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U.S.-Israel Cooperation Strengthens Security of Both Countries
Posted by on March 8, 2012 at 11:27 AM EDTPresident Obama has stated that the most extreme threat to global security is nuclear terrorism. The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is one of the President’s main resources to combat this threat.
In mid-January, I traveled with colleagues from DNDO to Tel Aviv, Israel, to observe a national-level Israeli Ministry of Defense exercise. The exercise explored detection and response capabilities surrounding a simulated Radiation Dispersal Device (RDD) (“dirty bomb”) terrorist attack. As one of President Obama’s key nuclear terrorism experts, I sought to advance our collective efforts to prevent and ultimately detect the illicit movement of nuclear and radiological material.
Learn more about , Foreign PolicyU.S. Departments of Justice and Education Resolve Harassment Allegations in Anoka-Hennepin School District
Posted by on March 8, 2012 at 10:11 AM EDTEducation is the great equalizer. Yet students cannot learn if they are afraid to go to school. Students cannot learn if they are being harassed and threatened. Students cannot learn if they feel that school administrators don’t and won’t protect them.
In the Anoka-Hennepin School District in Minnesota, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education investigated whether the learning environment in the schools was unsafe and unwelcoming for students who did not conform to gender stereotypes, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. Some students were afraid to go to school because they were repeatedly harassed. Some students faced threats, physical violence, derogatory language, and other forms of harassment on a daily basis. As a result, some students stopped attending school for periods of time, dropped out, and even contemplated or attempted suicide.
Supplier Diversity: Building Capacity and Making a Difference
Posted by on March 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM EDT
It is a privilege to be recognized as a White House Champion of Change. Giving back to the community in which I work and live has been incredibly rewarding; to be recognized for doing something that I love makes this award even better.
I am honored to be invited to participate with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s founders, Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell, as a “Champion of Change” on the topic of mentoring. Part of my role as Accenture’s Supplier Diversity Program Manager is to help manage our Diverse Supplier Development Program (DSDP), a formal mentoring program which matches selected minority-owned, women-owned, LGBT-owned, small and other diverse businesses with Accenture executives to mentor and assist in developing and growing the capacity of their businesses. The program also offers training symposia, knowledge exchange and networking opportunities for participants. Accenture is now conducting the third class of this 18-month program and, once complete, we will have mentored over 50 diverse business entities.
Reflecting on my career…I expected to have a certain role for 2 – 3 years and then move on, but have now worked in supplier diversity for almost the entire 11 years I’ve been with Accenture. I’ve stayed not only because Accenture is a dynamic company in an ever changing industry but also because we have grown our Supplier Diversity Program and there are still so many exciting things on the horizon for us to achieve.
Mentoring the Startup Entrepreneur: An Ancient Human Dance
Posted by on March 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM EDT
What an incredible honor to be named a White House Champion of Change. In thinking about entrepreneurship and the importance of mentors to the process of creating and launching a company, I wanted to share a few thoughts that have profoundly affected my own journey as an entrepreneur and a mentor.
I’m a product of Mississippi. I was born in the rural, northeastern part of the state known as Booneville. Our family farm was about 15 miles outside the city limits. Gravel roads, soybean fields, small farmhouses, and a sizzling summer sun are some of the images that come to mind. I grew up on the same soil as my great grandfather,my grandfather, and my father. Our hardships were the salt of a true, all-American childhood, and I value that legacy.
My commitment to service comes from my parents. My father is a minister. My mom is a nurse. At a very young age, I had the opportunity to see the “care” side of healthcare through my mom and the pastoral side of mentoring through my father. My parents love me unconditionally. When faced with life’s many challenges, when we know we are loved in this way I’ve come to believe that we, as individuals, can push ourselves far beyond what the average person would normally do. It’s an intangible quality, and I admit it can be difficult to teach, but when even a small piece of this becomes integrated into the mentoring process, that’s where the magic happens—that’s when lives are changed and companies are born.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Posted by on March 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM EDT
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the Founding Director of the Washington, DC Women’s Business Center (DC WBC). On a daily basis, I assist women entrepreneurs that are truly tackling the challenges of starting and growing their small businesses. The DC WBC provides counseling, business training classes, financial assistance, networking and business opportunities to women entrepreneurs in the Washington, DC region. Being named a “Champion of Change” is humbling, yet it is also a confirmation that the time and effort put forth for small business is an investment that will impact the nation for years to come. In the brief history of the DC WBC there have been 20 new businesses developed and over 80 new jobs created.
