TheDream.US Welcomes Sylvia Wong as Chief Development Officer
ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 25 -- TheDream.US, a college and career success program for immigrant youth, issued the following news release on April 24, 2024:
Today, TheDream.US, the nation's largest college access and success program for immigrant youth, announced that Sylvia Wong will be the organization's first Chief Development Officer. Sylvia is an educator at heart and a seasoned non-profit leader, passionate about bringing people and ideas together in partnership for social change. She brings to the team valuable experience in increasing support and advancing equity for marginalized and underserved
... Show Full ArticleARLINGTON, Virginia, April 25 -- TheDream.US, a college and career success program for immigrant youth, issued the following news release on April 24, 2024:
Today, TheDream.US, the nation's largest college access and success program for immigrant youth, announced that Sylvia Wong will be the organization's first Chief Development Officer. Sylvia is an educator at heart and a seasoned non-profit leader, passionate about bringing people and ideas together in partnership for social change. She brings to the team valuable experience in increasing support and advancing equity for marginalized and underservedcommunities, both globally and within the United States.
Sylvia Wong, incoming Chief Development Officer at TheDream.US, said: "As a daughter of immigrant parents in Canada and having moved to the US for school and work as a young adult, I can relate in a small way to the challenges, hopes, and aspirations of Dreamers. I wholeheartedly believe that first-generation immigrant youth should have equitable access to a college education and a meaningful career. I am honored to be joining the team at TheDream.US and inspired to bring others along to support the college and career aspirations of Dreamers."
Gaby Pacheco, President and CEO of TheDream.US, said: "Sylvia's drive to make education accessible to all and proven leadership in nonprofit development make her the ideal person to lead TheDream.US development efforts into our second decade. With Sylvia at the helm, we can ensure our current donors and supporters know how impactful their gift has been while broadening and diversifying the opportunity for new donors and foundations to support our cause."
Sylvia is an educator at heart and a seasoned non-profit leader, passionate about bringing people and ideas together in partnership for social change. Her career has focused on increasing support and advancing equity for marginalized and underserved communities, both globally and within the United States.
Most recently, Sylvia served as the Senior Director of Development at America's Promise Alliance where she led efforts to raise annual revenue goals for a new strategic chapter and helped to launch a reimagined Alliance community to support top youth-supporting organizations across the country. This included supporting recruitment efforts to bring in founding member organizations during launch year, forming and executing a new place-based strategy, and leading an organizational rebrand and redesigned website.
Prior to APA, Sylvia was the Managing Director of Mentor Community at iMentor, where she led the national strategy to deepen engagement of more than 10,000 matched mentors with first-generation college students through annual mentor recruitment, mentor giving and fundraising, and mentor training. Sylvia was also the Director of Development at The Adventure Project where she raised revenue to support social entrepreneurial programs in Africa. She also held various development and program roles at Concern Worldwide US, where she ran a global education program and helped to build and implement the individual giving strategy, a major gifts program, and corporate and community fundraising efforts.
Sylvia started her career as an elementary and middle school teacher in Canada and New York City. She holds a Masters of Arts degree from Teachers College, Columbia University and a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts from Queen's University in Canada. Sylvia was born in Hong Kong, raised in Canada, and lived in New York for 17 years before making a recent move to Seattle, Washington where she currently resides with her husband and two children.
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About TheDream.US
TheDream.US is the nation's largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant students, having provided more than 10,000 college scholarships to Dreamers attending over 80 partner colleges in 21 states and Washington, DC. We believe everyone, regardless of where they were born, should have equitable access to a college education, a meaningful career, and opportunities to contribute to the communities they call home. For more information on TheDream.US, visit http://www.thedream.us
PIRGL: Earth Week - New Effort Against Environmental Harms of "Disposable" Tech, Starting With Apple Airpods
NEW YORK, April 25 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Public Interest Research Group issued the following news release on April 24, 2024:
This Thursday, during Earth Week, advocates are launching a new effort targeting unrepairable, and therefore disposable, devices, starting with Apple AirPods. According to a recent report from the United Nations, our surging electronic waste is a crisis, and new manufacturing is growing five times faster than our recycling capacity.
