Student Confidential: What Artists are Saying About L Makeup Institute

NY Weekly Staff on June 16, 2022

L Makeup Institute is one of the top accredited makeup artistry schools in the United States. With locations in Las Vegas and Dallas Fort Worth, LMI welcomes artists from around the world to develop their talents and industry expertise in areas such as beauty makeup, on-set hair styling, airbrush, body painting, character creation, and special effects makeup. Known as “The Harvard of Makeup Artistry,” LMI has become the destination school for those looking to become professional makeup artists.

As LMI founder and CEO Lissette Waugh explains, our proprietary curriculum, facility and classroom design, specialized equipment, photography studio, and extensive makeup kits with top-brand products creates this immersive experience that truly sets LMI apart from other makeup artistry schools within the industry.

“The L Makeup Institute’s faculty and staff are steadfastly committed to a culture that puts students first,” Waugh says. “We encourage personal responsibility and health decision making because these foster lifelong learning, personal growth, and achievement. Our education takes place in a safe, caring, expressive, and inclusive learning environment where traditional training is re-examined and innovative ideas thrive.”

Because of their unique approach to makeup artistry education which provides opportunities for hands-on learning from the first day of the program, LMI empowers each artist to maximize their potential. Not only does this make them better artists, but it also gives them expertise they need to thrive as professionals after graduation.

“In the end, our graduates leave with the tools to make their lives one amazing story,” Waugh says.

At LMI, the faculty and staff spend considerable time working closely with students to not only develop them into great makeup artists, but prepare them for life after graduation. In today’s competitive world, employers want an artist that knows how to do everything, however education does not stop with technical training. Another factor that sets LMI apart is their focus on the artists as working professionals. They offer coaching and coursework to help students start and manage their careers immediately after graduation.

“Students are trained on the hiring process, including resume writing, social media presence, and interview preparation. Graduates in good standing have access to ongoing career advice, job placement assistance and networking and experiential learning opportunities,” Waugh says. “Also, guest speakers from a broad range of applicable industries provide their perspective and what they look for when hiring makeup artists.”

Given the many benefits of an LMI education, it is no surprise that current and former students celebrate the program for giving them a head-start on their career path.

Wendy Ryan Shelton (pictured) is a seasoned hair and makeup artist based in Las Vegas, NV. Wendy graduated from the L Makeup Institute in 2012 and now travels the world keeping her celebrity clientele looking fresh and glamorous. She believes that the beauty of makeup artistry runs much deeper than the skin’s surface. Making her clients look and feel beautiful will also make them feel empowered and ready to take on any important event, pageant, photoshoot, TV, film, date night or even just to feel your best self for a day.

“Even as a licensed Cosmetologist, shortly after starting school at L Makeup Institute (LMI) I quickly realized I knew nothing about makeup application and my real training began! LMI went into great depth in their teachings about makeup applications, different skin types and textures, utilizing the correct brushes, product knowledge, sanitation, skin diseases to look out for, etc. We not only had hands-on training, but we were taught with all the different learning styles, and with myself as a visual and hands on learner, I was able to excel. L laid out in very simple terms what it would take to become a successful makeup artist, how to market yourself and conduct business, how to create your brand, etc. The instructors were so passionate when teaching us every aspect of the industry and what to expect. L had also offered to any L Makeup Alumni to feel free to come back to the school at any point in time of our careers to ask questions if needed or even sit in on a class if we wanted a quick refresher. 10 years later I am living my dream of a successful Las Vegas based HMUA and loving every minute of it. I truly owe my success to this school and love them for it. The L Makeup Institute wants to see you succeed and will do whatever they can to help you get there.”

For Waugh, the accolades from current and former students are a clear indication that L Makeup Institute is fulfilling its mission to makeup artists who arrive from around the world, searching for an opportunity to pursue their dreams and make an impact in the industry.

“We have a sincere interest in your journey to become a successful makeup artist,” Waugh says. “The entire L Makeup Institute team is always striving to elevate our students’ education experience, and that begins with the first time you enter our school, through graduation, and beyond.”

To learn more about L Makeup Institute, visit www.lmi.edu today.

Contact Information:

Lissette Waugh

press@lmi.edu

Noah Weisberg Discusses a Pivotal Change to Virginia Law Leading to a Dramatic Rise in Jury Trials

NY Weekly Staff on June 16, 2022

Prior to July 2021, defendants in Virginia were often faced with a difficult decision: They could elect for a trial by jury or have their case heard by a single judge. While on the surface, the decision does not seem too challenging, as Noah Weisberg of Weisberg & Weisberg explains, that single choice could lead to vastly different outcomes.

That is because a defendant who was tried and convicted by a judge would also receive their sentence from the judge – and the judge would apply sentencing guidelines that often resulted in a suspended sentence. For example, a 5-year sentence could be reduced all the way down to time served and probation.

