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Pro Make-Up Workshop Featuring Ursula Kershaw on Mar. 18 in Phoenix

Pro Make-Up Workshop

Phoenix Convention Center(Room 106A)
 100 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
 March 18, 2012, 11AM

Featuring Celebrity Make-Up Artist:
 
Ursula Kershaw
(Owner of Shear Creations by Ursula in Charleston,SC)

Cosmetologist Ursula first started doing make-up for her clients’ proms and wedding, then went to work for Mac. That’s where she first got formal training as a make-up artist, and then followed-up with training by Dudley’s. She has been flown across the country to do make-up for numerous photo shoots. Her work has been published in Sophisticates, Hype Hair, Braids & Beauty, Hair ETC, Universal Salons Magazine, and more.

And now she’s here to share her talent with You!
 
For details and to register, please call Tychelle Howard (480) 251-3517 today.
 
Please note: This class is not only for cosmetologists but anyone aspiring to become a make-up artist or just for personal.
 
The class is $200
 
Includes:
Mac Make-up brush set,
Mac Eye Kit
Before & After Pictures
A Professional photo shoot

 

5th Annual Phoenix Accounting Career Awareness Program for High School Students June 24-28 at ASU Tempe

The National Association of Black Accountants – Phoenix Chapter is hosting its 5th annual Phoenix Accounting Career Awareness Program (“ACAP”) for high school students interested in a field in accounting or business related fields. This FREE program provides an environment that fosters and inspires the growth of young minority students into professionals within the accounting and business related fields. Activities of the ACAP program include group projects, networking, presentations and team work. The final deadline for applying for attendance is March 15, 2011; however, early application is encouraged. Students who apply by January 31, 2011, will be entered into a drawing for a $100 American Express Gift Card that will be awarded to one random winner by February 15, 2012 (see website for contest rules).

The National Association of Black Accountant’s Phoenix Chapter has been successful in providing students with the accounting information and exposure necessary to make an informed decision in regards to the area of study they would like to pursue at an educational institution. We have consistently received great feedback from the students on the events and activities of the program. They especially praise the executive dinner which provides an opportunity to network with key management level executives of the valley’s businesses. Many of the graduates who had no idea what accounting was, have now decided to go into accounting or a business related field.

During 2008 to 2011, we have had a total of 48 students successfully complete the ACAP program. Out of the 48 students that attended the program, 18 students are currently undergoing a major in accounting or want to major in accounting when they enter college. Out of the remaining 30 students, 20 have decided to major in a related business field. In 2012, we hope to have 30-50 students in attendance at the ACAP Program. The program is sponsored in full by corporations within the Phoenix area, Arizona State University and the National Association of Black Accountants. This sponsorship allows us to hold the program without charging the students or their parents any amount for attendance in the program. The program will be held June 24, 2012 to June 28, 2012 at Arizona State University’s Tempe Campus.

The student selection process is competitive. Participants must complete an application form, secure letters of recommendation and attend an interview. The minimum participant criteria for the ACAP summer residency program are as follows:

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 (exceptions allowed based on extraordinary individual circumstances)
• Completion of an application and essay, receipt of two teacher/counselor recommendations and an interview
• As initially established and to operate in the spirit of the program, students participating in ACAP should be ethnic minorities, although all are welcome
• Participants must be at the time of application a sophomore, junior or senior in High School

We strongly encourage any student that meets these requirements to apply to the program as it will be very beneficial to your future success, no matter what field you may choose to pursue in the future. Please visit our website at www.nabaphoenix.org for the online application form and follow the instructions on screen for more information about ACAP. The final deadline for application is March 15, 2011.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK ACCOUNTANTS PHOENIX CHAPTER

NABA was established in New York City in 1969 by nine African-American accountants to deal forthrightly and effectively with the many common problems faced by the growing number of African-American professionals in the field of accounting. Since the founding of NABA’s first chapter in 1970, membership has grown to more than 200 professional and student chapters across the country. NABA’s membership includes individuals with diverse careers in accounting, finance, information technology and other business disciplines as well as students.

