5 Women Entrepreneurs Sterling in the STEM Industry

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on February 11 to honour and recognise the contributions that women have made to science, to encourage young girls and women to consider careers in STEM fields, and to educate men about their responsibility to support and mentor women and girls who are interested in technical and scientific fields in their academic and professional lives.

Indian women have often shown that science and business can coexist, either by doing great things in the field of research or breaking into the world of entrepreneurship. It takes far more than we believe it can to turn a concept for beginning your own business into reality. These five ladies have merely overcome all expectations set by society to achieve their current status. They have decided to pursue entrepreneurship as a means of resolving the country’s current problems, and they are succeeding brilliantly.

Here is a list of the top women entrepreneurs in India who, despite all obstacles and setbacks, managed to start their own companies from scratch thanks to their unwavering resolve and work ethic.

Upasana Taku (MobiKwik)

Upasana Taku (MobiKwik)MobiKwik and Zaakpay both have Upasana Taku as a co-founder. A digital wallet and mobile phone-based payment system are both offered by MobiKwik, a supplier of payment services.

Upasana completed her secondary education in Surat before enrolling in the Industrial Engineering programme at the National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar. She subsequently completed her MS in Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University in the US. She began her career in San Diego with HSBC before moving on to PayPal. 2009 saw her return and launch Zaakpay. At the same time, she met Bipin, who she later learned was keen to contribute to the enhancement of the startup ecosystem.

Within six months, Upasana was assisting him in various areas of the company; subsequently, she became a co-founder of Mobikwik. As a mobile wallet, Mobikwik launched its business to make digital payments simple for its consumers. Since then, their use cases have grown to encompass bill payments, online shopping, food delivery, payments at gas stations, big-box retailers, pharmacies, Kirana shops, etc. Through the Unified Payments Interface (“UPI”), MobiKwik Wallet, and MobiKwik Wallet to Bank payments, their platform also supports peer-to-peer payments. In addition to more than 3.45 million e-commerce, physical retail, and biller partners, they have accumulated over 108 million Registered Users throughout the years.

In 2017, she was given the Best Woman Entrepreneur Award.

Sonam Srivastava (Wright Research)

Sonam SrivastavaSonam Srivastava is the Founder of Wright Research, an Artificial Intelligence-powered Robo Advisor.

Wright Research is a Mumbai-based SEBI Registered Investment Advisory firm and an AI-powered Robo advisor creating multi-factor tactical model portfolios. It was founded in 2019 by Sonam Srivastava (IIT Kanpur alumnus). Wright Research uses Deep-Tech, AI & ML modules to invest and a smart beta-based investment strategy backed by quantitative research. It’s a complete computer-based strategy that reduces the possibility of silly human errors and manages the risk effectively and efficiently. Their quant research-based portfolios like Wright Momentum have given up to 59.23% CAGR in the last couple of years.

Through artificial intelligence and data science-based research in investing, they help investors find the best investments. They work across market factors, time horizons & asset classes to maximise returns while minimising the risks. Startups often need help with using technology, and they have also struggled with this. Some of the difficulties of note have been: at the early stage, they had limited financial and human resources, making investing in and implementing new technologies challenging. As startups grow and handle increasing amounts of sensitive data, they face challenges related to data security and compliance with relevant regulations. Scalability is a constant challenge that requires them to invest continuously in and adapt their systems.

They see an immense opportunity in using AI for Financial Applications. AI and ML can be used to analyse financial data, make predictions about market trends and investment opportunities, and create a much better user experience than traditional means. Similarly, there is an excellent opportunity in Retail where AI and ML can optimise pricing and inventory management, personalise customer recommendations, and improve supply chain efficiency. In other fields like Health care, Manufacturing, Transportation and Energy, AI & ML can continue to add immense benefits.

Divya Gokulnath (Byju’s)

Byju’s, one of India’s largest ed-tech firms, was co-founded by Divya Gokulnath.

