Hosted by Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation

On August 24-27, 2010, Texas Women Empowerment Foundation will host the “2010 International Financial and Leadership Summit” in Houston, Texas.

Each day, The International Financial and Leadership Summit honors different groups of individuals and companies who have distinguished themselves in their field,  including influential non-profit leaders, innovators in business and finance, leaders in the education field, and influential community advocates.  On Friday, the International Leadership Awards Gala will honor individuals who have proven leadership skills. Last year’s global leader award recipient was George Foreman, Heavyweight Boxing Champion. This year’s IFLS Summit chair is Dr. Deavra Daughtry who is the founder of TWEF and IFLS.  The Summit honorary co-chairs are Leopoldo “Polo” Becerra, CEO of Post Oak Grill Restaurants; Cheryl Creuzot, CEO of Wealth Development Strategies; Helen Cavazos, Vice President of Human Resources and Diversity of Metro; James Garavaglia, Senior Vice President of Comerica Bank and director of corporate compliance and public affairs; Samir Becic, CEO of Eurofit Intl’ and Jolanda Jones, Houston City Council Member at large and chair of the city’s International Business Initiative.

The four (4) day event offers a business investment competition; Million Dollar Roundtable; leadership workshops; training seminars; leadership luncheon, a celebrity golf tournament, an evening of musical entertainment and culminating with the International Leadership Awards Gala.

The International Leadership Awards Gala will be held on Friday, August 27th, 7:00 pm at the InterContinental Hotel located 2222 West Loop South, Houston, Texas, 77027.

Not only does the Summit bring together high profiled professionals, but other business leaders for networking opportunities, and to discuss strategic partnerships and relationships.  This year’s principal key note speaker will be Dr. Myles Munroe, recognized for his dynamic speaking, his internationally bestselling books and his weekly radio programs, now available via internet, can be heard in over 100 countries.  His books cover the subjects of marriage, divorce, purpose, potential, vision, leadership and the Kingdom. His simplistic and practical writing style attracts a diverse reading audience.

The 2010 International Financial and Leadership Summit will be one of the premier conferences held in Houston this year.  Proceeds from the Summit benefit TWEF Scholastic Scholarships and programs at the TWEF Empowerment Center.

This event was a sell-out last year, so be prepared to be inspired, stimulated, entertained and educated with today’s business leaders, while raising funds to empower tomorrow’s leaders.

For sponsorship and additional information about the 2010 International Financial and Leadership Summit please visit,www.iflsconnect.com or for TWEF program information go to www.twef.org or call us at (832) 434-5325.

Wea H. Lee, Chairman of Southern News Group, Houston, Texas, announced today the creation of the International Press Club of Texas.

The new professional media organization joins the International Trade Center  and ITV International Television, Digital Channel 55.5 in Houston as another effort on the part of Southern News Group leadership to connect Texas and the local and state economies to world markets.

The International Press Club of Texas will be a non-profit, fraternal organization dedicated to connecting all members of the working press in Texas, and will also welcome non-media individuals and businesses, with an interest in global news developments that affect the economy of Texas.

In his remarks to members of the Houston Asian Media, Lee said that “although technology has now connected the entire world, citizens still need access to accurate news from dependable sources. Texas will benefit greatly from overseas developments that affect the state’s economic growth as reported from trusted sources. The International Press Club of Texas will be a platform for sharing this information from multiple news organizations.”

The International Press Club of Texas will also support and recognize journalism education in the Greater Houston area and around the state, as well as publish a newsletter that will highlight the contributions of Texas journalists working on assignment all over the world. Reciprocal membership arrangements with other press clubs all over the world are being planned.

Southern News Group has published the Southern Chinese Daily News in southwest Houston for over 30 years, and in recent years has expanded to 11 other major U.S. cities, and now comprises a diverse media business with an international presence that includes print, internet and television services.

For additional information contact John Robbins, Director, International Press Club of Texas at 832-448-0193, or by email at john@scdaily.com.

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Honor highlights University’s contribution to the West Houston community

HOUSTON – American InterContinental University (AIU) Houston was one of eight local businesses that received the prestigious Star Award sponsored by the Houston West Chamber of Commerce. The awards were announced at the organization’s 12th Annual Economic Development Summit and Star Awards Luncheon on February 19, 2010.

The selection of the winner in each category was based upon overall business performance and contributions to the West Houston community during the past year. Criteria taken into consideration included number of employees added, revenue increases and support of the community through donations of time and/or money.

