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#TransferBusinessGators check out FL Business Leadership Society for a great way to get connected and jumpstart your involvement in University of Florida - Warrington College of Business!

As part of Excelsior University's celebration of Second Chance Month, yesterday the Center for Social Justice and the Civic Engagement Rope Team had the privilege of hosting Trent Griffin-Braaf, who shared his powerful journey with us in his keynote: 'From Felon to Forbes'. Below are a few highlights of his paradigm-shifting presentation: - The value of family and intentional connection. - The importance of focusing on our health and wellness, regardless of our circumstances. - The relevance of focusing on our personal and professional development. - The power of becoming a forever learner, to learn as much as possible in all situations. - Nothing lasts forever, so put your best step forward every day and focus on learning and preparing for next steps. - Never stop looking for opportunities and pivot as needed. - Remember that an arrow needs to be pulled back before it goes forward. - Focus on identifying needs and pursuing service, leadership, and workforce development opportunities. - Find ways of helping others identify and pursue their goals. - The power of empathy as part of a successful organization and of helping others to do better. - The importance of community engagement and of giving back. Thank you for sharing your leadership, partnership, and story with us, Trent!

I might be late, but there's big news, White Sox fans! The team is seriously considering a new stadium in the South Loop that could transform the area into a whole new city neighborhood. The plan includes residences, commercial properties, and even a research center for the University of Illinois. The potential stadium could be the centerpiece of a sports and entertainment district featuring restaurants, hotels, and live music venues. Ald. Pat Dowell is optimistic, saying the new stadium could be a game-changer for the community, bringing economic growth and a vibrant atmosphere. However, it's early days, and financial details are still in the works. Critics worry about traffic and financing, but the Sox are eyeing a similar success story to Wrigleyville's transformation around Wrigley Field. If this plan comes to fruition, we can expect to see this new entertainment filled neighborhood around 2029 as that is when the White Sox current stadium lease expires. Exciting times ahead for the White Sox and South Loop! https://lnkd.in/gmaq9w5j #DePaulSMN #WhiteSox #MLB

From Gridiron Grit to Gemstones: Lessons Learned on and Off the Field... Growing up, sports weren't just a pastime; they were my escape, my identity, and the crucible that forged my character. Despite coming from humble beginnings, on the athletic field I found joy, discipline, and resilience. While I may have fabricated a trust fund to fit in, the reality was grit and hard work were my true assets. One pivotal moment came during my high school football career. My coach, despite the small eight-man team, saw a potential I couldn't yet grasp. He ignited a fire within me, showing me the path to college football through dedication and effort. This became my new playing field, a goal worth fighting for. After high school, I walked on at a community college, eventually earning a scholarship. The University of Arkansas offered a partial scholarship, but a full ride at Southern Arkansas University opened a different door. While a part of me still wonders "what if", this path led me to the love of my life, our children, and an unexpected apprenticeship under a second-generation jeweler. On the field, one of the most valuable lessons I learned was playing my position. As captain of the defense, staying disciplined and focused was crucial, even when I wanted to be everywhere at once. My proudest moment wasn't about individual accolades, but witnessing my team achieve its best season in a decade. Fueled by collective spirit and unwavering focus, we tasted the sweet victory of shared success. The knowledge that I played a key role in this, alongside my teammates, surpassed any individual accomplishment. These lessons transcended the athletic world, shaping the foundation of my 33-year journey in the jewelry business. Discipline, hard work, preparation, teamwork, and perseverance became my core values. This collaborative spirit fuels not only my business endeavors but also guides my family life and fosters the relationships I nurture with colleagues. In both sports and business, success thrives when a team aligns its focus, leaving "what ifs" behind. It's in this united front that true victory lies, on and off the field. #FromUnderdogToChampion #SportsAndBusinessLessons #FamilyValuesAndTeamwork

