UNITE-LA’s Post

What does #HispanicHeritageMonth mean to you? This month we’re amplifying Hispanic voices in our industry. In our September Member Spotlight, Arturo Elizondo, CEO of The EVERY Company, shares: “National Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating our community’s achievements, increasing visibility and ensuring everyone feels they belong. This month serves as a critical reminder for all life science companies to build pathways for diverse talent.” “I never planned to work in biotech or start a company in Silicon Valley—I became a founder by accident, driven by the desire to solve a problem. I didn’t initially see these paths as options because I didn’t know anyone in these spaces who looked like me. Silicon Valley felt distant, almost like something from a TV show.” “I want everyone to understand that you don’t have to look a certain way to succeed—especially in biotechnology, where we have the power to change the world. Everyone should feel welcome to be a part of that change. That’s why honoring #HispanicHeritageMonth is so important.” Read more here: https://bit.ly/4e9ZKIC

Gratitude opens us to experience the beauty and joy of the moment — and we are so grateful for this community of givers, helpers, and doers. The spirit of this season mirrors the soul of the Summit: goodwill, good cheer, and great company. We often say “the magic is in the mix” of our PreK to Gray leaders, but the real magic lies in our shared, unshakeable belief that access to education can transform the world for good. Join us for more than just a conference, more than just networking, more than just big plans and bigger ideas. Join us to dispel fear with knowledge, link leading minds with helping hands, and create magic beyond measure. Join us in making futures bright, for ALL people around the world. Give the gift of vision and light the way for your team – but hurry before rates increase on January 1st: www.asugsvsummit.com

When you find yourself in the same city as an old friend Dan Kessler you make sure you make time to catch up♥️ Dan is tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time: rising housing costs, particularly in the tourism industry for workforce.By bringing an entrepreneurial lens to the need for workforce housing, he's turning a complex issue into actionable solutions. Conversations like this remind me of the incredible potential for collaboration between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to create real change. It’s leaders like Dan who show us how innovation and purpose can go hand in hand to tackle affordable housing and workforce development and something we work on at Bellevue Strategies. Hoping for more of these type of conversations in the new year.

Having been personally involved with the All Stars Project for the past year and most recently as a member of the NYC Board of Directors, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact their free after-school programs have on the lives of young people and the adults who support them. In a world teeming with boundless potential and unprecedented challenges, our young people stand at the vanguard of change. They are navigating the 4th Industrial Revolution—a monumental shift driven by technological advances that are reshaping the very fabric of our work and lives. As we move forward, a critical question arises: How do we ensure that the upcoming 5th Industrial Revolution is fueled not only by values that are inclusive, equitable, and empowering for everyone but also by individuals who are strong, bold, empathetic, and humanistic, driven by the desire to uplift society so that everyone can reap the rewards and benefits? Recently, at the CEO Roundtable hosted by the All Stars Project, Inc. at Paramount headquarters, I had the privilege of witnessing transformative dialogues led by Chris Street and the dedicated All Stars Project team. These conversations illuminated the indispensable role of out-of-school partnerships in shaping the future workforce. Collaboration will be key to unlocking potential and driving innovation across our nation. In our quest to build a world where opportunity is abundant and accessible for all, I'm reminded of the profound words of Barack Obama: "Poverty is not a lack of character, it's a lack of opportunity." By fostering partnerships and investing in diverse, equitable initiatives, I believe, we can dismantle barriers and create a landscape where every individual, regardless of socioeconomic status, zip code, gender, race, or intersectionality, has the opportunity to thrive. Together, let's embrace this era of change with hope, determination, and a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the future we build is one where everyone can succeed. How will YOU contribute to creating a robust pipeline for our society? In what ways can you help raise the tide that lifts ALL boats?

🎉 Attention Impact Alumni! 🎉 Get ready to join the celebration of Impact America's 20th Anniversary! 🎊 Let's come together and shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who have contributed to making a positive difference over the past two decades. Share your most impactful videos and pictures from your service and non-service activities. It's time to showcase the amazing impact we've made together! 🌟 A few things to consider when sharing photos:  1. Before sharing any photos or videos that may have other individuals in them, please ensure that you have their consent to share them with Impact America for use at the anniversary event and online.  2. If a media release consent form is requested, just email us, and we will send one.  3. Please take a few minutes to browse the archives and share your photos, videos, and memories with us. Let’s take a walk down memory lane as we get ready to celebrate 20 years of Making An Impact! 📸🌟🎉 #ImpactAmerica #MakeAnImpact #20thAnniversary #MakingChange #Impactingsince2004

