Yasutake Tsuchida Appointed as Senior Director of Design

March 29, 2021

IRVINE, Calif., March 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the appointment of Yasutake Tsuchida to Senior Director of Design, effective immediately. In this role Tsuchida will oversee design operations, including next-generation vehicle planning and brand strategy development.

Tsuchida joins the MNAO team with more than 22 years of experience at Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan. He most recently served as the Chief Designer of the latest generation of Mazda3, which launched in November 2018 and went on to win the 2020 World Car Design of the Year award. Tsuchida was also the Chief Designer of the Kai Concept, and in the late 2000’s Tsuchida worked in the Design Studio at MNAO, where he led design on the Furai concept car. Tsuchida began his career at Mazda specializing on exterior design and in the late 1990’s and in the early 2000’s was lead designer for Mazda3, CX-7 and the Ryuga concept car.

Tsuchida’s approach to design focuses on timeless beauty, and in his designs he aspires to evoke strong human emotion to give them energy and enthusiasm. His favorite Mazda is the RX-7 and is an avid surfer.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through approximately 620 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Kia Telluride Named Best 3-Row SUV For Families By U.S. News & World Report

March 27, 2021

IRVINE, Calif., March 27, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For the second consecutive year, the Kia Telluride was named the “Best 3-Row SUV for Families” by U.S. News & World Report. Winners were selected based on excellent professional automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, and the availability of family friendly features that keep occupants connected and entertained. Vehicles with the highest composite score in their class were named the Best Car for Families in their respective categories.

“For Telluride to take top honors in the Best 3-Row SUV for Families category for the second consecutive year speaks to the safety, technology and comfort our three-row SUV offers,” said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia Motors America. “From the beginning, Telluride has exceeded even our own high expectations and we are honored that both consumers and media recognize Kia’s commitment to delivering world-class vehicles.”

Aside from high safety and reliability ratings, the 2021 Best Cars for Families were chosen on their family-friendly technological merits. Features such as in-car wireless internet, teen driver controls, automatic braking, surround-view parking camera systems and hands-free cargo doors helped Telluride rise above its competition.

“The Kia Telluride is packed with available features that make life easier and a little bit safer for families,” said Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor of autos, U.S. News & World Report. “Standouts include front automatic braking, lane keep assist, tools for parents to set limits with teen drivers, and comfort and infotainment features like tri-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android auto, and rear-seat sunshades.”

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

About U.S. News & World Report

Since 2007, U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report, has published rankings of the majority of new vehicles sold in America. Each year, U.S. News also publishes the Best Cars awards, including Best Vehicle Brands, Best Cars for the Money and Best Cars for Families. U.S. News Best Cars supports car shoppers throughout the entire car-buying journey, offering advice for researching cars, finding cars for sale near you and getting the best rate on car insurance. U.S. News Best Cars had more than 73 million visitors over the past year, with the majority actively shopping for a car. More than 70% of active shoppers reported that U.S. News influenced their car-purchasing decision, saying that they trust the advice to be unbiased and that they would recommend the site to others.

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SOURCE Kia Motors America

Hilco College Scholarship Program Announces the Third Annual Scholarship for Students in Chicago’s Little Village

March 26, 2021

CHICAGO, March 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Hilco Global announced that for the third year in a row, it will provide two scholarship opportunities for students living in Chicago’s Little Village community. The Hilco Scholarship Program called “Hilco Scholars,” is now accepting applications at www.HilcoScholars.com for qualified candidates who are attending or planning to attend one of the City Colleges of Chicago. The application process runs now through May 2, 2021, and the scholarship will be awarded prior to start of the Fall 2021 semester.

“Offering this program for a third year demonstrates Hilco Redevelopment Partners’ continued support to our neighbors in the Little Village community,” said Roberto Perez, Chief Executive Officer of Hilco Redevelopment Partners. “Every year the students we support continue to amaze me and we are honored to be part of their educational journeys.”

“The Hilco Scholars program was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” said Rudy Cordero, a former Hilco Scholar recipient. “When I started applying to college, I was worried about the financial strain on my family. Since receiving the scholarship, I’ve gone on to pursue further education at Yale, and I couldn’t have done it without this program.”