Divya GokulnathFrom Bengaluru, Divya pursued a B.Tech in biotechnology. She began working as a teacher before helping to co-found Byju’s in 2011. More than 150 million students worldwide receive highly adaptable, interesting, and efficient learning solutions from Byju’s, a leading company in ed-tech. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Sequoia Capital, Bond Capital, Silver Lake, BlackRock, Sofina, Verlinvest, Tencent, Prosus (formerly Naspers Ventures), General Atlantic, Tiger Global, Qatar Investment Authority, Owl Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Times Internet, Aarin Capital, and IFC are just a few of the prestigious investors who support it. They have acquired more than 15 businesses since 2017, including ones from the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria, India, and Singapore.

With tools that lie at the intersection of mobile, interactive content and individualised learning approaches, Byju’s offers a top-notch learning experience. Learning is made entertaining by BYJU’s geography-independent solutions and 12,000+ teachers through visual and contextual programmes that adjust to each student’s particular learning style, ability level, and speed. Additionally, in order to increase engagement and support even more students in becoming active and lifelong learners, they have creative relationships with some of the most well-known businesses in the world, such as Disney and Google.

Divya oversaw brand marketing, content, and user experience during the COVID-19 shutdown in India. She won several honours, including Women Who Make India, the Entrepreneur of the Year, and the MAKERS India Conference.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (Biocon Limited)

Kiran Mazumdar ShawThe founder and current executive chairperson of Biocon Limited is Kiran Mazumdar Shaw. Bangalore-based Biocon Limited is a biopharmaceutical business.

After completing her zoology undergraduate degree at Bangalore University in 1973, Kiran went on to obtain her master degree in brewing from the University of Ballarat in Melbourne. In 1978, she founded Biocon India in the garage of her Bangalore rental home.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted its clearance to Biocon in 2001 to produce a cholesterol-lowering chemical, making it the first Indian firm to do so. Later, the business saw rapid growth.

India’s largest and fully integrated biopharmaceutical business, Biocon Limited, publicly listed in 2004. It is an international biopharmaceutical company that provides services to clients in over 120 nations. They have made sophisticated medicines for chronic illnesses, where medical needs are mostly unmet and treatment costs are high, accessible thanks to their aim of improving global healthcare through innovative and reasonably priced biopharmaceuticals.

In the meanwhile, Kiran began to receive several honours, including Padma Bhushan, Businesswoman of the Year, and Technology Pioneer.

Khushboo Jain (Impact Guru)

Khushboo Jain (Impact Guru)Co-founder and chief operating officer of Impact Guru, a platform for fundraising for organisations, personal causes, and medical costs, is Khushboo Jain. From 2004 to 2007, she earned both an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in business and management.

She has degrees in a variety of other fields as well. Through its crowdfunding platform and international partners, ImpactGuru has raised more than $200 million since its founding in 2015, which has aided in providing medical care for Indians suffering from serious illnesses.

Through the website, over 10 lakh contributors from 165 countries have given an average of $1.50 each minute.

Impact Guru is a Harvard-incubated fintech startup that provides an online platform for corporate and individual donors to support social causes in India. Since its launch, Impact Guru has raised Rs 329 crores for a variety of causes, making it the largest crowdfunding site in India. They were incubated at the Harvard Innovation Lab Venture Initiation Program in the United States and the Impact Hub’s PACT Social Enterprise Incubator (Singapore). Mumbai, New Delhi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and San Francisco are among the locations where Impact Guru maintains offices.

ImpactGuru has generated more than Rs 15 crore from more than 800 COVID-19-related fundraisers to assist everyday gamblers, elderly people impacted by the crisis, healthcare professionals whose salaries have been slashed as a result of COVID-19, as well as animals that are suffering because of this issue.

The IPRS hosts two sessions at the iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2023

New Delhi, 7th February 2023: After a two-year absence, the iconic and much-awaited Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is back to celebrate cinema, food, literature, visual art, culture, music and more.

The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) will host two events at the festival: “Sadda Haq Aithe Rakh” on 7th February, between 6 pm- 7 pm at NGMA, Colaba. The workshop will be conducted by Eminent Lyricist, Screenwriter & IPRS Board Member Mayur Puri, who will take the audience through the nuances of Songwriting and How to Manage your Rights as a Creator.

