Posts tagged with "community service"

Vans × Wyland

New Vans x Wyland Limited Edition “Kraken” Sneakers Put Spotlight on a Healthier Ocean.

Vans has joined together with renowned marine life artist Wyland and the Wyland Foundation for their latest classic slip-on sneaker collaboration designed to inspire people everywhere about the beauty of the ocean. The shoes, affectionately nicknamed, “The Kraken,” are inspired by the artist’s stunning depiction of the ocean’s original master of disguise, the octopus.

Building on the artist’s playful aesthetic, the octopus appears to spread its tentacles and travel in silhouette from one shoe to the other. “The octopus is not only one of the most awe-inspiring animals in the ocean, it’s in many ways a designer’s dream with its fluid movements and endless ability to camouflage,” Wyland says. “It’s just one of the reasons why people love the ocean so much.” The new Vans x Wyland “Kraken” classic slip-on sneaker is made with cotton sourced from the Better Cotton Initiative which works to reduce the environmental impact of cotton production and improve livelihoods and economic development in cotton producing areas. Vans has sourced BCI cotton since 2014, with the goal of sourcing 100% sustainable cotton by 2025

All proceeds from the new collaboration directly support Wyland Foundation efforts for clean water and healthier oceans, including mobile science education for underserved students, after school marine art education, and numerous programs designed to reduce upstream pollution before it can impact the ocean. Wyland “Kraken” slip on sneakers retail for $110 each and are available for a limited time online exclusively at the Wyland Foundation store. To order, visit HERE.

About the Wyland Foundation

The Wyland Foundation, founded in 1993 by environmental artist Wyland, is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through community events, education programs, and public art projects.

For years, Wyland Foundation has rallied the support of mayors and cities nationwide to urge constituents to consider their environmental impact through its National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. The group works on educating constituents about CO2 emitted from our homes and everyday habits. Thousands participate nationwide annually pledging to save billions of gallons of water.

HEARST Taps Donna Kalajian Lagani as VEEP

Hearst announced that Donna Kalajian Lagani has been named vice president and Eastern director of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation of California and the Hearst Foundation, Inc. of New York, succeeding George B. Irish who passed away on September 13 after serving 14 years in that position. She begins her new role immediately.

The announcement was made by William Randolph Hearst III, chairman of the board of directors of Hearst, president of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and a director of the Hearst Foundation, Inc., and Virginia Hearst Randt, president of the Hearst Foundation, Inc.

Kalajian Lagani joined the Hearst Foundations in 2019 as senior program officer after nearly 25 years at Hearst Magazines.

Separate from the corporation, the Hearst Foundations are national philanthropic resources for organizations working in the fields of culture, education, health and social services. In addition, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation operates two programs, the United States Senate Youth Program and the Journalism Awards Program. Since its inception, the Foundations have made over 22,200 grants to 6,300 organizations, totaling more than $1.4 billion in funds awarded. Paul “Dino” Dinovitz is executive director of both foundations and leads the Western operations.

“For years, Donna was a high-energy executive at Hearst Magazines,” said Hearst. “She brings the same passion for making things happen to her role in philanthropy. I know Donna will make a positive impact on people’s lives — creating the kind of opportunities that my grandfather envisioned when he started the Foundations in 1946. The entire team looks forward to working with her. Donna will sustain our mission to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits and ensure that people of all backgrounds have the chance to build healthy, productive and satisfying lives.”

Said Randt: “Donna has already made a profound impact at the Foundations and has worked tirelessly to identify the organizations who can make the most impact with our grants.”

“The past four years with the Foundations have been among the most fulfilling of my career,” said Kalajian Lagani. “The Foundations are committed to helping organizations make lasting, positive changes in our world and I am honored to be able to be a part of it and to carry on that mission.”

Kalajian Lagani joined Hearst Magazines in 1995 as publisher of Cosmopolitan and was named publishing director in 1999. She added oversight of Seventeen in 2014 and of Women’s Health in 2018, following Hearst’s acquisition of Rodale. During her career at Cosmopolitan, Kalajian Lagani introduced groundbreaking initiatives, most recently through mobile and artificial intelligence technology. She developed and immortalized the “fun fearless female” mantra used by Cosmopolitan editions worldwide. During her tenure, she helped launch CosmoGIRL! and Cosmo for Latinas and was a strong force in bringing Cosmopolitan to new platforms, including Snapchat and Sirius XM Radio.

