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Got Milk? Unites Over 20 California Artists for Charity Project

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SAN CLEMENTE, California, Dec. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — California is known for being one of the premier creative capitals of the world. For decades, artists have flocked to California seeking inspiration from the state’s majestic scenery and vibrant culture. Now, the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), creator of the iconic got milk? campaign, is promoting local artists along with its traditional message of wellbeing with its new campaign, Milk Loves Art. The project is providing California artists with a life-size cow sculpture[1] and tasking them to paint them in the theme of “California’s Rich Cultural Heritage.” Once finalized, the sculptures will be donated to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, who will then auction off the works of art. Proceeds will support the program, which offers a cost-free, medically-supervised, camp experience for more than 1,500 children with cancer and their families each year, helping them find hope, enthusiasm and joy in the therapeutic environment of the great outdoors.

Video – http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/292878-Milk-Loves-Art.mp4

“This campaign has a dual focus: to bring local artists together for a charitable cause and also recognize the positive impact art has in our communities,” said Steve James, Executive Director, CMPB. “There is a strong connection between the arts and overall academic success, which along with healthy eating, are key for building a strong foundation.” According to the California Arts Council, a student involved in the arts is four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement[2].

To ensure the quality of the final pieces going to auction, renowned muralist, George Yepes, will be leading the creative phase of the campaign and working closely with the artists involved. Yepes will also be painting one of the 31 sculptures. “Whenever there’s a chance to get involved in bettering our community and enriching the lives of individuals through art, I’m more than happy to be part of it,” said George Yepes. “This partnership with got milk? allows me to get involved with what I’m passionate about: bringing art to the forefront and giving back to those in need.” Yepes’s work has been featured in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. and the Museum of Contemporary Art of San Diego, among others.

For more information about Milk Loves Art, visit: www.gotmilk.com and follow got milk? via social media on Facebook @gotmilk, Twitter @gotmilk and Instagram @officialgotmilk.

About the CMPB

The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of got milk? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. Got milk? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. The CMPB’s Spanish-language campaign began in 1994 using the tagline “Familia, Amor y Leche” (Family, Love and Milk). The TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk) campaign replaced it in 2006, in order to better align the English and Spanish language work. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

About Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times

Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times® is a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California. Camp gives more than 1,500 children with cancer and their families the chance to “take a break” from the disease and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the great outdoors. The program is free and helps kids look towards a future beyond cancer. Camp is designed to build courage, foster hope and promote healing outside of treatment centers and hospitals. With trained medical staff onsite to support and monitor treatment regimens, children are able to enjoy horseback riding, archery, ropes courses, arts & crafts and the chance to just be kids. Since 1982, the Camp has served more than 36,000 campers. To learn more, visit www.rmhcsc.org/camp.

[1] CowParade Holdings is the owner of the copyrights in and to the shapes of the cow canvases.

[2] http://www.cac.ca.gov/resources/benefits.php

(Español) Big Lots Presenta la Campaña Navideña, Celebra Big!

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

College Graduation Rates Are Up for Black, Latino, and Native Students at Many Four-Year Public Colleges and Universities; Yet Large Completion Gaps Remain, According to Ed Trust

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In recent years, many college leaders have crowed about improvements in their graduation rates. But it’s important to ask — improvement for whom?

According to a new Ed Trust report, Rising Tide: Do College Grad Rate Gains Benefit All Students?, there have been real improvements: More than two-thirds of all four-year public colleges and universities increased graduation rates from 2003 to 2013. And among the 255 institutions that improved and serve a sizable population of African American, Latino, and Native students, 77 percent raised graduation rates for their underrepresented minority students (URMs).

Yet, despite this good news, far too many institutions are not even narrowing longstanding gaps between groups. Of the 255 institutions examined, the authors found the graduation rates for URMs increased only slightly more than that for white students (6.3 versus 5.7 percentage points). This means that gaps have narrowed by less than 1 percentage point in 10 years — an improvement rate far too slow to close completion gaps, at least in this century.