‘Women Changing Music’ is a roundtable conversation organized by the IPRS at the festival celebrating women game changers in the Indian music industry. Srushti Tawde, Priyanka Khimani, Mercy Tetseo from The Tetseo Sisters, Gauri Yadwadkar, and Nirmika Singh will be among the notable panelists. The engaging roundtable will be hosted by Stutee Ghosh. On 9th February, 6 pm – 7 pm at NGMA, Colaba.

IPRS has initiated a slew of initiatives aimed at identifying, empowering, and promoting female music creators. The IPRS, ‘Women Changing Music’ roundtable will provide an inspirational and enlightening chance to hear prominent women in music who are smashing the glass ceiling by making history and leading the way for others to follow.

Commenting on the same, Lyricist, screenwriter, filmmaker, and IPRS Board Member Mayur Puri said, “As a long-time member of IPRS, I am excited to host the Sadda Haq Aithe Rakh workshop for songwriters, composers, and those interested in music. From the moment children are born till they breathe their last breath; music plays a significant role in their life. This workshop will take the audience on a journey of music creation, and how a lyricist and composer come together to make music. It will benefit all music makers who are primarily concerned with their creativity and are unaware of issues such as copyright, royalties, and other technicalities that go with the music they create. The line between the audience and the creator is blurred, making it very important for creators to understand their rights. I am delighted that one of the city’s largest cultural festivals, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, has partnered with the IPRS on this initiative.”

Brinda Miller, Chairperson, Kala Ghoda Association, spoke about the glorious legacy of the festival, “It is a festival for and by the people. We are thrilled that the city’s beloved festival will return after a two-year hiatus. Much has happened during this period, and our theme “Past Forward” pays tribute to our 22-year legacy while designing a festival of the future. It represents the slow transition from a period of inactivity to an era of optimism, change and growth. Every year, people and enterprises from across the country come together to make this festival possible, and this year is no exception.”

Educational and interactive programs like “Sadda Haq Aithe Rakh” aims to raise awareness about current developments in the music industry and help musicians understand their rights, the importance of music royalties and how to make more with the music they create. The “Women Changing Music” roundtable is another step taken by IPRS to identify, empower and promote female creators and celebrate the women in music, who are creating history, and paving the path for others to follow.

Founded in 1999, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has become one of the biggest street art festivals in the country. It draws visitors from Mumbai and all over the world. With the aim of promoting arts, crafts, music and cultural heritage.

OnMobile Reports Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2023 Results

Challenges Arena: The expansionary trend continued; revenue grew 21x since its launch and 62 cumulative customer agreements by Q3FY23

Bengaluru, 7th February 2023: OnMobile Global Limited (“OnMobile”), the global leader in mobile entertainment, today announced the financial results for the Third quarter and Nine months FY23 ended December 31, 2022.

Highlights:

  • Challenges Arena: Revenue increased by almost 52% on a QoQ and ~7x on a YoY basis and grew ~21x over the last 7 quarters
  • Challenges Arena: 62 cumulative customer confirmations and 35 customers live as on Q3FY23
  • Challenges Arena: 13.64 Mn gross subscribers as on Q3FY23
  • Challenges Arena: By Q3FY23, the Net active base increased to 3.1 Mn from 1.98 Mn in September 2022
  • ONMO B2B: 18 customers confirmed and 4 customers live as on Q3FY23. Revenue grew 77% QoQ
  • Q3FY23 revenues at INR 1,369 Mn, flat QoQ. Gross profit stood at INR 706 Mn a growth of 3.4%. Gross margin improved by 170 basis points QoQ (~53.9% gross margin in Q3FY23)
  • 9MFY23 revenues at INR 4,145 Mn, up by 0.8%; Gross profit stood at INR 2,101 Mn, a growth of 4.3% YoY basis. Gross margin improved by 150 basis points YoY (~52.9% gross margin in 9MFY23)
  • Q3FY23 PAT grew by 555% QoQ to INR 41 Mn from INR 6 Mn in Q2FY23
  • In Q3FY23 Marketing cost grew by 10.5% QoQ and 87.3% YoY primarily due to investments in new launches

Commenting on Q3FY23 results, Sanjay Baweja, CEO & MD, OnMobile, said, “Revenue was flat on a sequential basis. According to our strategy, we will continue to invest in marketing to increase our profitability in the long run. The worst is behind us, and CA and ONMO are gaining traction. We are well-positioned to achieve our goal of creating cutting-edge mobile gaming solutions thanks to our targeted execution and continued efforts to digitize our core B2B businesses.”

