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Showing posts from April, 2024

Keynote speech for book launch Tech Enabled Futures : Elevating Education in Underserved areas

 In today's rapidly evolving world, bridging the gap between underserved communities and technological advancements has become more critical than ever. Recently, at a thought-provoking event, experts like Prof. Christine Mooney, Dr. Jo-Ann Rolle, Ph.D., and Dr. Charleson Bell shared their insights on this pressing issue. Their discussions centered on strategies to address the digital divide and elevate education in underserved areas. From tackling real-world challenges through innovative problem-solving sessions to exploring the role of technology in education, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration and community involvement in creating a more equitable future. Prof. Mooney emphasized the urgency for change, pointing out that while technology continues to advance, the education system has been slow to adapt. The event underscored the need for a curriculum overhaul to meet the demands of the digital age. Dr. Rolle highlighted the power of partnerships between academia

New book release

  I am pleased to announce my new book was released today, Tech Enabled Futures:Elevating Education in underserved areas. The intro: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” –Nelson Mandela Imagine a child in a rural community, miles from the nearest library, exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef through a virtual reality headset. Picture a single mother, juggling childcare with a side hustle, launching her dream bakery online thanks to user-friendly design tools. This isn't science fiction – it's the future we can create with technology in the hands of those who need it most. The recent pandemic wasn't just a health crisis, it was a brutal education and opportunity gap exposed. Millions, particularly in underserved communities, found themselves locked out of the digital revolution – a society transformed by technology but fractured by its unequal distribution. This digital divide isn't just about access to devices, it'

What can high school students propose to improve drinking water?

  Students at All Hallows High School in Bronx, New York answered the question in the first Innovation & Entrepreneurship Exercise The Prompt: You have been hired to work as a member of a team to design a solution to address continuing water safety issues in Puerto Rico.  Over the last several years, Puerto Rico has faced dramatic challenges with the maintenance of its electrical infrastructure and water filtration systems.  The Puerto Rican Municipal Water Authority faces serious issues due to its intermittent inability to provide safe and potable drinking water in its rural areas.  This is caused by power waters, extreme weather and travel challenges.  In the last two days, Puerto Rico has been struck by a devastating Category 5 hurricane and is looking for an immediate solution to help with a proposed way to filter and provide safe drinking water.  Listen to one team's answer. Thanks to The City University of New York Professor Christine Mooney for her hard work and mentorsh

Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators: A Reflection on Our Guest Speakers' Impact

  A big thank you goes out to Prof. Christine Mooney, Dr. Jo-Ann Rolle, Ph.d. , the Dean of the School of Business at Medgar Evers College, Dr. Charleson Bell , who serves as the Director of Entrepreneurship & Biomedical Innovation at Vanderbilt University's The Wond'ry, and Dr. Fernando Gómez-Baquero Ph.D. , Director of the Technology Incubator Project at Cornell Tech, for graciously dedicating their time and sharing their expertise with our students. During the morning session, Prof. Mooney, Dr. Rolle, and Dr. Bell guided our students through the Innovation Challenge, leading them in team-based problem-solving sessions aimed at addressing real-world issues. Today’s challenge involved devising a water filtration system using provided materials. The teams demonstrated their creativity recounting how they determined the best way to serve the affected community. During the afternoon session, the students engaged in a Q&A session with Dr. Bell and Dr. Gomez-Baquero as t

Empowering Future Leaders: Join the Dialogue with UNDP-Africa and USAID at Medgar Evers College

 Are you ready to be at the forefront of change in higher education and global collaboration? Mark your calendars for March 25th! Whether you're able to join us on the picturesque campus of Medgar Evers College, CUNY, or prefer to dial in from the comfort of your home, this event promises to be a game-changer. Featuring key officials from UNDP-Africa and USAID, this gathering is your ticket to inside views on public/private initiatives and potential future partnerships. Join us on March 25th! Participate in person on the campus of Medgar Evers College, CUNY or Participate remotely via link. Register for either with the QR codes below. A Quick Look at What’s on the Tentative Agenda: We kick off with a Plenary Session at 9:15 AM, where the floor will be set for a day of impactful discussions. Following that, at 10:15 AM, students get a unique platform during the Student Roundtable, offering a rare opportunity to voice their perspectives directly to global leaders. At 11:00 AM, the ev

Meet With Dr. Hafsah Batool

 Meet Dr. Hafsah Batool,  Head of the International Resource Center and Senior Lecturer at a University in Lahore, Punjab Pakistan. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the USAID International Breaking Barriers through Diversity and Inclusion conference in Islamabad, where she participated as a panelist on several conference sessions. The conference honored many women researchers, administrators, and staff that support 18 Women Colleges and Universities in Pakistan. Dr. Batool's research on Digital literacy and inclusive growth: Examining digital empowerment of female students in Lahore and Examining the impact of gender disparities in educational attainment on socio-ecological system: A multidimensional Analysis was accepted at the forthcoming CBER-MEC conference on April 15th - 16th.  Join us at the 13th International Conference of Business & Economic Development at Medgar Evers College, CUNY, where scholars from around the world will share their research, programs, and stori

Co-create the Future of Business: Join the Virtual Dr. J.R. Smith Research Symposium at Jackson State University!