A jury, however, was asked to render a verdict as well as a recommended sentence – and in nearly all circumstances, the judge accepted the jury’s recommendation without making any changes. So, a 5-year sentence would remain so.

It was a distinction that Weisberg says discouraged defendants from exercising their Constitutional right to a trial by jury, opting for a bench trial in hopes of securing a lighter sentence.

“At the heart of it was that an individual that was facing a criminal charge prior to July 2021 had to choose,” Weisberg says. “They had better odds of acquittal by having a jury preside over their case, but those better odds came with the possibility that if they were convicted, they were likely to get a more severe sentence.”

Virginia lawmakers, led by Senator Joe Morrissey, effectively changed the law last year to remove the jury obligation for a recommended sentence. Now, the jury is asked only to render a verdict in the case. The sentencing is the responsibility of the judge.

“You can now get the jury to decide your guilt or innocence alone,” Weisberg says. “This has had a tremendous impact on jury trials in Virginia. There has been an explosion of jury trials, no question about it.”

Weisberg sees the change as necessary and positive, giving defendants the confidence to exercise their right to a jury trial without being worried that they will receive a stiffer sentence because of their choice. It has been especially helpful to people facing more significant charges with longer minimum sentences.

“The more serious the case, there was a greater risk that the client was going to face a significant punishment,” Weisberg explains. “Even though it may have been more appropriate to take it to a jury, they might be discouraged from doing so because they are afraid of a 20-year minimum sentence.”

Although Weisberg is happy to see the change in the law, he admits that it has caused some unintended challenges to the Virginia courts. There are now more jury trials than ever before, and that – as well as the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic – has stretched resources.

“One unfortunate thing is that at the same time we’re trying to climb out from a COVID backlog, we have opened the gates to criminal defendants with their right to jury trials,” Weisberg says. “We really do have a challenge on our hands to make sure we have enough resources.”

Even with the challenges that the new law presents, Weisberg stresses that making the change has been overwhelmingly beneficial to not only defendants but to the courts and the state itself. Virginia now has similar standards to the federal government, emphasizing a citizen’s right to a trial by jury.

“The challenges are significant, but they are extremely necessary,” Weisberg says. “This is the United States of America, and this is the Commonwealth of Virginia. We guarantee the citizens a right to trial by jury, and we need to do whatever is necessary to make sure that happens.

“What we are experiencing right now is some growing pains, but I am confident we will get through it.”

Weisberg & Weisberg offers practical legal guidance to residents of communities throughout Virginia in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury, business law, and family law.

To learn more, please visit www.weisbergattorneys.com. 

Keep Your Places Safe with Wonder Wafer International’s Non-Flammable Air Fresheners 

NY Weekly Staff on June 15, 2022

When it comes to air fresheners, most people think of those air fresheners that need to be sprayed or plugged in. However, there’s a better way. 

Wonder Wafers are the “first of their kind” in introducing ultra-scented Wafer Air Fresheners to the public. The company came up with such a brilliant environmentally friendly idea that it was granted the first U.S. The company received its first patent in 2000, the second in 2011, and the third in 2021, along with more pending. 

What makes Wonder Wafers so great is that they don’t just mask odors. They eliminate them by releasing a consistent and concentrated burst of fragrance into the air, completely neutralizing any offensive smells. Not to mention, they work for 30 days at a time and can be used virtually anywhere! 

Wonder Wafers are also non-toxic, safe around pets and children, and made in the USA. So next time your nose is offended by an unpleasant smell, reach for a Wonder Wafer and breathe easy.

Wonder Wafers became popular after its release in late 1999 and are now the preferred Air Freshener for many businesses worldwide. Millions of Wonder Wafers have been sold over the world! Their items appear to be limitless. When utilized as instructed, they can be placed nearly anyplace and everywhere. 

The Background 

In the 1990s, the founder and CEO of Wonder Wafers International, David Mobley, and his team spent five years researching and testing their main product: Wonder Wafers. This ground-breaking innovation was another “first” for the corporation, forever altering how air fresheners were used, promoted, and sold. 

Within a few months of its release, it became a true overnight sensation. The unique selling point of Wonder Wafers was that they could be used in any small space to provide long-lasting, consistent fragrance. This made them ideal for use in cars, closets, drawers, or anywhere else where a fresh scent is desired. The company’s marketing campaign emphasized the convenience and versatility of the product, and it quickly caught on with consumers. Today, Wonder Wafers are sold around the world and continue to be one of the most popular air fresheners on the market. Thanks to their innovative product and smart marketing strategy, Wonder Wafers International has become a global leader in the air freshener industry.

Distinct Air Fresheners In The Market 

MATERIAL

The team discovered only one polymer effectively absorbed and permeated air freshener scent oils. Cotton, cloth, plastic, cork, wood, and other materials were all thoroughly tested over a three-year period. Each of these carrier devices was a catastrophic failure! It was then they came up with the specifically woven paper blend that was designed, extensively tested and authorized and is still in use today and passed the test successfully.

