Veronica Blakely, Ed.S

Just a short message from your favorite formerly incarcerated and national apprenticeship expert. We have to help folks get engaged in the system on all sides. We also must stop holding the secret or being gatekeepers to the system and allow everyone who is interested to access it. Puerto Rico will need more than 22,000 construction workers to rebuild the infrastructure but most Puerto Ricans have no clue how to access the system and the employers who are looking, want to pay penny’s on the dollar compared to the mainland US employers. That’s not what the apprenticeship system is about at all, it should be used to train individuals so that they have the skills needed to take care of their families. Shout out to the fantastic Puerto Rico Apprenticeship folks led by Charles McNeil III for all of the great work they have done to move the needle over the past year! #apprenticeship #puertorico #construction #rebuild #infrasturctureinvestment #opportunities #sanjuan

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Have you seen the RFP for Youth Training and Career Development Services? The estimated Funding Amount Up to $1,033,383. In this video, I'll be diving into the Savannah RFP for youth training and career development services. I'll walk you through the key details, including the funding, program elements, and important guidelines. Plus, I'll share a quick tip on how you can propose this opportunity to your own county's workforce board. So, if you're interested in exploring this exciting RFP and potentially participating in the program, this video is for you. #montinaspeaks

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🗣️ Calling ALL Black Women Superintendents    I am conducting a research study as part of my doctoral studies. The focus of my study is on intersectionality and the lived experiences of Black woman superintendents.   I am extending an invitation to participate in this study because of your valuable experience as a superintendent. 👉🏾To be eligible, participants should self-identify as Black, a woman, and currently serve in the superintendent position or have served in the role in the last three years.   Participation in this study involves ⤵️ ✔️An electronic questionnaire that will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. ✔️A semi-structured interview conducted via Zoom lasting about 60 minutes. Interviews will take place between May 17th - June 6th. Please be assured that your participation is entirely voluntary, and all information will be kept confidential.    If you are interested, respond to this message confirming your interest OR schedule an interview using this link: https://lnkd.in/ex9G6QtD   Thank you for considering this invitation. If you have no availability between May 17th and June 6th, please let me know and we will find a different time. #schoolleaders #edleadership #whenbrowngirlslead

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Escambia County Florida is failing Black students!!! Background data! Math Assessment results for Escambia County filtered by race/ethnicity. English Language Arts (Reading): https://lnkd.in/evgWtcdi 👀👀👀👀👀😫 Harmonic Learning Education & Training can assist if your child needs support.💚💙🤎 Level 1 = Well Below Grade Level: Likely to need substantial support for the next grade/course Level 2 = Below Grade Level: Likely to need substantial support for the next grade/course Level 3 = On Grade Level: May need additional support for the next grade/course Level 4 = Proficient: Likely to excel in the next grade/course Level 5 = Exemplary: Highly likely to excel in the next grade/course DATA INTERPRETATION: 25% of Black/African American students in Escambia County are at or above grade level in Mathematics. 75% of Black/African American students in Escambia County are BELOW grade level in Mathematics. . . 57.8% of White students in Escambia County are at or above grade level in Mathematics. 42.2% of White students in Escambia County are BELOW grade level in Mathematics. . . 46.1% of Hispanic students in Escambia County are at or above grade level in Mathematics. 53.9% of Hispanic students in Escambia County are BELOW grade level in Mathematics. . . 74.4% of Asian students in Escambia County are at or above grade level in Mathematics. 25.6% of Asian students in Escambia County are below grade level in Mathematics. > > > > More numbers to consider: Grade 10 Black Males for Math: LVL1 = 60% LVL2 = 30% LVL 3 = 9% LVL 4 = 0% LVL 5 = 1% Grade 10 Black Males for ELA: LVL1 = 57% LVL2 = 27% LVL 3 = 10% LVL 4 = 3% LVL 5 = 3%

STOP!! Mental health is a real thing. It kills Americans daily. Struggling with mental health is no different than struggling with cancer or another terminal illness. Let’s focus on the desire to make MENTAL HEALING a priority. As I once heard it said …. Is not the brain connected to the rest of the body? Let’s not vilify those that need support. Side note; did you know that clinical psychologists and mental health and behavioral therapists ALSO go to therapy. The weight of the world, the weight of your job, and the weight of your LIFE does not have to be your burden. Here are some resources if you need them SANARE TODAY, LLC and Maternal wellness. Link 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 #takecareofyourlife #takeverygoodcare

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Being a proud Dominican woman has always been a significant part of my identity. I have consistently aimed to set a positive example of the excellent civic and social education that Dominican children receive from a young age through adulthood. The values instilled in me during my upbringing have molded me into a resilient and compassionate individual. However, recently, it has been challenging to show unwavering support for my homeland. As a woman, it is disheartening to witness the continued lack of autonomy over our bodies, which can significantly impact our futures. Morality serves as a guiding principle to differentiate between right and wrong, nurturing a sense of unity within communities. But morality cannot be a weapon we use to denied basic medical services to those in need. Instead, it should be the compass guiding us toward compassion, empathy, and the unwavering commitment to the well-being of every individual. A highly concerning bill for a new Criminal Code is nearing final approval in the Dominican Republic's Senate. The bill, which the Senate approved on first review on June 26, maintains the country's complete ban on abortion. It also reduces penalties for sexual violence within marriage, classified as ‘non-consensual sexual activity”. Abortion in the Dominican Republic is illegal in all circumstances, including rape and incest. Abortions are not allowed to save a woman’s life or when the fetus can’t survive outside the womb. The law has been in effect since 1884 and women can be sentenced to up to two years in prison for undergoing an abortion, while doctors or midwives could face penalties ranging from five to 20 years.

