right people has helped me get my ideas out sonically in ways I’d never imagined”. Simone’s online presence has a devoted legion of fans who support her music and modelling career in almost a cult-like way.

Simone’s next song and the first single under her own name, “American”, was produced by Kyle McCammon (Lean) in Los Angeles. It’s a dark power synth pop anthem that is spooky while being tongue and cheek. The lyrics cry for salvation while the assortment of synths harken Kate Bush and Kavinsky drives the song in a suspenseful direction. “American is a dystopian love letter to LA. I love this city but it terrifies me on the daily.” You can catch Simone playing live shows and keep up with her creative adventures 

Listen on Spotify.

Eb&Flow is a rising rapper, producer, and animator whose upcoming track, ‘Rap Grifters’, is out 11/1 and will be available to stream on all major streaming platforms.

Having always had a natural affinity for music, the Cincinnati Ohio-born songwriter has honed his craft over the years to become the artist that he is today, cultivating a reputation as part of the Cincinnati underground rap scene.

Although he receives inspiration from a number of styles, Eb&Flow combines a variety of creative elements to form his unique and authentic sound that is focused on “bringing a left-wing perspective to a rap landscape that he feels is desperately lacking”.

Eb&Flow currently has four releases in his Spotify discography. One of his most popular tracks, ‘I.Would.Not.Go.To.War.For.America’, has already amassed more than seven thousand three hundred streams on Spotify alone. With a growing number of followers and listeners, there is no denying the fact that Eb&Flow is developing a dedicated following of loyal fans who will be eager to hear ‘Rap Grifters’.

‘Rap Grifters’ by Eb&Flow is out 11/1 and will be available to stream on all major streaming platforms! The release is Eb&Flow’s “first verse of a diss track aimed at rappers pushing conservative agendas in Hip Hop”. The second verse, which is based on someone who is yet to be disclosed, is set to drop soon with the full track on 11/1 along with the official music video. Verse 1 lasts around one minute, sits at 110 bpm, and was mixed/mastered by Cincinnati Hip Hop staple Devin Burgess.

“…the problem with certain rappers is they pay no attention or homage to the culture. It’s not about that for them. It’s about repeating talking points that will get them right-wing coverage. That’s why they’re grifters.” -Eb&Flow

The track commences almost instantly with the main vocal, setting the tone from the outset. Eb&Flow’s stylistic vocal color seamlessly synchronizes with the ominous vibe of the instrumentation. Subtle layered vocal elements add depth to the vocal line without detracting from the lyrical prominence.

The dark instrumentation combines with the rhythmic percussion to provide the perfect platform for the vocal. By the time ‘Rap Grifters Verse 1’ draws to a close, you’ll find yourself caught up in the hypnotic vibe, eager to hear the full track, and in need of hitting that repeat button for another listen.

From the smooth production and memorable instrumentation to the authentic vocal performance, fans of Eb&Flow, as well as those who appreciate new music, will definitely want to hear this release. Make sure you follow Eb&Flow on social media to keep up to date with upcoming releases and performances!

OSWEGO, ILLINOIS – The Vet Fest 141 Foundation has announced Vet Fest141 to be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 at the Oswego Venue 1012. For the fourth year, the event benefits the military community including active duty, veterans, police, fire department and frontline workers and features musical acts of all genres. The public event opens at 6:00 p.m. CT and features award-winning vocalist Tammi Savoy, American Rock and Roll band Lance Lipinsky & The Lovers, 80s Hits Band The Wedding Band and singing all of Elvis’ greatest hits just in time to celebrate Elvis Week is Johnny Lyons. Click vetfest141.org for more information.

The Vet Fest 141 is a unique event that operates with the buy one give one model (141). For every ticket purchased Vet Fest will waive the ticket price for active or inactive members of the military.

Additionally Vet Fest 141 Foundation will make a donation to organizations that support veterans, including the Wounded Warriors Project, Folds of Honor, local VFW, food depository, R.I.P. Medical Debt and local projects benefitting veterans.

Celebrating its fourth year, Vet Fest 141 has previously hosted Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil, Country Duo LOCASH, from the band Nelson, Gunner and Matthew Nelson and others. 

For tickets, visit www.vetfest141.org.

Media is requested to cover. Media interested in promoting in advance and VIP entry must contact press contact listed below.