In 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to work with the New York Mets organization for a season. I want to emphasize that for anyone aspiring to work in sports, it is not an easy path, and relationships truly matter. Whether it's with your supervisor or your coworkers, never underestimate the value of these connections. I have a deep appreciation for two individuals, Jenn and John, who have had a significant impact on me. They have shown me that having a full-time job in sports is not just about the title or the paycheck, but it's about the passion and dedication they bring to their roles. Jenn, who works as a high school math and special education teacher, has managed to make it work with her job at the Mets for the past 10 years. Similarly, John, who has been with the organization for 12 years, balances his full-time job as a head varsity basketball coach at St. John's Preparatory School alongside his role with the Mets. What these two remarkable individuals have in common is their passion for empowering others and their exemplary leadership skills. Even to this day, I can relate to them both professionally and personally. Jenn's role as an educator and her dedication to special needs students resonates with me, while John's coaching expertise and commitment to his players inspire me. The lesson here is that for those who aspire to have a full-time job in the sports industry, it's important not to get your hopes up too high and to be prepared to put in extra effort. Sometimes, fulfilling your dreams may involve juggling multiple jobs. But trust me, the more effort you put into life, the more fulfilling it will be. So keep up the hard work and never lose sight of your goals. And of course, it's always a great feeling when you can make it back to a game and catch up with old colleagues in person.

🌟Black History in CTE Day 10: Building Bridges: The Intersection of Black History and Skilled Trades 🛠️🚧 As we honor Black History Month, it's essential to recognize the profound impact of Black individuals in skilled trades. From carpentry to plumbing to masonry, their contributions have helped build our communities and shape the fabric of our society. 👷♂️Honoring Craftsmanship and Expertise: Black artisans and tradespeople have long been masters of their craft, honing their skills through dedication and hard work. Their expertise in fields such as carpentry, masonry, and welding has left an indelible mark on the built environment, with structures that stand as testaments to their talent and ingenuity. 🏗️ Building Foundations for the Future: The legacy of Black individuals in skilled trades extends beyond their craftsmanship; it encompasses their role as mentors and role models for future generations. Through apprenticeship programs, like ICCS Academy and workforce training programs, like The HABITS Group LLC, they pass down their knowledge and instill a sense of pride and craftsmanship in the next wave of tradespeople. 🌉 Bridging Communities and Cultures: Skilled trades have always been a bridge between communities and cultures, bringing people together to collaborate on projects that shape the world around us. Black individuals in skilled trades serve as ambassadors of unity, breaking down barriers and fostering connections through their work. 🛠️ Empowering Economys: Skilled trades offer pathways to economic empowerment and self-sufficiency, providing opportunities for individuals to build fulfilling careers and support their families. Black individuals in skilled trades are trailblazers in this regard, paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps and achieve success. 👷♀️ Celebrating Diversity in the Trades: It’s important to celebrate the diversity of voices and experiences in the skilled trades. By honoring the contributions of Black individuals, we not only acknowledge their impact but also reaffirm our commitment to creating inclusive and equitable workplaces for all. 🌟Together, let's recognize and celebrate the intersection of Black history and skilled trades. Their contributions have built bridges, both literal and metaphorical, that connect communities and create a brighter future for all. 🚀🔨 #BlackHistoryMonth #SkilledTrades #BuildingBridges #DiversityandInclusion #apprenticeshipsmatter #tradejobsmatter Zach Johnson Carl Burnside Elaina S. Chattman, Ed.S Raynor McKinnon Colleen Smith Kevin R. Johnson Sr. Ed.D

On behalf of our entire team at Mentor Connect, I wanted to express our gratitude to Bobby Hulme-Lippert for speaking on our behalf at the Leadership Conference, City of Austin on June 21st, 2024. Your presentation, “Bring Your Dance Moves: How Leaders Cultivate Belonging,” was profoundly impactful. Your explanation of how everyone has unique and important gifts to offer, and how these gifts are best shared when we feel a sense of belonging, resonated deeply with us. We were particularly inspired by your explanation on how leaders can cultivate belonging: 1. Use Improv Comedy’s “Yes, and” as a Leadership Approach – Building from the input, perspective, and strengths of others. 2. Share Stories – Providing outlets for team members to appreciate each other’s stories, even short conversational prompts can quickly build a deeper connection. 3. Practice Gratitude – Offering team members specific, personalized expressions of gratitude and recognition for their work. These approaches are especially beneficial for high school students as we navigate formative years, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that enhances our personal and academic growth. Mentor Connect is truly grateful for your partnership. Naithruv Kashyap, Chief Operations Officer, Mentor Connect Arjun Rajan, Adam Menezes, Shaurya Pathania