FORMULA

Several years of trial-and-error testing were required by the brand to perfect a specially manufactured blend of high-grade lifters and aromatically accurate scent oils. After it was done, their recipe worked so well and was so distinctive that it was granted three U.S. Patents, with more to come in the future.

PRINTING

Wonder Wafers International prides itself on creating the safest and most effective air fresheners on the market. The material of wafers is a specially woven blend of paper that allows them to print critical information directly on the wafer, ensuring that their customers always have the most up-to-date information at their fingertips. 

The unique manufacturing process ensures that our wafers are completely free of harmful chemicals. As a result, Wonder Wafers are the safest portable air fresheners in the world. Whether you’re looking for a long-lasting car freshener or a way to keep your office smelling great, Wonder Wafers are the perfect solution. 

Environmentally Friendly Air Fresheners 

Wonder Wafers was one of the safest and most environmentally friendly air fresheners on the market when compared to other major air fresheners on the market. It performed significantly better than the others.

Here are some of the dangers of using combustible air fresheners, as well as why Wonder Wafers is the best option.

Air fresheners are commonly used around the home for a variety of purposes, from cleaning to air freshening. However, what many people don’t realize is that most aerosol sprays contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous to our health. Xylene and formaldehyde are two of the most common chemicals found in aerosol sprays, and both are considered highly hazardous. Xylene is a neurotoxin that can damage the nervous system, while formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. These substances can pose a serious threat to adults, children, and pets if they are inhaled or ingested. In addition, they can also be harmful to the environment if they are released into the air. 

People should be worried about the surfaces where these poisons settle, as well as the possibility of inhaling chemicals that have become aerosolized in the air. When these compounds come into contact with surfaces, they move to your hands and can soon end up in your mouth. Most people are unaware of the dangers posed by aerosols, although they are far more prevalent and hazardous than they realize. Some typical dangers include irritation of the eyes, skin, and throat. On a more serious level, combustible air sprays can cause death if consumed by pets or humans.

When choosing an air freshener, it is important to look for one that is free of harmful chemicals. There are plenty of safe and effective alternatives on the market that won’t put your health at risk. Wonder Wafers are not only safe but also eco-friendly and effective. They are utilized and trusted all across the world!

Zain Hollywood – Getting Viral For His Athletic Talent.

NY Weekly Staff on June 15, 2022

Sports are something in which everyone should take part. Most of us are interested in some type of sports or gaming. Fewer of us, though, are committed enough to become famous as a result of our talent and experience. Zain Ali Muhammad, sometimes known as Zain Hollywood, is a young multisport celebrity who belongs to the latter category. He is a nine-year-old youngster who is pursuing his education while also making a reputation for himself in sports.

Zain was born on July 7, 2012, in Austin, Texas, to Wali Rahim Muhammad and Ebony Amber Charles. He initiated playing flag football at the age of six with the Cedar Park Bulldogs Flag football organization, along with many other leagues in the city, and was crowned MVP for both the regular and playoff seasons. Zain is still playing flag football for the Cedar Park Bulldogs and making the most of his athletic career.

Social Media Star 

It is critical for parents to have their children’s best interests at heart. Especially when they are young and are gradually exposed to the world. When parents demonstrate their trust in their children, the children believe that they can achieve anything in the world.

In Zain’s case, both his parents, Wali and Ebony, administer his Instagram account, where they upload all the behind-the-scenes videos from his training sessions, games, and things he does for fun when he’s at home.

Zain can be followed on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok under the handle @zain_hollywood.

Zain Hollywood has become an internet phenomenon as a result of his widespread exposure on social media and his superior skills. Since he started his training at the age of five, he’s gone viral on several platforms for his impressive performance at such a young age. “Lamar Jackson 2.0” was how NBC described him on Sunday Night Football. Additionally, he appeared on Sports Center ESPN, WSB Channel 2, KVUE, Oh My Goal, Overtime, and ABC Action News as the #1 QB prospect in the class of 2030.

Zain’s skill has been recognized by millions of people around the world thanks to the power of social media.

The Forthcoming Athlete

High school athletes in Texas are presumed to be getting NIL deals soon, and Zain is said to be at the top of everyone’s list in the city and nearby areas.

The youngest athlete to attend the University of Texas’s “All Gas, No Breaks” program. An event where coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff invite more than 450 of the best athletes in the country to show them how great the UT football team is and encourage them to go there.

Zain has got a picture with coach Sark and his best wishes as a young athlete. During the event, Texas Running Back Bijan Robinson said, “Watch out for Zain. He’s Next Up.”

There is no single quality that makes the best athlete. Instead, it takes a combination of physical and mental attributes to succeed at the highest levels of competition. Athletes need to be physically fit, and Zain is the perfect example of that. 

