Category Archives: Education

Author Kathy Banak’s New Book, 5 Easy Steps to Create Your Own Authentic Home

Coeur D Alene, ID, July 27, 2024 — Kathy Banak, a designer, color consultant, and entrepreneur who has lovingly transformed hundreds of homes over two decades in both the Pacific Northwest and New England states, has completed her new book, “5 Easy Steps to Create Your Own Authentic Home”: a transformative guide to cultivating living spaces that resonate with personal style and spiritual harmony.

“Do you love your home and feel at peace in it?” writes Banak. “Is your home a true representation of yourself and your family? Are you in harmony with your home? If you answer yes to these questions, wonderful! You understand the powerful connection between one’s home and one’s spirit. If you are unsure or answered no to the questions, then think about what you don’t like about your home and why.

“My passion is to guide you on the path of creating a home you love that represents you and your family and not someone else. I view my role as a facilitator of energy, a home therapist and healer, and you will now have the framework to embark on your new authentic path. These steps are tools to help you see and feel your home in a new light and inspire you to transform it into your own authentic home. I am very grateful that I can be part of the transformation of not just one spirit but many, as the change affects everyone in a home, from you to the kids to the family pets. Enjoy the journey!”

Watch Me Grow, Inc. Hosts 4th Annual ACEs Awareness Community Resource Fair & Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway

Vallejo, CA, July 27, 2024 — Be a Part of Something Bigger Than Yourselves Watch Me Grow, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and encouraging children, families, and communities, is proud to announce the 4th Annual ACEs Awareness Community Resource Fair & Backpack/Supplies Giveaway. This impactful event will take place on August 10 at City Park, 425 Alabama Street in Vallejo, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Jameelah Hanif, Founder & CEO of Watch Me Grow, Inc., shared her personal connection to the cause, she revealed “Experiencing the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences firsthand, I know how deeply they can impact a child’s life and future.”

The fair is a community-spirited event centered around Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), offering valuable resources and family fun. The goal is to raise awareness about ACEs and their profound impact on children and the community. By bringing together local businesses, service providers, and community members, Watch Me Grow, Inc. aims to increase awareness, reduce the negative impact of ACEs indicators, and enhance collective well-being.

Hanif emphasizes the importance of community involvement, expressing “This event is more than just a resource fair—it’s a beacon of hope and support for our community. Our community’s participation and support are vital in making a lasting difference.”

Event Highlights:

● Free Community Event: Inviting everyone to come out and enjoy a day of resources, networking, and community building. There’s something for everyone!

● Free Backpacks & School Supplies: Offering hundreds of backpacks filled with essential school supplies will be distributed to children returning to school.

● Community Resources: Access to dozens of organizations from across Solano County, providing a wide array of resources and support services.

● Family Fun Activities: Enjoy a day filled with music, food, and exciting activities, workshops, and opportunities to connect with the community.

Hanif encourages everyone to join the cause, stating “I invite everyone—families, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers—to join us in this important cause. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to be nurtured and succeed.”

Join them in making a difference at the 4th Annual ACEs Awareness Community Resource Fair & Backpack/Supplies Giveaway. Whether you’re a local vendor or service provider looking to expand your reach, a generous donor eager to support this cause, or a potential sponsor seeking visibility, your involvement is crucial. Watch Me Grow offers numerous opportunities to participate, from securing a booth to making a donation that directly impacts children in the Vallejo community. Volunteers are the heartbeat of an event like this, and their enthusiasm and skills are welcome to ensure a smooth and successful day. Additionally, parents can sign up their children to receive backpacks loaded with school supplies, preparing them for a successful 2024/2025 school year.

Epee Education Revolutionizes E-Learning by Focusing on Virtual Mentorship

Philadelphia, PA, July 26, 2024 –– Epee Education continues its innovative approach to e-learning. With the motto “Slicing through boundaries,” Epee Education focuses on bridging the gap between formal education and job-specific training. This exciting development will transform the e-learning industry, offering students and younger professionals the knowledge and expertise crucial for success in today’s competitive environment.