The Hearst Foundation, Inc. was founded by William Randolph Hearst in 1946. In 1949, Hearst established the California Charities Foundations, later renamed the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. Both foundations are guided by the same charitable mission, which reflects the philanthropic interests of their founder.

The two foundations are managed as one entity, sharing the same funding guidelines, leadership and staff. Staff based in New York City review all proposals from organizations located east of the Mississippi River, and staff in the San Francisco office review those from organizations west of it.

GM × BAMG – TDF

General Motors [GM] and Black Automotive Media Group [BAMG] Internship Returns for Year Two with Clark Atlanta University – Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Across Automotive Media

The Driving Force [TDF] internship program provides HBCU students with multimedia career development, enhancing the automobile industry’s diversity, equity and inclusion.

A unique internship was created in 2020 and is now returning for fall 2022 between the Department of Mass Media Arts at Clark Atlanta University, automobile manufacturer General Motors, and the Black Automotive Media Group.

Dubbed The Driving Force (TDF), the 10-week internship is designed for students interested in covering the automobile industry; and incorporates instruction in editorial content, video content production, and social media outreach, augmented by GM executive presentations.

TDF evolved following discussions between automakers and BAMG related to increased diversity, equity and inclusion for Black media in the automotive sphere. These efforts have created additional opportunities to help prepare the next generation of automotive media professionals.

TDF is led by respected automotive media experts Kimatni D. Rawlins, BAMG founder and publisher of Automotive Rhythms Communications; Greg Morrison of Bumper2Bumpertv; and other key journalists and publishers including Marcus Amick and Teia B. Collier.

“The goal of TDF is to extend educational opportunities to HBCU students who may not be aware of the myriad media paths in automotive communications … My automotive journalism career began with an internship with a major auto manufacturer, so I am thankful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience, and the experiences of fellow BAMG members with Clark Atlanta interns,” said Rawlins.

Supported by General Motors, the TDF internship, kicking off September 28th, is designed to highlight career opportunities as journalists, videographers, photographers, publicists, marketers, and digital and social media pundits covering the auto industry. Participants will showcase their work on various platforms at the end of the internship, and will also liaise with GM communications executives, designers, and product planners through a series of presentations and interviews.

“We are excited to enter into a second year of partnership with BAMG to support the amazing students of Clark Atlanta University,” said Michelle Malcho, vice president Product and Brand Communications, General Motors. “We look forward to learning together and helping to prepare them for exciting careers in communications and journalism.”

TDF’s mission parallels that of the Department of Mass Media Arts at Clark Atlanta University, which provides students with rigorous academic and professional training, complemented by a strong liberal arts education.

“We continue to move with momentum to ensure our scholars at Clark Atlanta University have access to a world-class education and that mission includes offering initiatives that focus on technology and enhancing their analytical thinking skills,” said Clark Atlanta University president, George T. French, Jr., Ph.D. “We want our students to exercise their creativity, be competitive in the world of technology and be included in the technology career pipeline. Initiatives such as this bring them one step closer to that goal.”

Clark Atlanta student, Joshua Paul Williams was a participant in the inaugural TDF session. “The business experience I inherited from participating in The Driving Force Multimedia Internship was far more than I could have imagined,” said Williams. “The program focused on individually developing each student’s communications and networking skills which has given me lifelong connections, practical lessons, and an expanded perspective.”

ABOUT GENERAL MOTORS

Based in Detroit, General Motors is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which powers everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found HERE.

ABOUT CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

Established in 1988 by the historic consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869), Clark Atlanta University continues a 152-year legacy rooted in African-American tradition and focused on the future. Through global innovation, transformative educational experiences, and high-value engagement, CAU cultivates lifted lives that transform the world. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit HERE.

ABOUT BLACK AUTOMOTIVE MEDIA GROUP

BAMG is a distinguished group of Black reporters, publishers, writers, and entrepreneurs representing over 100 years of combined experience in automotive journalism within radio, television, print, experiential marketing, and social media. BAMG members either work for or own various automotive media platforms targeting diverse audiences. BAMG’s primary objective is to bring equity and equality to Black professionals who work in and around the automotive industry. For additional details regarding The Driving Force HBCU internship program, please go HERE.

PRESIDENTE × A-ROD

PRESIDENTE LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVE TO FUEL GREATER HISPANIC REPRESENTATION IN SPORTS BUSINESS

Diversity within sports is an ongoing issue both on and off the field. Presidente, the iconic Dominican pilsner, alongside Alex Rodriguez, President and Chairman of Presidente, are today announcing a new initiative called “Step Up To the Plate” that will look to provoke change and create more opportunities for Hispanic students interested in a career in sports.