Due to the way they are designed, once their battery dies, AirPods can't be repaired. PIRG is calling on Apple to make AirPods repairable with
... Show Full ArticleNEW YORK, April 25 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Public Interest Research Group issued the following news release on April 24, 2024:
This Thursday, during Earth Week, advocates are launching a new effort targeting unrepairable, and therefore disposable, devices, starting with Apple AirPods. According to a recent report from the United Nations, our surging electronic waste is a crisis, and new manufacturing is growing five times faster than our recycling capacity.
Due to the way they are designed, once their battery dies, AirPods can't be repaired. PIRG is calling on Apple to make AirPods repairable withreplaceable batteries, and has launched a petition for Apple to "...redesign AirPods with replaceable batteries and to commit to release only repairable products."
"No piece of electronics should be designed to die," said Lucas Rockett Gutterman, U.S. PIRG Designed to Last campaign director. "Once their glued-in batteries no longer hold a charge, we're stuck in a cycle of buy, die, repeat. It's unconscionable that we can't replace the battery on a $249 pair of headphones, which is guaranteed to wear out."
Apple is far from the only manufacturer to sell products with non-removable batteries. iFixit noted in their review of products from CES, the largest electronics trade show, that a slew of similar non-repairable earbuds are entering the market.
But Apple's decision to prevent battery replacement has a huge impact because Apple headphones are so popular, used by 33% of consumers.
"It's clear that Apple is a trend-setter, but more short-lived electronics is not the trend we deserve," added Gutterman. "It's time for Apple to start a trend toward products we can fix."
Other manufacturers make longer-lasting wireless earbuds. Earlier this month, Fairphone released their wireless headphones FairBud, designed with replaceable batteries in their case and each earbud. The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ and Sony WH-1000XM series are also more repairable than AirPods.
As global concern about the impact of electronic waste grows, PIRG has supporting measures that make it easier to fix devices, and to ensure that electronic products are made to last, not designed for the dump.
"With Americans disposing of more than 16,000 jumbo jets' worth of e-waste every year, we need to end our cycle of buy, use, toss," Gutterman said. "We deserve better than a world where nothing's built to last."
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PIRG, the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups, is an advocate for the public interest. We speak out for a healthier, safer world in which we're freer to pursue our own individual well-being and the common good.
National Women's Law Center: Reproductive Rights Advocates Unite in Washington, D.C. Rally to Defend Emergency Abortion Care
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The National Women's Law Center issued the following news release on April 24, 2024:
Today, hundreds of reproductive rights, health, and justice advocates, legal experts, medical providers, and patients at an "Abortion is Healthcare" rally urged the Supreme Court to protect the right to emergency abortion care. This federally-protected right is at risk as the high court deliberates whether state abortion bans can override protections in the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).
"Everyone experiencing a health emergency should be able to get the care they
... Show Full ArticleWASHINGTON, April 25 -- The National Women's Law Center issued the following news release on April 24, 2024:
Today, hundreds of reproductive rights, health, and justice advocates, legal experts, medical providers, and patients at an "Abortion is Healthcare" rally urged the Supreme Court to protect the right to emergency abortion care. This federally-protected right is at risk as the high court deliberates whether state abortion bans can override protections in the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).
"Everyone experiencing a health emergency should be able to get the care theyneed -- including an abortion -- without delay or political interference," said Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women's Law Center. "If the Supreme Court sides with extremists in this case, it will mean excluding pregnant people from the right to treatment for emergency medical conditions - a right that Congress guaranteed almost four decades ago and that has become a bedrock of patient rights in our country."
Last month, 27 amicus briefs were filed with the Supreme Court (https://nwlc.org/resource/amicus-briefs-filed-in-support-of-emtala-the-federal-right-to-emergency-care-including-abortion-in-idaho-v-united-states-and-moyle-v-united-states/) in support of the federal right to emergency abortion care. They were signed by a broad coalition of major medical organizations, physicians, people who have been denied critical health- and life-saving emergency abortion care, former HHS officials, members of Congress, states, cities, counties, prosecutors, public health experts, legal scholars, businesses, advocates for disability rights and survivors of intimate partner violence, abortion funds, and over 100 gender justice, reproductive rights and justice, civil rights, and labor organizations.
During the court's oral argument on the case, many rally speakers from different parts of the country -- including Idaho, Florida, and Missouri and other states with restrictive abortion laws -- shared their stories and the impacts of this effort by Idaho to ban emergency abortion care and other attacks on sexual and reproductive health care.