PRESS CONTACT

Caroline Galloway

440-591-3807

caroline@m2mpr.com

Professor Dr. Nikolaos Tzenios, Ph.D., FRSPH, FRSM, FAAMFM, FWAMS, FMRC, AcIASS, mRSB, DABAAHP|, a University Professor of Public Health, had been inducted into the hall of fame by honoring him with the Fellowship of the Medical Research Council (FMRC) for his remarkable contribution to medical research. His international journal publications have received international acclaim and significantly impacted the global research community.

“This is to certify that renowned researcher Professor Dr. Nikolaos Tzenios is hereby recognized and honored as a Fellow of Medical Research Council (FMRC). The designated fellow is elected to the esteemed grade for the exceptional achievements in pursuit of advanced studies & research in his work and remarkable contributions to Cancer Research.” Dr. Vivek Dubey, (MS, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin) Secretary Open Association of Research Society, Delaware.

Professor Dr. Nikolaos Tzenios research articles with several citations show his profound understanding of research methodology and display his keen insight into the subtle aspects of his field. They were selected for publication after passing through the exhaustive peer-review parameters and approved by an editorial board comprising eminent researchers and scientists.

Dr. Nikolaos Tzenios shows the originality of thought and delves into hitherto untouched areas.

The Fellowship of the Medical Research Council It is not only an award but also a membership granted to individuals which the Open Association of Research Society Judges feel that the Scientist has made a substantial contribution to the improvement of Cancer Research.

The designated Fellows are the most eminent scientists, engineers, and technologists worldwide. The credentials of Fellow designation signify that the researcher has gained knowledge of fundamental and high-level concepts, is a subject matter expert, is proficient in an expertise course covering the professional code of conduct and follows recognized standards of practice.

Professor Tzenios communicates his ideas with spontaneous ease and shows academic commitment and research aptitude, which give us enough ground to believe that he has the potential to render yeomanly services in the academic field. This gives us enough ground to believe his knowledge will benefit the upcoming research scholars.

Almost all the leading indexing organizations have indexed Global Journals Organisation journals. It publishes journals in forty disciplines bringing out around three hundred research articles per month read by about two hundred thousand readers in different parts of the world. Research contribution comes from renowned researchers and scientists from universities of one hundred fifty-seven countries. The organization has to its credit the publication of more than eighteen thousand research works.

Dr. Nikolaos Tzenios the Senior Executive Vice-President of the World Academy of Medical ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolastzenios ) is a member of the Scientific board of the European Medical Association, a Fellow of The Royal Society for Public Health (UK), a Fellow of The Royal Society of Medicine (UK), a Fellow of the World Academy of Medical Sciences, a Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Dr. Tzenios is also a Member of the American Academy of Regenerative Medicine, a Member The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, a Member American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), and Member the American Federation for Medical Research, a Member of the Royal Society of Biology (U.K.) and an ASSOCIATE ACADEMICIAN of the International Academy of Social Sciences.

Tez Nubian Queen ft Sean Kingston is back with their latest release ‘How To Flex”. The song starts with an acoustic strum sound not too dissimilar to the likes of Lil Nas who has become a leading figure in rap and Hip-Hop lately. I’m not sure if Tez Nubian Queen draws any influences from him as an artist, but that particular element of the song personally reminded me of the use of such contrasting soundscapes.

Once the beat kicks in you’re fully immersed into a modern hip-hop song featuring familiar auto-tune sounds which has carved many a hit over the years. How To Flex has a catchy hook featuring Icy Lando and Sean Kingston, which then progresses into Tez Nubians complex lyrical rap – there’s definitely plenty going on, but it’s never over-done, the balance seems just right. 

The song would probably appeal to fans of Nicki Minaj and Drake, where I can perhaps hear slight similarities between the artists in terms of sound and production. 

There’s no doubt that Tez Nubian Queen has progressed over the last few years as an artist. How To Flex sounds a lot more polished than her previous releases, and it wouldn’t be out of place in rap and hip-hop playlists that feature some of the biggest artists in the game.

It wouldn’t surprise me if you didn’t hear a lot more from Tez Nubian Queen on your airwaves in the very near future, and her recent collaborations with hip-hop artists have been a definite success.

This week saw additional tracks “Money Mission” drop ft rapper Troy Lanez. Two more songs due later in the year featuring famous names include “Put It Down” ft Drake on Aug 15th, and a song featuring Snoop Dogg in September.