“We are extremely honored to have received the Star Award from the Houston West Chamber of Commerce,” said Stephen Malutich, president of AIU Houston. “We strive to be active in the West Houston and Houston communities and look forward to continuing our involvement for years to come.”

AIU Houston increased their staff by eight percent in 2009, and is known for supporting the community in various ways, including volunteering at Second Blessings in the Westchase District during the holiday break and participating in a two day event in the restoration of Galveston with several local churches in July 2009.

Additionally, the AIU Visual Communication department encourages students to participate in the community by volunteering time and creative work to benefit local projects and/or organizations. One recent project was a contest for an AIU student to create and donate a poster to the Dangerous Minds Project, a youth leadership development and community service program.

Some other organizations that have benefitted by direct AIU staff involvement are Brazos Abiertos, MEAD (Minority Education for Academic Determination), Houston Hispanic Forum, and SCORE.

AIU embraces social responsibility and hosts educational events that benefit West Houston and the community at large. In 2009, AIU held important community events such as a City of Houston Mayoral Forum to discuss issues related to crime, safety, flooding, infrastructure and education in West Houston; a Criminal Justice Symposium to discuss the Harris County jail overcrowding problem and the effect on the community; and a Business Boot Camp to share the critical components of starting a business. Additionally, AIU conducts free professional development workshops for high school teachers and free computer camps for high school students during the summer.

About American InterContinental University
Founded in Europe in 1970, American InterContinental University (AIU) offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in programs such as business, IT, criminal justice and fashion design at U.S. campuses in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Weston, Fla.; an international campus in London; and an internet-based online campus that delivers degree programs 100 percent online.  The award-winning AIU Online Virtual Campus was recognized as “Best of the Best” in the 2009 Computerworld Honors Program. For more info visit www.aiuniv.edu or www.aiuonline.edu.

AIU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  For more info visit www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org or call 312-263-0456. AIU is also a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. For more information visit www.careered.com.  AIU does not guarantee employment or salary.

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“Commercial Real Estate Firm Has New Name and Expanded Capacity”

Houston, Texas - (April 19, 2010) - ConcordisRyland, a minority-owned commercial real estate firm headquartered in Houston, Texas, launches its new brand as ARVO Realty Advisors (ARVO). The rebranding embodies the company’s expanded focus to “build global relationships, adding value and diversity.” President and CEO, Ed Ryland, CCIM, and Executive Vice President, George Wyche, Jr., Esq., will unveil the new brand at a networking luncheon hosted by the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council at the Westin Galleria, Wednesday, April 21.

ARVO provides complete commercial real estate services, including brokerage, consulting, research, and valuation, to corporations, government entities, small businesses, and investors. They assist with office, industrial, retail, multi-family, build-to-suit, and land transactions.

“We have always been focused on building with excellence and taking the company to the next level,” says Ryland, who founded parent company Ryland Enterprise, Inc., in September 1986. “By doing so, we can continue providing our clients with extraordinary solutions, particularly in these challenging times. This rebranding initiative is keeping with that goal. It reflects our increased capacity, growth of our national and global footprint, and enhanced strategic partnerships. The end result is our services will offer best value benefits to our clients.”

Having successfully completed and currently performing major domestic and international assignments in 13 states and Australia and Poland, ARVO is recognized by industry experts as the fastest-growing minority-owned commercial real estate firm and one of the leaders in the industry. ARVO’s team of affiliates and local brokers cover 20 states. Their team of experienced professionals develops strategies to help their clients achieve their objectives and provides the technology and resources to do it.

Wyche expresses, “We feel that ARVO truly represents the evolution and path forward of our company as a full-service commercial real estate firm of national scale with global capabilities.”

Contact:
Ed Ryland
ARVO Realty Advisors
www.arvorealtyadvisors.com
Ed.Ryland@arvorealtyadvisors.com
713-952-5066 ext 101

PROFILED IN YA NOVEL

HOUSTON, TEXAS  (April 29, 2010) –  Trek Baden is an incoming freshman at the University of Texas at Austin – the first in her family to attend college. Bombarded with advice on how to be successful – everything from “Trust God with all your heart” to “Marry a white boy!” – it was her grandmother who lovingly encouraged her simply to “cover the coo.” Unfortunately, Trek, who’s dating one guy in Houston and another in Austin, doesn’t listen. Now she’s pregnant, with no clue which one is her baby’s daddy. Very Jerry-Springer-meets-Maury-Povich. Should she accept or abort? What would you do? Cover the Coo, by Alexus Rhone, is the fourth and final-installment in the Trek Baden-series, officially completing Trek’s “trek” to womanhood.

