New Ryan Field, Impact of Cigarettes on Black and Brown Communities, Barbershop Books 10th Anniverary

[View this email in your browser]( Michael’s Motivation As we close out October, we show love to all of the Cancer Survivors and Thrivers out there during Cancer Awareness month. Many of our families are going through the Journey. We want you to know that you're not alone. We are here with you! Shout out to Dr. Kimberly Jeffries-Leonard for her visionary leadership and sharing new resources such as: [( [( & [( As we begin November, we remember that President Biden was the first president to mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day. November is Native American Heritage Month and so we celebrate and honor the rich and diverse cultures, and histories of sovereign Indigenous Nations. Monday, November 13, 2023 Evanston, IL We need you there with us! The Evanston City Council will determine if a new Ryan Field is built. It's the project that Atlas is leading the community engagement, which if built will have at least $208 million towards MWBEs. If you can’t attend the City Council meeting, there are ways to assist our efforts virtually. Learn More and Sign the Petition: [( [( Follow and Share our Social Media: [( [( President Biden and Vice President Harris Participate in Inaugural Meeting of the President's Commission on Black AmericansOctober 26, 2023 The President dropped by the swearing-in ceremony of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans and expressed his Administration’s commitment to racial justice, equity, and opportunity for all Black Americans. Click [here]( to watch Vice President Harris swear in the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans. Office of Public Engagement's Fall Vaccination Campaign It’s that time of year! Get your flu and COVID-19. Watch the message from OPE Director Steve Benjamin. Weekly KAIROS Conversation with: Michael Strautmanis, James Francis and Sindy Benavides Michael Strautmanis Executive Vice President External Affairs, Obama Foundation​ Michael Strautmanis serves as the Obama Foundation’s Executive Vice President for External Affairs, building its strategy to extend President and Mrs. Obama’s legacy through the development of the  Obama Presidential Center and civic engagement  programming in Chicago. Through community affairs, government relations, strategic partnerships, and  digital storytelling, Michael has built the Foundation's  impact agenda in Chicago to create an anchor institution that will catalyze economic renewal on  the South Side of Chicago and develop the city’s next generation of leaders. In this role, he is in dialogue with Chicagoans from every walk of life who are looking to learn more about the  Obama Presidential Center and participate in the Foundation’s mission to empower leaders to give back to their communities. Michael also leads the My Brother's Keeper Alliance, President Obama's signature initiative to create safe, healthy, and nurturing communities for boys and young men of color across the nation.  Before joining the Obama Foundation, Michael spent over a decade in Washington, D.C.,  working to increase access to economic opportunity, strengthen the judicial system, and  champion equity and inclusion in the White House, federal agencies, and Congress. He served in  the Obama White House for four of those years as Chief of Staff to Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett in the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. After President Obama’s first term, he joined the Walt Disney Company where he led an enterprise-wide initiative to consolidate, focus, and deepen the impact of Disney’s corporate social responsibility programs.  Michael began his career in government working in the Office of General Counsel at the U.S.  Agency for International Development. He did stints at the House of Representatives and  American Association for Justice before joining then-Senator Obama’s congressional staff, campaign, and subsequent transition team.  An active member of Chicago’s civic community, Michael serves on the boards of Everside  Health, Inc., Headspace, Inc., Illinois Finance Authority (Illinois Climate Bank), Emerald South  Economic Development Collaborative, Choose Chicago, Billie Jean King Leadership Institute, and Definition Theater. Mike received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law. -and- James Francis Chief Executive Officer, Paradigm Asset Management, Co. LLC As a visionary leader in building technology-infused solutions, Mr. Francis has played a pivotal role in propelling his companies to new heights by harnessing the potential of technology and data. With his wealth of experience and innovative thinking, James, in his role as CEO has positioned Paradigm Asset Management as a trailblazing investment firm, transforming it from a mere concept into a pioneering force in the realm of data-driven investing. Mr. Francis invaluable insights have led to the creation of an innovative investment methodology called Collective Intelligence, which combines the power of Human Expertise,Financial Data, and Agile software. Since its establishment, Paradigm has successfully managed over $7 billion in client assets and served 65 of the most prestigious US pension plans among the top 100. Recognizing the significant role of Artificial Intelligence in defining the future of various industries, Mr. Francis’ Raptor Vision company has marked its name by creating optical software used in various applications such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and 360-degree technologies. His leadership at Raptor Vision showcased his ability to embrace emerging technologies and incorporate them into practical, industry-leading solutions. Mr. Francis has recently expanded his repertoire of technological endeavors by founding Where’s The Future. This pioneering platform explores the convergence of AI and societal engagement, offering resources, and tools designed to help navigate AI’s opportunities and threats. It provides a unique platform for community building and the exchange of ideas, further emphasizing Mr. Francis