 Greetings, Business Minds! What are the hottest trends in business research keeping you up at night? Are you eager to learn from the brightest minds in marketing, entrepreneurship, and more? The prestigious Dr. J.R. Smith Research Symposium on "Advances in Business Research" is going virtual, and you're invited! Two Days of Powerful Insights  Scheduled for March 20-21, 2024, at the Jackson State University College of Business, this event promises to be a game-changer. Packed with insightful sessions led by distinguished scholars and industry experts, the symposium will delve into a wide range of topics critical to navigating today's dynamic business landscape . Why Attend Virtually? The flexibility of virtual attendance ensures you won't miss out on: Unveiling the latest trends in business and economic research  Thought-provoking discussions with renowned speakers: Dr. Edith Davidson on Marketing, Dr. Joann Rolle on Entrepreneurship, and more! The HBCU/MI Entrepr

Navigating the New Era: Public-Private Partnerships in Urban Real Estate Amidst Evolving Energy Regulations

 The BEDFORD STUYVESANT REAL ESTATE BOARD INC , along with The American Association of Blacks in Energy – New York Metro Area Chapter and Medgar Evers College, CUNY, is leading the charge by hosting a critical symposium. This event is not just a meeting of minds but a convergence of visionaries, tackling the pressing issue of changing energy regulations and their profound impact on both commercial and residential urban real estate. The Catalysts of Change Urban real estate is at a pivotal juncture, influenced by environmental imperatives that demand a shift in energy use and regulation. The symposium aims to dissect the environmental impacts prompting these policy shifts and explore the burgeoning role of local, state, and federal regulations in promoting the transition from natural gas to electric heating systems. Bridging the Divide Through Collaboration At the heart of this symposium is the essence of collaboration between public and private sectors. Such partnerships are crucial in

Invitation to the 13th International Conference on Business and Economic Development (ICBED)

 The Centre for Business and Economic Research (CBER), London, UK, in collaboration with Medgar Evers College, CUNY, is delighted to announce the 13th International Conference on Business and Economic Development (ICBED) taking place from April 15th to 17th, 2024. This prestigious conference, adopting a hybrid format to welcome both in-person and online participants, promises an enriching platform for academia, industry executives, and practitioners from across the globe. Selected Keynote Highlights: Dr. Alan Parkinson, Deputy Director (Education) and principal teaching Fellow, School of Management, University College London, UK, will share insights on managerial accounting and financial management in contemporary contexts. Carin-Isabel Knoop, Executive Director at Harvard Business School’s Case Research & Writing Group, will delve into compassionate management and the significance of mental health at the workplace. Dwight G., co-founder of Metro Claims & Risk Mgmt., offers a u

Bridging the Digital Divide in the Digital Age: Strategies for Universal Access and Empowerment

 In our interconnected world, the disparity in technological access is a catalyst for inequality," President Clinton wisely articulated at the dawn of the 21st century. This truth resonates strongly today as we stand at the precipice of a digital revolution that threatens to widen the chasm between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots.' Join us on March 20th &21st  for the Dr. J.R. Smith Research Symposium at Jackson State University. The event will examine critical issues of  business including the digital divide and explore solutions for fostering a more inclusive world. In my presentation on Technology, Education & Entrepreneurship in underserved areas, the discussion will examine core issues related to the digital divide. The central question we pose is "How can we transform the digital inequity that plagues underserved communities into tangible opportunities for access, education, engagement, and empowerment?" In the wake of the pandemic, the world

Join the Conversation: UNDP/USAID Open Dialogue at Medgar Evers College

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the world? Do you dream of tackling complex global challenges and fostering positive change in your community? Mark your calendar for March 25th! Medgar Evers College (MEC) is will host a groundbreaking Open Dialogue event co-organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Office of HBCU Development &International Cooperation, Inc (CORE PLANNING GROUP FOR OHBCUD. NFP). This is your opportunity to connect with inspiring leaders, explore exciting career paths, and become a part of the solution. Examine and explore the heart of international development: Imagine engaging in thought-provoking discussions with experts from UNDP and USAID. This Open Dialogue promises an insightful panel discussion moderated by Dr. Emmanuel Egbe, Chair of Economics/Finance at MEC. Joining the conversation are distinguished speakers like Mr. Clinton White (USAID Counselor) a