Asheesh Chatterjee, Global Group CFO, said, “EBITDA saw substantial growth from last quarter, lead by improvement in gross margins on account of revenue mix increasing in favor of CA which has higher margin. We are making good progress in both CA & ONMO and would see CA contributing to profitability and ONMO towards revenue growth in the coming quarters.”

Orange Egypt Partners with Fawry to Enhance Digital Payment Services

Orange Egypt Partners with Fawry to Enhance Digital Payment Services

Orange Egypt has signed a partnership agreement with Fawry, the leading provider of e-payments and digital finance solutions in Egypt, to enhance digital payment services and expand the features of Orange Cash wallet.

The collaboration strengthens Orange Cash’s position as Egypt’s leading digital payment service, providing customers with a comprehensive money management solution answering their needs with a reliable, secured, and fully compliant platform relying on the highest international technologies and security standards.

Money transfer, electricity, water, and gas bills, insurance premiums, union payments, clubs, schools, and universities, donations, ticket purchases, traffic fines, online purchases, real estate installments, bank loan settlement and merchant payments are just a few of the many services offered by Orange Cash.

Fawry is constantly looking to form lasting strategic alliances with important companies and institutions that provide e-payment services through their smart wallets. As Fawry owns the most developed systems for creating and managing e-wallets as well as the most advanced and secure fintech tools in order to support the Central Bank of Egypt’s initiatives and keep up with the digital transformation to achieve a cashless society.

This partnership fortifies Orange Cash’s role in serving customers by expanding the provision of new services and products while adhering to all regulations and regulatory requirements set by the Central Bank of Egypt.

On this occasion, Yasser Shaker, CEO at Orange Egypt said: “Today’s partnership with Fawry reaffirms the company’s strategy and commitment to accelerate financial inclusion and help turn the economy into a cashless one while ensuring that all payment needs of Egyptians are met through a comprehensive platform in cooperation with prominent local partner in this sector. Following our recent partnership with the National Bank of Egypt, this new partnership with Fawry combined with Orange’s worldwide expertise in mobile money and digital banking makes Orange Cash the strongest mobile wallet solution of Egypt with the strongest partners of the sector.”

He added: “Orange Cash provides now its customers with unprecedented digital payment capabilities in the field of e-wallets in Egypt, in a way that allows its customers to benefit from the latest global trends in this sector in a faster, safer, and more efficient way”.

Eng. Ashraf Sabry, CEO of Fawry, stated: “In response to the state’s tendency to increasingly rely on e-payment solutions in financial transactions, which has become absolutely necessary in recent years to keep up with digital transformation, Fawry has made significant investments, allowing it to serve as the strategic partner for digital transformation services as well as the development and management of mobile wallet platforms. We are pleased that all of the services and solutions offered by Fawry were created by Egyptians”.

“In order to give customers a unique, secure, and efficient experience, our partnership with Orange will greatly accelerate the development of e-payment solutions in Egypt through the widespread use of digital solutions”, he added.

Sabry emphasized Fawry’s commitment to fostering an e- payment culture throughout Egyptian society by utilizing a variety of electronic payment channels and methods for all transactions and day-to-day services. This came in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030, which aims to expand the financial sector, support and improve digital operations, and draw in new customer demographics in order to promote financial inclusion.

Paul Myhre’s New Book, “Canceling the Ten Commandments,” is a Faith-Based Read That Brings to Light the Ongoing Erosion of Christian Morals and Values in Modern America

Thornton, CO, February 07, 2023 — Fulton Books author Paul Myhre, who has studied many ministers and godly men with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, has completed his most recent book, “Canceling the Ten Commandments”: an eye-opening exploration at how modern society is seeking to persecute those who wish to follows God’s holy laws as outlined within the Ten Commandments.