Second like Zain, they must have the strength, speed, and stamina to outlast their opponents. However, they also need to have the mental toughness to handle the pressure of competition. Zain has been trained well to stay calm under pressure and make quick decisions in order to succeed. 

In addition, Zain knows when to push himself harder than anyone else. He has the drive and determination to never give up, even when the odds are against him. Ultimately, it takes a combination of physical and mental attributes to become the best athlete possible.

Zain’s Aspirations.

Zain has many goals for his future, one of which is to write children’s sports books, another is to become a motivational speaker, and a third is to run his own training center to help young players grow and succeed. 

Zain aspires to demonstrate the best for talented athletes and motivate them to get up and move about in order to become the finest. Zain seeks to help young players reach their full potential. Ultimately, his goal is to make a difference in the lives of others and help them achieve their dreams.

MS. STEPHENE AUDREY KPOTO – A YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AMBASSADOR

NY Weekly Staff on June 15, 2022

Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto (also recognized as Stefañol) is a young Liberian who was born on January 28, 1998. She is the granddaughter of one of Liberia’s most prominent leaders. Late: Kerkula B. Kpoto, who is popularly known for saying, “I hang my clothes where the wind blows and carry my bread where the butter is.”

You can say that Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto is a triple threat. Not only does she consult and write her own publications, but as a bonus, this talented woman work as a lobbyist, illustrator, and youth advocate too! There isn’t anything this woman can’t do; she is an entrepreneur and undoubtedly endowed with a multiplicity of creative talents. 

Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto is a very versatile and influential figure in the world of business, art, and philanthropy. With her many creative talents and her drive to help others, she has become a force to be reckoned with. Ms. Kpoto envisions a world where no young person will have to fail because of the lack of opportunities or mentorship. And it is her soul’s urge to create avenues and opportunities that will undoubtedly shape a brighter and more secure future for young people. Through her work with various foundations and charities, she has provided countless youths with the resources and support they need to succeed. Ms. Kpoto’s work is an inspiration to us all, and her impact on the world is immeasurable. 

Ms. Kpoto holds degrees in software engineering as well as International Relations and Security Studies. Ms. Kpoto is currently an apprentice of Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies. Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto had the opportunity to visit the OSCE, Europe’s regional security center, to learn more about global security issues. Ms. Kpoto was one of the youngest Liberians chosen by the United States, State Department in 2016 to explore how Congress works in terms of communication, the electoral process, and other aspects that make America great. 

Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto Inspiring Work

She has worked on numerous projects with young people to empower them, including writing books for publication and establishing her own business where she can combine these passions- it just doesn’t get much more empowering than this amazing accomplishment.

The diversity of her youth empowerment programs ranges from food security to health and maintenance of peace to help Liberians improve their living conditions. Ms. Kpoto has worked with the Local Government of Liberia (PCC-M) and the Chinese government to give scholarships to aid in developing Liberia’s Human Capacity level. 

Ms. Kpoto is well-known among Liberian youths for her work as the National Youth Coordinator of ABIC’s WSR program and the organizer of Liberia’s first teenager’s gang summit involving disadvantaged and disgruntled youth in the peace process. The conceptualizer behind the biggest platform of Building a world where our stories direct our Generation is none other than Ms. Stephene; it’s a local youth mentorship initiative that provides young Liberians with the inspiration they need by listening to and learning from the great minds of societal models and game-changers. Y. Maggie Kilo, Country Representative of the African Development Bank to Liberia (2016), Hon. B. Elias Shinonyin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Liberia (2016), and others are among those featured in the show.

The Establishment of RISE

This year, in Liberia, Ms. Kpoto will be launching her first historic entertainment and Tech academy called RISE, which promotes economic growth through arts, entertainment, as well as Tech-startups. She dreams of creating  a “Silicon Valley” in the African continent by providing millions of jobs that talented people want here at home in their own country instead of moving abroad as most do today due to lack of opportunity. RISE will assist in reducing the high rate of unemployment in Liberia caused by the 14 years of civil war, which ended in 2003, and the Ebola crisis of 2014-2016. In addition to being an; entrepreneur, Ms. Kpoto is also a social activist, working to promote peace and reconciliation in Liberia through art and music. She believes that by providing opportunities for creativity and self-expression, young people will be less likely to turn to violence. Ms. Kpoto is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination, and she is proof that one person can make a difference. 

The Rise app is designed to promote the sale of arts, fashion, books, music, and other creative products. The online marketplace feature will allow users to showcase and sell their products to a global audience. Soon after the marketplace launch, the additional features of the app will be unveiled, including an online academy, RISE TV, user-friendly games, and a messaging portal with African emojis and features. The marketplace will provide a platform for artists, designers, and other creatives to reach a wider audience and sell their products. The online academy will offer courses on various topics, including entrepreneurship, marketing, and Creativity. RISE TV will be a platform for African filmmakers, actors, and actresses to showcase their work. The messaging portal will allow users to communicate with each other using African emojis and features.

