S.M.A.R.T. Moves for Diversity Success

Sept. 20, 2010 - PRLog -- WASHINGTON, DC –  In the midst of current news stories like the firing of U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Shirley Sherrod, the controversial Arizona Immigration Law, and the proposed building of a mosque near Ground Zero in NY, it is clear that, when it comes to diversity, America still has a long way to go.

On October 7, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC, S.M.A.R.T. Moves2010, will address these issues, along with providing jobs; saluting America’s active duty service members, veterans; matching minority-, women-, veteran- and disabled veteran-owned businesses (M/W/V/DAVBEs) with the financial resources necessary to successfully compete in today’s marketplace; and encouraging urban youth.

S.M.A.R.T. Moves2010 features: a free Diversity Military-Friendly Job Fair, with companies and agencies such as AGLA, BRTRC, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, First Command Financial Planning, Harris Corporation, Hewlett Packard, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, SAIC, Department of Justice and Verizon Business; hands on business sessions by the Small Business Administration; “Provision for the Vision” (MBE Capital Connect); and “Why Diversity Efforts Fail” (RTCT, Inc. a company whose CEO, Dr. Roosevelt Thomas, is considered one of the pre-eminent authorities on diversity in the US.); and youth events. A limited number of registrants for the RTCT session, “Why Diversity Efforts Fail,” will receive a free autographed copy of Dr. Thomas’ new book, World Class Diversity Management: A Strategic Approach.

“Minorities and women have made invaluable contributions – through military service (veterans) as well as in the private sector – in building our nation.  In our competitive marketplace, today’s entrepreneurs must be equipped with the requisite resources and information to help them grow their business to the highest levels – S.M.A.R.T. Moves2010 is designed to provide them with the resources they need to succeed,” says Dr. Paula Miller-Lester, publisher of MWIB magazine (http://www.mwib.com) sponsors of S.M.A.R.T. Moves2010.

“James Taylor, CEO, MBE Capital Connect (http://www.mbecapitalconnect.com), and leader of the session:  “Provision for the Vision,” agrees.  “Access to capital has long been an impediment to minority business development.  Now, in the midst of a recession, tighter credit markets, and an uncertain business climate, accessing traditional and non-traditional capital and credit is critical for minority business owners.  MBE Capital Connect not only gives entrepreneurs a single venue for accessing a variety of capital and credit, but enables minority-owned banks, community development federal credit unions, certified community development corporations, high net-worth individuals (accredited investors), and others to realize investment and lending opportunities with minority-led initiatives in their market.”

An Awards Gala will celebrate those who best champion opportunities for diversity in the military and private sectors.  Lisa S. Jones, Founder and CEO of EyeMail Inc., (http://www.eyemailinc.com) will receive the prestigious 2010 Madame C.J. Walker Award for Outstanding Business Achievement.  “To be the 2010 Recipient of the MWIB Madam C.J. Walker Award, is a defining moment in my life, as an Entrepreneur. The essence of Madam C.J. Walker legacy represents a trailblazer defining her own path, an innovator creating her own destiny, a self starter with a vision, willing to go beyond the extra mile to realize and achieve success. I am truly inspired and honored beyond measure to continue to excel to reach new levels of innovation as a trailblazer in internet technology and to be of service to others.  This award continues to re-ignite my ever-burning flame as the directional pathway to true success and the importance of never giving up in pursuit of your dreams,” says Jones.

Mrs. Vicki Perez will receive an award for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Emily J. T. Perez Foundation.  Established by Daniel and Vicki Perez, the non-profit Foundation carries out the legacy of their daughter, Second Lieutenant Emily J. T. Perez, a 2005 West Point graduate, who was killed in Al Kifl, Iraq on September 12, 2006 during combat operations. The Emily J. T. Perez Foundation preserves the faith, life and legacy of their daughter through the lives of young girls and women by aiding and empowering them to reach their fullest potential intellectually, socially and professionally through a scholarship and mentoring program.

A portion of the S.M.A.R.T. Moves2010 proceeds will benefit The Emily J.T. Perez Foundation, Inc.  For more information, visit: http://smartmoves2010.eventbrite.com , or http://www.mwib.com, or call (toll-free) 1-866-542-1387 (ext. 1).

About  S.MA.R.T. Moves
Founded by Alverna Mackley Miller, an award-winning educator, S.M.A.R.T. (Science, Mathematics, Military, Arts, Religion, Technology) Moves is an intergenerational program that provides a forum highlighting documented contributions of African Americans and the Diaspora to this country in the areas of science, mathematics, military, arts, religion, and technology.  Introduced in 1997, this program has been supported by grants from individuals as well as organizations including L&S Companies, Inc., The First Baptist Church of Deanwood, and the Marshall Heights Community Development Corporation.

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MWIB magazine provides information to minority, women, and veteran entrepreneurs; examines legislation and programs designed for these enterprises; and addresses the economic development issues that impact this market.