Acclaimed Author and Child Advocate Alexus Rhone will reveal Trek’s final secrets during her “Cover the Coo” book release party on Friday, May 14 (6 pm – 8:30 pm) at the Main Street Theater (Chelsea Market ) 4617 Montrose – Houston, Texas.

Although her young fans have been endlessly fascinated by Trek’s journey, Alexus confirmed Cover the Coo is the last book where Trek is the “headliner”. “I have enjoyed chronicling her life in this series. But by the end of the story, baby-girl is now a woman, forever shaped by her choices and experiences.”  Those choices make for entertaining reading, although at times they may also cause some to squirm. According to Alexus, that’s intentional. “No one wants to read about the mundane, carefully scripted experiences of people. We love it when everything’s a mess! And,” she adds, “it’s on the other side of that mess that we find our message.” Alexus wants her readers to safely explore Trek’s drama, hoping it will help them make sense of their own. Her goal is for her readers to do two things: to laugh and to think. “If they do that,” she says, pumping her fist, “mission accomplished.”

She also has a more personal mission. “Cover the Coo is a warning to freshman girls that what’s done in college may have lifetime consequences. It’s all a game. Gotta know the rules if you wanna win.” Some of those rules, cleverly weaved throughout the story, include understanding that first impressions can be deceiving. “Lots of guys come across as sincere at first, but it’s all a hustle. The longer you’re on a campus, the more easily you can spot the frogs, knowing they won’t become Prince Charming no matter how many times you kiss ‘em,” Alexus says, laughing at her own college memories.  But the number one rule guaranteeing success is to simply cover the coo. “So many destinies have been altered because of the violation of that rule. Cover the coo, protect your future, and win the game. Never, EVER, give it away. Otherwise, there’s a price you’ll pay.”

Set on the campus of the University of Texas, Cover the Coo, is expressly written to young women entering college – a warning for some, a winning strategy for others. As with all Alexus’ books, Cover the Coo appeals to teens and pre-teens who hate reading. Edgy and honest, funny yet tragic, Cover the Coo invites the reader along for the ride, where everyone is out of order, but God is still there, “watching out for fools and babies.”

Trek was first introduced in Premature Pleasures (2001), followed by Secret Shame (2003) and Backseats and Bleachers: A High School Love Story (2005). Her journey wraps in Cover the Coo, scheduled for a national release June 1, 2010, available in paperback and e-book format at Border’s Bookstores, Amazon.com, and distributed through Baker & Taylor.

Alexus is a native of Houston, Texas. She holds a Bachelors of Journalism/Public Relations degree from the University of Texas, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Theology – Theology and the Arts degree from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. Cover the Coo is her fourth book.

To register to attend the book release party, contact AJ’s Public Relations and Marketing at 713-498-6853 or ajohnson5002@sbcglobal.net.  (Seating is limited.)

Annette Johnson
AJ’s Public Relations and Marketing
5002 Landward Lane
Houston, TX 77066
713-498-6853 (cell)
281-440-3771 (office/Fax)
ajohnson5002@sbcglobal.net

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo” commemorates the May 5, 1862 Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla) in which General Ignacio Zaragoza’s Mexican troops defeated Napoleon III’s French army. France, along with England and Spain, had occupied since mid-1861 the Mexican port city of Vera Cruz. This occupation was the result of President Benito Juarez’ moratorium on foreign debt payments. Mexico like many newly independent nations of Latin America had borrowed money from many European nations. These countries had difficulty paying back these loans. The one recourse for these nations was to occupy port cities like Vera Cruz and collect taxes on goods passing through the city.

England and Spain reached an agreement with Mexico and withdrew their forces. The French, however, remained and under the direction of Napoleon III set out for Mexico City. Napoleon III recognized that with the United States embroiled in a civil war he had a free hand in Mexico. He felt that he had the Mexican Church and large landowners on his side. The French with a force of 6000 well armed and trained soldiers began a military advance on Mexico City. On May 5, 1862, this proud force met some 5,000 Mestizos and Zapotec Indians at Puebla and suffered a humiliating defeat.