“In the following pages, I will show and demonstrate the current political climate to cancel the Ten Commandments and religion altogether,” writes Myhre. “Persecution of Christians goes on all over the world and is just beginning here. Anyone who thought that Christians and other religions were free from persecution here in America is simply fooling themselves.”

Myhre continues, “My hope is that this writing will raise people from their sleeping and begin to answer God’s call to battle. Be sure we are in a battle for the hearts, minds, and souls of everyone, and it is the duty and responsibility of Christians everywhere to spread the good news and fight the forces of Satan.”

Published by Fulton Books, Paul Myhre’s book is an enlightening read that highlights how Christians are being treated around the world, specifically in America as society holds less and less regard for God’s laws. Through his writings, Myhre calls out to his fellow followers of God in the hopes of uniting in the fight against Satan and restoring the moral code of the Ten Commandments.

Readers who wish to experience this inspiring work can purchase “Canceling the Ten Commandments” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

Please direct all media inquiries to Author Support via email at support@fultonbooks.com or via telephone at 877-210-0816.
Contact
Fulton Books
Media Relations
800-676-7845
www.fultonbooks.com

BC Craft Announces Changes to Board of Directors & Audit Committee

Vancouver, Canada, February 07, 2023 —- BC Craft Supply Co. Ltd. (CSE: CRFT) (“CRFT” or collectively, the “Company”), announces the resignation of Matthew Watters as Chief Executive Officer, director, and member of the audit committee, effectively immediately. BC Craft would like to thank Mr. Watters for his time and contributions made to the Company and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Laud to the Board of Directors and the Company’s audit committee, effective January 27, 2023. Mr. Laud brings to Craft over 20 years of accounting and management experience to CRFT and will chair the Company’s audit committee.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE nor its market regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as of the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects,” or “does not expect,” “is expected,” “anticipates” or “does not anticipate,” “plans,” “budget,” “scheduled,” “forecasts,” “estimates,” “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could,” “would,” “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the anticipated outcomes from securing the Interim Facility.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, CRFT assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

For further information:
Brett Walker, Director
Phone: (604) 366-7460
Email: info@bccraftsupplyco.com

BC Craft Supply Co. Ltd.
#117, 8-6014 Vedder Road
Chilliwack, British Columbia V5R 5P5

Contact
Avro Capital Corp.
Brett Walker
604-366-7460
avrocapital.com

MUDLABS™ Announces Rebrand

Houston, TX, February 07, 2023  MUDLabs™ brings the latest fluid performance technologies to the digital oilfield. announced today that it has completed a major rebranding. Joining forces with Cutpoint, Inc. they are launching new and improved ways to reduce drilling operators’ non-productive time when drilling.

Founded in 2014, the MUDLabs™ proven technologies are packaged, designed, and field tested to ensure the maximum drilling performance during your drilling program. MUDLabs™ deploys state-of-the-art proprietary technologies to enhance Drilling Fluids Performance and Hydraulic Fracture Performance for myriad clients. Their new partner Cutpoint, Inc. has served the upstream E&P industry for over 30 years. Cutpoint’s approach is to streamline “backyard” operations, track meaningful KPIs, and put dashboards in place that allow drilling management to “run the backyard by the numbers.”

The rebranding will offer a new approach with NPTLabs™ developing additional technologies that enhances drilling operators’ companies’​ environmental efficiency and performance whether locally or across the world with a suite of proprietary products and services. This rebranding has the mission to reduce cost, minimize environmental footprint, and improve the performance of fluid-related drilling operations. The new logo will carry the same MUDLabs™ colors, and the new website will expand sections on engineering and consulting services.

Bob Troy, NPTLabs™ COO said, “The concept of NPTLabs just like the name says is to reduce the Non-Productive Time for drilling operators to improve performance with drilling fluid measurement services. NPTLabs™ designs oilfield equipment and processes to satisfy drilling requirements. We specialize in harsh and remote environments. We apply engineering fundamentals to optimize the performance of Mud Tank Systems, Shale Shakers, Centrifuges, Thermal Desorption Equipment, and Cuttings Handling Equipment.”

