The Honor Foundation’s Post

Have you ever considered, or been recruited for board membership? What do you look for when making a decision? How do you determine alignment? Ron Kirk, former Dallas Mayor and former Texas Secretary of State, has some simple, but good advice. #boardmembership

New Blog Post ✍️ As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, let's also look forward to the bright futures they will forge, thanks to the solid foundation they have built at The College of Westchester. Our Keynote Speaker, Westchester Board Legislator, Jewel Williams Johnson, beautifully encapsulated this sentiment: “You have the power to make a difference......" Full blog here: https://ow.ly/4HZY50Sxcuy

As we reflect on Kansas City's vibrant history, it's incredible to see how pivotal moments have shaped our city's unique character. From groundbreaking innovations to cultural milestones, each event has contributed to the thriving city we call HOME. The Birth of Jazz: Kansas City's rich jazz heritage began in the 1920s, establishing the city as a hub for this iconic music genre. The 18th and Vine District became a legendary hotspot where jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Count Basie rose to fame. Sporting Triumphs: The city’s sports culture has seen historic victories, such as the Kansas City Royals' World Series wins in 1985 and 2015, and the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl triumphs in 1970, 2020 and now BACK TO BACK in 2023 and 2024. These achievements have united our community and fostered a spirit of pride and resilience. Architectural Marvels: Landmarks like the Country Club Plaza, designed in 1922, have not only enhanced our cityscape but also attracted millions of visitors, making it a beloved shopping and cultural destination. Civil Rights Advancements: Kansas City played a significant role in the civil rights movement, with local leaders and activists pushing for equality and justice, leaving an indelible mark on our societal progress. Economic Growth: The establishment of major corporations and the revitalization of urban areas have driven economic prosperity, creating opportunities and shaping Kansas City's future. Each of these moments, and many more, have woven together the rich tapestry of Kansas City's history. Let’s continue to celebrate and build upon the legacy of this extraordinary city.

As we welcome our new members of the NASP family, we’re beginning their Pittsburgh adventure with fun trivia about our amazing city! Pittsburgh's “firsts" highlight historical significance and its role in shaping various aspects of modern life, from communication and entertainment to healthcare and industry. Which of these do you think was NOT from Pittsburgh? Answer below in the comment section!

Join us for the DEI Workshop and Reception, Sponsored by Barnes & Thornburg, which takes place from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the Crystal Room. The first hour of the event will be a workshop, and then the reception will take place from 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the conclusion of the workshop. Workshop details: PUSHING FORWARD IN A POST-AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ERA – A WORKSHOP ON THE IMPLICATIONS AND STRATEGIES FOR THE ONGOING PROMOTION OF DE&I It is widely known that the United States Supreme Court has recently issued multiple decisions that are certain to have broad implications for those focused on the promotion and progression of diversity, equity and inclusion. In light of these decisions, not only educational institutions, but also corporations and organizations such as TMA Global are thinking about the implications of these decisions as well as the best paths forward to continue to promote these principles to which TMA is committed. This workshop will be designed to foster discussion during the session and will be led by a number of industry experts. Please join us to participate in a discussion on these important and complicated issues.  Panelists: Lauren Berret, EisnerAmper Professor Julia A. Nice, University of San Francisco  Jeffrey Tsai, DLA Piper Buffy Wicks, California assemblymember, District 14 

🏗️✨ A wave of construction projects is reshaping Philadelphia, and with federal infrastructure funding on the horizon, it's time for inclusivity to shine. A local nonprofit is stepping up to the plate, championing minority- and women-owned businesses seeking a fair share of these opportunities. The inaugural PAGE Real Estate and Construction Summit united local business leaders at FS Investments' Navy Yard headquarters. The mission? To level the playing field by connecting marginalized entrepreneurs with deals before bids even hit the market. Read the full article at WHYY to dive into the details. 📚🌆 #EquityInConstruction #PhillyEmpowerment #InclusiveGrowth #industrytrends #constructionstrends