A summer-long program, this initiative will help fuel a pipeline of qualified candidates into the business side of the industry by offering internship and networking opportunities, as well as financial support.

In partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the ‘Step Up to the Plate’ program has awarded nine deserving students a three-month paid internship working on projects across the business that include a strategic sports focus, in collaboration with the Sports Marketing team at Anheuser-Busch – one of the biggest sponsors in sport for almost 40 years.

In addition to the internship, the program awards each student a grant for living expenses in a combined package worth approximately $15K, as well as the opportunity to join Anheuser-Busch in a full-time role following graduation.

“We recognize that the need to diversify leadership in sports is greater than ever, and as a brand that champions the progression of Hispanic culture, we’re more than thrilled to announce this program,” said Alex Monroy, Senior Brand Director of Presidente at Anheuser-Busch. “Step Up to the Plate is meant to bridge the gap between accessibility and opportunity for these students, and ultimately arm them with the tools and experience to “Be the Presidente” of their career in sports.”

In addition to the selected interns, Presidente will give anyone an opportunity to tune into a virtual Q&A session led by none other than former Yankee player, business mogul and Chairman of Presidente, Alex Rodriguez. Taking place on July 11, the virtual seminar will be streamed via Instagram live by Alex Rodriguez (@arod) and Presidente (@presidenteUSA)

“I’m very excited to be working with Presidente on a program that will fuel greater diversity within the industry,” said Alex Rodriguez, President and Chairman of Presidente USA. “Hispanic athletes and fans have played a major part of baseball’s success throughout the years, which is why we think it’s vital that we’re represented not just on the field but in the boardrooms as well.”

Presidente intends for this initiative to be the first push in leveling the playing field for aspiring Hispanic graduates with a passion for sports. As such, the program recipients will begin their internships in Mid-June and will be placed across the Anheuser-Busch marketing team so they can best learn the ins and outs of the business.

For additional details on the ‘Step Up to the Plate’ program and seminar, follow Presidente on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Monroe Alise

Listen to Monroe Alise’s full conversation with Vaughn Lowery on the 360 MAG Podcast HERE.

Monroe Alise is an actress, LGBTQIA+ advocate, model and comedienne. As a transgender woman, she has fulfilled her childhood dream of working in the entertainment industry. Her philosophy on life is described in her mantra, “If you can’t laugh at life, you will never find a reason to live it.”

Born and raised in Washington DC, Monroe grew up passionate and inspired by media and entertainment. Her admiration for her father’s successful career as a DJ ignited her insatiable desire to entertain. Thus, she began singing in church, propelling her into the world of artistic expression.

For Monroe, a great singer consists of emulating your favorite idols while taking advantage of the potential of one’s own voice. As a child, she recalls being compared to artists like John Legend and Luther Vandross because of her tonality and courage. Another favorite is Nina Simone, whom she references while belting evangelical hymns.

As a youth, Monroe was a very active and social child. She studied sports public relations but fancied theatre. These disciplines were conducive to her discovery of sexuality. Further, she began to notice a direct correlation with her mother’s maternal responsibilites, rather than her father and two brother’s machismo profile.

According to Monroe, “While they were playing games and sports, I was in the kitchen doing my mom’s hair.” In addition, her openly gay aunt was influential in her gender transformation due to her immense pride and confidence.

Monroe’s gender bender was painstakingly challenging but became easier over time. For instance, while preparing for an acting role as a Trans woman, she became comfortable in this new skin. After the audition, she gave herself permission to continue to live within this newfound reality.

A year later, Monroe made the decision to come out, “I was like, well this is who I am, so I socially reinvented myself and this is the girl you see.” Eventhough the transition embraced authenticity, it was extremely taxing on her family as well as father’s religious convictions.

Lacking legit representation and management, Monroe began to utilize social media to seek opportunities within the realms of fashion and Hollywood. As a thespian, Monroe became enthralled by the portrayal of becoming another homosepian while subsequently having an impact on the world. This year’s main objective is New York City’s Broadway. Her short-term is to star in a sci-fi like Star Trek or Star Wars as well as a fantasy film similar in type to Harry Potter and Twilight. Longterm, Monroe aspires to host a namesake talk show directed and produced by herself.

As an emerging Trans Community activist, Monroe is deeply concerned about the increasing rate of violence against her people. She hopes to alleviate the suffering of her collective, especially at the hands and ignorance of the narrow-minded.