Late July released a dreamscape of a pop song with a tough hitting subject. Her song “Sober” released on July 13th, is an ode to the 80’s dream pop with a modern flare. The lyrics are direct, a pop song as an open letter to someone hoping they will get sober. “I wrote the song after seeing an ex announce he was getting sober, and when it became obvious he wasn’t heading towards sobriety, it really shook me up. I really wanted him to fly straight” stated Nicole Simone who performs under the name Late July.

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The track was produced by Jessica Taylor and mixed and mastered by Ben James. The song’s pleading hook “won’t you please get sober” sinks in deep as Prophet synthesizers, and looming mellotron carry the song through with an upbeat feel. “I always love happy songs about sad things, this was a very personal track for me.” Simone goes on to explain that she’s been sober her entire life, a personal choice she made initially out of spite. “Everyone was pressuring me to drink and I kind of like to do the opposite of what people tell me to do, for better or worse. So I never drank. I can relate to those in recovery though because there is a tremendous amount of social pressure to drink, it’s rather relentless.” The song is 3:04 minutes of pure indie pop that feels like it could have been released in 1989. “I’m obsessed with 80’s music, I love new wave, I love the upbeat songs about just being sad, I think it’s perfect and it always embodies southern California to me.” This is the 5th song of the vivacious redhead woman Nicole Simone has released this year as Late July, a prolific songwriter and producer, she said “there’s more music coming out this year, and eventually an LP of it all. I love what I get to do, the stories I tell. I’m lucky.” You can hear more of Late July’s music on your favourite streaming service and follow her on her very active social media accounts.

NPower Maryland has announced it is hosting its first annual “Maryland Tech Leaders Salute Luncheon” that will recognize and honor alumni, tech leaders and partners who have brought the greatest contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech.

Honorees will be saluted for their vision and work that has created a stronger, more diverse tech workforce in the US. As a group, these leaders and alumni have brought new opportunities for people from all ethnicities, genders and socio-economic backgrounds.

The networking luncheon will take place on Thursday, August 25th from Noon to 2 pm aboard a scenic cruise through the Baltimore Harbor. For tickets and sponsorships register here.

The event’s host is Stan Stovall, veteran journalist and News Anchor with WBAL-TV and the keynote speaker is Ron Gula, President and Co-Founder of Gula Tech Adventures. De’Rell Bonner, Strategic Partnership Manager, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at Amazon Web will also be a guest speaker. .

“As an organization devoted to providing technology opportunities for underserved communities, we are pleased to honor those individuals and companies who support our mission in Maryland,” stated Demetrius Goodwin, NPower Maryland’s Executive Director. “We are pleased to also recognize outstanding NPower Maryland alumni who have advanced their tech careers with local companies.”

Event Honorees: 

• Tasha Cornish, Executive Director, Cybersecurity Association of Maryland
• Cynthia Gula, Managing Director, Gula Tech Adventures
• Cody L. Dorsey, Executive Director of the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition
• Michelle Geiss, MPH | Co-Founder & Executive Director, Impact Hub Baltimore
• Wanda Gispert, VP| Talent & Workforce Development, MGM Resorts International
• Jesse Hillman, VP and Chief Information Officer, Tessco Technologies
• Alexis La Broi, Director, Audio Visual Services Division, MidPoint Technology Group
• Tina C. Williams-Koroma, Esq., CISSP, PMP, President, TCecure, LLC
• Dashawn Brownley, State of Maryland Department of Human Services – NPower Alumni
• Dailyn Fowler-Holmes, Systems Administrator, The Education Trust and Hiring Manager for Interns, NPower – NPower Alumni
• Austin Cole, Program Manager, Northrop Grumman

About NPower: NPower Maryland is closing the digital divide through recruiting and connecting under-represented young adults and veterans to IT careers. Founded in 2000, NPower is a recognized national leader in recruiting diverse talent, providing tech-training, IT credentials, career readiness and placing graduates into jobs with top companies. NPower’s programs reach underserved young adults (ages 18-26), veterans and military-connected individuals in 7 regions across the United States including Baltimore, MD,  NY, NJ, MI, MO, TX, and CA. NPower Maryland is led by Executive Director and Army Veteran, Demetrius Goodwin and a committed team of Marylanders who work as connectors of talent to companies and nonprofits seeking to enhance their workforce. 