The app will also offer a variety of beautiful games that reflect African culture. Ms. Kpoto believes that the wrapped mentality in Africa  this could change for the better if the continent begins to reflect on mistakes and address them to lead a better life. She believes that “If we don’t learn from our mistakes, we are destined to repeat them.” Through her work with RISE, she hopes to produce more educational stories that will help people learn about different cultures and histories and encourage critical thinking about the world around us. By increasing understanding and empathy, she believes we can begin to heal the divisions that have led to so much anger, hatred, rage, and violence in Africa. Only by coming together and learning from our past can we hope to create a better future for all. In addition to this, she is currently working on publishing a collection of 5 stories that she believes will educate and empower readers to mentally exhibit the conviction that they can achieve anything they believe. Ms. Kpoto wants her readers to know that no force, be it evil or good, has the power to stop anyone from achieving their dreams if they pick themselves up and go for what they want. She feels that this is an important message for people to hear, and she hopes that her stories will help people to realize their full potential. 

Stephene’s Book “The Mark of Destiny”

Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto’s book “The Mark of Destiny” will soon be available on Amazon, Apple, Barnes, and Nobles, and the RISE app. Ms. Kpoto believes that attitudinal changes need to be made in the current generation in order to prevent a future where the generation will be lost in disappointment, regret, and the lack of energy to achieve their dreams. Ms. Kpoto’s book focuses on helping readers understand their personal destiny and how to use it to achieve their dreams. “The Mark of Destiny” is an essential read for anyone who wants to create a better future for themselves.

‘IL MORO’: The Standout Short Film of Cannes Film Festival 2022

NY Weekly Staff on June 15, 2022

Written by: Tedfuel

The ‘IL MORO’ short film explores the value of origins and belonging throughout history, giving voice and representation to Europeans of African descent.

‘Il Moro’ premiered at the 2021 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, California, and has been received with great reception. The short film is the directorial debut of Daphne Di Cinto, Afro-Italian screenwriter, director and actor who played Sarah Basset in the Netflix series Bridgerton. Her involvement with the project has solidified her as a force within the film industry, both onscreen and behind the camera.

Erased from history books of the time, the film centers on Alessandro De’ Medici –The Black Italian Duke of Florence and brings his story to life. The 23-minute short chronicles De’ Medici, a mixed-race man, son of a woman of African descent and of Pope Clement VII. De’ Medici ruled over Florence as its first Duke from 1520 to 1537. Di Cinto’s interest in the project was born of her belief that sharing the history of Alessandro De’ Medici could contribute to a greater understanding of diversity throughout history, which oftentimes has gone largely unrecognised. She explains, “There is a global lack of consciousness of the Afro-European experience and of its history”. For Di Cinto, ‘Il Moro’ was about highlighting an important time in history that forms part of a larger exploration of black ancestries. In doing so, she wants ‘Il Moro’ to contribute to a positive perception of black identities, past and present.

Since its premiere, ‘Il Moro’ has seen great recognition and success. Named the winner of Best Italian Short Film at Fabrique du Cinéma Awards in late 2021, the short film went on to receive further accolades this year after winning Best Short Film at the 2022 Integrazione Film Festival in Bergamo, Italy.

More recently, ‘Il Moro’ was shown as part of the Cannes Film Festival’s ‘Short Film Corner ‘. The Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner is dedicated to short filmmakers and aims to promote emerging talents and foster connections within the industry. Di Cinto also participated in a panel discussion as part of the ‘Cannes, Do Better: A Celebration of Black Women in Film’ at the film festival May 25th, 2022. There is no doubt her perspective is an important one in the landscape of diversity in the film industry. It’s also fitting given her short film, ‘Il Moro’, explores concepts around diversity and belonging. Di Cinto’s deep understanding and connection to the historical material has seen her praised for her ‘precise and conscious directorial style’.

The film stars Alberto Boubakar Malanchino as Alessandro de’ Medici, Paolo Sassanelli as Pope Clement, Balkissa Maiga as Alessandro’s mother and Andrea Melis as Ippolito de’ Medici.

Di Cinto has announced her plans to work on developing ‘Il Moro’ into a series to add further depth to the telling of Alessandro De’ Medici’s story. She also has projects involving other historical characters and a sci-fi short film in the works.

The positive response to ‘Il Moro’, not to mention its success in winning awards at some of Europe’s most renowned film events, is an encouraging sign that we will see more stories of diversity throughout history on our screens in the near future. 

Produced by Greenlight Project and Onda Film, the movie stars Alberto Boubakar Malanchino (Alessandro de’ Medici), Paolo Sassanelli (Papa Clemente VII), and Andrea Melis (Ippolito de’ Medici). Producers include Daphne Di Cinto (executive producer), Yasmine Holness-Dove (co-producer), and Franklin Eugene, Taylor Re Lynn, L.A. Burgess and Jennifer R. McZier as associate producers.