Monroe’s Five Principles:

1.) Adequate preparation;

2.) prevention of underachievement;

3.) working while you wait without worry;

4.) preparing for your mission;

5.) and continuing to work because you know you’ve been doing the best you could.

Credits:

Article: Andrea Esteban, McKinley Franklin, Armon Hayes, Vaughn Lowery

Photo: Corey Fletcher

Resources:

Trans Lifeline

Human Rights Campaign

Follow Monroe Alise:

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter YouTube | Spotify

Check out Monroe on the latest season of P-Valley on Starz.

CIARA × RUSSELL – WNYF

On Saturday, the Why Not You Foundation (WNYF) and College Success Foundation (CSF) hosted an unforgettable evening to celebrate scholars, demonstrate the impact of education, and ensure students have the support, mentoring and services necessary to achieve their dreams. The Dream Big: Anything Is Possible event brought together an intimate group of thought leaders from the Seattle community to connect and discuss topics ranging from the challenges underserved students experience to the future of education. The event took place at The Boathouse on the shores of Lake Union and was hosted by WNYF’s Russell Wilson and Ciara and presented by HomeStreet Bank. Funds raised at the event will benefit the Why Not You Academy and College Success Foundation college-access and success programs.

The Dream Big: Anything is Possible initiative was created by the Why Not You Foundation in 2018 as a platform to inspire and drive change for youth in Washington’s diverse communities. Since its launch, the initiative has engaged and supported hundreds of students with programs and scholarships, and welcomed the first students to the Why Not You Academy.

“We were honored to co-host this special evening celebrating the Why Not You Foundation’s partnership with College Success Foundation and the transformative opportunities we’ve been able to provide to students together,” said WNYF’s co-founders Russell Wilson and Ciara. “It’s enduring partnerships like this that have enabled the WNYF to grow deep roots in the Seattle community which will continue to prosper and impact many more people for years to come. Seattle has a special place in our hearts and will forever be a place we call home.”

This ongoing partnership with College Success Foundation is just one example of WNYF’s sustained commitment to the Seattle community where it was founded in 2014. In just eight years they have helped raise over $10M for pediatric cancer research with Safeway Albertsons, opened the Why Not You Academy, a tuition-free charter school, and have inspired countless young people to realize their true potential and pursue their dreams. Alongside co-founders Russell Wilson and Ciara, the Why Not You Foundation will continue to work closely with its partners to strengthen the Seattle community and beyond.

“We are appreciative of Russell and Ciara’s dedication to supporting important education initiatives in Seattle,” said College Success Foundation’s President & CEO James Dorsey. “We prepare CSF Scholars with the academic, financial, social and emotional support they need to be successful in life, beginning in middle school and continuing through high school, college and beyond,” “We’re proud of the more than 11,600 CSF Scholars – and counting – who have graduated from college.”

Despite the extreme challenges facing underserved, low-income students, CSF educational attainment rates remain ahead of national benchmarks in all areas. To combat pandemic-created challenges, College Success Foundation is expanding this year to serve even more students in high school and college through the Rally for College initiative.

About Why Not You Foundation:

Founded in 2014, Russell Wilson and Ciara’s Why Not You Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty through education, empowering youth to lead with a why not you attitude. The foundation supports student access to equal education opportunities, children’s health and food security initiatives. Its mission is to equip today’s youth with the skills and opportunities to become tomorrow’s leaders. In Fall 2020, the foundation announced its first Why Not You Academy, a school that blends real-world applications with classroom learning. Learn more at www.whynotyoufdn.org.

About College Success Foundation:

College Success Foundation is a national nonprofit that provides a unique integrated system of supports and scholarships to inspire underserved, low-income students to finish high school, graduate from college and succeed in life. CSF serves students in public high schools and college campuses throughout Washington state and the District of Columbia. Learn more at collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Featured Photo: from left: Why Not You Foundation co-founder Russell Wilson, Why Not You Academy student Trinity, and Why Not You Foundation co-founder Ciara pose together at the Dream Big: Anything is Possible dinner on May 21, 2022 in Seattle. (Photo by Stephanie Cristalli)

RACE TO ERASE MS

29TH ANNUAL RACE TO ERASE MS GALA RAISES OVER $1.4 MILLION

Annual Event Featured a Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Fashion Show and Musical Performance by Nile Rodgers & Chic

On Friday, May 20, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) advocate and Center Without Walls founder, Nancy Davis, welcomed guests to the Fairmont Century Plaza for the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala. The event raised over $1.4 million to benefit the Race to Erase MS and its Center Without Walls program, a collaboration of top MS research centers working together as a team on ground-breaking research with the goal of treating and, ultimately, finding a cure for MS. The star-studded event featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning composer, producer, and guitarist Nile Rodgers and Chic. Additionally, Tommy Hilfiger presented its latest adaptive collection in a fashion show at this year’s gala. First launched in 2017, the adaptive line features innovatively designed clothing that makes dressing easier for adults and children with disabilities.