"When I was denied the life saving abortion care I needed, my pregnancy -- once my source of hope and joy -- began to feel like my death sentence. No one should have to go through that," said Mylissa Farmer, who was denied life-saving abortion care by hospitals in Missouri and Kansas in 2022 after her water broke just short of 18 weeks.
Dr. Caitlin Gustafson, a family medicine obstetrician in rural Idaho, said pregnancy complications are, unfortunately, all too common.
"Before the ban on abortion care in Idaho, our patients could decide to receive the life-saving care they needed in time-sensitive emergencies, such as bleeding or infection or organ failure due to preeclampsia, with the providers they know and trust. But we have lost this crucial protection for pregnant people in Idaho. Emergency care for pregnancy complications has been denied, and a worsening maternal healthcare crisis has ensued," she said.
"The longer pregnant Idahoans must travel out of state to get the life-saving treatment they need, there will be an increase in maternal health complications and maternal deaths. We will suffer, and people already are suffering, worsening physician shortages that affect all kinds of medical care."
Following the arguments, legal experts weighed in what they heard in the courtroom.
"Several of the Justices laid bare the devastation occurring on the ground in Idaho and other states where pregnant people in crisis have been turned away from receiving the life- and health-saving care they need. These Justices recounted stories of pregnant people experiencing terrifying medical emergencies who were forced to suffer, showing in no uncertain terms what is at stake in this case: the lives and health of pregnant people," said Michelle Banker, Director of Litigation for Reproductive Rights and Health at the National Women's Law Center. "This should be an open and shut case - federal law is clear: all people who go to the emergency room must receive the care they need, including abortion care, regardless of state law."
The case is expected to be decided by the Supreme Court in June 2024.
NHC Applauds President McCargo's Leadership, Extends Congratulations to Incoming President Valverde
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The National Housing Conference, a non-profit on housing policies and practices, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
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The National Housing Conference's (NHC) President and CEO David M. Dworkin released the following statement in response to Alanna McCargo's retirement as President of the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) and the appointment of Sam Valverde becoming Acting President:
"President McCargo's tenure at Ginnie Mae was pivotal in shaping the organization's success and stability. Leveraging her extensive experience in housing
... Show Full ArticleWASHINGTON, April 25 -- The National Housing Conference, a non-profit on housing policies and practices, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
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The National Housing Conference's (NHC) President and CEO David M. Dworkin released the following statement in response to Alanna McCargo's retirement as President of the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) and the appointment of Sam Valverde becoming Acting President:
"President McCargo's tenure at Ginnie Mae was pivotal in shaping the organization's success and stability. Leveraging her extensive experience in housingfinance, McCargo expanded Ginnie Mae's resources and impact to better serve historically underserved communities, aligning with the Administration's push to alleviate the affordable housing shortage. McCargo emphasized the imperative of addressing the racial homeownership gap, a commitment she carried into her role at Ginnie Mae through targeted programs and initiatives tailored to diverse borrower needs. We extend our sincere gratitude to President McCargo for her dedicated service.
Incoming Acting President Sam Valverde has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, supporting the stability and health of Ginnie Mae amidst unprecedented interest rate growth. His appointment signifies a commitment to maintaining continuity in addressing housing affordability and economic equity. Ginnie Mae's leadership has consistently been marked by market-driven, transparent, and collaborative approaches, and under Valverde's stewardship, it will undoubtedly remain so."
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About the National Housing Conference (NHC): Founded in 1931, the National Housing Conference is the oldest and broadest housing coalition in America. NHC is a diverse continuum of affordable housing stakeholders who convene and collaborate through dialogue, advocacy, research, and education, to develop equitable solutions that serve our common interest--an America where everyone is able to live in a quality, affordable home in a thriving community. Politically diverse and nonpartisan, NHC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
MomsRising: North Carolina Moms Applaud Gov. Cooper for Prioritizing Child Care in His Budget Proposal
BELLEVUE, Washington, April 25 -- MomsRising, an online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
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Statement of Beth Messersmith, North Carolina Senior Director at MomsRising, the online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families, including 47,000 in North Carolina, on the budget proposal Governor Roy Cooper released this morning for the fiscal year beginning July 1:
"North Carolinians applaud Governor Roy Cooper for proposing significant investments to strengthen
... Show Full ArticleBELLEVUE, Washington, April 25 -- MomsRising, an online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
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Statement of Beth Messersmith, North Carolina Senior Director at MomsRising, the online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families, including 47,000 in North Carolina, on the budget proposal Governor Roy Cooper released this morning for the fiscal year beginning July 1:
"North Carolinians applaud Governor Roy Cooper for proposing significant investments to strengthenchild care in his budget proposal for the next fiscal year. It is smart, finger-on-the-pulse budgeting to put resources into stabilizing our state's child care sector and staving off a potentially catastrophic funding cliff as federal pandemic stabilization funds run out in June.