Happy International Left-Handers Day! 🌍✋ Today, we celebrate the unique brilliance of left-handers, who make up about 10% of the world’s population. Being left-handed often comes with its quirks and challenges, but it’s also a testament to resilience and creativity. From adjusting to right-handed tools to excelling in diverse fields, left-handers bring a fresh perspective to the world. As David Bowie once said, “I'm always amazed that people take what I say seriously. I don't even take what I am seriously.” 🎸 A true leftie spirit—thinking outside the box and challenging the norm. Lefties have had a profound impact on our world, from science to sports, politics to the arts. Just think of Albert Einstein, the genius who redefined physics; or Marie Curie, the pioneering scientist who broke boundaries. Then there's Barack Obama, who led with grace, and Bill Gates, who revolutionized the tech industry. Let’s not forget the incredible athletes like Rafael Nadal and the creative legends like Leonardo da Vinci, who have left an indelible mark on history. Being a leftie means seeing the world a little differently and proving that difference is not just okay—it’s powerful. Today, let’s celebrate the diversity and creativity that left-handers bring to the table. Happy Left-Handers Day to all the lefties out there! 🙌 #LeftHandersDay #Creativity #Innovation #Diversity #Inclusion #LeftiesUnite

A World for All: The walls of bias crumble and fall, When we embrace a world for all. No longer shadows, no longer apart, Inclusion begins with an open heart. From classrooms bright to office halls, We lift each other where justice calls. A wheelchair rolls, a hand extends, Together as equals, we’re stronger as friends. The silent speak, their voices clear, Through signs and tools, we learn to hear. With every step, a path we pave, For dreams to flourish, for lives to save. The world evolves, technology leads, Bridging the gap, meeting all needs. An app, a tool, a vision bright, Ensures no one is out of sight. So let us build with steady hand, A future fair, a united stand. For dignity’s not a gift to bestow, It’s a right for all, as we surely know. A.N Yusuf.

Building Tomorrow, Today In a world marked by rapid change, the time to act is now. Building tomorrow today requires visionary leadership that prioritizes the needs of our communities and empowers the youth. As a candidate dedicated to creating a brighter future, I stand committed to fostering an environment where every voice is heard, and every dream has the potential to flourish. Our society faces numerous challenges, from economic disparities to social injustices. By coming together and harnessing our collective strength, we can build resilient communities that thrive on inclusivity and innovation. My vision encompasses not only immediate reforms but also sustainable strategies that ensure lasting progress for generations to come. I believe in the power of education, health, and economic opportunity as the cornerstones of a prosperous society. Together, we can implement policies that uplift our youth, create job opportunities, and promote holistic development. Your vote is not just a choice; it is a commitment to shaping a future where hope and opportunity are within everyone’s reach. Join me in this transformative journey—let's build tomorrow today!

Since graduating from Drexel in 2016, Jordan Jobs McCleary, BS information systems, has excelled in Big Tech. Starting at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in New York, she moved to Google, where she now helps manage regulatory compliance on a global scale. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, Jordan reconnected with her Trinidadian roots and joined Tech2Empower Caribbean—a program by WAKE that empowers women tech professionals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on environmental justice. Jordan joined 19 other female professionals to provide training, coaching and mentoring services to six women-led NGOs. The program also included lectures on women and gender studies, visits to local NGOs, and an International Women’s Day celebration. Reflecting on her experience, Jordan encourages others in tech to engage with social initiatives. “I’ve made personal professional connections for life,” she says. Jordan’s journey shows the transformative power of technology in driving positive change. Read more: https://ow.ly/FhTS50UlWa1

Watch out, San Fran & the world, here we come! 😍 Washington, D.C., and our DMV region are known for their monuments, politics, and power. But there’s another side that doesn't always make headlines – a thriving business community full of promise and growth. When people think about thriving global business hubs, the D.C. metro area might not be the first place that comes to mind – but make no mistake, we’re on the map and making big strides! 🌎 This success isn’t just by chance – it’s driven by dedicated leaders across business, government, philanthropy, and the community, all working together to elevate and make a positive impact as our region grows and thrives. Take Northern Virginia – the data center capital of the world. The massive, humming buildings in Data Center Alley are the silent force powering everything from your online searches to tomorrow’s AI innovations. And right here in Montgomery County, Maryland, we’re part of what’s known as “DNA Valley.” 🧬 With over 300 biotech companies and world-class institutions like NIH and FDA, we’re at the forefront of health and innovation, shaping a better future. ✨ Being part of this community is a true joy – seeing people come together, not just in business, but across all walks of life to make a difference. There’s so much hope in knowing that we shape our future together. Leadership is how we lead in our organizations AND how we contribute to our communities to help them thrive. When we share ideas, support one another, and take action, we can build a brighter future for everyone. 🌟 The opportunities are endless – and it’s up to us to make the most of them. 💡 How are you helping your organization thrive? And what steps are you taking to make a difference in your community? #partneringleadership #leadership Partnering Leadership #community #collaboration Strategic Leadership Ventures #culture #management #strategy