Using appropriate measures and procedures like mud tests, you can protect your downhole tools, improve drilling fluids performance, increase savings, have better knowledge of the time to dilute, and ultimately avoid non-productive time. It is all in the fluid lab reading. The company is no longer just a van for on-call mobile laboratories, they are the one-stop-shop for any drilling operator to run their mud tests, engineer solutions, and train their personnel to maximize drilling performance.

Visit them to explore the new website, brand, and office.
Contact
NPTLABS
Robert Troy
844-683-5227
www.nptlabs.ai

UNIA-ACL Baltimore Division 106 Responds to the Death of Tyre Nichols

Baltimore, MD, February 07, 2023 — On January 7, 2023, five Black police officers from the Memphis Police Department beat up a 29-year-old black man Tyre Nichols, during a traffic stop. He was hospitalized and died 3 days later.

In response to the tragedy, President Everett Winchester of the UNIA-ACL Baltimore Division 106 Barca-Clarke released the following statement:

“First of all, we are sending love and prayers to the family, friends, and associates of our young brother Tyre Nichols. Our UNIA-ACL Division 106 Barca-Clarke just protested Thursday, 1/26/2023 for officers to be charged in the death of the unarmed young man Donnell Rochester. Donnell was shot and killed unarmed. Then to see the video footage of our young brother Tyre, I can only explained it as an execution! While more information comes out about the unlawful traffic stop, to see the gruesome video was horrendous. I can only envision the thoughts, fear, and bewilderment he had. No one deserves such a brutal and unjustified beating. The police are suppose to protect our rights. It was an abuse of authority, power, and a lack of respect for the community.

“We demand justice. This incident did not happen because of a lack of judgement. This was not a simple mistake. This was an example of bad policing. This shows a police culture that deals with black people differently from other races. There is no other way to call it. It was torture! It was an unnecessary beating of a man. The police showed no ethics, and from the beginning of the traffic stop the police were immoral. We are asking that the black communities everywhere stand up and show support for the family. We cannot be quiet while this type of abuse is happening on the daily. This murder is not just a civil rights issue. The culture of the police needs to me more than questioned, it needs to be changed. You would think that black police officers would have a better understanding. I am afraid that our community will start normalizing Police brutality just as it seems we have normalized the violence in our community. This incident seems to be a police culture and training issue. We must fight for truth and fight for what the laws should be doing. Protecting us!

“One God! One Aim! One Destiny!

“The Universal Negro Improvement Association- African Communities League (UNIA-ACL) is a charitable, educational, friendly, humanitarian, institutional, social, constructive, expansive society Founded by the honorable Marcus Garvey. The motto of the organization is ‘One God! One Aim! One Destiny!’ Therefore, let justice be done to all mankind, realizing that if the strong oppresses the weak confusion and discontent will ever mark the path of man, but with love, faith and charity towards all the reign of peace and plenty will be heralded into the world and the generations of men shall be called blessed. The Baltimore division is named after General Hannibal Barca and Dr. John Henrik Clarke. Our Baltimore division has main mission is attending to the task of helping and healing our people in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area.

“We follow the teachings of The Honorable Marcus Garvey to build Solidarity, Strength and Self-Sufficiency in our Communities. In the Spirit of Hannibal Barca and in the footsteps of John Henrik Clarke, we will Inspire, Activate and Educate our people about their African History and The Pan-African Liberation Struggle.”

President Everett Winchester
443-466-0433
Everett@uniabarcaclarke.com
www.uniabarcaclarke.com
Contact
UNIA-ACL Baltimore Division 106
President Everett Winchester
443-466-0433
www.uniabarcaclarke.com

City of St. Louis to Issue a Proclamation for Optimist Day in Honor of the Optimist Club of St. Louis, MO and Their 106 Years of Community Service

St. Louis, MO, February 07, 2023 — Mayor Tishaura O. Jones to issue an Optimist Day Proclamation on Thursday, February 2, 2023. On this day, the community can be an Optimist themselves in action by joining us to honor the Optimist Club of St. Louis and its 106+ years of helping the community and youth of St. Louis, Missouri.