Epee Education’s mission is to equip learners with a real-world understanding of topics that traditional education all too often overlooks. They provide diverse virtual courses that enhance decision-making, leadership, teamwork, and personality development while ensuring critical life topics like personal finance, insurance, and investing are made available to everybody. They teach topics that literally every adult should know. What sets Epee Education apart is its commitment to incorporating the insights, personal experiences, learnings, and anecdotes of industry experts gained from years of navigating complex and real-world challenges. This is why they call it “Virtual Mentorship.”

Empowering Learners with Real-World Skills

“Our goal at Epee Education is to empower individuals with the practical skills that schools and educational institutions rarely teach,” said Alan Levy, Founder and CEO of Epee Education. “By learning directly from experienced professionals, we emulate younger professionals’ conservations with their seniors. That’s typically how my generation learned the skills that we use every day. This approach helps them identify the questions they otherwise don’t know they need to ask, which allows them to avoid costly mistakes they didn’t realize they were making. Mistakes that I remember making all too well!”

“Epee Education welcomes learners of all backgrounds to explore its comprehensive and continuously growing curricula of courses,” Levy adds. “It is part of my personal mission to make the most critical topics available to anybody who wants to learn. Our pricing reflects this ambition. The longstanding notion that ‘Parents are supposed to teach this stuff’ only works when the parents know it themselves. When they don’t – particularly with personal finances and investing – we just created another generation of parents who cannot teach it. Or worse, tell their kids ‘That stuff is only for the rich kids.’ We hear a lot about generational wealth; this is a cause of generational poverty.”

Key Features of Epee Education’s Courses

Epee Education provides courses in critical life skills that are necessary to be a successful adult. Topics around personal finances, insurance, investing, mortgages, etc.

Decision-Making

The courses in Epee Education provide the framework and strategies for effective decision-making in various professional scenarios.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Projects

Epee Education offers courses that help students develop leadership qualities, learn and enhance managerial skills, and learn good practices for working together effectively towards a common goal.

Personality Development

Epee Education provides sessions to build confidence, improve communication and presentation skills, and foster self-understanding and personal growth

“Our innovative courses represent a major milestone for Epee Education and reinforce our commitment to the e-learning industry,” said Alan Levy “We feel so proud to offer courses that directly impact our students’ lives for the better. These are the courses I wish I would have had at their age!”

Comprehensive Learning Experience

Epee Education’s unique approach ensures learners are better prepared to meet real-world challenges head-on. The platform’s courses have input from industry experts with relevant experience and up-to-date market demands. Focusing on practical knowledge and real-life skills helps learners gain a competitive edge, making them more attractive to employers.

Commitment to Innovation and Excellence

Epee Education’s commitment to innovation and excellence is evident in its continuously evolving curricula and teaching methodologies. The platform leverages technology and educational research to provide a practical and engaging learning experience. By staying ahead of industry trends, Epee Education ensures its courses remain relevant and valuable to its learners.

“Epee Education aims to provide innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of our learners,” said Alan Levy. “The flexibility of e-learning provides an ideal platform to help industry experts from around the world create courses that educate, inspire, and motivate participants to achieve their full potential.”

Epee Education’s innovative approach to e-learning sets a new standard for excellence in online education. The platform empowers learners to achieve their goals and thrive in their careers by bridging the gap between formal education and job-specific training. To learn more about Epee Education and its transformative courses, visit epee-educatiion.

Assessfy Appoints Dr. Garrison Leykam as Senior VP, Education Innovation

West Hartford, CT, July 26, 2024 — Assessfy, a trailblazer in AI-powered educational technology, announces the appointment of Garrison Leykam as Senior Vice President, Education Innovation, North America.

Dr. Leykam is a Certified ChatGPT Prompt Engineer, Certified Business Coach (Expert Level), and Certified Professional Career Coach. He is author of the Amazon #1 New Release book, AI Powered Job Hunting, is recognized among Thinkers360’s Top Generative AI Global Thought Leaders, and he ranks in the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Generative AI, Top 50 Leaders on the Future of Work, and Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Careers. He has held leadership positions at major corporations and taught at the University of New Haven and Sacred Heart University.