The French withdrew back to Vera Cruz to refit and reinforce their army. They returned a year later with a much larger force and took Puebla and then Mexico City. To legitimatize their conquest they arranged a vote by the Mexican population calling for the creation of a monarchy. Napoleon invited Maximilian, brother of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, to take the throne. While an open minded and liberal leader Maximilian would be abandoned by the French and ultimately in 1867 executed by Benito Juarez. This some historians claim was Mexico’s second war for independence.

Many people confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexico’ s independence day which occurred 52 years earlier on September 16, 1810. This was the beginning of Mexico’s revolt against Spanish rule. Except for the city and state of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is probably celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico. It is a proud day in Mexican history when Mexican soldiers stood toe to toe with a well armed foreign foe and won a resounding victory. Thanks to the easy pronunciation of “Cinco de Mayo” as opposed to “Dies y seis de Septiembre,” businesses in the United States have used this day to promote the celebration of Mexican heritage and made this date popular in bars, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. So, let´s celebrate! Happy 5 de Mayo!

Wayne Zamora
Latin Connection eMagazine
waynezamora@gmail.com
http://www.latinconnectiontexas.com

Nationally syndicated court television Judge Glenda Hatchett is joining Sisters Network Inc. (SNI), the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the fight against breast cancer. Judge Hatchett will serve as the National Honorary Celebrity Chair for the organizations Stop the Silence Walk, 1st National African American Breast Cancer 5k walk/run on Saturday, April 10, 2010 in Houston, Texas. The walk kicks off at Houston’s historic Emancipation Park, 3018 Dowling @ Elgin from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Judge Hatchett presides over the two-time Emmy nominated nationally syndicated court television program, Judge Hatchett’s show is currently in its 9th season. She is also author of the national best- seller, “Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say.”

Thousands of people from around the country are expected to participate in the historic walk to increase African American breast health and breast cancer awareness and promote the critical importance of early detection. The event is being held in conjunction with Sisters Network Inc. 11th Annual National African American Breast Cancer conference at the Intercontinental hotel, April 9-11, 2010 in Houston, Texas.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women. The overall incidence rate of breast cancer is 10% lower in black women than in white women. African American women have a 77% survival rate after diagnosis as compared to 90% for white women according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), Facts & Figures 2009-2010.

“Sisters Network Inc., is honored and pleased to have Judge Glenda Hatchett join our organizations effort to increase the national spotlight on breast health awareness among African American women. We appreciate that Judge Hatchett recognizes the importance and devastating impact breast cancer continues to have in our community and encourage Judge Hatchett’s loyal viewers to register now and walk side by side with her in this historic event,” said Karen E. Jackson, Founder/CEO, Sisters Network Inc.

“This cause is so important to me. There are so many women affected by breast cancer and many of us know of one personally. I count it as a special privilege to be involved in Sisters Network Inc., movement, and if participating saves one woman’s life then it was worth every second,” said Judge Glenda Hatchett.

Participants can register individually for $25.00 per person or $250.00 for team of ten. To register, please visit www.sistersnetworkinc.org or call 1- 866- 781-1808 or email infonet@sistersnetworkinc.org for more information.

Stop the Silence® Walk will benefit Sisters Network Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP) provides assistance to women facing financial challenges after diagnosis. This program provides free mammograms and financial assistance for: medical related lodging, co-pay, office visits, prescriptions, and transportation.

The National sponsor is sanofi-aventis. Local sponsors are Aetna. Media/Community partners include Majic102.1; Praise 92.1; KBXX 97.9; KPRC-TV; Houston Style Magazine, Houston Sun Newspaper, Rolling Out Magazine, Texas Business Alliance; Friends of Emancipation Park and the City of Houston Parks & Recreation Department.

About Sisters Network Inc.

Sisters Network® Inc. ,(SNI) is a leading voice and the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. The organization’s purpose is to save lives through breast health awareness and provide a broader scope of knowledge that addresses the breast cancer survivorship crisis affecting African American women around the country. Currently, Sisters Network has 43 affiliate chapters in 22 cities nationwide. The national headquarters is located in Houston, Texas. As a nationally recognized organization among leading medical establishments and breast cancer physicians, Sisters Network is also recognized as a critical information resource for African American women.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in conjunction with the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS), the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts will present 25 masterworks of the Venetian Renaissance—12 paintings and 13 drawings—that will include two of the greatest paintings of the Italian Renaissance: Titian’s Diana and Actaeon and Diana and Callisto (1556–1559). The two paintings have never before traveled to the United States. The exhibition will also include paintings by Tintoretto, Veronese and Lotto from the collection of the National Galleries. The MFAH’s presentation of Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland culminates the American tour of this exhibition, which debuts at the High in October 2010. To commemorate the landmark exhibition, the MFAH will produce a comprehensive publication to place the Diana paintings in the context of both Titian’s life’s work and of their extraordinary history.