Looking underneath the averages, the report finds different patterns for different groups of students. Improvements were greatest for Latino students (7.4 percentage points), and Native students saw an increase of 6.4 percentage points. Gains among black students were the lowest (4.4 points), which means that gaps between black and white students actually increased.

“We caution institutional leaders who celebrate their graduation rate gains to take a good look at their data and ask whether they are doing enough to get more African American, Latino, and Native students to graduation and to close completion gaps,” said Kimberlee Eberle-Sudré, Ed Trust’s higher education policy analyst and co-author of the report. “The answer for many institutions is, ‘No.’ Fewer than half of the institutions we analyzed raised rates for their underrepresented students and cut gaps. Institutions can and must do more to serve URM students.”

The data for individual institutions make clear that what institutions do matters. Some are achieving the twin goals of gains in overall completion and closing gaps. Others are simply riding the tide of overall gains, while URMs lose ground and gaps widen. This report calls on institutional leaders, especially those from institutions that are experiencing gap-widening, to act quickly to close completion gaps. One way to do so is by learning from institutions that made significant progress in supporting students from underrepresented groups.

The report highlights 26 institutions that are achieving the dual goal of increasing graduation rates for all students, while closing gaps. This list includes:

  • North Carolina State University, which offers peer-mentoring and holds its students to high GPA standards.
  • San Diego State University, where students who enter academically behind are encouraged to take remedial courses the summer before their freshman year. In addition, advisors urge students to carry a minimum load of 15 credits per semester.

The report also calls out 17 institutions that had declining graduation rates for URMs while graduation rates for white students improved. They include:

  • The University of Central Arkansas, where the graduation rate for URMs is more than 10 points lower than it was in 2003. But graduation rates for white students increased over the same time period, widening the gap from 2 percentage points in 2003 to a whopping 21 points.
  • Kutztown University, where the graduation gap is more than 20 percentage points — compared with only a 5-point gap a decade ago.

This report comes on the heels of racial incidents and student protests occurring on college campuses from New York to Missouri to California. The data in this report sends a message to institutional leaders that they must be deliberate about the choices they make on how to serve their students.

“Institutional leaders must be intentional about how they support their students of color and how to best guide them to leave with a degree in hand,” said Andrew H. Nichols, Ph.D., Ed Trust’s director of higher education research and data analytics and a co-author of the report.

Nichols noted, “Leading institutions have shown how leaders can change the culture of their campus to focus on student success. They consistently analyze their data, they find troubling trends, they engage faculty to find solutions, and they listen to students and make them part of the problem-solving process.”

This is the first in a series of research papers looking at the graduation rates of traditionally underserved minority students. Follow-up research that specifically focuses on African American graduation rates, and those of Latino students, will be disseminated this winter.

The Education Trust is a nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels, pre-kindergarten through college. Its goal is to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement that consign far too many young people — especially those from low-income families or who are black, Latino or American Indian — to lives on the margins of the American mainstream. (https://edtrust.org/what-we-do/higher-ed/)

CONTACT:                                        
Nicolle Grayson
202-293-1217 ext. 354
[email protected]

Greenlight Energy Powers Forward with New Solar, LED Lighting and Renewable, Fixed-Rate Energy Plans

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NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Greenlight Energy, a New York based green energy company—in its commitment to healing our environment with clean, common sense energy offerings—has launched three renewable energy programs designed to provide the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly energy solutions for residential and commercial customers.

For more information on Greenlight Energy renewable energy programs, please visit www.gogreenlightenergy.com.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151202/292629 

In October 2015, Greenlight Energy began offering no-cost solar installation, ensuring a guaranteed reduction on electricity rates with a clean, green, solar energy option. Greenlight Energy is also providing LED lighting retrofits for homes and businesses, thereby reducing energy usage and cutting costs even further.

Greenlight Energy has additionally launched 100 percent renewable electricity and carbon-neutral natural gas fixed-rate plans.  Filling a void in the green energy marketplace, these fixed-rate plans (currently not offered by local utilities) were developed to help customers avoid volatile rates caused by supply/demand fluctuation, unpredictable weather patterns and a number of other variables. Greenlight sought to develop a program with both environmental benefits as well as a savings model via a consistent approach to monthly billing.