Historically the accounting profession has not had representation from the minority population and even more so from the African-American population. NABA recognized the need for a program that would direct African-Americans and other minority students toward the accounting profession. NABA also recognized that preparation for a professional career begins as a junior or senior in high school. In 1980, the Seattle Chapter of NABA designed a pilot program that could mark a turning point in the academic lives of secondary students, motivating them to pursue a higher education; thus, the summer residency concept was developed. ACAP is managed by NABA’s National Board of Directors and is operated at the chapter level. It has been proven that ACAP programs, such as the one in Phoenix, have been instrumental in increasing the number of students that pursue accounting and business related fields. The Phoenix Chapter began holding the program in the summer of 2008 and looks forward to many more years of the program.

Looking for Work in the Valley? Mountain Park Health Center is Hiring

Mountain Park Health Center (MPHC) offers affordable health care to families around the Valley. MPHC is committed to ensuring that all families have access to quality care.

MPHC aims to hire employees from various backgrounds.

If you are interested in employment with MPHC, please click on the link below for current job postings

http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Companies/CompanyJobResults.aspx?Comp_DID=C8A4YZ5VQPCQGJ5TST7 for current job postings.

To learn more about MPHC, please visit our website at www.mountainparkhealth.org.

Roosevelt School District Names Dr. Jacqueline Jackson as Superintendent

The Roosevelt School District Governing Board has named Dr. Jacqueline Jackson as the new Superintendent of the Roosevelt Elementary School District.

Dr. Jackson has her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. In addition, Dr. Jackson holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from Arizona State University, West Campus, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Chicago State University. Her previous experience includes Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at Roosevelt and eight years as a Principal in the Washington Elementary School District.

“My parents were two of the first African-American Shell Oil service station franchisees in the Chicago area. They operated four Shell stations in the late sixties, in addition to a used car dealership,” said Dr. Jackson. “My parents taught me that hard work leads to personal success. That was a valuable life lesson.”

“I was quite lucky to grow up with many loving, excellent adult role models in my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles,” said Dr. Jackson. “It is well-known that children will follow the lead of the important adults in their lives.”

Dr. Jackson added that no other job can give you the kind of satisfaction you can get from working in a public school organization.

“No other job can help to mold a future generation of competent, successful, contributing adults,” said Dr. Jackson. “That is the nature of the important work that we do! That is the nature of a public school system.”

AASLG, MBDA to Host 2011-12 "Mind Your Business" Workshops in Phoenix @USMBDA

In collaboration with the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center -Arizona, the African American Strategic Leadership Group (AASLG) Economic Development Committee is hosting a series of "Mind Your Business" Workshops in 2011-12.

The mission of the AASLG's Economic Development Committee is to identify jobs and develop corresponding training for new jobs, build new collaborative partnerships; initiate regional business development; and maximize use of public and private resources and programs.

The MBDA Business Center is located at 255 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix.

Please click HERE or on the image below to see an enlarged version of the schedule.

All workshops are free and open to the public.

To register or to get more information, contact Tamara Floyd at 602-254-5081 or tamara.floyd@azoic.org; or Alika Kumar at 602-294-6087 or alikak@azhcc.com.

Workshop dates, times, topics, presenters, locations are subject to change.

OIC of America Aims to Raise $100 Million for African American Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative

Philadelphia, PA (BlackNews.com) -- During President Barack Obama's January State of the Union Address, he challenged Americans to "do big things." OIC of America, Inc. (OICA) is taking big action. For generations, African American unemployment and underemployment have been at least double that of white Americans. While there have been gains in education, the wealth gap between African Americans and other groups has not closed.