Assessfy revolutionized the educational landscape with the world’s first AI-powered auto-grading system for coding assignments. The innovative solution enhances employability success in campus recruiting by automatically evaluating and scoring coding problems. The platform dramatically provides personalized feedback and highlights areas for improvement, mirroring the human learning process through feedback-driven coaching and development. Users can engage in unlimited coding challenges and tests covering C, C++, Java, Python, DSA, database, React, JS, ML, AI, and more while elevating academic performance and career candidacy.

Dr. Leykam brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to his new role as Senior Vice President, Education and Innovation, North America. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the education industry and driving impactful change in college and university career development services. His mission is to empower academic institutions with Assessfy’s AI-powered assessment tools, elevating the student assessment experience and streamlining the entire career preparation process.

According to Dr. Leykam, “Assessfy understands the intricate needs of higher learning institutions. From admissions tests to final examinations, continuous assessments, and career development, our platform is equipped with state-of-the-art features to transform evaluation procedures and contribute to student academic and career success. We ensure that students are sufficiently prepared and confident to face the corporate world head-on and to make informed career choices using performance data analytics. At the same time, we minimize the administrative burden, reduce costs, and save time through digitization and automation.”

Celebrating the Third Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence

25th July 2024  Bangalore, Karnataka, India  On the auspicious morning of 21 July 2024, Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence (SSSUHE) celebrated its 3rd Convocation at the Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham Auditorium. The event was graced by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, esteemed Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. This momentous occasion recognized the achievements of 7 honorary doctorates, 6 Doctors of Philosophy, and 154 graduate students. This year’s theme, “ekaṁ sat viprāḥ bahudhā vadanti” – Truth is one, but the wise call it by many names, highlights SSSUHE’s commitment to embracing diverse perspectives in our pursuit of knowledge.

Addressing educational challenges highlighted by the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2023: Beyond Basics), which shows that about 25% of rural students aged 14-18 years still cannot read a grade two-level text fluently in their regional language, SSSUHE provides quality education free of cost, including lodging, boarding, and all daily essentials. This commitment significantly benefits youth from rural areas, with over 70% of students below the poverty line, more than 65% being girls, and about 32% being first-generation graduates. The University currently enrolls 117 students across various disciplines, including MBBS, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences, making a profound impact on bridging the education gap in underserved communities.

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, praised the initiative, saying, “It is a great honor for me on the auspicious occasion of Guru Poornima to be at the third convocation ceremony of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence. I congratulate the 154 graduates, 6 doctorates, faculties, and families for their achievements. I personally thank Sri Madhusudan Sai Ji for inviting me. He is a role model for us all, dedicated to raising human consciousness and striving for human excellence. His public-spirited endeavours, spiritual guidance, and humanitarian work uplift the most vulnerable sections of society, touching thousands of lives in India and worldwide. His initiatives span 60 nations. I applaud Sri Madhusudan Sai Ji’s efforts to promote the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Global Humanitarian, Spiritual Leader and Founder of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, introduced seven honorary doctorate recipients for their selfless service. These are Mr T B Jayachandra; Prof Darshan Shankar; Prof Dr Afksendiyos Kalangos; Dr Lakshmi Prasad; Mr Isaac Tigrett; Mr Dimitris Lambrianos; Dr P T Usha.

Sri Madhusudan Sai emphasized the importance of graduates, postgraduates, and doctorates, acknowledging the sacrifices of devotees for free education. Parents were encouraged to bless their children to walk the path of service. The mission of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, rooted in ancient Indian ethos, envisions the world as one family. This concept, emphasized by the Prime Minister at the G20 Summit, was the theme of the Convocation: ekaṁ sat viprāḥ bahudhā vadanti – despite our differences, we are inherently one. This Vedic and scriptural message urges our students not just to be educated but enlightened beings who foster transformational change. With an attitude of living for each other and for God, Sadguru wished the students, their parents, and the guests a prosperous future and blessed Guru Poornima.