“Greenlight Energy is committed to providing the best, clean energy solutions for our customers,” said Michael Hartofilis, Vice President and Co-Founder of Greenlight Energy. “Through a combination of research, strategic partnerships and customer feedback, we are fulfilling a demand for renewable energy plans that are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.”

Greenlight has also put their money—and muscles—where their mouth is, donating and planting nearly 400 trees to Randall’s Island parks to commemorate America Recycles Day last month. 

About Greenlight Energy
Greenlight Energy is a New York based green energy company providing no-cost solar installation, 100% renewable electricity, carbon neutral natural gas and LED lighting plans to homes and businesses in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania. A family-run business, Greenlight Energy seeks to align itself with green, clean, renewable technologies, as well as drive progress for the benefit of its customers, families and our shared future. For more information, please visit www.gogreenlightenergy.com.

Find us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goGLenergy/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/goglenergy 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goglenergy/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKL6JEC4DyZkJAAWbL7Ezig

Contact
Sean Hartofilis
Director of Marketing
(631) 495-7435
[email protected]

SBS Takes Radio Streaming to the Next Level with the Introduction of LaMusica Mobile App

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MIAMI, Dec. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (“SBS”) (NASDAQ: SBSA) (the “Company”) today announced the launch of its LaMusica app. LaMusica is a mobile music product that offers exclusive content including live streams of SBS’ market-leading radio stations and talent, a “My Radio” innovative personalization tool, hundreds of expertly curated playlists as well as social networking features and access to more than 23 million songs. The app was launched in an effort to address the underserved needs of the Latino “Millennial” smartphone user.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151201/292285 
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151201/292284LOGO

LaMusica redefines mobile radio with an immersive visual experience unlike any other streaming app available in the market today. Users can live stream all of SBS’ radio stations and create their own unique radio experience with seamless access to a collection of over 23 million songs. LaMusica also offers hundreds of expertly curated playlists, including those created by today’s most popular DJ’s. Users will have the ability to create individual radio stations based on their favorite artists, songs or genres. Additionally, they will be able to further personalize their radio experience with “My Radio” a feature, developed exclusively by LaMusica’s product team. The free app is now available for download for iPhones via the iTunes App store and for Android via the Google Play store. Users will be able to enjoy LaMusica with either an English or Spanish-language interface.

“Our goal was to redefine the traditional radio/music-listening experience by adding a highly compelling, highly engaging, visual component,” said Raul Alarcon, Jr., Chairman and CEO of SBS. “LaMusica truly unlocks the power of our content, and the immense popularity of today’s Latino artists: offering our audience an innovative way to enjoy and engage with their favorite artists.”

“Music is one of the strongest cultural bonds that unite Latinos, a hyper-connected and community-driven group who significantly over-index on overall mobile usage,” said Jesus Lara, EVP, Digital Media of SBS “Our LaMusica app will fuel the vibrant and deep-rooted relationship Latinos have with artists and music, and give our audience a rich and personalized mobile radio experience. LaMusica was built by Latinos, for Latinos.”

Key app features include:

  • Exclusive content: Live stream all SBS radio stations including the most popular Latin radio stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico – La Mega (WSKQ) in New York City, El Zol (WXDJ) in Miami, La Raza (KLAX) in Los Angeles, and La Mega (WMEG) in Puerto Rico, among others.
  • Personalized radio experience: Users can create their own algorithmic playlists based on artist, song or genre preferences. LaMusica takes radio personalization further via the “My Radio / Mi Radio” feature.
  • Curated playlists: Over 100 expertly-curated playlists based on Latin and other music genres, an extended list of mood & activity playlists, and select playlists crafted by today’s top DJs and other influencers.
  • Robust library: Catalogue of over 23 million songs.
  • Unmatched genre variety: Extensive Latin genre playlists, including current, classic, roots, and top 40, and decade specific playlists among others.
  • Share with Friends – Share your favorite stations or playlists with your friends across major social media networks.
  • Immersive visual interface: Intuitive and visually stunning interface allows users to easily follow and organize their preferred stations, playlists and DJs, while experiencing an endless visual stream of their favorite artists.