The 2021 scholarship will be awarded to two students living in the Little Village neighborhood who are pursuing a degree in a skilled trade program at one of the seven City Colleges of Chicago. It will be awarded each academic year and is renewable for up to two years, provided that the students continue to remain in good academic standing and meet eligibility criteria. The scholarship award can be used for education-related expenses including tuition, fees, books, and equipment needed to complete the degree program.

About Hilco Scholars Program: The Hilco Scholars program will be available to students for the Fall 2021 semester.

Candidates must reside in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood (60608 or 60623 zip codes)
Candidates must reside in the City of Chicago and be eligible for in-district tuition rates.
Preference will be given to candidates interested in pursuing an associate degree in a skilled trades area of their choice at any of the seven colleges including manufacturing and engineering; construction management; transportation, distribution, and logistics; and information technology.
Candidates must be high school graduates or have received their GED.

The program is being managed by OFIC and along with Hilco leadership, will make the final selection of the scholarship recipients. Please visit the Hilco Scholars landing page at www.HilcoScholars.com for more information and to start the application process.

About Hilco Redevelopment Partners (HRP): HRP (www.hilcoredev.com) provides a single integrated solution to maximize the value of industrial sites. As an industry leader in redeveloping large industrial projects, HRP is a trusted partner and principal investor that creates exceptional value by developing and managing mixed use projects, state-of-the-art warehouses, fulfillment centers and industrial facilities located near major transportation hubs, ports, and strategic infrastructure assets. HRP’s facilities are developed to meet our customer’s needs by locating in markets with strong labor pools near major population centers. HRP is an operating unit of Hilco Global (www.hilcoglobal.com), a privately held diversified financial services company and the world’s preeminent authority on maximizing the value of assets for both healthy and distressed companies. Hilco Global operates as a holding company comprised of over 20 specialized business units that work to help companies understand the value of their assets and then monetize that value.

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SOURCE Hilco Redevelopment Partners

UnidosUS Unveils Esperanza Hope for All Campaign

March 26, 2021

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — UnidosUS (formerly the National Council of La Raza), the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization, announced today the launch of Esperanza Hope for All, an institution-wide initiative to mitigate the health, economic and education effects of the coronavirus pandemic on Latinos. The campaign builds on the organization’s national advocacy and public health response to the pandemic in 2020 and will have a core focus on promoting vaccine equity. The organization plans to raise and invest $15 million in this robust campaign to inform Latinos about the various COVID-19 vaccines and ensure that the Hispanic community is included equitably in vaccine distribution efforts across the country.

“Latinos have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and many are still grappling with the long-term health and economic effects of this virus. The COVID-19 vaccines will give our community and the nation our best chance at getting back to our lives. That is why it is critically important that we foster trust in the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines and combat vaccine misinformation and disinformation. Doing so will help put our community and our country on a true path to recovery,” said UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía.

A recent poll from the COVID Collaborative, in partnership with UnidosUS, found that only one-third of Latinos have confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines. That same poll revealed that Latinos are willing to follow guidance provided by experts and trusted messengers in the community. The Esperanza Hope for All campaign will overcome those barriers by leveraging focused and targeted strategies and partnerships, the organization’s expertise as a trusted community voice, and its national network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the country to disseminate culturally and linguistically appropriate information on the COVID-19 vaccines.

“We are reaching Hispanic individuals and families where they are, be it on social and digital media channels, in radio and TV or directly in communities. This includes equipping our Affiliate Network with the resources to help them do what they do best on the ground, while we build out a national strategy and reinforce the message, data and other key elements through broad-reaching mass communications efforts,” noted Rita Carreón, UnidosUS Vice President of Health.

