Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX)’s Post

As a lifelong learner, meeting and learning and laughing with colleagues is uplifting and rejuvenating. Take a minute to laugh with a colleague it makes the journey more meaningful. Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) #piqestrong #leadershipdevelopment #nonprofitleadership

💪 In 2022, women made up a slight majority (50.75%) of employees at First Time Funds in Chicago. 🔥 Additionally, First Time Funds had greater representation of Black/African American (29.85%) and Asian (13.43%) employees in 2021 compared to all funds. 🙏 To us, this demonstrates that emerging managers are playing a key role in expanding #DEI across #VC. 🧐 So, how can we support our emerging managers so we can continue to expand diversity across VC? Dustin Douglas explores this in his recent #BLENDTALK where he covers the value of SBIC grants and how to get them! Check it out below: https://lnkd.in/g5-mS2gK And if you'd like to learn more about diversity within First Time Funds, check out last year's Chicago:Blend data release: https://lnkd.in/euekTDgv 🫡 S/O again to our incredible sponsors and host for the BLEND Talks CDW. Stay tuned for more!

🚀 In a World Where 3 States Dominate Venture Funding... In 2022, three states alone garnered 65% of total venture dollars. Meanwhile, 38 American states each secured less than 1% of this funding. This isn't just an imbalance; it's a missed opportunity. 🌟 The Underestimated Power of Emerging Managers Emerging managers in lesser-known markets have been pivotal, contributing 63.7% of funds over the past five years. Despite this, we've seen a 55% drop in fundraising for first-time managers this year. 🔍 At a Crossroads in Venture Capital As the M&A market dips to decade lows and LP liquidity is stretched thin, it's tempting to retreat from emerging manager allocations. But here lies the big question: "How do we continue to source vital funds for innovative startups nationwide, not just on the coasts?" 🎙️ Join The Conversation: Unlocking the Potential of Emerging Managers Explore how emerging managers can deploy upward of 40% more capital. We'll delve into strategies and insights for broadening the investment landscape. 💡 Did You Know? The Impact of Venture Capital Employment in VC-backed companies has surged by 960% from 1990 to 2020, compared to the private sector's growth of 40%. This data from the 2023 NVCA report highlights venture capital's role in economic growth and community development. 🏫 A Surprising Fact About Illinois Did you know that Illinois produces nearly 10% of the nation's computer scientists annually? It surpasses institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Cal-Tech combined in engineering graduates, pointing to a rich talent pool ripe for tech innovation. Thank you, Chicago:Blend for the opportunity. I'd also like to thank all of our great supporters as well: CDW, Origin Ventures, Builders Initiative, GET Cities, Cooley LLP, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, Wells Fargo, World Business Chicago, and all of our amazing sponsors. I'd also like to thank Bailey DeVries for all of her hard work in this field.

In case you missed our most recent webinar, "A Ten-Point Plan for Building a Board of Directors In the Nonprofit World," with Dr. Ron Dieckmann '73,click the link below for a recording of the webinar, and the PowerPoint slides Dr. Dieckmann used to illustrate his ten point plan.

Exciting news! Deya has received Advance Assurance for SEIS ✨ We’ve been working hard BTS and are proud to announce Deya's investment round is opening later in the year, and we’re now accepting early checks through advanced subscription agreement (ASA). The global creative industries are projected to reach £2,108,207 million by 2028, but millions of Black creatives still don’t have access. At Deya, we’re leveraging tech to connect Black creative talent to jobs and opportunities. We’re defining better ways to help inclusive teams thrive. Here’s what we’ve been up to pre-launch: 💥We’ve garnered over more than 1700+ creator sign ups to our waitlist pre-launch 💥We’ve secured non-dilutive funding from Arts Council England, WeTransfer’s Supporting Act Foundation, BeyGOOD Foundation, Mentor Black Business and Somerset House. 💥200+ waitlist members have participated in in-person opportunities and offerings, including free professional portrait shoots and tickets for sold out culturally relevant shows. What gems of advice can you share as we get started on our fundraising journey? 👋🏾 #WomeninTech #GetFunded #AngelInvestors #PrivateEquity

I find when Founders have misconceptions about nonprofits and grant writing, they make some serious mistakes. When I was writing grants, these were the mistakes Founders made and the misconceptions that led to those mistakes. Understanding these misconceptions is the first step in not making the same mistakes.