"With a $1.4 billion revenue surplus expected, we have the resources to avoid a child care crisis that would cost our state dearly. North Carolina moms strongly urge our state legislators to follow Governor Cooper's lead and invest significant funds in child care right away. That's an investment we urgently need and it would benefit moms, families, businesses, and our state's public health and its economy. Child care investments deserve speedy support from the state legislature."
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MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, stop discrimination against women and moms, and build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America's families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women -- particularly moms and women of color -- and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website:
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
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Brady, the nation's oldest gun violence prevention organization, responds in outrage to a new Tennessee bill to arm teachers that is headed to the governor's desk. The bill, HB 1202, allows a faculty or staff member at a school under the jurisdiction of a Tennessee local education agency to carry a concealed firearm on campus. While conditions require background checks and training, there is no safe storage requirement.
Kris Brown, President of Brady, said:
"The Tennessee
... Show Full ArticleWASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
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Brady, the nation's oldest gun violence prevention organization, responds in outrage to a new Tennessee bill to arm teachers that is headed to the governor's desk. The bill, HB 1202, allows a faculty or staff member at a school under the jurisdiction of a Tennessee local education agency to carry a concealed firearm on campus. While conditions require background checks and training, there is no safe storage requirement.
Kris Brown, President of Brady, said:
"The Tennesseelegislator has just dishonored all who were killed at the Covenant School shooting last year by choosing to promote the proliferation of firearms in classrooms.
"There is no evidence to suggest that arming teachers will keep children safe from gun violence. Multiple teachers were armed at Covenant Day School, yet that was not enough to stop six children and school employees from being murdered.
"HB 1202 is especially egregious as it has no safe storage requirements, meaning firearms could potentially fall into a child's hands. 4.6 million American children already live in a home with an unsecured firearm and 8 kids are killed or injured every day by family fire. Schools should be a haven for students to learn and thrive: how many more kids will be shot if there is an unsecured firearm in their classroom?
"If we want to be free of this uniquely American crisis, we cannot continue to perpetuate the deadly norms that got us here by adding more unsecured firearms in spaces where children should be safe to learn and grow. We urge Governor Lee to veto this bill and ask him to work alongside us, teachers and gun safety advocates to craft meaningful reforms across the Volunteer State."
Ahead of Supreme Court Oral Arguments, Planned Parenthood Calls on Supreme Court to Protect Patients' Right to Receive Emergency Abortion Care
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Planned Parenthood Federation of America issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
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Today, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that could end federal protections for pregnant people in emergencies who need abortion care.
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
"In the nearly two years since Roe was overturned, we have heard story after story of the devastating consequences of patients being denied health care. Now, the same Supreme Court that overturned Roe will consider a
... Show Full ArticleWASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Planned Parenthood Federation of America issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
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Today, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that could end federal protections for pregnant people in emergencies who need abortion care.
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
"In the nearly two years since Roe was overturned, we have heard story after story of the devastating consequences of patients being denied health care. Now, the same Supreme Court that overturned Roe will consider acase about pregnant people's ability to get the emergency medical care they need in hospital ERs. Any decision that falls short of guaranteeing patients' access to abortion care in emergencies -- as has been law for nearly 40 years -- would be catastrophic. Unless the Supreme Court is willing to let pregnant people die or suffer grave health complications, it must ensure federal law continues to protect emergency abortion care."
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) has been federal law since 1986 and was passed to protect people in medical emergencies, ensuring they get the emergency care they need at hospitals that receive federal funding. Without this longstanding federal law, a hospital could refuse to treat a pregnant person with a serious complication like their water breaking dangerously early or an uncontrollable hemorrhage, sepsis, or pre-eclampsia which could lead to severe injury or death.
Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.