Sri B N Narasimha Murthy, Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, said, “At the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, founded by Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, we integrate India’s ancient wisdom with modern science and technology, merging spiritual wisdom with contemporary education. For the first time in higher education, human excellence is given equal importance to academic excellence. Students are assessed on both, with grades out of 10, and their overall grade is the average of the two. Today, we honour students receiving gold medals: 10 undergraduates, 8 postgraduates, and 6 doctorates, who excel in both academic and human excellence. This pioneering approach includes intelligence, emotional, social, and spiritual excellence, aiming to create citizens with individual character, professional excellence, and social responsibility—brilliant heads, compassionate hearts, and competent hands.”

Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence stands out as a unique institution that blends spiritual and worldly knowledge based on the ancient Indian Gurukulam System of Values-based Education. Offering a diverse range of 18 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the curriculum extends beyond traditional education to include Vedic Studies, Performing Arts, Medical and Paramedical Education, Agriculture, Mental Health, Sports and Yoga, Physical Education, and Vocational Skills. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only academically proficient but also well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to society’s welfare.

Overseas Education Loans of up to Rs. 1.5 Crores Available on Bajaj Markets

25th July 2024 Students can fulfill their dream of studying abroad with education loans from different lenders, available on Bajaj Markets, a digital financial marketplace. These loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees and additional expenses, making overseas education accessible to all.

With Bajaj Markets, one can get an unsecured loan of up to Rs. 80 Lakhs and a secured loan of up to Rs. 1.5 Crores. The interest rates start from 10.25% p.a., and flexible tenures extend up to 15 years, making repayment convenient. Furthermore, there are no additional charges applicable on prepayments and foreclosure.

Several factors like the student’s academic achievements, grades, choice of course, university, internships, and financial status are assessed when determining their eligibility. Essential documents include academic records, KYC documents, collateral-related documents (for secured loans), and income proof. Applicants planning to study abroad may also need to provide an unconditional offer letter from the university and Form I-20.

Bajaj Markets provides complete transparency and quick application processing with minimal documentation. Borrowers can explore options from various lenders and choose a loan that best fits their needs.

In addition to education loans, Bajaj Markets offers access to a wide range of financial solutions from leading financial institutions. Some of these include credit cards, investment options, and insurance policies. All these products and more are accessible on the Bajaj Markets website and app.

Author Brooke Chlebeck Lewis’s New Book The Girl Who Curled Pug’s Tail

Lakewood, CA, July 23, 2024 –Brooke Chlebeck Lewis, a nurse and a lover of animals who spends her time volunteering at Hanaeleh, a local horse sanctuary, has completed her new book, “The Girl Who Curled Pug’s Tail”: a poignant and charming story of a senior dog who grows sad believing he will never be adopted from the dog rescue shelter, but finds a second chance at a new home in the arms of a young girl with a big heart.

“No one is safe from loneliness, depression, and feeling isolated,” writes Brooke. “When feeling down in the dumps, even good situations feel bleak. Loneliness does change how we feel, act, and look, but it can all change right back in a matter of seconds if given the right chance.

“This is a story of a pug who was so well loved, but when his owner left in an ambulance, Pug was left in his own sadness, the perfect curly tail left in a pitiful straight limp. Will he ever feel love again?

“In a dog rescue center, it is easy to take puppies home, but consider a senior dog. They are often there with a broken heart, knowing what true love could be. They are usually potty trained, done chewing, know tricks, and just want to be loved.”

Published by Page Publishing, Brooke Chlebeck Lewis’s engaging tale will help teach readers of all ages not to look past senior animals, or people for that matter. With colorful artwork by illustrator Mark Nino Balita, “The Girl Who Curled Pug’s Tail” is sure to resonate with readers of all ages, serving as a testament to the profound impact of compassion and the beauty of second chances.

All profits of “The Girl Who Curled Pug’s Tail” will go to local shelters.

Readers who wish to experience this inspiring work can purchase “The Girl Who Curled Pug’s Tail” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

Walter Sawyer’s Newly Released Growing Old Is Not for the Meek

Port St. Lucie, FL, July 23, 2024 –“Growing Old Is Not for the Meek: (My Aging Memories)”: a poignant autobiographical work. “Growing Old Is Not for the Meek: (My Aging Memories)” is the creation of published author, Walter Sawyer.