The ad-supported LaMusica app offers a multitude of creative and dynamic opportunities for advertising partners, including video and rich media ads, sponsorship of stations and zones, branded custom stations, geo-targeted push notification and ad delivery capabilities, audio ads with companion banners, and much more.

Given the highly scalable nature of the app, Spanish Broadcasting plans to add incremental functionality and release updates to the initial version of LaMusica. More information about the LaMusica app and its many features can be found on http://www.lamusica.com/.

Artist Support for LaMusica

The launch of the LaMusica app has quickly generated tremendous industry and artist excitement:

  • “SBS is once again at the cutting edge in creatively serving the needs of an enormous market with LaMusica, their new beautiful, user-friendly mobile app. It’s a winner!!” – Marc Anthony
  • “VIVA LaMusica! SBS is to be congratulated for building a music service that authentically connects with Latinos via a thoroughly engaging and user-friendly smartphone app. They have raised the bar, once again.” – Enrique Iglesias
  • “We are in an exciting time in music where fans can consume music in more ways than ever before. SBS’ La Musica is important because it’s the first music streaming service to focus on our culture and music. It’s an incredible accomplishment and well overdue”. – Juanes
  • “Everyone involved in Latino Music – the artists, the labels, the managers, the promoters, and most especially the fans, welcome the arrival of this new digital smartphone app. LaMusica is sure to be a huge success with Latinos, everywhere!” – Ricky Martin
  • “Finally! A music service that clearly understands our culture and is dedicated to serving MILLIONS of aficionados of nuestra musica! Get ready!” – Gerardo Ortiz
  • “My Congratulations to a great visionary and friend, Raul Alarcon, on his new venture. As always I wish him well!” – Shakira
  • “Congrats to all the good people at SBS for giving us LaMusica – a novel way to both see and hear music.” – Romeo Santos

About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.
Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. is the largest publicly traded Hispanic-controlled media and entertainment company in the United States. SBS owns 20 radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Tropical, Regional Mexican, Spanish Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Latin Rhythmic format genres. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national radio platform which creates, distributes and markets leading Spanish-language radio programming to over 100 affiliated stations reaching 88% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. SBS also owns MegaTV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events and owns 21 bilingual websites, including www.LaMusica.com, an online destination and mobile app providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

Celebrity Pink Partners with TV Personality Ximena Cordoba To Launch Body Sculpt Jeans

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LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Celebrity Pink, the Los Angeles-based apparel company known for fabric innovation, has partnered with Univision Communications to launch Body Sculpt by Celebrity Pink with Ximena Cordoba, on-air personality on Univision Network’s popular entertainment program “El Gordo y La Flaca” (The Scoop and the Skinny) as the brand ambassador. This new women’s body shaping brand will be sold exclusively at Macy’s, launching just in time for the holiday season.  The collection features body-sculpting jeans available in three styles, each crafted for the perfect fit in target areas that are important to women. 

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151202/292694

“I am honored to be the first face of Body Sculpt by Celebrity Pink,” expressed Ximena. “Jeans are one of the most difficult items to shop for in a woman’s wardrobe and the line helps take the guesswork out of it. This new line of jeans is for women like you and me who want to be in style and still show off their curves. They are designed to help women feel and look their best and are instant confidence boosters.” The Colombian model, actress and television presenter is one of the most influential women in Spanish-language television and is widely recognized for her feminine sense of style.

Body Sculpt jeans are constructed using Celebrity Pink’s unique stretch denim technology that embody the look, feel and fit of high-quality denim. Retailing at $52, the chic collection offers three styles in a variety of washes and colors: 

  • The Lifter tucks the tummy, hips and thighs and accentuates the backside.
  • The Slimmer hugs the thighs and tummy for an overall slim sexy look.
  • The Shaper conforms to the body for a smooth and sharp silhouette.

“Body Sculpt is designed for women who love their bodies and want to express themselves through fashion at an affordable price,” said Donna Lombardo, Strategic Account Director for Celebrity Pink. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Univision Communications and Ximena Cordoba for the launch of this Celebrity Pink line exclusively at Macy’s.”