To learn more about the short film, ‘Il Moro’ and director, Daphne Di Cinto, visit @ilmorofilm and @daphnedicinto

John Bommarito Drives Bommarito Automotive Group to Success With Brilliant Leadership Skills and Astute Business Acumen

NY Weekly Staff on June 15, 2022

Achieving success in any industry is no easy feat; after all, success requires patience, passion and a relentless determination to see one’s dream to fruition. All of these qualities are exhibited by the innovator, entrepreneur, and CEO of Bommarito Automotive Group,  John Bommarito.

Born into an automotive family that prides itself on a strong and continuous work ethic, John Bommarito discovered his passion for cars early. By the time he was twelve, he was already working in his father’s company’s parking and washing department. By fifteen, he was promoted to the service department to watch and learn how the “backbone” of the organization ran, a lesson that proved to be very valuable in later years.

As he grew older, so did his passion for cars, and he would spend after-school hours working at the Ellisville automotive location. However, John’s schoolwork never suffered despite his devotion to cars. He graduated in the top two percent of his class and accepted an academic scholarship to attend Eckerd College, where he pursued his Psychology/Premedical degree. He was accepted to Stanford University Medical School after graduating in 1987 but decided to take some time off.

Yet despite excelling academically, his love for cars had never wavered, so while taking a break from studying and pursue his automotive desires. But, what started as a one-year break renewed his passion and became a lifetime career. First, he rejoined the family business, working his way through the ranks as a salesperson selling new Mazdas in the early days. Then, however, with his burning desire and talents in the automotive industry, the go-getter proceeded to the Nissan location as the finance manager. Shortly after, he became the sales manager.

At the same time, Bommarito Automotive Group had expanded to include a nationwide subsidiary known as Bommarito Cellular. John soon transferred to the new division as general manager; his impeccable work ethic and brilliant team management skills resulted in record-breaking sales, year after year. Additionally, over forty retail stores and a wholesale distributorship of Nokia Mobile phones in North America were established under his leadership. 

On the heel of his success with Bommarito Cellular, the power player ventured off to focus on furthering the family automotive enterprise. Because of his exceptional business acumen, John Bommarito was approached by General Motors to purchase an Oldsmobile-Cadillac store that was facing bankruptcy. After salvaging the dealership, the business mogul added Mazda to the lineup and made the location the go-to choice for the automotive needs of residents in St. Peters. As a result, the store now averages over 280 units per month, significantly exceeding the 25 units per month it was selling before his take over.

Since taking over the company’s leadership two decades ago, John’s tenacity for hard work, determination, and outstanding negotiating skills have driven the Bommarito Automotive Group to meteoric success. He has taken his father, Frank Bommarito’s legacy of over 50 years and established it as Missouri’s number one choice for consumers and their automotive needs. On top of that, he also oversaw the growth of the company’s internet division and successfully initiated a NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series and Xfinity team with Partner Jordan Anderson.

Today, Bommarito Automotive has expanded to more locations and features a spectacular lineup of car brands such as Cadillac, Mazda, Buick, GMC, Volkswagen, Honda, and Audi, Nissan, Chevy, Ford and Toyota and multiple Motor Trend Certified Preowned locations thanks to the brilliant visionary at its helm. John Bommarito has received several accolades from industry authorities in the automotive industry, including being awarded as the winner of the “President Clubs,” a prestigious award from franchises like Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Infiniti, and Volkswagen. 

“It’s Okay Not to be Okay”: Bennett Maxwell Establishes Dirty Dough Cookies to Spread Awareness About Mental Health

NY Weekly Staff on June 15, 2022

The amount of wealth one has generated over the years has often been seen as the basis of success. Although there is nothing inherently wrong with treating financial success as a marker for victory, it is not always the case. True enough, some of the most established authorities across any industry are best known for the ripples of positive changes they have created throughout the years, redefining success through their purpose-driven initiatives. One such individual who is currently conquering the scene for his efforts and initiatives of catalyzing change and sparking action is Bennett Maxwell, the esteemed founder of Dirty Dough Cookies. Standing at the forefront of his advocacy-driven enterprise, this power player is pushing the boundaries of any industry across the world.

While many enterprises are geared towards generating wealth, a significant number of entities are established for a passion-driven purpose. Dirty Dough Cookies was built to bolster mental health efforts, raising income to spread awareness about depression and suicide. In other words, it is a company filled with joy and simplicity run by a relaxed and straightforward guy: Bennett Maxwell.

Bennett Maxwell did not start building initiatives dedicated to mental health from the get-go. However, this power player has been known for his efforts to establish entities that are innovative and purpose-driven. In fact, when he began dipping his toes into the entrepreneurial realm, Maxwell managed to establish Switch to Solar with his brother. This company was committed to revolutionizing the world to help reduce the impact of climate change. After 18 months, he sold the company and purchased his successful purpose-driven enterprise, Dirty Dough Cookies. Dirty Dough has develop a low start up cost, high profit margin franchise concept to help fund it’s non profit push for mental health.