You are the driver of your career, what car are you choosing to take you for the ride? 🚗 I thought I loved luxury cars, I thought I’d be a Mercedes or bmw girlie but it turns out that just wasn’t my style. 💯 The same goes for my career. I thought I wanted to be an executive and even a CDO at one point until I realized I was trying to be someone I thought people would want me to be instead of what I wanted to be. I know it can be tempting to aspire to have goals to reach the top of the corporate latter and I’m definitely grateful for all of you Black women and WOC who have risen to those ranks because you’ve been an inspiration to so many including myself. However, I realized even with my experience, knowledge and skill set I don’t want to be a CDO. I do want to impact people’s lives, help people, create and ideate new ways of working and creating equity and really making those connections that matter. I do want to make sure whatever it is that I do that my role regardless of it’s official title will always be seen as a leadership role because of how I work not because of what the title reads. Taking up space for me means having a title that allows me to still do the things I love and do with ease, so that I can show up as the leader I know I am. I get to make that call, not my title. 🗣️ I know a lot of you are like me, you’re on similar journeys to take up space YOUR way and I'm genuinely curious and would love your feedback when it comes to how you’ve done this. Is there one aspect of your development, personal and professional that you feel is missing that keeps you from taking up space? AND Is there one aspect of your development, personal and professional that has helped you take up space that you want to celebrate? Any feedback is appreciated and if you’d like to share in a safe space send me a DM.

🌟 Propel Your Career to New Heights! 🌟 We are pleased to share that our Summer Cohort registration is now open! My personal journey as a Black Female Technology professional in North America has shown me barriers exist that often impede many Black professionals' career advancement. These experiences fueled my determination to create Black Mentorship Inc. (BMI), a platform that aims to address these inequalities, ensuring everyone has an equitable opportunity to reach their career potential. At Black Mentorship Inc. (BMI), we believe in turning dreams into reality. Our world-class Propel Mentorship Program is designed to equip professionals with the tools they need to achieve their career aspirations and excel in their chosen fields because THEY DESERVE IT! What Our Program Offer: 🌱 Personalized Mentorship 💼 Skill-Building Workshops 🤝 Networking Opportunities 🚀 Professional Development 💡 Career Guidance Join our thriving community of ambitious professionals, where you can connect with industry leaders and receive the tools and support you need to navigate the corporate world with confidence. At BMI, you're not just a member, you're part of a supportive network that believes in your potential. Don’t just dream about success—make it happen with BMI! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gpfpCzeW Proudly supported by TD. #PropelYourCareer #CareerDreams #ProfessionalGrowth #MentorshipMatters #BMISuccess

🌟 Black History in CTE: Day 29: Looking to the Future: Black History Month Inspires the Next Generation of CTE Leaders 🚀📚 As we conclude Black History & Career & Technical Education Month with an extra day🥳, we recognize the profound impact of Black leaders in CTE and the opportunity it presents to inspire the next generation of leaders. This month serves as a reminder of the resilience, innovation, and leadership of Black pioneers, whose contributions continue to shape the landscape of CTE. 🎓 Inspiring Excellence: Black History & CTE Month provide a platform to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black leaders in CTE. Their stories of perseverance, ingenuity, and success inspire us to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in our own careers and communities. 💡Fueling Ambition: For students aspiring to pursue careers in CTE, Black History Month offers a wealth of role models and mentors to look up to. By showcasing the diverse talents and achievements of Black leaders, we ignite a spark of ambition and possibility in the next generation of CTE professionals. 🌱 Nurturing Potential: As educators, mentors, and industry professionals, we have a responsibility to nurture the potential of young leaders and provide them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in CTE. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, mentorship, and empowerment, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive and make a difference. 🌟 Building a Brighter Future: As we look to the future, let's harness the spirit of Black History Month to inspire and empower the next generation of CTE leaders. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for all, where talent knows no bounds and every individual has the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Together, let's continue to champion diversity, excellence, and innovation in Career & Technical Education. 🌟🎓 #BlackHistoryMonth #CTEmonth #CTELeadership #InspiringTheFuture #ctematters #blackhistorymatters ICCS Academy The HABITS Group LLC Zach Johnson Carl Burnside Raynor McKinnon Elaina S. Chattman, Ed.S Kevin R. Johnson Sr. Ed.D Colleen Smith Latasha Wilson