Ximena Cordoba will be introducing Body Sculpt by Celebrity Pink and sharing her favorite fashion tips with fans at select Macy’s locations starting this December:

Dec. 3, 2015

Los Angeles, CA

6pm – 8pm

Macy’s Victoria Gardens

7855 Kew Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

Dec. 12, 2015 

Miami, FL

2pm – 4pm

Macy’s Dadeland Mall

7303 S.W. 88 St., Miami, FL 33156

Feb. 6, 2015 

Queens, NY

3pm – 5pm 

Macy’s Queens Center Mall

90-01 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst, NY 11373

For more information on Body Sculpt by Celebrity Pink or to shop online visit www.celebpink.com. Follow Body Sculpt on Facebook at Body Sculpt Jeans by Celebrity Pink, on Twitter at @BodySculptJeans and on Instagram @BodySculptJeans.

About Celebrity Pink
Celebrity Pink is a Los Angeles lifestyle brand designed for the fashion forward thinker who demands quality and comfort at an incredible value.  Launched in 2004, Celebrity Pink has grown from a denim destination into a multi-category brand with fabric innovation as its mantra. Celebrity Pink believes that you can be both fashionable and comfortable without sacrificing fit or the cash in your wallet. Regardless of your age, our contemporary denim, apparel, footwear and accessories are meant to be lived in.

About Ximena Cordoba
Ximena Cordoba is an entertainment correspondent on “El Gordo y La Flaca” (The Scoop & the Skinny), Univision Network’s popular entertainment news program. Prior to that, she was the weather anchor on “Despierta America” (Wake up America), the network’s live morning news and entertainment program.  Cordoba began her career in Miami in 2006 co-hosting Fox Sports en Espanol’s “Jorge Ramos en Vivo” Program.

(Español) Tonia O’Connor es nombrada funcionaria Comercial en jefe y presidenta de Distribución de Contenido de Univision Communications Inc.

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Tonia O'Connor funcionaria Comercial en jefe y presidenta de Distribucion de Contenido, Univision Communications Inc.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Rise in Eye Injuries from Toy Guns Prompts Call for Careful Holiday Shopping

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SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Children’s eye injuries from toy guns have increased by more than 500 percent in recent years, a recent study shows. With the holiday toy-shopping frenzy in full swing, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is urging parents to avoid buying toys that can cause serious eye injuries and even blindness in children.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151201/292361
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130405/MM89329LOGO

Overall, 251,800 children under the age of 12 were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for toy-related injuries last year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.[1] In terms of eye injuries, research from Stanford University shows that those caused by toy guns are on the rise.[2] A 2015 study found eye trauma from airsoft guns and pellet guns increased more than 500 percent in kids between 2010 and 2012. Commonly reported eye injuries included corneal abrasions, which are scratches on the front of the eye, and hyphema, a pooling of blood in the front of the eye. More severe trauma that can end in blindness includes retinal detachment and rupture of the eyeball.

But, not all toys have to shoot bullets to harm a child’s eyes. Foam dart guns, slingshots and even drones can also pose danger to children’s vision. The Academy encourages parents to keep in mind the following when purchasing toys this holiday season:

  • Avoid purchasing toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts such as airsoft guns, BB guns and paintball guns. They can propel foreign objects into the sensitive tissue of the eye.
  • For laser toys, look for labels that include a compliance statement with 21 CFR Subchapter J. This ensures the product meets the Code of Federal Regulations requirements for laser products, including power limitations.
  • When giving sports equipment, provide children with the appropriate protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses. They are shatterproof and less likely than other materials to damage the eye if broken on impact.
  • Check labels for age recommendations to be sure to select gifts that are suited for a child’s age and maturity. Also, keep toys that are made for older children away from younger children.
  • Provide appropriate adult supervision to children playing with potentially hazardous toys or games that could cause an eye injury.