Given the proven correlation between self-employment and wealth creation, OICA, in a groundbreaking move, announced today that it is launching a focused initiative designed to encourage more African Americans to think like and become entrepreneurs. The organization expects to reach over one million people in the years to come.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative will be funded perpetually by an endowment, raised in two parts. The first $10 million will come from the community nationwide through "OIC-10," a funding initiative designed to turn 1 million, one time, ten-dollar contributions into a $10 million endowment. The remaining $90 million will come through "challenge grants" from foundations and interested individuals.

The endowment will fund grassroots programs that encourage, train and support individuals in their quest to become successful business owners. OIC of America has trained over two million people nationwide since its origin. OICA's visionary founder, the late Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, was a force in African American entrepreneurship and self help when, in 1968, he started Progress Plaza. The North Philadelphia shopping center was the first black owned enterprise of its kind in America. Philadelphia citizens, who invested in Reverend Sullivan's 10/36 Plan, funded the project. The plan involved thousands of individuals and families contributing small sums of money to accomplish a goal.

In keeping with 21st century technological advances, OIC of America also introduced a mobile giving option for OIC-10. Cell phone users can make their donation by texting the keyword "OIC" to "41010" from their mobile phone. This convenient option allows a wider audience to make their $10 donation and support the Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative.

In addition to announcing the Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative, OIC of America also announced that it has appointed business executive and entrepreneur Stanley H. Greene as National Director-Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative. He will oversee both the fundraising initiative and the implementation of the training initiative.

"I am excited to take on this important initiative," said Greene. "I have been involved in many projects over the years, and this is the most challenging and potentially rewarding for communities nationwide."

OIC of America Chairman, Art Taylor added, "Consistent with our history, OIC of America will not wait for someone to wave a magic wand and eliminate the economic disparities for African Americans. It has not happened in the past and will not happen in the future. We are happy to have Stanley Greene on board as we make a big and bold move to help people make it in this economy."

President and CEO, Howard Sullivan added, "The foundation for economic success for African Americans was built close to 50 years ago. It is especially gratifying to me that we are launching this initiative today and using the simple but powerful principles my father put in place to help move African Americans forward."

Go to the OIC of America website at www.oicofamerica.org and click on "OIC-10" to make your $10 donation today.

Greater Phoenix Urban League, Arizona Diamondbacks Partner to Present College Scholarships

The Greater Phoenix Urban League (GPUL) is pleased to report the awarding of four $500 scholarships from the Arizona Diamondbacks to graduating seniors from South Mountain High School. The scholarship presentation was held at Chase Field on January 25, 2011.
 
The seniors, Kyle Finger, Brianne McDonald, Elijah Levon and Latorey Suell, have grade point averages of at least 3.6 and are in advanced placement (AP) courses. This scholarship presentation was the first of its kind for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Students on the Move program as part of the Major League Baseball (MLB) Diversity Economic Impact Engagement (DEIE) Scholarship Fund.
 
Thanks to the Arizona Diamondbacks "Students on the Move" program, Marian Rhodes, the Diamondbacks' Vice President of Human Resources, and Chris Billingsley, Instructional Leader of South Mountain's Guidance Department. The $500 scholarships awarded to these students are for use towards their postsecondary education plans.

Congratulations to Kyle Finger, Brianne McDonald, Elijah Levon and Latorey Suell! 
 
Kyle Finger - Scholarship Recipient
College Choice: Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Chico or Cal State Sacramento
Major: Graphic Design
Career Goal: Become a professional baseball player

Brianne McDonald - Scholarship Recipient
College Choice: Arizona State University
Major: Sciences (Medical Field)
Career Goal: Pediatrician

Elijah Levon - Scholarship Recipient
College Choice: Hampton University
Major: Criminal Justice or Political Science/Vocal Performance
Career Goal: Attorney or singer/songwriter

Latorey Suell - Scholarship Recipient
College Choice: Howard University
Major: Psychology or Political Science
Career Goal: Therapist or Attorney

Special thanks to former Arizona Diamondbacks star Luis Gonzalez, GPUL President/CEO George Dean and Arizona Diamondbacks President/CEO Derrick Hall (all pictured below in order from left) who presented the scholarship checks and took photos with the recipients.