Absolutely thrilled to be hosting our great Governor in Dallas TX for an unforgettable private reception: "A Celebration of Business with Governor Abbott" this August 22, 2024! As the Governor's appointee to the prestigious State of Texas Economic Incentive Oversight Board, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand his dedication to fostering economic growth and prosperity. Texas is the economic engine of America. Dallas is the fastest growing financial capital in the US. Texas has a Federal Reserve Bank, has become the home of 24+ Fortune 500 companies including Wall Street behemoths, is welcoming innovative entrepreneurs and dozens of new, wealthy residents every day, and our state has launched our own Texas Stock Exchange taking the industry by storm. And it’s Governor Abbott’s leadership that sparked the idea of a national exchange in Texas! Business leaders from other states and from all over the world are relocating to and investing in Texas at a record pace because we’ve built a framework that allows free enterprise to flourish and hardworking people in our state and our region to prosper! We are planning for an evening filled with invaluable business and personal insights drawn from the Governor's remarkable journey. Recently named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People In The World and the Leader of the 8th Largest Economy in the World, prepare to be enlightened, empowered, and inspired by Governor Greg Abbott. Collaborating closely with the Office of the Governor, our lineup of exclusive attendees and VIPs is truly exceptional. Every member of the audience is destined for an experience that transcends the ordinary! This event is by-invitation-only, spaces are limited. If you wish to attend as a VIP or sponsor, please DM me. Applications for this invitation-only reception are due end of next week. Venue details will follow upon approval. Don’t miss a chance to be a part of history in the making in-person with Governor Abbott and top business leaders in our region fueling massive economic growth and prosperity! #2024CelebrationOfBusiness #GovernorAbbott #Time100 #TexasEconomy #ProBusiness #Partnerships #Innovation #TexasFuture #VisionaryLeaders #TexasProgress #Collaboration #Leadership #EconomicDevelopment #ProfessionalNetwork #InspiringLeadership #TexasBusiness #DallasBooming #Prosperity #CanadaMexicoUSA #TrilogyCapital #TrilogyBrands #Dallas #Texas #USA Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott Meg Gazzini

Now may be the time to also address the foggy notion of “activists and advocates” as part of the decision making process. Persons who want to be either or both have the obligation of knowing what they are talking about. We have too many people who want to speak and lead from the vantage point of a big mouth and/or agitation without without knowing the underlying purpose of what is being done. Of those who spoke at the recent MPS board meeting, how many have been to committee or other meetings that form the recommendations that the board is asked to act on? There needs to be a public narrative about participation in institutions formed to guide the public. An other question is, how many of those who spoke at the recent board meeting had first contacted their board representative before speaking at the board meeting?

Speaking of Mycelium!

Vote No On The Proposed New Royal Stadium In Downtown Kansas City I wish to discuss the proposed new Royal Stadium in downtown Kansas City, MO. I relocated here from New York in 1978 and have been a business owner and community leader since then. I owned a candy store at 3027 Prospect, known as the Candy House, before the Lynnwood Shopping Center was established. I ventured into construction and was proud to have one of the top three Black general contracting companies in Kansas City. As a founding board member of the Full Employment Council, I also owned Goodfellas Pizzeria at 3027 Prospect. I’ve coached South Suburban basketball, and Red Bridge baseball, and initiated the Cub Scout system in the Kansas City School District, thanks to my godfather, Carl DiCapo, who served on their board of directors and ran the Italian Gardens restaurant on 11th and Baltimore. However, given my understanding of how this city operates and the projects funded by taxpayers’ money, I cannot support the new stadium or any other downtown project. Over the past 40 years, I have not seen any significant improvement in the Black community despite the millions of dollars poured into projects like 18th and Vine. Our education system is in a poor state, decent housing is virtually non-existent, and outside investors are swooping in like carpetbaggers. When you consider the Chiefs and the Royals, their owners have the financial means. If they want a new stadium, they should fund it themselves. Many of my constituents are struggling to pay their bills and healthcare costs. Only a select few in the Black community benefit when these projects go through. The last debacle with the Royals and the Chiefs stadium should have created ten new Black millionaires through construction contracts, but it didn’t. You have to ask yourself why. I’m more aligned with Malcolm X’s perspective – we’ve been bamboozled. In my view, any Black leadership that supports this ambiguous, insincere conversation that the Kansas City Royals’ owners are having with our community representatives is participating in a farce. I stand with County Executive Frank White – not enough information has been disclosed to warrant asking our community to vote yes on this proposal for a new stadium.