Before Dirty Dough Cookies became a thriving company, the rise of this establishment was rooted in the founder’s purpose-driven mission of spreading awareness about depression and suicide. Since listening to Jonathon Haidt’s podcast that tracked the correlation between social media and self-harm in young girls, Maxwell has dedicated his career to bolstering efforts toward mental health with the hopes of sparking a conversation about this sensitive topic. Today, Dirty Dough perfectly showcases mental health, emphasizing that it is okay not to be okay.

“The name, Dirty Dough, refers to the inside of the cookie being ‘dirty’ with more goodies and fillings than any other cookie. A Dirty Dough cookie is messy and imperfect, exactly how it was meant to be. Our cookies embody our life motto: ‘It’s What’s Inside that Counts!'” explained Maxwell.

As Bennett Maxwell continues to maneuver Dirty Dough towards the materialization of his vision. This go-getter aims to send across powerful messages of hope to thousands of individuals, particularly young girls who struggle with harsh societal demands. On top of that, he also seeks to set a precedent for aspiring entrepreneurs across the globe, inspiring them to launch businesses that spark change in the lives of many.

“Businesses should be driven, first and foremost, by a higher purpose,” Maxwell said. “I love Dirty Dough because it’s perfect for showcasing that life isn’t perfect. It’s okay not to be okay, life gets Dirty, and it’s most definitely okay to have a cookie once in a while,” Maxwell quipped.

How Real Estate Mogul Matias Alem and BRG International Reimagined Real Estate in South Florida

NY Weekly Staff on June 15, 2022

South Florida’s real estate scene has barely offered aspiring homebuyers and investors good properties until Matias Alem changed everything and constructed some of the most luxurious and contemporary houses from scratch. The real estate mogul and his team have created everything from condominiums units to curated waterfront estates, delivering above and beyond for their clientele.

Matias Alem is the founder and CEO of BRG International, a multidisciplinary luxury real estate brokerage and development company that specializes in high-end real estate. Known for developing reimagined pieces of real estate, the Brazilian born broker and developer eventually made a name for himself in the industry. It did not take long before he gained the trust and support of clients across the country. Alem is recognized for his innovative mind in constructing spaces, pushing the boundaries of real estate and taking each development a notch higher than the last.

The founder launched BRG International on a mission to deliver flawless, elegant real estate to the affluent market in South Florida. His masterful ability to construct homes from scratch has attracted homebuyers, propelling the entire brokerage to be one of the state’s leading real estate boutique firms. The brokerage is home to seasoned professionals offering a wide range of services. It’s a one-top-stop firm where clients can get every solution they require for their homes.

“I either show my clients what can be done in an existing space or recommend changes. If they are hesitant about a home because of a feature that we can easily change, it helps that my team is the same group of people that will be there to execute those changes,” shared Alem.

Furthermore, to keep his clients engaged with the latest in real estate, BRG International also launched an architectural vertical, brg.studio, and a real estate market publication, BRG Miami Market Report Magazine. The publication provides readers with the latest listings and an in-depth analysis of an estate so owners can gauge every property based on its price and qualities. Alem and his team also share these valuable insights on BRG International’s YouTube channel.

BRG International focuses on elevating the quality of life of its clients, providing them specific solutions tailor-fitted to their individual needs. The company offers top-notch artistry and expertise while simultaneously equipping each homebuyer with the knowledge they need in investments and boosting the value of their house. 

“I wanted to offer an all-inclusive ultra-luxury service. We go above and beyond by offering what I call ‘holistic real estate.’ By having a menu of comprehensive services, we can ensure that our clients get a five-star experience with less stress. Each entity under BRG communicates and works with another to create property industry harmony,” explained Alem.

Contrary to the luxurious homes he is now building, Alem came from humble beginnings. But with tenacity and the dream of making first-class properties for everyone, he reached where he is today. With a holistic approach to real estate, compassion towards his clients, and comprehensive knowledge of the industry, Alem is truly a force to reckon with. Since he first dabbled into the landscape at 19 years old, Alem has become a dependable and credible figure in the field.

Sustainability and the Cloud

NY Weekly Staff on June 15, 2022

For major corporations, sustainability has shifted from being a buzzword to being a corporate priority that leverages the cloud. Many are supporting the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner. This is a target of completely negating the number of greenhouse gases produced by human activity, to be achieved by reducing emissions and implementing methods of absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

A good first step in a company’s sustainability journey is simply moving its data center to the cloud. The comparatively smaller carbon footprint of cloud computing is a consequence of both improved infrastructure efficiency and a reduced need for IT infrastructure to support a given user base.  