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From Insight Into Diversity: Historically Black #Colleges and #Universities (#HBCUs) are experiencing a period of expansion, with new programs and campuses being developed across the country as the number of applicants has increased for the second and third straight years. Morgan State University, for example, has reported a record number of new students, while North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Howard University, Wilberforce University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore, among others, have also seen surging enrollment. This growth reflects an increasing demand for higher education tailored to the Black community, amplified recruitment and retention efforts, innovative strategies to serve these student populations, and an increase in funding through federal and philanthropic avenues. The Supreme Court’s decision last June to discontinue the consideration of race in college admissions may also be contributing to this influx. To accommodate this increase in student population and their needs, some HBCUs are also expanding their offerings. One prominent example is at Xavier University of Louisiana, which recently signed a partnership with Ochsner Medical Center to establish the first #HBCU medical school in the Gulf South, Xavier Ochsner School of Medicine (EXOCOM). Their next step is to seek accreditation. This initiative marks a significant milestone as it aims to address the underrepresentation of Black professionals in the medical field by enrolling and graduating more Black doctors and health care providers. Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is also making meaningful strides by offering $52 million to procure the now-defunct Birmingham-Southern College property for use as a satellite campus. If accepted, this would expand Alabama A&M’s footprint in the state and create new opportunities for students in Birmingham, enhancing educational accessibility and fostering community development. The acquisition would also be historic, as no HBCU has ever purchased a predominantly White institution in the South. These expansions are not just about increasing enrollment but also about extending the reach and impact of HBCUs. By creating satellite campuses and new schools, these institutions are addressing the evolving educational needs of #diverse communities, ensuring their long-term viability and relevance in the higher education landscape. #EducationalEquity #RacialEquity #DEI #BlackStudents #BlackDoctors #CollegeAdmissions #EnrollmentManagement

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Want to work with Daniel Scott & Associates LLC? Check out our website: https://lnkd.in/dQaCCSEf Reach Out via Email: info@theoryn2practice.com Daniel Scott, M.A., CEM At Theory-N2-Practice, we take pride in our diverse client base representing various industries and organizations. From state and local-level emergency management agencies to tribal entities, from public health departments to utility agencies, From colleges and universities to consulting and training companies, and several nonprofits, we have the unique ability to cater to a variety of needs and contexts, making each client feel valued and understood in their unique circumstances. #TheoryN2Practice #EmergencyManagement #CrisisPreparedness #RiskAssessment #SafetyFirst #DisasterResponse #LeadershipDevelopment #EmergencyPlanning #PublicSafety #ResilienceBuilding #CommunitySafety #HazardMitigation #EmergencyServices #LeadershipExcellence #CrisisManagement #BusinessContinuity #DisasterRecovery #SafetyTraining #OperationalReadiness #IncidentManagement #EmergencyResponseTeams

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Black men, when we come together for progress and advancement while holding each other accountable, and at the same time, making uplifting each other a natural part of the culture, we create a powerful force for change. Unity and accountability within our community foster a culture of excellence and support. By encouraging one another to strive for greatness and remain true to our values, we build a solid foundation for collective success. This unity not only empowers us individually but also strengthens our collective voice, making it more resonant and influential. When we uplift each other and make it a natural part of our culture, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best. Furthermore, this sense of solidarity gives us greater power when we choose to hold those in positions of authority accountable. When we stand united, our demands for justice and equity cannot be easily dismissed. Our collective strength becomes a force that compels change and ensures that our voices are heard. By supporting each other and fostering a culture of accountability, we can challenge systemic injustices more effectively and work towards a future where our community thrives. The power of unity, combined with the commitment to uplift and hold each other accountable, paves the way for lasting progress and a legacy of empowerment for future generations. ______________ Visit my website: https://richardacross.com Check out my books and journals + more! ______________ POSITIVELY SHAPING THE FUTURE™ #1millionblackmalestudents #motivation #inspiration #education #mentoring #HBCUsMatter #LeadingWithIntegrity #TheBlackMaleImpact #Blackexcellence #ChallengeCharacterAssasination #PersonalDevelopment #Mindset #Psychology #leadingchange #CulturalTransformation #Knowledge #MillionaireMindset #BlackBoys #changethenarrative #EmotionalIntelligence #PositiveImpact #Book2024 #DrRichardACross #PositiveInfluence