As part of its “ground game,” UnidosUS will lean on its Affiliate Network to lead on culturally responsive education and outreach by training local trusted messengers; informing through dual-language communications; providing resources for local COVID-safe outreach and vaccination events and engaging local provider and community partners. The efforts include helping to expand equitable vaccine access through Affiliate health centers. In this initial stage, UnidosUS is deploying more than $2 million in grants to 35 Latino-serving community-based organizations including our network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

UnidosUS’s “air game” consists of a national and broad reaching multimedia communications campaign that includes:

Mobile Marketing Tour: UnidosUS will deploy a mobile educational tour across multiple cities that will take information about the COVID-19 vaccines directly into Hispanic neighborhoods, including those living in rural and urban environments where health resources are lacking or difficult to access. It will engage local Affiliates, partners and influencers, and will include on-site activities to increase education and awareness and direct families to vaccination sites. The tour is scheduled to begin in mid-April in seven cities across the Southwest.
Multimedia Advertising: UnidosUS is developing a bilingual COVID-19 vaccines awareness and education advertising campaign. This will include a robust dual-language advertising effort to reach Latinos through digital platforms, as well as radio and large-scale print advertising. Tactics will include targeted digital display and video activations; paid social media campaigns and paid search ads campaigns throughout key regions.
Countering Mis/Disinformation: UnidosUS will deploy both an online and offline approach to combat mis/disinformation. Efforts aim to identify and counter misinformation in social and traditional media; ensure Latinos with digital access build their understanding of—and trust in—the science and increase vaccine confidence and intention and leverage UnidosUS’s network and advocacy work to effectively counter misinformation targeting Latinos.
Influencer Engagement: UnidosUS will engage trusted Latino and expert micro and macro social media influencers to shape the messaging and the conversation around COVID-19 vaccine confidence and vaccines in general. These will include a wide variety of Spanish-speaking influencers including content creators, celebrities and trusted media personalities; bilingual influencers; and community grassroots leaders, organizers and advocates.

The campaign builds on a series of vaccines awareness-building and informational efforts underway since the beginning of this year. UnidosUS is a partner on the COVID Collaborative and Ad Council’s and COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative, helping to develop and distribute culturally resonant content for the Latino community. Additional efforts include:

Virtual townhalls including a COVID-19 Vaccines: Your Questions Answered on the topic of COVID-19 vaccines that includes a panel of national and local experts including Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, Chair of the Biden-Harris COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force; and an upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall in partnership with the Ad Council entitled: “Vacunas contra el COVID-19: Respuestas a Preguntas Claves” on March 30 at 7 p.m. ET.
An informational social media video series in Spanish and English that answers the most pressing issues UnidosUS and its Affiliates have been receiving from Latinos across the country.
A bilingual informational PSA featuring Dr. Robert Rodriguez, University of California-San Francisco Emergency Medicine Physician.

Latinos are overrepresented in “essential” occupations that put them at greater risk of exposure to coronavirus infection (hospitality, retail, food services, construction and agriculture). Latinos are 18% of the U.S. overall population but represent 21% of COVID-19 cases and 12% of COVID-19 deaths in the United States as of March 22, 2021 and are 4.1 times more likely to be hospitalized than any other group. The disproportionate impact is the direct result of a history of structural racism. Unjust social, economic and environmental conditions have led to a higher incidence of underlying chronic diseases and other risk factors for COVID-19.

Esperanza Hope for All’s vaccine equity efforts are backed by funding from a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UnidosUS, and between HHS’s Office of Minority Health and Morehouse School of Medicine’s National COVID-19 Resiliency Network, The Rockefeller Foundation, Walmart Foundation, The Pfizer Foundation* and Amazon. Plus, generous in-kind support from Charter Communications, Comcast NBCUniversal and Telemundo, Google and Toyota.

“As we surpass the grim milestone of more than half a million lives lost to this deadly virus, we are reminded of the critical work that remains to lead our nation—and our community—out of this crisis. With the development and authorization of several vaccines, we are hopeful for an end to this pandemic. However, that end hinges on ensuring that our country’s vaccination efforts are inclusive of the communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. We all have an important role to play and UnidosUS is committed to doing everything in its power to ensure the vaccines reach all affected communities, including Latinos,” concluded Murguía.

Since the start of the pandemic, UnidosUS has been at the forefront of efforts to support Latinos who have been disproportionately impacted due to long-standing systemic health inequities and over-representation in the health and service sectors. In April 2020, UnidosUS established its Esperanza/Hope Fund to support the UnidosUS Affiliate Network and community partners’ response and resiliency in crisis. With the ongoing need, UnidosUS continues to raise resources to inform and protect Latino communities during the pandemic. To date, more than $2 million of this funding has already been disbursed to Affiliates to respond to the pandemic, including direct support to families for food and housing assistance.