Companies find that formalized sustainability and carbon emission reduction initiatives and adopting sustainable and green practices are more than simply a good thing to do. They are finding that sustainability has become a catalyst for reimagining the way they have been doing things for years at an operational level. As a result, organizations are becoming using less energy, water, and other resources and becoming more efficient, competitive, and profitable. 

Another compelling reason to adopt a sustainability program sooner rather than later is that society is increasingly recognizing the need to adopt sustainable practices to combat climate change. They are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services.  

Different kinds of organizations have focused on different areas. For example, athletic shoe brands reduce waste, minimize their carbon footprint, and build a greener and more socially conscious supply chain. Companies like Nestle evaluate the entire product life cycle and water efficiency and waste reduction. Because they are dependent on a large clean supply, soft drink companies focus on water stewardship and water replenishment.

In biopharma, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and other ecological measures are essential, as are social impact programs via partner initiatives in the areas of health and safety. However, the tech companies are particularly innovative in their approach.

Tech companies are also leading the way in the cloud. For example, Microsoft has announced that it is going to be carbon-negative by 2030 and will remove its historic emissions by 2050. It will improve efficiency in operations, devices, and the supply chain. In addition, it is delivering cloud technology to help customers measure and manage their carbon emissions more effectively and lead the way with carbon removal purchases and investments to help develop the carbon reduction market.

The company’s Cloud for Sustainability offer is particularly worthy of note. The Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings enable companies to discover and connect to real-time data sources, accelerate data integration and reporting, provide accurate carbon accounting, measure performance against goals and enable intelligent insights for organizations to take more effective action.

Microsoft’s Cloud for Sustainability helps companies take control of their environmental initiatives with comprehensive, integrated, and automated insights to accelerate each stage of their sustainability journey. For the C-suite, this is becoming more and more important as it can directly impact company stock price as institutional investors begin to contemplate sustainability metrics when making investment decisions

Sustainability reporting is all about communicating to investors about implementing these changes and how things will be moving forward. The report discloses and communicates environmental, social, and governance goals (ESG). Choosing to implement these changes and setting goals is the way to take a giant leap forward. It is also about informing stakeholders how the organization is implementing strategies to achieve these goals. Doing so raises investor and shareholder confidence.

David Catzel is a visionary with a long and distinguished history of working at the crossroads of industry and technology innovation in the cloud, helping companies streamline existing businesses and prepare for changing business in the future. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 17, 1953. He is a pragmatic futurist who has built a career helping executives understand the future and the digital and cultural transformation needed to make that future possible

In his current role as Senior Industry, Digital Strategist for Microsoft’s Automotive, Mobility, and Transportation Industry Team, he engages with senior leadership at mobility partners, taking an ecosystem view and ideating around the future of mobility and electrification, and most importantly, sustainability. He has consulted with ports, shipping companies, airlines, airports, automotive companies, and rental agencies about the future of their industries, the growing interconnection between them, and their combined opportunity to positively impact sustainability and our planet’s viability.

While his current role is a world apart from his earlier career at the intersection of media and technology, his current career trajectory makes sense in retrospect. In the corporate communications sector in the 1980s and early 90s, he designed and developed innovative new product introductions for automotive, packaged goods, and energy companies using early computer programs to synchronize projections, lasers lights, and special effects. 

Building on this media production experience, David Catzel next sought to expand his film and video business skills in partnership with Kit Thomas. They launched KitCat, a music video company. Soon, his agency became a prominent name in the market and produced music videos for a wide variety of artists, such as Donna Summer and John Denver, and documentaries for MTV music personalities such as Roger Waters, the charismatic but enigmatic leader of Pink Floyd.

After making his mark on the music production industry, David Catzel decided to pursue his passion for technological innovation. He parted ways with Kit Thomas, who continued to work in the music field. This departure meant new beginnings, and David Catzel joined North Communications, an IBM Partner Company, in 1990. He led the development and deployment of interactive public access touchscreen kiosk networks for various governments globally for three years. 

In 1994 David was approached and recruited by Lucasfilm. As a technical director, David Catzel helped develop media and technology control and management platform to realize George Lucas’s dream of a new kind of entertainment and retail marketplace experience. 

In 1996, David Catzel joined Microsoft as a Senior Developer Platform Evangelist. In that role, to lead a company repositioning from simply being a technology provider to the media and entertainment industry to becoming a strategic partner to the sector. 

David built strategic partnerships with many of the major studios and networks to launch and promote new digital distribution channels across Microsoft Xbox, laptop, and mobile platforms for partners as diverse as The Walt Disney Company, Fox, Paramount, Warner Brothers, and Sony. 

He joined an Israeli cyber security company in 2018 but later returned to Microsoft in 2020 as a digital strategist

While his background has traversed several industries, one thing has remained constant. His passion for leveraging technology to create change for the better. At present, a focus on the future of mobility is tightly linked to leveraging technology in the service of sustainability while at the same time improving partner and customer company’s bottom line and shareholder value. 

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