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Discover the Secrets of Successful Black Business Owners Join us as we have an enlightening conversation with black business owners about their experiences and lessons learned. Gain valuable insights into the challenges, surprises, and strategies behind running a successful operation. #BlackBusinessOwners #EntrepreneurshipJourney #LessonsLearned #BusinessSuccess #SmallBusinessTips #BlackExcellence #BusinessInsights #EntrepreneurMindset #SuccessfulEntrepreneurs #BusinessMotivation

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One of the greatest gifts the nonprofit sector has afforded me is a community of people who are just as committed to justice and liberation as I am. Join Us: Monday, June 3, 2024 at 9 AM ET FREE Virtual Event Register here: https://lnkd.in/eb5PvrJv Reimagining Nonprofit Boards Do nonprofit boards work for communities or are they extensions of American capitalism? Much has been written about nonprofit Boards of Directors and a lot of the discourse centers on outlining the board’s role in governance, best practices for board functioning, the need to leverage boards for fundraising, and how diverse boards can/should amplify the voices and solutions of impacted communities. And yet, the same issues continue to surface among nonprofit practitioners - the board doesn't reflect the community being served, emphasis on fundraising negatively impacts board commitments to diversity, the board doesn't understand the difference between governance and management, the board is disconnected from the issues we are trying to solve. What if we could imagine an alternative to the current nonprofit board's role and structure? How could things be different? Can we imagine a board not bound by the historical legal construct of current nonprofits; one too often tied to the traditional white dominant model of power and influence? Join us as we talk about what boards are like today, what we envision for boards, and some models to use for change. In this session, nonprofit leaders of all levels will learn ways to move the needle toward liberated governance that they can apply today and use to plan for the future. Presenters: Dr. Danielle R. Moss Cox and Brigid Lang, MPA, CFRE, CPC

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Celebrating National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month This July, PCMA honors #NationalMinorityMentalHealthAwarenessMonth, a vital time to recognize and address the unique mental health challenges faced by BIPOC communities. Behavior analysis can play a significant role in creating environments that better support mental health needs. By applying evidence-based strategies, we can: 🔹 Foster Positive Environments: Use reinforcement techniques to encourage supportive behaviors within communities. 🔹 Identify Barriers: Pinpoint specific issues affecting mental health and design interventions to overcome them. 🔹 Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that mental health services and support systems are culturally relevant and accessible. Let’s leverage the science of human behavior to build a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone. 💪❤️ [Sponsored by the Professional Crisis Management Association] #MentalHealthMatters #BehaviorAnalysis #BIPOCMentalHealth #InclusiveCare #CommunitySupport #PCMA

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Principle 6: Advocate Fiercely. ATHENA leaders become fierce advocates because they simply cannot do otherwise. Kicking off Athena Orlando Women's Leadership, Inc. Class 10 with powerful women, powerful words and even more powerful promises. #thedreammakers #learntoloveNO #athenanextgen

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Black girls are an understudied, undervalued, & misunderstood population, particularly when they are system involved. Join us for a webinar spotlighting data from CJJR & @NCMEC on the tragic trajectories many Black girls face & what can be done about it! https://lnkd.in/eBPMgJMR

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As we gather to celebrate Juneteenth, we are reminded of its profound significance in American history. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is not just a day of reflection but also a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for equality. The inclusion of Juneteenth in our company’s calendar is a testament to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recognizing and honoring such a pivotal moment demonstrates our dedication to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us take this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, educate ourselves and others, and reinforce our commitment to equality and justice. Together, we can build a more inclusive future where the ideals of freedom and equality are realized for all. #The Institute of Internal Auditors Celebrate Juneteenth.

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The 1st Annual Gainesville Black Business Expo is not just about showcasing our awesome businesses, non-profit organizations, and social and community organizations in a nice atmosphere but we are about education as well! Longevity and financial stability are two strong pillars needed for business success. As a business owner and founder of a non-profit organization, I am a firm believer that it is all about learning from the people who are doing what I want to do successfully. Gleaning from the information they have to share and then forming my own path! With that, we have created a special panel discussion for every entrepreneur who already registered and WILL register for this expo. This session will take place at 10 am and this panel discussion is included in your exhibitor registration. We will have: *Joe Cirulli - Owner of the Gainesville Health and Fitness Centers Theresa Glaeser - Owner of LogoKick.com *Laurence Andrews, MBA - Coordinator - Entrepreneurship Incubator - Santa Fe CEID *Caleena Shirley - Regional Director - BBIF - Black Business Investment Fund *John Sanchez - Senior Vice President- Commercial Banking- Capital City Bank. *Zeriah Folston- Equal Opportunity Director & Small Business Director - City of Gainesville We will also have a subject matter expert on all things Non-profit! I will add this - Being a part of the Santa Fe CEID Business Incubator was by far the BEST decision I could have made for me and my non-profit organization! The access and resources are awesome! We are supposed to pay it forward! Each one, reach one, then teach one so we can win together! That is what this Expo is about! So if you are still on the fence, please register or if you told me you would register and have not, please register today and let me know that you did! Use the link below to register while the Juneteenth 50% promotion is available! Information + Implementation = RESULTS! https://lnkd.in/gAiwgJ9B

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