“Every year, we see kids shot in the eye with pellets, BBs or foam darts,” said pediatric ophthalmologist Jane Edmond, M.D., spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “These can all cause permanent, serious eye damage to a child. If you do let your children play with these types of toys, make sure they wear protective eyewear.”

If your child experiences an eye injury, seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist, a physician specializing in medical and surgical eye care. For more information on toy safety, see the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s toy safety page at www.geteyesmart.org or watch the toy safety video.

Journalists who wish to speak with ophthalmologists or patients about toy-related eye injuries can contact the Academy’s Public Relations Department at [email protected].

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the leading membership association of eye physicians and surgeons in the United States and globally. Its 32,000 members are passionate about preserving vision and fighting preventable blindness. They are also educators, humanitarians and advocates for their patients.  The Academy is a leading provider of eye care information to the public. The Academy’s EyeSmart® program educates the public about the importance of eye health and empowers them to preserve healthy vision. For more information, visit www.aao.org.

[1] Toy Injury Report, 2014, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

[2] Pediatric eye injuries due to nonpowder guns in the United States, 2002-2012,  Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, April 2015

L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Recognizes Accomplishments of 10 Extraordinary Women Making A Difference in their Communities at 10th Anniversary Event; Names Schinnell Leake 2015 National Honoree and Honors Lisa Williams as First-Ever Impact Award Winner

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NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — L’Oreal Paris honored 10 women pursuing their passions and improving the lives of others through giving back to their communities at the 10th anniversary Women of Worth celebration last night. The company named Schinnell Leake, founder of Extra-Ordinary Birthdays, dedicated to providing homeless children with birthday parties, as the National Honoree of its signature philanthropic program. Former Honoree Lisa Williams received the first-ever Women of Worth Impact Award in celebration of the 10th anniversary to recognize her continued work in protecting sex trafficking victims. Over the past 10 years, L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth has empowered and honored 100 incredible women tackling some of society’s most pressing issues, transforming tens of thousands of lives.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141031/155926LOGO

Thought leaders, philanthropists, executives and celebrities gathered at The Pierre in New York City to honor the incredible 2015 Women of Worth Honorees and celebrate their inspiring stories. The event featured special presentations by L’Oreal Paris ambassadors Karlie Kloss, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, Julianne Moore, Aimee Mullins and Freida Pinto. Arianna Huffington, Hoda Kotb, Mary Alice Stephenson, and 2014 Women of Worth National Honoree Phyllis Sudman also helped to honor this year’s winners.

“During our 10th anniversary year, it is thrilling to see such exceptional women join our Women of Worth family. They find the beauty in giving back by selflessly and tirelessly volunteering time and energy to serve their communities. The passion for their work and dedication to their causes is inspiring to us all,” said L’Oreal Paris President, Karen T. Fondu. “The resulting ripple effect of all 100 Women of Worth honored over the past decade is a testament to the transformative power of giving back. L’Oreal Paris is committed to elevating women who serve others. We are so proud of all of the accomplishments of our Women of Worth Honorees.”

Each Women of Worth Honoree, who received $10,000 for their organization, was chosen following a rigorous nomination process led by L’Oreal Paris and the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, Points of Light. The 2015 Women of Worth National Honoree, Schinnell Leake, was awarded an additional $25,000 after receiving thousands of public votes via the L’Oreal Paris website and social channels in support of her efforts celebrating the birthdays and self-worth of children living in local homeless shelters. The College Park, Md. resident created Extra-Ordinary Birthdays after learning that more than 2,000 children live in homeless shelters throughout the Washington, D.C. area. As a mother and a party planner, she knew how important it was for children to feel confident and have self-worth. Since founding her organization five years ago, Extra-Ordinary Birthdays has thrown more than 400 birthday parties and partnered with six homeless shelters in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

“Words cannot adequately express how proud I am to be recognized as one of L’Oreal Paris’ 2015 Women of Worth and to be voted on by so many to be the National Honoree,” said Schinnell Leake, founder of Extra-Ordinary Birthdays. “This incredibly generous donation from L’Oreal Paris means so much to our organization and will help us expand our reach to create even more birthday celebrations for deserving kids who are homeless in the Washington, D.C. and Maryland regions.”