About the Greater Phoenix Urban League

The mission of the Greater Phoenix Urban League (GPUL) is to equip the disadvantaged with tools to achieve economic and social equality. This mission is realized through relevant programs in child development, college preparation, job readiness, housing, and small business support. While there is still much to be done, the GPUL’s work on behalf of those in need has literally touched thousands of lives around the city of Phoenix and surrounding areas. If you would like to learn more about GPUL and our programs and services, donate or join our organization, please call (602) 254-5611 or visit our Website http://www.gphxul.org.

Looking for a Job? PhxSoul.com's Career Section Might Work for You

Have you been searching for a job in the Phoenix area? PhxSoul.com has established a Careers section that can help you make connections with people, events, schools and organizations that can make the process easier for you.

For example, Goodwill of Central Arizona is an outstanding nonprofit organization that has multiple Career Centers in the Valley.

Goodwill provides job training, resume help, interview tips and other employment services to the public for free.

Visit a Goodwill Career Center today to elevate your chances of finding work.

Also, PhxSoul.com has teamed up with CareerBuilder.com to offer a Black Careers Website!

BlackCareers.com offers African-American job seekers the ability to quickly target job and internship opportunities from the nation's top employers.

BlackCareers.com can also post resumes, get the latest news on companies and industries relevant to African-Americans, sign up for automatic job alerts, view local events and tap into advice on everything from writing resumes to on-the-job success.

Recently Moved to Arizona? Share Your Story About How You Found Work Here

I receive a lot of e-mails from black people throughout the country who are interested in moving to the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Many of our future Arizonans want to know how it easy or difficult it has been for "transplants" to find a job here.

I would think that it depends on your field, your job history, your experience, your education, your references and how you conduct yourself in interviews. It also helps to have personal connections within the companies that you wish to work for.

The purpose of this article is to find out from "transplants" what you did to find a job in Arizona.

• How easy or difficult was your job hunting experience?
• Do you think this is a good time for people to move to Arizona?
• What advice do you have for job seekers?

Please share your stories/tips in the Comments area at the bottom of this article.

Pathways Programs Helping Phoenix Residents Receive Training for Green Jobs @goodwillaz

Are you a resident in the south Phoenix area who is looking to change careers?

Have you considered the green jobs industry?

Goodwill of Central Arizona and the Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) have launched Pathways Adult Training and Employment programs (funded in part by the Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration) that aim to assist individuals who are interested in obtaining certification in green jobs.

More specifically, this initiative is targeting Phoenix-area residents who are recently unemployed and looking to obtain additional training for better-paying careers.

The Pathways Programs offer cohesive programs such as:

• Green Job Certification
• On-the-Job Training
• Pre-Employment Training
• Transitional Job Training
• Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Participants must be 18 years or older and must reside in designated zip codes in the Phoenix. The program primarily focuses on these districts due to the high unemployment rate.

Phoenix residents who wish to gather more information about the Pathways Adult Training and Employment programs must visit the following Websites:

Goodwill of Central Arizona

http://www.goodwillaz.org/pathways

Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center

http://www.azoic.org/programs.htm

Businessman, Educator Stedman Graham Visits Valley to Give Motivational Boost to Job Seekers

Submitted by DaVaun Sanders

Job seekers in the Valley of the Sun received a motivational boost from businessman and educator Stedman Graham on May 18. The New York Times Bestselling Author of You Can Make It Happen delivered a keynote address for the Reinvent Your Future event at the Sheraton in downtown Phoenix.

The event was sponsored by the University of Phoenix and CareerBuilder, with Phoenix being the third stop on a tour that will span 16 cities nationwide through August. It featured workshops for the public on topics ranging from interview readiness to resume editing. Several companies hiring locally such as American Republic Insurance, Bank of America and Discover were on hand for the career fair portion of the event—lending hope to job seekers that businesses are rebounding after a punishing recession.