Additionally, UnidosUS has served as a national partner in collaborative efforts and taskforces leading comprehensive and coordinated action to curb the spread of COVID-19, including:

CDC Cooperative Agreement
National COVID-19 Resiliency Network
COVID Collaborative and Ad Council
COVID 19 Prevention Network
NIH’s Community Engagement (CEAL) Against Covid-19 Disparities
COVID-19 Latinx Task Force
Health Action Alliance

*The Pfizer Foundation is a charitable organization established by Pfizer Inc. It is a separate legal entity from Pfizer Inc. with distinct legal restrictions.

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels. For more than 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration, and that share a desire to make our country stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Contact:
Gabriela Gomez
[email protected]

SOURCE UnidosUS

Blue Shield of California Announces Golden State Now Has Capacity to Administer More than 4 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Each Week

March 26, 2021

OAKLAND, California, March 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California, as the state of California’s third-party administrator, today announced it has reached its target for the expansion of the State’s COVID-19 vaccine provider network a month ahead of schedule. California now has capacity to administer more than 4 million doses a week to help save more lives. The increased capacity also includes a growing number of providers, local health jurisdictions, Federally Qualified Health Centers and pharmacies, including Walmart.

The increased capacity from the creation of a single statewide network supports Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan for Californians, 50-years of age and older, to be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines beginning April 1. Starting April 15, everyone 16-years of age and older will be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines.

“The anticipated increase in vaccine supply from the federal government in the coming weeks and the state removing age eligibility tiers in April is giving all Californians much-needed hope,” said Paul Markovich, president and CEO, Blue Shield of California. “This is exactly why we’ve been working so hard to transition to the new centralized vaccine network – one that is only limited by the amount of vaccines we receive. This is the way we can save more lives, beat the pandemic and reopen our society.”

California’s enhanced vaccine network has grown to more than 270 providers with the infrastructure to deliver vaccinations at more than 2,100 sites across the state, helping to ensure all eligible Californians have equitable access to the vaccines, especially those in communities hardest hit by the pandemic.

The network continues its focus on reaching the state’s most vulnerable communities including rural areas and areas California has identified as high priorities for vaccine availability to meet equity goals (lowest quartile Healthy Places Index).

During the March transition period, the providers already administering the vaccine will continue to receive doses to ensure vaccines are available to as many Californians as possible.

The latest list of participating vaccine providers can be found at this link.

To view more of Paul Markovich’s comments, click the video link here.

Blue Shield is a nonprofit health plan that’s answering the call by the state to support its vaccine distribution efforts to help save lives. The health plan is working closely with each county, their public health leaders, and state officials to build a vaccine network to help meet the state’s goal to ensure all Californians have access to the vaccines equitably, efficiently and as quickly as possible.

The health plan is taking on this effort at cost without making a profit from the state. Blue Shield is not charging the state for its staff time devoted to this effort. It will only bill the state actual expenses to support the network up to the limit of the contract.

About Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with over 4.5 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $21 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $150 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last four years to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.

Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

CONTACT:	Erika Conner
	Blue Shield of California
	510-607-2359
	[email protected]

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California

Santos Álvarez’s New Book Tu Mano En La Conciencia, An Emotionally Driven Narrative That Reaches To The Innermost Thoughts And Feelings Of Humanity

March 26, 2021

HOUSTON, March 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Tu Mano en la Conciencia was created by Santos Álvarez. Santos is an author and a community activist since 1993 through the Voz y Esperanza del Salvador Foundation that she founded and presides until today. She resides in Houston, Texas.

Álvarez said this about her book: “Tu Mano en la Conciencia is written for all those who feel compassion for others, respect, and love.”

Published by Page Publishing, Santos Álvarez’s new book Tu Mano en la Conciencia will fill the readers with evoking perspectives that will surely tug the soul and envelop the mind with wisdom.

Consumers who wish to partake in s journey of emotion and sagacity can purchase Tu Mano en la Conciencia online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:
Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

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SOURCE Page Publishing

Eva Cathcart’s New Book Mi Primera Etapa: La Realidad Se Hizo Verso Is A Heart-Tugging Collection Of Poems Reflecting Family, Partnership, And Stability In Life

March 26, 2021

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Mi primera etapa: La realidad se hizo verso was created by Eva Cathcart. Eva is an author who worked as a teacher for thirteen years, teaching subjects such as elementary mathematics, health statistics, and research methodology to medicine and nursing degree students.