dedication to diversity and inclusion in the tech space. Mr. Francis’ innovative approach to building tech solutions has earned acknowledgment from several esteemed publications and TV programs, including CNBC, CNN, Fox Business, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. A sought-after speaker globally, Mr. Francis continually shares his expertise on tech-driven topics such as AI, Ensemble Theory, Machine Learning, and Immersive Technologies, among others. He remains a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, embodying these values in his work and influence across industries.Mr. Francis also serves as a trusted adviser to various companies and CEOs in media and entertainment, private equity, and real estate. Early in his career, Mr. Francis developed an in-house business unit for Oppenheimer and Company that catered to the needs of institutional investors. Moreover, Mr. Francis served in the National Accounts Division at IBM Corporation, designing technological solutions for select Fortune 100 companies. A Morehouse College alumnus, Mr. Francis has contributed his skills and knowledge to various boards, including the Council of Urban Professionals and the C J Francis Foundation. His influence extends to organizations like the New York City Partnership, National Association of Security Professionals, and Council of Institutional Investors. His vision for a future propelled by AI continually shapes his actions and advocacy, marking him as a prominent voice concerning tech-driven solutions. -and- Sindy Benavides Executive Director, Latino Victory Project Sindy Marisol Benavides is the Executive Director of Latino Victory, a progressive organization dedicated to building Latino political power at the local, state, and federal levels. Sindy is a recognized national civil rights leader deeply committed to uplifting the voices of vulnerable and underserved populations. With nearly two decades in the non-profit sector, Sindy has helped build organizations to scale from the bottom up through strategy development, governance, communication, partnerships, and outreach. Prior to joining Latino Victory, she served as Chief Executive Officer for the League of UnitedLatin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country. She also served as the Chief Operating Officer and National Director for Civic Engagement and Community Mobilization for LULAC, the Vice President of Field and Political Operations for Voto Latino, and the Northern Virginia Political Director for the 2012 Kaine for Virginia senatorial campaign. She has also been the National Director of Community Outreach for the Democratic National Committee and the Latino Liaison and Director of Gubernatorial Appointments for Governor Timothy M. Kaine. A proud Honduran-American, Sindy immigrated to the United States with her family and has experienced the American Dream. She now devotes her career to public service, ensuring that countless young people, women, and immigrants have the same opportunity. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, where she graduated Valedictorian of her class and studied Political Science with a minor in Spanish. She has also attended American University for her master’s degree in international Affairs and is working on submitting her substantial research paper. Sindy is a proud alumna of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), Wellstone's Advanced Campaign Management School, SPIN Academy, VCU's Minority Political Leadership Institute and UVA's Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. She proudly serves as a board member of the National Disability Institute and on various External Partnership, Consumer, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Councils for Fortune 500 companies. She lives in northern Virginia with her beloved family. Sindy can be found on Twitter @SindyBenavides. Where Leaders Learn & Leaders don't have to Lead. See you Wednesday! Wednesday, November 1 · 1:00pm – 2:00pm EST Video call link: [( Or dial: ‪(US) +1 651-571-1259‬ PIN: ‪460 226 103‬# More phone numbers: [ [Join our KAIROS Community]( [Our KAIROS Website]( [Support Amanda Edwards for Congress]( A Faith Leaders Conversation on the Disproportionate Impact of Menthol Cigarettes on Black and Brown Communities November 8 10AM-12PM Join the Clergy for Safe Cities, the 67th Precinct Council and others on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, for a panel discussion with faith leaders featuring medical experts, youth advocates, and civil rights activists as we have a discussion on the disproportionate impact of menthol cigarettes and the industry targeting of black and brown communities. A light breakfast will be served. [Register Now]( Barbershop Books 10th Anniversary Celebration Museum of the City of New York November 8, 2023 | 6pm-9pm Barbershop Books is celebrating a decade of inspiring Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun!⁠Our award-winning programming has expanded reading opportunities for thousands of children nationwide. Enjoy an evening of good food, laughter, and inspiration as early literacy advocates and champions of reading like you gather to celebrate Barbershop Books’ decade of impact. [Barbershop Books 10th Anniversary Celebration]( [Register Here]( Career Opportunities Together Tennessee (Donor Alliance/Coalition)  Does supporting the organizing of political and philanthropic giving in addressing some of our most significant challenges to a functioning democracy in Tennessee excite you? Together Tennessee (Donor Alliance/Coalition) [Operations Director]( [Membership & Development Associate]( Please send your cover letter and resume to: michael@atlasstrategy.group carin@atlasstrategy.group Save the Dates: KAIROS @ Somos November 8-12, 2023 San Juan, Puerto Rico Future of A.I. on Black & Brown Communities November 9th at the Caribe Hilton [Website icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( [YouTube icon]( [Facebook icon]( Copyright (C) 2023 Atlas Strategy Group. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. 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