Empowering Education with AI: Transforming Teaching and Learning

  In a captivating address, Jo, the esteemed dean of the School of Business at Mega Everest College, shared profound insights into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies within the realm of education. With unwavering passion and a deep commitment to the craft of teaching and learning, Jo underscored the pivotal role that AI plays in shaping the future of education. Her emphasis on leveraging technology to empower both educators and students reflects a forward-thinking approach essential for navigating the complexities of the modern academic landscape. Throughout her presentation, Jo echoed the urgent need to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to technological resources and opportunities for learners worldwide. By highlighting the disparities in access to technology across different regions, she emphasized the imperative of addressing these challenges to create a level playing field for all students. Furthermore, Jo stressed

Unlocking Opportunities at the UN: Tips and Advice for Success

 Exploring career opportunities within the United Nations (UN) can feel like navigating a labyrinth, but with the right guidance and persistence, doors can be opened. As highlighted in a recent discussion, the UN comprises numerous organizations, each offering various avenues for engagement. From internships to consultancies and young professional programs, there's a spectrum of opportunities waiting to be explored. Websites like Impact Pool, UN Jobs, and UN Talent serve as valuable resources, listing job openings, internships, and volunteer opportunities. While the application process may require perseverance and patience, maintaining a proactive approach and continuously building one's network can lead to success in securing a role within the UN.

2023 greetings to the graduates of Hailey’s College Lahore, Pakistan

Dean Joanne R, from the School of Business at Mega Everest College, recently extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students of Haley's College, City University of New York. Reflecting on her visit to Haley's College, Dean Joanne reminisced about the warmth and hospitality extended by the faculty, administrators, and students during a conference where scholars from around the globe presented their research papers. Despite the academic setting, there was also time to explore the picturesque countryside, where Dean Joanne was captivated by the beauty of the land and the graciousness of her hosts. Through this exchange, Dean Joanne emphasized the importance of collaboration and expressed eagerness for future interactions between Mega Everest College and Haley's College.

Future-Ready Skills | AI and Accounting Integration for Students

 In the ever-evolving landscape of education and industry, the integration of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal focus. Reflecting on experiences from four to five years ago, the demand for students to grasp AI and its applications in fields like accounting was palpable. Industry leaders sought not just familiarity with their platforms but a deeper understanding of man-machine interaction. This foresight stemmed from the realization that the future workforce needed to embrace AI to remain relevant and seize emerging opportunities. Today, as we witness the fruition of these efforts, it's evident that students equipped with AI knowledge are poised for success in a landscape where strategic and critical thinking reign supreme, relegating mundane tasks to obsolescence.

Empowering Entrepreneurship and Global Collaboration for Sustainable Change

 In today's interconnected world, the diaspora represents not just a scattering of communities, but a vast network of untapped potential. As an advocate for global collaboration and entrepreneurship, I stand before you with a vision to harness this potential for sustainable change. With greetings from Mega EV College City University of New York and the national HBCU Business Roundtable, our collective mission is clear: to foster collaboration within the diaspora and champion entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of economic development. The transformative power of connecting individuals across borders is undeniable. According to the United Nations, the number of international migrants has reached a staggering 272 million, presenting a unique opportunity for collaboration and innovation. By leveraging strategic partnerships and alliances, we can break down silos and create platforms for knowledge sharing, mentorship, and investment. Beyond remittances, which contributed over $714 billio

Empowering Black Entrepreneurship: Building a Sustainable Ecosystem

 In the quest to unlock the full potential of Black entrepreneurship, visionary leaders at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are spearheading a transformative initiative. With figures like Dean Bo, Executive Director of the HBCU Round Table, and esteemed academics like Provost Harvey and Dr. Joanne Ro at the helm, the creation of an Entrepreneurship Education Institute is underway. This groundbreaking endeavor aims to address systemic constraints and empower individuals to start and run successful businesses, fostering economic growth and social upliftment. The initiative underscores a major call to action, emphasizing the need for increased participation in entrepreneurship education among HBCU students. By equipping individuals with the tools and resources to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, the Institute seeks to bridge the gap between education and opportunity. Through strategic partnerships, online repositories of course materials, and mentorship programs