Cathcart said this about her book: “The book you are holding in your hands presents more than twenty-five poems that, in simple language, tell us about infidelity, about retaining the partner, not so much out of love, but out of habit and security. How your character changes when you feel humiliated and you no longer want to laugh or do a good deed.

Mi primera etapa: La realidad se hizo verso does justice delving into the author’s relationships with her family. As a permanent note, the much-needed forgiveness to move forward and the appreciation of honesty. Being authentic makes you freer.

At the end of the book, the author shares some of her learnings in her life, hoping that they contribute to the spiritual growth of those who decide to read the book.”

Published by Page Publishing, Eva Cathcart’s new book Mi primera etapa: La realidad se hizo verso will captive willing hearts and minds with evoking sentiments about family, infidelity, love, and pain that bring wisdom and grace in life.

Consumers who wish to feel impassioned by life’s quaint intricacies can purchase Mi primera etapa: La realidad se hizo verso in any bookstore or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

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SOURCE Page Publishing

(Español) 360training Lanza Cursos de Capacitación de la OSHA en Español

March 25, 2021

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Expanding Equity through STEM Learning Opportunities in Southern Dallas County School Districts

March 25, 2021

Texas Instruments Foundation grants more than $4 Million for investments in Cedar Hill, DeSoto, and Lancaster independent school districts

DALLAS, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Educate Texas, an initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas, announced today more than $4 million in investments from the Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) educational programs and opportunities in three school districts in southern Dallas County — Cedar Hill, DeSoto, and Lancaster. These districts are located in an area south of Interstates 20 and 30 – where more than one-third of residents live in poverty and where students historically lack the academic advantages of their peers in other Dallas districts to the north.

Educate Texas and the TI Foundation have partnered for nearly a decade with the Lancaster Independent School District to transform it into a STEM district — embedding STEM teaching, thinking and problem-solving skills across the entire school district. Since then, the TI Foundation has invested more than $10 million in Lancaster ISD, including a new, three-year, $1.015 million grant for teacher and principal training in STEM reading and writing, social and emotional support due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dual language teaching, and instructional training for faculty and parents.

“In Lancaster ISD, the STEM grants have made a positive impact on the curriculum for over 7,500 students,” said Shemeka Millner-Williams, Lancaster Independent School District Interim Superintendent. “We are excited to continue the long-standing partnership with Educate Texas and the TI Foundation that has been so beneficial to the students of Lancaster ISD. We are equally excited to now leverage the gains that we’ve experienced through this partnership with our neighboring districts to advance STEM education in southern Dallas County even further.”

The TI Foundation has also awarded $3.02 million in initial grants to Educate Texas to develop STEM districts in Cedar Hill and DeSoto ISDs — home to approximately 17,000 students. Both Cedar Hill and DeSoto have grown more than 40% in the past 20 years, and they are becoming increasingly important to local workforce needs. These new grants will build on the learnings from the Lancaster investments and will be used for professional development training of teachers and principals, creating curricula founded in STEM-based concepts, and preparing students for college and STEM careers. The districts are also within 15 miles of Lancaster, which will enable sharing best practices to lift up students in all three districts for the betterment of southern Dallas County.

“Cedar Hill ISD is extremely grateful for the generosity of Texas Instruments, a global giant in STEM. This grant from the TI Foundation has the opportunity to be transformative in our classrooms and throughout the community,” said Dr. Gerald Hudson, Cedar Hill Independent Superintendent. “Since receiving this grant, we have often referred to it as a ‘gamechanger’ because it will create opportunities that did not previously exist. Our scholars will have the opportunity to lead STEM efforts, not only in Dallas County and North Texas, but throughout the United States and globally.”