Sawyer shares, “Growing old, I have many things to be grateful for. The young lady I met after getting out of the Navy (I still can see her after fifty years), the petite five-foot skinny long brown hair to her shoulder, brunette, she wore blue slacks with a checkered blue-and-white blouse. I will never forget the first sighting of her; the monument will live in my mind forever.

“I am grateful for my three children, my seven grandchildren, and my five great-grandchildren.

“Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. After the loss of my wife after thirty-one years and firstborn, who found life too hard to handle, took the easy way out, not realizing that we all belong to someone other than ourselves; yes, it is my life, but is it? Who do we leave behind, and what is the repercussion from it? Without a doubt, people’s lives well be changed.

“I have many memories of our adventures, traveling to the many states across the United States of America.

“’The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page” (St. Augustine).

“No one wants to live in the past. Anyone who is above the age of seventy has lived to tell you this is true.

“The worst thing about growing old is the ones you leave behind. Even worse are the items they left behind: the items you can touch remembering who gave them to you or the items you gave to them.

“For every house that has lost someone, their ghost or angel is still there walking around keeping you warm, a breath of fresh air with a scent when there is no scent for you to smell. Most individuals live on memories, wishing they could do some of their past again.

“My book is about life, and I am sharing it with you. I have made many mistakes; maybe you can adjust your life to make it a little better for those you care for.”

Author Alan Fortin’s New Book, Finding Hope with Cancer: Food: is It Really About Our Health

Pike Road, AL, July 23, 2024 — Alan Fortin, who has been diagnosed with three different types of cancers throughout his lifetime, has completed his new book, “Finding Hope with Cancer: Food: Is It Really about Our Health?”: a thought-provoking read that delves into the intricate relationship between diet, health, and cancer prevention, navigating the challenging terrain of food safety, nutritional choices, and their impact on human health.

In “Finding Hope with Cancer,” Fortin confronts the daunting reality of a cancer diagnosis and the questions it raises about diet and lifestyle choices. With a candid approach, the author explores whether the foods people consume everyday are protective against cancer or if they contribute to the disease, pointing to concerns over toxic chemicals, hormones, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the nation’s food supply.

“Looking back at my childhood, I believed all foods were good for you, or at least wouldn’t hurt you,” writes Fortin. “I thought, why would they sell unhealthy food, and why would we buy them? Especially if they could make us sick or worse. As I became older, I realized it’s not entirely about the consumers’ health but profits in the food industry and investors on Wall Street too.

The author continues, “I came to this realization after reading about hormones, as well as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pesticides entering the food system. I became sad, disturbed, and disappointed with the FDA, EPA, and to some degree, the financial market on Wall Street since I believe allowing chemicals and modifying food was driven by financial gain and not our health.

“I do not want to scare anyone from eating, but I feel it’s best to be informed so we, the families, can be comfortable and confident with the foods we buy and eat. Like the saying goes, we are what we eat, and our health reflects that.”

Author Gregory Speers’s New Book Arrangements by Ariel

New York, NY, July 23, 2024 — Gregory Speers has completed his new book, “Arrangements by Ariel”: a thought-provoking and compelling novel that challenges readers to delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche as they follow along on one man’s harrowing journey of self-discovery and redemption.

“Sammi is a thirty-year-old homeless man that has led a life of complete purposeless and aimless mediocrity,” writes Speers. “He finds a glimmer of hope as a bartender, working in the heart of Seattle, until a chance meeting with a hyper-empowered and incredibly charismatic woman named Ariel upends his world. This throws him into a world of violence and horror that challenges his own humanity and his personal moral limits. Two questions lie at the heart of Sammi’s story. How does a world full of ways to end our species keep turning with us on it? When life hides purpose from you, what are you willing to do to find one?”

Published by Page Publishing, Gregory Speers’s enthralling tale expertly blends together suspense, intrigue, and moral reckoning to keep readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page while confronting the existential dilemmas that lie at the core of the human experience. Utilizing Speers’s masterful storytelling and nuanced characterization, “Arrangements by Ariel” offers a profound meditation on the nature of purpose and the choices that define every individual.