Media Contact

Mark Macias

646-844-4145

A new analysis of the 2022 campaign fundraising for WA-District 6 has found that Congressional candidate Rebecca Parson has received the highest number of small individual contributions — defined as under $200 — than both the Democratic incumbent, Rep. Derek Kilmer, and Republican challenger, Elizabeth Kreiselmaier.

The research, which was published by the nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit, OpenSecrets, found Parson raised $95,841 in the 2022 election cycle from donations of less than $200. In comparison, the incumbent raised $93,929 and the Republican challenger raised $67,287 during the same timeframe. The average donation for Parson was $22.50, according to fundraising software, ActBlue.

By contrast, the Federal Election Commission found that Political Action Committees funded by the pharmaceutical industry were some of the biggest donors to Kilmer’s campaign, even as the 6th District has the highest rate of opioid over-prescriptions in Washington State, according to reporting from the Peninsula Daily News. Their investigative report found Clallam County was flooded with 37.8 million pain pills (76.6 pills per person per year) — more pills per person than any other county in Washington state.

Parson says these individual donations reflect her broad appeal to constituents, unions and working class families in her District.

“Rep. Kilmer is funded by Political Action Committees who don’t represent our interest,” said Parson. “Personally, I think PAC money from opioid makers is blood money. Killmer has taken thousands of dollars from this industry and I’m calling on him to do the right thing and return that money.”

National Media and Social Media Talking about Rebecca Parson

Social media and the national media are already recognizing the grassroots movement taking place in WA-06. Parson has 47.6K followers on Twitter, while Kilmer has 30.9K followers and Kreiselmaier has only 965 followers on Twitter as of June 8th, 2022.

Fox News Prime Time interviewed Parson on May 27th, where she discussed her solutions for the homelessness crisis in her District and across the nation. A week later, Newsmax interviewed Parson about her $30/hour minimum wage proposal and how a national housing bill could solve the issue.

“You’ve got companies like BlackRock Investment buying up entire neighborhoods,” Parson told Newsmax. “You have these empty corporate-owned homes. Why don’t we use them for what they’re intended for, which is housing people? Like veterans and kids who are homeless?”

Local radio in the Seattle/Tacoma area is also talking about Parson and her unconventional campaign. KIRO Newsradio discussed her platform on the Dori Monson Show.

ABOUT REBECCA PARSON

Parson has served as commissioner on the Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities, and championed for significant tenant protections in Tacoma under the Tacoma Tenants Organizing Committee. She holds a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. If elected, Parson would be the first LGTBQ+ member of the Washington delegation and the first woman to represent this district in the U.S. House.

“We’re always looking for volunteers who want to make our District a better place,” said Parson. “If you’re interested in helping, contact us on our website, or call our office. People just like you have helped make over 900,000 phone calls to potential voters in our District.”

Voters can read more about Parson’s stance on issues by clicking here. 

Media Contact:

Mark Macias

646-770-0541

MARIUPOL, Ukraine – According to Svetlana Shevchenko of the Save Ukraine Network, some intercepted Russian army communications, which are often sent out unencrypted, have claimed there is a commonly cited figure for the percentage of civilians who must perish in a given oblast (roughly equivalent to a county) in Ukraine, before Russian political control can be affirmed. It’s 5%.

Says Shevchenko, “We kept hearing this number repeated throughout Russia’s invading forces, including from brigade commanders, conscripts, and even Colonels and Senior Lietenants. We used sites like https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraine/comments/t39toj/you_can_listen_to_russian_troops_talking_to/ to listen to their exchanges.

Sometimes they communicate through Armed Forces radio, sometimes through cell phones, but to a surprisingly large degree their communications are not encrypted.” The claim has been echoed by journalists from Ukrayinska Pravda and the New Voice of Ukraine.

They would say “Remember 5%”. Eventually, through dozens of intercepted calls, we found what they mean.  In Mariupol, a city of over 400,000, the invaders had to eliminate 20,000 before military control of the city was assured. This figure is not disputed by either Russian or Ukrainian authorities.”

So apparently a general belief among the Russian armed forces is that 5% of a city or oblast’s civilians must die, before military

control by Russia can be consistently maintained.

“It turns out that “5 percent” sounds almost the same in Russian and Ukrainian” says Save Ukraine’s Oleg Kravchuk, “so even Ukrainian civilians and military personnel who do not speak Russian are familiar with this concept.”