Small business owners are unsung heroes with the courage to look economic adversity in the face and continue to innovate and expand. Due to their innate ability to multitask, I believe that women entrepreneurs, in particular, face added pressures. As it turns out, being hyper efficient can be a gift and a curse. In general, women are the caregivers in our world and are required to wear many hats. This ranges from caring for children, parents, spouses, friends, siblings, co-workers, neighbors, pets and even, at times, their neighbors’ pets! Therefore, the DC WBC strives to provide an environment where women entrepreneurs can have a place to rest those many hats and focus on their business. With this in mind, the DC WBC team provides “Hat Relief” through our Circle of Support.
Hats Off to You: Entrepreneurs Inspiring Change
Posted by on March 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM EDT
I am fortunate to have met many people with many talents in my life.
I am married to a caring, talented woman who brings her intellect and compassion to everything. We have two wonderful young boys who represent all things good. My parents instilled values and principles that have allowed me to appreciate all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon me. I work with many talented individuals in many facets every day. These people are entrepreneurs who are also clerks, janitors, professors, students, teachers, business and civic leaders, politicians, authors, physicians, attorneys, engineers, pharmacists, scientists, and many more, too numerous to mention. I learn many things from these brilliant people.
It is this good fortune that has led me to realize that many have not benefited from the riches of support I enjoy. With these benefits, comes duty to serve.
Some people don't see a world of opportunity that comes from difficulties. Where others may see a road block, I see an opportunity. Where some may see a difference, I see a perspective, an opportunity to learn. Where others may give up because of a lack of resources, I see motivation.
Paying Forward the Goodwill of Others
Posted by on March 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM EDT
I am a first-generation immigrant from Chile, and I am passionate about technology entrepreneurship. I founded Proven with my partners Sean Falconer and Joe Mellin while I was at the Stanford Graduate School of Business almost three years ago.
Proven helps local businesses hire and quickly figure out which applicants best fit their culture. Every local business has a personality, a flavor, and a need for employees with specific skills. We built an easy-to-use interface where business owners and managers can funnel all of their responses from popular job boards and quickly sort out the really promising candidates--a task that is typically unwieldy and time-consuming. We also help local employers showcase their company cultures with employment branding pages. Candidates also get a great opportunity to showcase and validate their skills and experience free of charge.
Proven is growing and we are excited to continue helping local businesses hire and Americans get jobs across the country. We are filling a big need in helping close the skills gap by improving the flow of information between employers and candidates. Our dream is to become the main resource for local employment in the U.S. and beyond. We take particular pride in helping people showcase their skills and giving them opportunities for social advancement.
Championing the Veterans' Plight for Entrepreneurship
Posted by on March 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM EDT
It is truly an honor to be involved in this event and to be chosen as a Champion for Change. As we all work toward building a stronger country, the value of service and sacrifice cannot be overstated, and there are few who know more about service and sacrifice than our Nation’s Veterans. Putting their lives on the line, they protect the freedom that we enjoy, come to the aid of others, and build our Country’s reputation internationally.
In his State of the Union Address, President Obama highlighted the courage, selflessness, and dependability of our troops. With all that they have to offer, one would hope that Veterans would have access to the best opportunities after their service. Unfortunately, many return home from active duty to find another battle: one for employment, stability, and a sense of purpose. Rather than having the opportunity to use the skills learned through military training, Veterans are discovering that employers are hesitant to hire them. These employers may not understand the value of military training, or may view hiring Veterans as risky. Recent legislation providing incentives for companies hiring Veterans takes a step in the right direction, but by no means solves the problems facing these men and women.
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