Three-term New York Mayor, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Michael R. Bloomberg joined the festivities to present the inaugural L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Impact Award which recognizes a Women of Worth alumna who has demonstrated a continued commitment to her work. Bloomberg presented the award to Atlanta, Georgia native Lisa Williams, which included a $10,000 grant from L’Oreal Paris for her cause. A Women of Worth Honoree five years ago, Williams was noted for embodying the L’Oreal Paris philosophy that “Every Woman is Worth It,” providing a safe haven for women and children who have been victimized by violence. Through her Circle of Friends and The Living Water Programs, she has worked to pass state legislation protecting these victims and expanded the organization’s resources and impact from Georgia to multiple states across the country.  

“It is an absolute honor to once again be recognized by L’Oreal Paris with the inaugural Women of Worth Impact Award,” said Lisa Williams, founder of Circle of Friends and The Living Water Programs. “The Women of Worth program has played such an important part in expanding our work to champion women who need a safe haven, and this award and donation will only help to increase that impact to help more through their healing process.”

2015 WOMEN OF WORTH HONOREES
This year’s Women of Worth Honorees are united in their passion to improve the lives of others and support a wide range of causes and projects. From fighting drug addiction and helping homeless veterans, to creating a shelter for young victims of human trafficking, the 10 2015 Women of Worth Honorees include: College Park, Md.’s Schinnell Leake, Founder of Extra-Ordinary Birthdays; Washington D.C.’s Maria Rose Belding, Founder of MEANS Database; Atlanta, Ga.’s Jaha Dukureh, Founder of Safe Hands for Girls; Elissa Davey, of Vista, Calif. Founder of Garden of Innocence; Prairie Village, Kan.’s SuEllen Fried, Founder of Reaching Out from Within; Teri Kelsall, of Laguna Woods, Calif., Co-Founder of The Jonas Project; Kathy Koenigsdorf, of East Islip, N.Y., Founder of The Jake Koenigsdorf Foundation; Atlanta, Ga.’s Alison O’Neil, Founder of Beauty Becomes You Foundation; Melaney Smith, Athens, Ga., Founder of Books for Keeps; and Valley Village Calif., Catherine Curry-Williams, Founder of Shane’s Inspiration.

To learn more about Women of Worth and watch the Honorees’ stories, visit WomenofWorth.com, and L’Oreal Paris on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LOrealParisUSA/) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/LOrealParisUSA). Follow the conversation using the hashtag #WomenofWorth.

QUOTES OF THE NIGHT

  • Karlie Kloss said “This is my first year here and I have to admit I’m trying to fight back tears right now. I’ve never been more proud to be a L’Oreal woman.”
  • “Being surrounded by all of you here and watching your stories and hearing all of these emotional words is so moving but also gives us so much hope for our future,” said Eva Longoria.
  • Freida Pinto shared, “It is this work that these women do, that makes me want to strive harder.”
  • “Karen [Fondu] could have picked any number of L’Oreal models – Diane Keaton, Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez – [to present this award] but she had the good sense to decide to go with a ruggedly handsome, stylish former mayor instead,” said Michael R. Bloomberg. He continued, “I’ve always had the good fortune to be surrounded by accomplished, inspiring women, and this crowd knows that attracting and retaining more women makes you a better organization no matter what line of work you are in.”
  • Hoda Kotb said, “The world isn’t changed by big huge events, it’s changed by baby steps. And all these women who we’re meeting today, you watch how they are changing the world…in baby steps. They make us all realize we have power.”
  • L’Oreal Paris President Karen T. Fondu said, “The more women we can recognize that are making a difference in their communities whether they touch one life or many is going to make the world a better place in the long run and we’re very proud and humbled by the opportunity to put a spotlight on these extraordinary women.”