Junior League of Atlanta Board Member Spotlight! Meet Elizabeth Dowdell, CFA, this year's Recording Secretary. What do you do professionally?  I work in product strategy at Invesco US How many years have you been a JLA member?  11 years What has been your favorite JLA placement or memory? The Little Black Dress Initiative in 2017 was the most challenging and the most rewarding JLA memory. We raised $108K and I had the privilege of serving with the most inspiring women whose stories I will never forget. With our community partners and corporate sponsors also supporting us, it was a beautiful example of the JLA mission coming to life. Looking back on your JLA membership, what advice do you wish someone had given you in your first year?  Two lessons come to mind; 1. JLA is what you make it - the more you get involved, the more you get out of it. Never be afraid to raise your hand. 2. JLA is built to be flexible through different stages of our lives. Step up when you can, but there are also low key placement options for when life gets crazy. The membership council can help find the right spot for you if you need guidance! What is one thing most members of the Junior League don't know about you?  I do the worm at weddings :)

Growth in personal development with Parents On A Mission. Growing together with Parent Leadership.

Yesterday was quite the celebration! The Junior Achievement of South Florida Celebration of Impact breakfast was a special opportunity to reflect on the history, milestones, and tremendous impact Junior Achievement has had over the past 65 years (I’ll post again about the impact). I’m incredibly proud of our work and our deep partnership with Broward County Public Schools that allows us to reach every student. I am so grateful to lead this passionate team and amazing organization. Like many in leadership, I sometimes think (and worry) about how we will continue to find the resources to grow our impact. Thankfully, there are so many who believe in the critical work we do and want to help prepare children for a brighter future. Yesterday, we had the privilege of welcoming several new partners who pledged to support the JA BizTown and JA Finance Park programs. We officially opened their “storefronts” and welcomed them to JA World. These partners have created exciting and engaging spaces where students can explore industries and careers firsthand, learn and practice work skills and understand how to manage their finances. Come see them!! (See comments for new partners) We also took time to honor several partners who support JA through service, collaboration, and investment. (See comments for our honorees) But the star of the morning was Jacob. His story is a powerful reminder of the challenges and angst our young people face as the reality of life after k-12 gets closer and more real. It was a testimony to the impact we can have on students’ lives and how we can literally change the trajectory of their future. We will continue to tell these stories to inspire others to get involved. I’ve added the link to Jacob’s inspiring speech. I promise its worth 4 minutes of your time! Hopefully, once you hear his story and feel the excitement of what lies ahead for him you will know the difference you can make in one child’s life and you will join us in our ONE Future movement! If every one of us supports just one child, imagine the ripple effect we can create. For only $10 a month, you can change the future for a young person like Jacob. Click here to join the ONE Future movement! https://lnkd.in/dPiKXZXV

One of the questions/requests submitted to the ReCenter panel I was a part of was the following: “[I would like to] Learn approaches to have meaningful conversations surrounding structural racism and the impact it has on society” I have some tips from my free guide, 27 Ways to Kickstart Conversations About Race with Kids 0-18, that will help! These tips are for kids 7 years old and older. Younger kids aren’t usually developmentally ready to build a mental model that will accommodate “structural racism”. When there are instances of racial injustice in your environment and/or in the news, use that as an opportunity to call out racism. Use the term ‘racist’ rather of labeling it ‘mean’ or ‘unkind’. Racism is both mean and unkind, but it also more: it is dehumanizing. We can’t fight what we can’t name. Involve your kids in the discussion. Ask what they think about the situation and how they think the parties could move to resolution. Be willing to discuss systemic racism as well as discrete racist events. Don’t shy away from the role that White people may play in the system or the event. If your children are White, empower them by including examples of where White people have fought against racial injustice alongside people of color. (Hint: there are usually racial-justice-seeking Whites involved, even if they weren’t popular or successful. Love of justice knows no borders.) Challenge what you see. What are ways that systemic racism shows up in your neighborhood/schools/job/life? Where do people of color live? Where do they work? Who takes care of children, sanitation and cleaning of hotels and personal homes where you live? Who runs the businesses and local government? Encourage your kids to make or maintain healthy interracial relationships. (I know, I know, we are less and less involved in our kids’ friend-making at this age. But, this is the developmental stage when interracial relationships start to fall away.) Healthy interracial relationships are key for helping children (and adults) to navigate an increasingly diverse world. Those relationships will be the ones where they can have deep conversations that stretch their understanding of racism, equity and justice. Link to the tips: https://lnkd.in/gVt5GwGP Have anything else to add?