“Today is a day to celebrate Optimist Day and optimism! As part of the organization’s ongoing mission, the Optimist Club of St. Louis is delighted to receive this proclamation from Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and the City of St. Louis, in recognizing Optimist Day and the Club for its over 106+ years of contributions to the community. With optimism as a cornerstone, the Club members hope to inspire others to embrace the positive and pass that on to others.” – Jennifer Bagwell, President of Optimist Club of St. Louis, MO.

Each year, Optimist Clubs around the world volunteer their time and skills in programs to improve their communities and provide opportunities for the youth of all ages. They provide leadership, scholarship, wellness, safety, arts, and sports programs. Optimist members look to the future with hope, and on Optimist Day please celebrate the volunteers who share their enthusiasm, skills, and talent to make tomorrow a vibrant and peaceful one.

The Optimist Club of St. Louis started in 1916 and has supported local youth in the city of St. Louis for over 106 years through programs and service projects that the Club is involved in. Additionally, the Club awards annual grants to other organizations in the community, all in the name of Optimism.
Contact
Optimist Club of St. Louis
Jennifer Bagwell
314-954-4613
stloptimists.org

Morrissey Goodale AE Firm Survey Reveals More Raises in Store for Architects and Engineers and the Outlook for 2023 is Positive

Natick, MA, February 07, 2023 – According to a January 2023 survey of 200 AE firm executives conducted by management consulting firm, Morrissey Goodale, 70% of the AE firm respondents are anticipating that 2023 will be “an even better year than 2022,” which was a record year for many AE industry firms across the country.

In the survey, 77% of respondents say talent acquisition and retention is the primary constraint on performance. As a result, AE firms expect they will continue to increase salary compensation. Respondents did reveal that bonuses may not increase at the same rate as they did in 2022.

Other AE firm survey respondent highlights include:

AE Firms Plan Salary Budget Increases for 2023:

  • · Over half (55%) of respondents plan salary increases of between 6% to 9%.
  • · Forty-one percent of firms are budgeting raises of between 1% to 5%.
  • · Three percent of firms plan on salary increases of 10% or more.
  • · Architecture and AE firms are planning for lighter raises in the 1% to 5% range than their Engineering and EA peers who are budgeting 6% to 9%.
  • · A greater percentage of firms with 1,000 employees or more are budgeting in the 1% to 5% range, compared with their smaller peers.
  • · Surveying/Mapping firms anticipate a 6% to 9% increase raise in raises this year.

AE Firms Predict 2023 Bonus Environment to be Same as 2022:

  • · Nearly half (48%) percent of respondents anticipate that bonuses will be about the same in 2023 as they were in 2022.
  • · Ten percent of respondents expect their payout for bonuses to be lower.
  • · Forty-two percent anticipate spending more on bonuses in 2023 compared with 2022.

“The AE industry continues to navigate unprecedented change at the intersection of four generational trends – not enough talent to meet demand, a great and on-going recapitalization, rapid technological advances, and massive public sector demand for services,” says Mick Morrissey, managing principal at Morrissey Goodale. “The winners will be those firms that make the investments needed now to secure the talent to meet short-term production needs and longer-term leadership development and firm transition initiatives.”

About Morrissey Goodale LLC
Morrissey Goodale LLC is a leading management consulting firm to the Architecture Engineering (AE) and Environmental Consulting industry. Headquarters are located at 209 West Central Street, Suite 317, Natick MA, 01760. The company can be reached at 508-254-3914 or on the web at www.morrisseygoodale.com. Morrissey Goodale also has offices in Denver, CO, Chicago, IL, Irvine, CA, Rochester, NY, Houston, TX, and Atlanta, GA.
Contact
Morrissey Goodale
Tricia Washington
714-592-0557
https://www.morrisseygoodale.com/
Mark Goodale
508-254-3914
mgoodale@morrisseygoodale.com