Guests at this year’s event included Race to Erase MS Founder Nancy Davis, performer Nile Rodgers & Chic, Fashion Designer Tommy Hilfiger, and special guests Alan Bersten, Anna Trebunskaya, Angela Lewis, Ashley Alexiss, Austin Aaron, Brandee Evans, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, Christine Devine, Crystal Kung Minkoff, Cybill Shepherd, Daniella Karagach, Darone Okolie, David Faustino, Dawnmarie Deshaies, Deacon Phillippe, Dorothy Lucey, Ed Begley Jr., Ellie Zeiler, Emma Kenney, Emma Norton, Emmett Hunter, Frances Fisher, Francesca Capaldi, Garcelle Beauvais, Gigi Gorgeous, Greg Germann, Greg Phillinganes, Hero Hunter, Inde Navarrette, Isaac Boots, J. Mallory McCree, James Tupper, Jason Lewis, Jay Huguley, Jen Kober, Joely Fisher, Joey Zauzig, Kathy Hilton, Katie Cassidy, Lauren Ash, Madison Grace, Michael Campion, Pasha Pashkov, Samantha Hanratty, Shaun Robinson, Sheree Zampino, Siedah Garrett, Taryn Manning, Tim Realbuto, Vanna White, Victoria Justice, Vivica Fox, and more!

The evening began with a Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive fashion show with models of all abilities on the runway highlighting TOMMY HILFIGER’s innovative line of clothing. The collection features discreet modifications – such as one-handed zippers for easy closure, seams that open to accommodate prosthetics and seated wear designed for wheelchair riders. Each piece is designed to make dressing easier, without sacrificing style or quality. Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive’s mission is to make fashion accessible to everyone so they feel empowered to express themselves through the clothing they wear.

Race to Erase MS founder Nancy Davis took the stage next, thanking guests for being in the room to celebrate the 29th Annual Gala. She shared her excitement to be back at the Fairmont Century Plaza and spoke of the incredible accomplishments of the organization over the years, including raising over $50 million for Race to Erase MS and its Center Without Walls program. Nancy also thanked her family for the love and support they have provided her to achieve this important goal.

Kathy Hilton, Garcelle Beauvais, and Crystal Minkoff introduced the luxurious live auction, which featured one-of-a-kind opportunities including lunch with The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills themselves – including Kathy Hilton, Sutton Stracke, Dorit Kemsley and Garcelle Beauvais, a Four-night Stay at the Fabulous Four Seasons Resort Maui, a Four-night stay at the Little Nell & Aspen Skiing Company in Aspen, a recording session with Nile Rodgers, a one-of-a-kind NFT, and more. The big item of the night was a Lars Beusker limited-edition panther photograph, which sold to the highest bidder for $39,000.

Vivica A. Fox, Taryn Manning, and Tim Realbuto took to the stage to introduce a video about Race to Erase MS and the research done at the Center Without Walls. Singer-songwriter Siedah Garrett then introduced the musical guest for the evening, legendary performer Nile Rodgers & Chic, who brought down the house playing hits “Dance, Dance, Dance,” “We Are Family,” “Le Freak,” and many more.

In what has become a Race to Erase MS tradition over the past 29 years, an uplifting rendition of “Lean On Me” was performed as the finale of the evening, led by Siedah Garrett, with help from Greg Phillinganes. They invited audience members to join them onstage, alongside Nancy Davis and Nile Rodgers, to close out the special evening.

The Race to Erase MS is honored by the gracious design contribution for the event by Shepard Fairey and Studio Number One. The original artwork was featured in all gala communications; exclusive event merchandise featuring the design is available online at shop.erasems.org. The gala also featured www.159.gallery Los Angeles, which exclusively represents world-renowned German wildlife photographer Lars Beusker, and is represented by agent Sabine Niederberghaus. They donated the sold-out image “Panther” with edition number 1/10 from Lars Beusker’s private collection in XXL size of 94’5” (2,40 meters) for auction. The tote for the event gift bag was also sponsored by the gallery and designed by the artist himself showing one of his extraordinary images. In addition, during the gala event an exclusive showcase of 10 of his artworks were on display, with 30% of sales that evening supporting Race to Erase MS.