Graham's perspectives on identity emphasized personal leadership and critical thinking to an early morning breakfast crowd consisting of University of Phoenix alumni and students.

“Are you equipped to lead yourself? Will you develop a legacy for your family?” he asked. Graham challenged the gathering to “extract socio-economic opportunities from the global marketplace” and focus on building a strong core above all. “When are you going to start that process? Now.” He also offered frank, practical advice throughout his morning talk, which was based on his personal nine-step success process.

“Find your identity—or they will give you one.”

Graham frequently used examples from his own life to emphasize key points, often to the amusement of those on hand. “How are you going to reinvent yourself when the world tries to define you? I know some of you define me by my relationship,” he said, jesting over his long-time partnership with billionaire Oprah Winfrey. “I'm still trying to get out of that box. You can't afford to think what other people think of you.”

Here are a few more nuggets from his lecture:

• Your ability to achieve in this life is based on your ability to love yourself.
• 99 percent of people are looking for you to wake up!
• The world sees you as you see yourself.
• Vision without action is just a dream.
• Even a financial tsunami will turn around. The question is: Can you last?

The Reinvent Your Future tour arrived to Phoenix in a time of fiscal turmoil for the state. Arizonans remain polarized over recent laws passed to crack down on undocumented workers who are theoretically competing with residents for available work. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state unemployment rate this March was 9.4 percent, only a slight decrease from last year's high of 9.9 percent in July. The unemployment rate for the nation overallin March was reported at 10.2 percent.

“In a challenging job market, it's important for job seekers to strengthen their personal brand and stand out from the competition,” said Rosemary Haefner in a press release. Haefner is the vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder. “This career fair not only gives people the chance to get in front of employers who are hiring, but also to learn how to position their personal brand ahead of the competition.”

PhxSoul.com readers, how are you faring in the wake of the recession? Maybe you survived layoffs at your company, or perhaps saw an opportunity to start a business of your own? Please share your perspective below!

PhxSoul.com, Phoenix School of Law Teaming Up to Encourage More African Americans to Earn Law Degrees

In an effort to encourage more African Americans nationwide to pursue rewarding careers in the legal field, PhxSoul.com and the Phoenix School of Law are teaming up to help you unlock your potential and provide the pathway to your future.

If you are currently a working professional who is interested in pursuing a law degree, the Phoenix School of Law is an excellent option because you do not have to quit your job!

Phoenix School of Law is Arizona's only private law school and the only Arizona law school offering full-time, part-time and evening classes. Students can work full-time and attend the program in the evening, completing their Juris Doctor degree in four years.

There are thousands of careers one can pursue with a Juris Doctor degree other than becoming an attorney. Many CEOs for Fortune 500 companies hold a Juris Doctor degree. Numerous politicans have earned Juris Doctor degrees - President Barack Obama is an attorney and the ultimate success story! In fact, many past presidents graduated from law school. Also, law graduates have moved to work in education as  deans, principals and chancellors of colleges and universities.

Only one in 25 lawyers is African American, Latino, Asian American or Native American. This number is alarming for minorities in general - especially African Americans - and we need to increase the number of blacks in the legal community so that we can initiate change in the legal system for our youth.

The Phoenix School of Law considers diversity to include issues of race, color, sex, handicap, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, religion or other legally protected classification—and much more. Recognizing the importance of diversity as a means of embracing the experiences, perspectives and expertise of other cultures, the Phoenix School of Law is an institution that seeks to create a learning atmosphere and an organizational culture that not only admits diverse students and hires diverse faculty and staff, but accepts and welcomes their presence and participation and seeks to ensure for our students a successful entry into the legal profession.

