Truist Foundation grants STRIVE $1M to launch career training program in Birmingham
Truist Foundation announced a $1 million grant to STRIVE, a national nonprofit that provides free job training and wraparound career support services for people facing barriers to quality employment. Truist Foundation's support will help STRIVE establish a new site in Birmingham, Alabama, bringing increased access to economic empowerment and mobility to the residents of Magic City most disconnected from career building opportunities.
Dream Exchange and National Black Chamber of Commerce Announce Strategic Partnership
Dream Exchange, first minority-owned stock exchange announces a new partnership with the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), a non-profit organization dedicated to economic empowerment of Black and others in underserved communities. The strategic partnership between Dream Exchange and the NBCC is a significant step towards increasing public capital market access for minority-owned businesses.
The Illinois Hunger Coalition Announces Paul Simon Public Service Award Recipients
The Illinois Hunger Coalition announced that they will be presenting the Paul Simon Public Service Award to Representative Nikki Budzinski (US Congress - Illinois 13th), Representative Jonathan Jackson (US Congress - Illinois 1st), Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (US Congress - Illinois 8th), Dr. Jack Raba, State Senator Mike Simmons (Illinois State Senate, District 7) and State Senator Karina Villa (Illinois State Senate, District 25) at 18th Annual award dinner on Oct. 5.
Leadership Greater Chicago Announces LGC Class of 2024
Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC) announced the 2024 Class of its Signature Fellows Program, the greater Chicago area’s premier civic leadership development program. These 45 accomplished and diverse individuals represent a cross-section of professionals from the corporate, nonprofit, government and education sectors. During the 10-month program, with the city as a classroom, they will be immersed in major socioeconomic issues facing the region through full-day seminars, neighborhood site visits, conversations with subject matter experts and cultural events.
The Dunk Collective and Sparkit Media Announce $1M Creator Partnership Leveraging Fan-Directed Non-Branded Video Collabs
The Dunk Collective, a multi-year initiative focused on bringing exposure to professional dunking and forging connections between basketball and its fanbase, and Sparkit Media Inc., a fan-directed media and digital Ad platform designed to reimagine monetization and sponsorship of UGC, today announced a partnership valued at $1m focused on increasing exposure, growing membership and expanding sponsorship for the worldwide dunking community.
Treasurer Frerichs Expands Outreach Efforts For IL ABLE Savings Program
As students head back to school, parents of children with Individualized Education Plans will receive information about a State Treasurer’s Office program that helps families save money for disability-related expenses.
Anne Klein Debuts New Fashion Campaign Featuring Supermodel Jasmine Tookes
Iconic American fashion brand ANNE KLEIN marks impactful year with the debut of its new Fall/Winter 2023 fashion campaign featuring supermodel, entrepreneur and new mom, Jasmine Tookes and New York Fashion Week (NYFW) event in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Versailles, which brought American sportswear to the forefront of global fashion.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Federal Grant Supporting Tradeswomen in Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker joined Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, representatives from the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), and Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) to announce a $1.35 million federal grant to the Illinois Department of Labor. This funding will go towards supporting tradeswomen-led efforts to train and support the entry of more women into infrastructure and construction careers.
Diverse suppliers are good for business and the community
Diverse businesses are the backbone of many of communities. That’s why JPMorgan Chase is committed to helping these businesses develop and thrive. Ted Archer, Global Head of Business Partner Diversity for JPMorgan Chase, recently spoke about why diverse suppliers are good for business and the community.
Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO Automation Workz, Selected as Finalist for National Black Chamber of Commerce Famous Amos Pitch Competition
Automation Workz has spent the past 3 years leapfrogging Black residents into middle-skilled tech jobs as these careers pay a median annual salary of $70,000 - $110,000, enough to move a Black family out of poverty. While the US Census Bureau shows the US poverty rate is 11.6%, the poverty rate is 37.4% for single Black woman with children.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly Celebrates Department of Justice Proposal to Close Unlicensed Gun Seller Loophole
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) celebrated Attorney General Merrick Garland's decision to sign a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) regulations to conform with The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act’s licensing requirements for gun sellers. Congresswoman Kelly lead two Congressional letters, in December of 2022 and May of 2023, urging for expedient and clear rule making for the “engaged in the business” definition provision of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
Chicago Public Schools Welcomes U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez, along with District and school leaders, hosted U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten Thursday at two South side schools that have implemented comprehensive supports to drive post-pandemic academic recovery with the help of federal dollars and initiatives as well as public-private partnerships. Deputy Education Secretary Marten has served in a variety of education roles for more than 30 years before taking on her leadership position in 2021 at the U.S. Dept. of Education.
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Makes Initial Investment from Breakthrough FIRST Fund
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs launched the breakthrough FIRST Fund investment portfolio to jump-start local construction projects, foster economic development, and create good‑paying jobs while generating investment returns for state taxpayers.
MIXED-USE, MIXED INCOME DEVELOPMENT SET FOR WOODLAWN
A new mixed-use, mixed-income development is slated for completion in Woodlawn. Park Station Lofts is a 58- unit development located at 6300 S. Maryland Ave. The development is part of the redevelopment and revitalization strategy for Woodlawn. The project is jointly developed by DL3 Realty and Michaels, one of the leading affordable housing developers in the country.
LINK Unlimited Scholars Expands Program to Include 7th and 8th Graders
LINK Unlimited Scholars has been in existence for 60 years with the goal of supporting students through high school. Now, it has expanded its program to include 7th and 8th graders with its Jr LINK Program. The goal of the two-year middle school program is to help middle school students with placement to high school and college prep.
THE CHICAGO FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN TO HOST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
The Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced that the 38th Annual Gathering will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the Sheraton Grand Riverwalk Chicago. The Annual Gathering raises critical funds to support CFW's mission of investing in women and girls as catalysts for strong communities.
CTA Scholarship helps students in the engineering and construction field
Austin Washington always used CTA to get around town. It enabled him to explore where he grew up. When he heard about the CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund, he decided to apply. He hoped it would help him pay for college.
The Auditorium Theatre Proudly Presents Tank and The Bangas with Chicago Philharmonic
The Auditorium Theatre (Chicago’s landmark stage at 50 E Ida B. Wells Drive) is proud to present genre-defying hit band Tank and The Bangas performing with Chicago’s own Chicago Philharmonic one night only at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.
State Rep. Evans stays connected to the community
Illinois State Representative Marcus Evans has been representing the 33rd District since 2012 and was recently elected Vice President of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