“We are so honored and excited to be a part of this effort to increase and improve STEM access and education in our community,” said Dr. D’Andre J. Weaver, DeSoto Independent Superintendent of Schools. “Through our recently introduced strategic plan, we have a focus on curricular innovation to ensure that we, here in DeSoto ISD, are providing our students the highest-quality, enriched learning experiences. Introducing STEM-based learning and coaching DeSoto ISD teachers and scholars to embody and exercise a STEM mindset provides a pivotal shift to our educational philosophy, which will propel us into the future of learning in DeSoto ISD.”

“When we began to work with the TI Foundation and Lancaster ISD in 2012 to create a STEM district, we expected the successes and outcomes there to serve as a rigorous STEM learning and teaching model that could be scaled to other Texas school districts,” said George Tang, managing director of Educate Texas. “We’re thrilled that the original expectation is now being realized with renewed efforts in Lancaster ISD, and with expanded support to Cedar Hill and Desoto ISDs. This opportunity allows us to help build thriving communities, extending our impact to the lives of thousands more students and ultimately inspire and prepare them for great futures.”

The results of the investments in Lancaster ISD by the TI Foundation and the work with Educate Texas demonstrate improved outcomes for students:

Lancaster ISD has increased Algebra 1 proficiency by 51% since 2012, now exceeding state standardized test scores vs. trailing it by 24% previously.
Lancaster ISD increased grades 3-8 math proficiency by 26% since 2012, eliminating its 13% gap with the state.
The Texas Education Agency accountability rating for Lancaster ISD went from a “D” in 2012 to a “B” in 2019.
From 2013 to 2017, the number of Lancaster ISD teachers with advanced degrees nearly doubled; it now exceeds the state average by 10 percentage points.
Lancaster ISD students are now accepted at higher rates to a broader selection of colleges and universities with highly selective admissions.

“We have seen Lancaster ISD be transformed through the STEM district program and are excited about the potential to build upon those efforts for Cedar Hill and DeSoto ISD students, teachers, school leaders and communities,” said Andy Smith, executive director of the TI Foundation. “As with Lancaster ISD, the intent of these new grants is to reshape the teaching and learning of STEM subjects across all grade levels to better prepare students from pre-K through 12^th grade and, ultimately, for postsecondary and career success.”

Since 2010, the Texas Instruments Foundation has invested more than $50 million specifically in STEM education to improve math and science learning outcomes and opportunities for students of color in North Texas who historically face economic and educational barriers. As the COVID-19 pandemic has widened economic and educational gaps for students and families in south Dallas and North Texas, much more work is needed to provide all students with equitable access to educational resources and to ensure success in virtual and hybrid classroom learning environments. The aim of the investments by the TI Foundation includes ensuring principals have the support and training they need to achieve good outcomes for their students; setting teachers up for success in their classrooms; and equipping students with the resources they need to acquire the right skills and master the fundamentals of reading, writing, math and science.

About Communities Foundation of Texas

Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT)’s vision is thriving communities for all. CFT works locally and across the state through a variety of charitable funds and strategic initiatives. The public foundation professionally manages 1,000 charitable funds for individuals, families, companies and nonprofits in addition to powering several key initiatives such as Educate Texas at CFT, W. W. Caruth, Jr. Fund at CFT and CFT’s North Texas Giving Day. CFT has awarded more than $2 billion in grants since its founding in 1953. Learn more at cftexas.org. Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/CFTexas), Twitter (twitter.com/GiveWisely) or Instagram (instagram.com/communitiesfoundationoftexas/).

About Educate Texas

Educate Texas, an initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas, is a trusted change agent in Texas education, working through programs and policies to ensure every Texas student is prepared in the school, in the workforce, and in life. Since 2003, Educate Texas has partnered with school districts, institutions of higher education, businesses, community and civic organizations, state agencies, and policymakers to strengthen the public and higher education systems for all Texas students. Learn more at edtx.org. Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/educatetexas), Twitter (twitter.com/educatetexas) or LinkedIn (linkedin.com/showcase/educate-texas/).

About the Texas Instruments Foundation

The Texas Instruments Foundation, founded in 1964, is a non-profit organization solely funded by Texas Instruments providing philanthropic support for educational and charitable purposes primarily in the communities where TI operates. Committed to supporting educational excellence, the foundation works to create measurable, replicable programs and initiatives. The focus is on providing knowledge, skills and programs to improve STEM education and increase the percentage of high school graduates who are math and science capable. More information can be found at ti.com/giving.