Race to Erase MS was founded in 1993 by Nancy Davis and is dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of Multiple Sclerosis. Since the Race to Erase MS foundation was created, there has been more than $50 million raised and 22 FDA approved therapies created to aggressively fight MS that have provided hope, inspiration, and resources to those in the Multiple Sclerosis community. The gala directly benefits the foundation’s Center Without Walls program, a unique collaboration between the world’s leading MS research scientists and investigators who have bolstered their individual efforts into collective action that has led to exciting discoveries in the search for a cure.

The Center Without Walls program currently includes physicians, scientists, and clinicians from Cedars-Sinai, UCSF, Harvard, Yale, Oregon Health Science University, Johns Hopkins, UCLA and USC. The Race to Erase MS Gala has been instrumental in funding pilot studies that have contributed to drugs now on the market and other very important therapies that are improving the lives of people worldwide suffering from MS.

Davis also created the annual “Orange You Happy to Erase MS” campaign, which takes place for the entire month of May (MS Awareness Month) and adds yet another branch of fundraising for MS research. Throughout the month, a variety of orange products, many of which are specially created for this initiative, are sold to benefit the cause and elevate public awareness about MS.

For the latest news and information on Race to Erase MS be sure to follow on social, and join the conversation using #RaceToEraseMS and #EraseMS.

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About Race to Erase MS

Race to Erase MS was founded in 1993 by Nancy Davis and is dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of multiple sclerosis. Funding research is the core focus of the foundation and significant strides have been made to find the cause and cure of this debilitating disease. At the event’s inception 29 years ago, the absence of medications and therapies encouraged its involvement; the Race has been instrumental in funding pilot studies that have contributed to drugs now on the market and other very important therapies that are improving the lives of people suffering from MS. 

All funds raised support the Center Without Walls program, a unique collaboration of the world’s leading MS research scientists currently representing Harvard, Yale, Cedars Sinai, University of Southern California, Oregon Health Science University, UC San Francisco, Johns Hopkins, and UCLA. This nationwide collaboration of physicians, scientists and clinicians are on the cutting-edge of innovative research and therapeutic approaches to treat MS.  It is the hope of the Race to Erase MS that in addition to combating MS through research in a clinical environment, awareness will be created by educating the public about this mysterious disease. Since its founding, Race to Erase MS has raised over $50 Million.

NGLCC Winner!

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nglccNY Biz of the Month: 360

This May, nglccNY is proud to spotlight 360 MAGAZINE as their second nglccNY Biz of the Month! They spoke with Vaughn Lowery (he/him/his) about 360 MAGAZINE’S services and what makes his business unique. Read their Q&A with Lowery below:

What is your business?

360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing popular culture and design. We showcase state-of-the-art brands, entities and trends to creators of global tastes within their respective communities. Our founding members possess more than 30 years of collective experience both as notable talent and uber-professionals in the fields of art, music, fashion, auto, travel, spirits and entertainment. We are not just journalists, but represent an advocacy and social change movement.

What is unique about your business?

In 2009, we came up with an organization that embraced POC, women and the LGBTQIA+ community. Our mission was to extend the microphone to their once unheard-of voices. To date, the platform has continued to grow and feed neglected communities through mainstream media.

How has being a Certified LGBTBE® impacted your business? Why did you join nglccNY?

We particularly turned to nglccNY for its historical connections and maternalistic approach to boutique brands with similar perspectives. We are extremely fortunate, as are the possibilities that flow from that.

What is your favorite part about the nglccNY community?

The most intriguing component of the chapter is fellowship, consistently engaging with individuals and entities who celebrate their uniqueness as we do.

What does it mean to you to be an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur?

Being an LGBTQ+ enterpriser has enabled us to thrive and prosper in these dark times. We have expanded our volumes to include politics and tech; launched our NFT Animal Series on OpenSea; introduced 360 MAG Podcast on Apple and Spotify and published the first installment of our Move Like Water × Be Fluid series – a youthful self-help book, marketing manifest with heart wrenching testimonials. Indeed, with our certification announcement, I have become a more confident leader in a ketsado, pushing for limitless inclusion.

Connect with Lowery and 360 Magazine on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!

*A letter to our potential partners.