Recognizing the importance of diversity as a means of embracing the experiences, perspectives and expertise of other cultures, Phoenix School of Law is an institution that seeks to create a learning atmosphere and an organizational culture that not only admits diverse students and hires diverse faculty and staff, but accepts and welcomes their presence and participation and seeks to ensure for its students a successful entry into the legal profession and beyond.

How can you learn more about the Phoenix School of Law? Contact the Office of Admissions at 602-682-6800, visit www.phoenixlaw.edu or send an e-mail to admissions@phoenixlaw.edu.

As Unemployment Rises, Goodwill Helps People Find Jobs

Amidst a difficult economic outlook, Goodwill of Central Arizona remains committed to helping people gain employment. As Arizona’s leading nonprofit provider of employment training and job placement services, Goodwill knows that it takes a comprehensive approach to help people find and keep good jobs.

“Goodwill is trending toward another record breaking year as far as individuals coming through our doors looking for employment assistance,” says Jim Teter, President and CEO for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “During these tough economic times, Goodwill can help people obtain new skills and gain the self-confidence and sense of dignity that work can give.”

In central Arizona, Goodwill helps youth and adults with disabilities, those who lack education or work experience and other job seekers earn paychecks to support themselves and their families. Goodwill’s workforce development staff provides individuals with the necessary job training and support so that he or she can be successful in their careers.  Goodwill helps people find jobs in a variety of fields including administrative positions, retail and healthcare.

“When people donate and shop at Goodwill, they make an economic investment in their communities,” says Teter. “Ninety cents of every dollar we generate through our stores fund programs to help workers become productive, taxpaying citizens.”

Goodwill of Central Arizona is ready to support the nation’s unemployed and continue its 62-year tradition of helping people who are having a hard time finding meaningful work.

With more than 60 years of serving the community, Goodwill of Central Arizona is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit agencies in Arizona. Our Commitment is to Put People to Work throughout Arizona by providing job training and employment services to those with vocational disadvantages that can include physical and emotional barriers, welfare dependency, illiteracy and age. In 2008, we served almost 23,000 youth and adults on their quest toward self-sufficiency and secured more than 5,100 employment opportunities. For more information on Goodwill of Central Arizona, visit www.goodwillaz.org.

Goodwill of Central Arizona Doing Good Things for Job Seekers, Community

Times are tough these days - especially if you are searching for a job!

And times are even tougher for people who lack the basic education, work experience or skills to find a good job! Moreover, it's really for people who don't know where to turn for help.

Have you heard about Goodwill of Central Arizona?

I'm sure many of you have seen or even shopped at the Goodwill stores. But do you know what happens to the money earned in the Goodwill stores?

The funds help people find jobs, earn a high school education, get scholarships for college and much more!

If you (or someone you know) are searching for a job, you should seriously consider visiting one of the Goodwill Career Centers in the Valley of the Sun. There's also a Goodwill Career Center in Yuma.

The Goodwill Career Centers offer a wide range of free services and employment information, such as current job openings, market information, resume and interview help, computer use and weekly job fairs.

I've personally witnessed how Goodwill positively impacts peoples' lives. The career advisors go above and beyond the call of duty to provide assistance to job seekers and individuals in need. 

Click HERE for more information on the Goodwill Career Centers!

Phoenix Chapter of the National Black MBA Association

Established in the early 1990s, the Phoenix Chapter of the National Black MBA Association is comprised of hundreds of business professionals and entrepreneurs in various fields of endeavor.

The organization prides itself on establishing relationships within the local business community and promoting the intellectual and economic resources throughout the Valley of the Sun.

The Phoenix Chapter of the National Black MBA Association encourages professionals and students of all races and education levels to get involved and help it become a strong, vibrant group.

Please visit phoenixblackmba.org to learn more about the Phoenix Chapter of the National Black MBA Association.

Also, please visit the PhxSoul.com Groups and Organizations page and the Local Business Directory to learn about other companies and networking opportunities in the Valley.