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SOURCE Communities Foundation of Texas

Leading Indie Label Rich Music Continues To Dominate Latin Music And Unveils Corporate Appointments

March 25, 2021

MIAMI, March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The #1 independent Latin music label, Rich Music, founded by father and son duo Richard and Joshua Mendez, along with brother and uncle, respectively, Jim Aquino, and born out of their love of music, continues to grow with the addition of an impeccable team of professionals, including Giovanna Pérez as Vice President of Business Management and Development and David Alvarado as Senior Vice President of Operations.

The company’s success is due to the outstanding performance and professional experience that encompasses its team. With over two decades of experience in touring, marketing, sales, project management and coordination as Director of Artist Booking for Cardenas Marketing Network (CMN), Giovanna Pérez has represented Rich Music’s roster of clients, including Sech, Dalex, Justin Quiles and Dimelo Flow, among others. David Alvarado was previously VP of Marketing at EMI Music/Capitol Latin, and served as VP of Entertainment Publicity for NBCUniversal/Telemundo. In addition, Jim Aquino, who’s been with the company since 2017 as Executive Creative Director, has been promoted to Vice President of Creative, and Dave Hamberger, who was Director of Digital Marketing & Strategy, has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing.

“I am delighted to welcome our new executive team. Giovanna and David bring a wealth of experience in their respective areas of expertise,” said Josh Mendez, Co-founder and COO of Rich Music Inc. “Along with Jim and Dave’s new promotions in the creative and marketing areas, this new structure will be the key to expand the company into new areas of the business.”

“I have witnessed the growth of Rich Music, and I am very proud to be able to contribute to its success,” said Giovanna Pérez, Vice President of Business Management and Development. David Alvarado, Senior Vice President of Operations, added, “I am excited to join the Rich Music family. Being able to contribute my knowledge and experience in the different areas of entertainment and working closely with the team will contribute to our main objective, which is the growth of the company.”

In 2020, Rich Music Inc.’s success resulted in more than 2.5 billion streams and multiple Billboard Latin Music Award nominations including “Latin Rhythm Albums Record Label of the Year” and “Record Label Top Latin Albums of the Year.” The label kicked off 2021 with new music from Sech (“911”) and “Hickey” (Rich Music Inc., Dalex, Justin Quiles ft. IZaak and Dimelo Flow). Upcoming releases include “Feeling” by Dalex, Sech’s follow up single and new music from Chris Marshall.

Rich Music Inc. is a supporter of social initiatives such as #BlackLivesMatter, using its social platforms to spread the message among the company’s Hispanic followers. During the global pandemic, Rich Music participated with renowned artists and athletes in GaryVee’s #AllInChallenge that helped raise $100 million to support communities that were economically impacted by the pandemic, including Hispanic and African-American neighborhoods.

About Rich Music Inc.
Born out of their love of music, father and son duo Richard and Joshua Mendez established Rich Music Inc. in 2007. Headquartered in Miami, FL, Rich Music Inc. is one of the top independent record labels in Latin music today, with a talent roster that includes Latin GRAMMY® and Billboard Latin Music Award nominees Sech and Justin Quiles, as well as Billboard Top Latin producer, Dimelo Flow, rising star Dalex, Jamaican singer, producer & songwriter Chris Marshall, up & coming Argentinian singer-songwriter Thyago, and paopao, the label’s first female signing. The company has also added to its roster producers Simon Dice, Rike Music and Jhon El Divertido.

Rich Music Inc. is housed at Morplay Academy, a creative space designed to curate its roster of clients and build upon their brands. The “Academy” also hosts a state-of-the-art recording facility, Morplay Studios, and the company’s new divisions Morplay Prints and Morplay Management. Rich Music Inc. has received multiple Billboard Latin Music Award nominations, including Latin Rhythm Albums Label of the Year and Top Latin Albums Label of the Year and Top Latin Albums Imprint of the Year. In 2020, its Co-Founder and COO, Joshua Mendez, was featured on Billboard’s prestigious Power Players list as well as the Latin Power Players list.

Photos HERE.

Press Contact:
Nevarez Communications
Michelle Velez
[email protected]

SOURCE Rich Music

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