By Steve Malutich

Colleges and universities are bracing themselves for a surge of education-hungry students. One-in-eight adults (12%) plans to head back to school within the next few years, a recent CareerBuilder survey found. What’s behind this rush, and how can adult students make the most of their higher education opportunities?

The survey indicates that most of the prospective collegians want to make themselves more marketable for their career advancement. Indeed, 20 percent say they plan to change jobs in 2010, with many expressing unhappiness with their current post. While 61 percent say they were satisfied with their job last year, that percentage fell substantially from 70 percent in 2008.

For many of them, a career-focused education can provide a clear option. Such an education centers on real-world knowledge and skills, focusing on both general education and professional skills. American InterContinental University’s (AIU) Houston ground campus serves as one of many schools that offer industry-current degree programs to career-focused professionals.

Career-focused programs provide especially strong opportunities for adults seeking further education in or a degree in information technology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of computer network, systems, and database administrators will climb by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018, “much faster than the average for all occupations.”

The criminal justice field also is anticipated to grow by 10 percent through 2018, the Labor Department agency projects. With a rising population and concerns about public safety, demand continues strong for qualified law enforcement professionals.

For those exploring further education in business, a Master of Business Administration degree has become a popular option. A lot of schools, including AIU, even offer accelerated programs, allowing students to obtain their MBA in only 12 months.

Regardless of why you want to pursue additional education, career-focused fields can offer an ideal option in that quest to find true job satisfaction.

Steve Malutich is the president of American InterContinental University (AIU) Houston, a regionally accredited degree-granting university, offering a wide range of associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. AIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Additional information is available at (312) 263-0456 or www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org. AIU does not guarantee employment or salary.

By Dr. Dayton Hall

In today’s security-conscious society, and since 9/11, in particular, criminal justice has quickly become a fast-growing career sectors in the United States. The current state of affairs in the U.S. and abroad has brought to the forefront new issues relating to law enforcement, immigration, public safety and security. In addition, many criminal justice professionals are approaching retirement age and there are not enough individuals entering the profession every year to replace them, further fueling public and private sector opportunities.

As a result, the need for trained criminal justice professionals continues to grow. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of criminal justice professionals, such as police officers, detectives and probation officers, is only expected to grow at the national level over the next decade. In Houston, which has the highest rate of violent crime in Texas, there is an ongoing need for qualified law enforcement officials.

As a result of the growing popularity of the profession, qualified criminal justice professionals may be in high demand – in Houston and surrounding areas – in the near future and beyond. Candidates with a college degree in criminal justice, relevant professional experience or both will likely be in the best position to pursue career opportunities in this sought-after field.

Recognizing the need for local criminal justice education resources, American InterContinental University (AIU) Houston earlier[a1] this year began offering a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree designed to help students acquire a deeper understanding of criminal and juvenile justice processes, criminology, law enforcement, the courts system and corrections.

I believe employment prospects are bright for those seeking a criminal justice degree, as the City of Houston has an ongoing need for dedicated police officers. AIU’s curriculum offers a real-world approach to helping students pursue their desired professional goals in many of today’s areas of criminal justice and security.

AIU’s criminal justice program began at other campus locations in 2004 and offers a convenient blend of online and on-campus courses. Today, criminal justice courses are taught at all AIU U.S.-based campuses, where students are learning from faculty who have worked in the field, including leading criminal justice professionals such as Michael Sheetz, a former police officer and prolific author who teaches criminal justice courses at the South Florida campus.

In the face of the widening gap between a local and national need for criminal justice professionals and the supply of skilled practitioners, AIU is proud to offer courses that help students pursue meaningful careers in the criminal justice field.

Dr. Dayton Hall is the criminal justice department chair at American InterContinental University (AIU) Houston, a regionally accredited degree-granting university, offering a wide range of associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. AIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Additional information is available at (312) 263-0456 or www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org. AIU does not guarantee employment or salary.