ABOUT L’OREAL PARIS
The L’Oreal Paris division of L’Oreal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care company that combines the latest technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in luxury beauty at mass. The L’Oreal Paris brand encompasses the four major beauty categories – hair color, haircare, skincare and cosmetics – and includes such well-known brands as Preference, Excellence, Feria and Healthy Look hair color; Advanced Haircare, Advanced Hairstyle, Elnett Satin Hairspray, EverPure, EverStrong, EverSleek, EverCreme, EverStyle, EverCurl and L’Oreal Paris Kids hair care; Advanced Suncare, Youth Code, Revitalift, Age Perfect, Ideal Clean, Ideal Moisture, Sublime Bronze and Men’s Expert skincare; and the Colour Riche, True Match, Infallible, Visible Lift and MAGIC cosmetics collections, along with a portfolio of mascara including Voluminous, Double Extend and Telescopic among many others. For more information on L’Oreal Paris and its brands, and to receive personalized beauty advice, expert tips and exclusive beauty content 24-7 (wherever you may be), check out www.lorealparisusa.com.

For Everything Latino In The Digital World, Hayvas Is The Answer

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LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Samisgroup, Inc. is proud to introduce Hayvas! “Para todo Latino” translated as “For everything Latino.” Hayvas intends to become the leading web-based application for the Latino entertainment and lifestyle destination sector. With intentions to offer the most extensive collection of bilingual, Latino-focused digital media, Hayvas is the first digital media brand to embrace the illustrious, passionate, and powerful essence of Latino culture.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151202/292486LOGO

With purchasing power estimated at $1 trillion, Latinos represent the highest population growth of any ethnic group in America, and the youngest average age among all ethnic groups, “it makes no sense for Latino culture to be an afterthought in mainstream media,” according to Samisgroup President & CEO, Asher Hanif. “We intend to use Hayvas to inspire, showcase, and highlight this vibrant community to bring it to the forefront of everyday life for both Spanish and non-Spanish speaking enthusiasts of the Hispanic culture.”

“We plan to give talented Latinos a state-of-the-art digital platform to bring their unique take on food, fashion, music and the arts directly to the customers.” said the CEO. Hayvas intends to offer a three-tier subscription plan with price points that consider the individual, family, and one time user. Samisgroup is actively seeking sources of growth capital and strategic partners to work with the Company in achieving its growth objectives.

About Samisgroup, Inc.

Samisgroup, Inc. is a development stage company founded by a small, but dedicated, group of individuals who have extensive experience building companies that participate in the creative landscape by bridging the gap between technology, culture, artist support, and entertainment. Asher Hanif-CEO, Kevin Potts-COO, James Wenn– CFO, and Mario Proenza-Director of Digital Content have an innovative and game changing plan to launch Hayvas in a manner that they believe to be timely, revolutionary, and life changing. Para todo latino, Hayvas is the answer and more.

Asher Hanif, President & CEO

As an avid musician and world-class guitar player, Asher is no stranger the power of creativity. His ingenuity is only matched buy his business acumen. He is the former CEO and founder of Spyder Link Solutions, an award-winning web marketing company providing e-commerce, website design, custom development, web hosting, and merchant solutions services. He also launched his own recording studio in 1995 where he pursued innovative ways to bring the talent of other artists to market. He truly embodies premise, culture, and values of the Samisgroup.

Kevin Potts, COO

As a creative and marketing force in the entertainment industry, Kevin Potts founded L-Group, specializing in talent management & music marketing. He has also worked with artists such as Carlos Santana, Wu-Tang Clan, Puya, Nile Rodgers, Deftones, Rage Against the Machine and various others.

James Wenn, CFO

As the comptroller for a renowned Hollywood talent agency, James Wenn has been instrumental in the financial success of some of Hollywood’s elite companies and individuals. He also finds the time to manage the finances for a commercial production company, real estate developer, and other entrepreneurs.

Mario Proenza, Director of Digital Content & Marketing

Under the direction of Mr. Proenza, Samisgroup, Inc. has reached new heights within the creative landscape as well as the Latino community. With over 25 years in entertainment, Mario has produced television shows, music specials , variety shows , concerts and festivals. He has built, nourished, and maintained extensive relationships with major artists in the English and Spanish market while solidifying partnerships with the likes of Sony, Warner, EMI, Universal, and many more companies within the entertainment sector.

http://www.samisgroup.com

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