Meet Shel Cierra, a Growing Creator on Twitch

NY Weekly Staff on November 29, 2022

The goldmine that social media is today has birthed many stars and given a lot of people a chance to shine in the world. Shel Cierra found an opportunity in the locked-down world in 2020 during the pandemic to launch a podcast, Shel It Like It Is, on which she shared her life’s struggles and discussed other real-life matters. Two years later, she moved her podcast to Twitch and has been on an upward growth trajectory since.

Shel Cierra found a turning point in making her podcast into a live stream so that people can watch live and feel included in the creative process. The podcast has created a melting pot for subjects on beauty, gaming, real life and entertainment. Shel has been able to create a light-hearted setting where important topics are discussed without coming off as too serious or uptight.

Over the last two years, Shel Cierra has shared an authentic part of herself with the world to encourage people and highlight the importance of self-awareness to them. She is proof that anyone can start something and become successful regardless of how long they have been at it. Making Shel It Like It Is an interactive podcast that her audience can follow in real-time has contributed to the podcast’s growth, and Shel Cierra looks forward to connecting with more people authentically this way.

Shel Cierra has created a thriving community of doers looking to become better versions of themselves and contribute to the world positively. Shel is all about passing the message, “If she can do it, then anybody can,” and she’s using her platform to reinforce the idea that becoming is possible for everyone as long as they have the right ideas and are willing to implement them. Not many podcasts deliver entertainment alongside serious topics and subjects at the same time. Shel It Like It Is does, and it is the secret behind its exponential growth. It was also featured in the “Top 10 Thriving Podcasts in 2021” list.

With only a few months on Twitch, Shel Cierra has her sights set on partnering with the Twitch platform and doing bigger projects around and beyond the podcast. She also plans to grow her brand through bigger collaborations over the coming years and project her name into more notable quarters. She has been seen on streams with notable names like Adin Ross and Kai Cenat and hopes to work with more Twitch creators. “Getting the chance to impact lives directly has blessed me, and I hope to keep doing this in the next many years to come. I’m glad to be on this journey as it gives hope to everyone out there that things can change for them within a short time. It only takes them figuring out what they want to do and doing it,” Shel Cierra said.

LORR Changing the Game for Business Owners with Web 3 Access

NY Weekly Staff on November 26, 2022

Getting into Web 3.0 for many people and entities seems like an insurmountable hurdle because it looks complex and difficult to understand. Other than the complexity, there isn’t enough infrastructure to aid entry into Web 3.0 platforms. However, LORR is changing that by making Web 3.0 accessible for businesses looking to take their operations to the next level.

LORR operates on access, interoperability and sustainability. Everything about LORR is built around those three factors, and it’s changing a lot of things with its offerings. Through LORR, small to mid-sized fashion brands and retailers can get into Web 3.0 without going through multiple hoops and loops. LORR meets retailers where they are so that they can meet their customers where they are. It gives retailers a slow-paced progression from what they are used to, to Web 3.0.

Changing retail to digital asset ownership through virtual real estate and storefronts is a game-changing process for those looking to break into the Web 3.0 space. “We all see that a lot of the current virtual spaces in other metaverse platforms are expensive. While it is great that Louis, Gucci, and Nike are leading the way, the reality is that not everyone has seven, eight, or nine figures in their budget to launch brand experiences in the metaverse. The goal is to make it accessible, not just from a pricing standpoint, but answering their questions around; “Now that I have land, where do I go, how do I build, or what do I build?” We are offering an all-in-one turn-key solution with a design studio that handholds our retailers through the process of designing something that is in line with their purpose and suitable for them and their customers,” LORR’s CEO, Nova Lorraine, said.

With LORR, retailers get to buy and own land, which comes with a storefront and access to LORR’s design team that will build and design the store. With those in place, retailers can connect LORR’s 3D environment to their existing Web 2.0 storefront. This gives their customers access to a browser-based 3D environment right from the retailer’s website and enjoy a brand-new experience. And interact with the wide range of avatars and features in the environment. LORR’s goal is to give retailers the option to upgrade to Web 3.0 if they believe their customers are ready for it or remain on Web 2.0 if that’s what they want. “We have seen that although most consumers are intrigued by this new method of transaction, they’re not necessarily ready for that, but that option is there as an upgrade feature for retailers,” LORR’s founder, Prasanna Hari, said. 

LORR, as a platform, is offering seamless access to Web 3.0 by providing retailers with all the tools they need to make the switch. “LORR is the destination you want your coveted address to be within the metaverse. When you think of Madison Ave and New York City, you think of LORR. If you have the opportunity, you want to be there, especially if that fits the ethos of your brand. Similarly, when you think of the decentraland and sandbox kind of platforms, you can be in all of them, but you definitely want to have an address in LORR. So, we are the Madison Ave of the metaverse and where we distinguish ourselves is that we’re steeped in storytelling,” Lorraine said.

5 Reasons to use composable commerce for your company

NY Weekly Staff on November 21, 2022

As your company grows, finding efficient and scalable ways of doing business becomes more critical. One way to achieve this is through the use of composable commerce.

Composable commerce is an innovative approach to eCommerce that allows businesses to easily and quickly create custom shopping experiences for their customers. Here are five reasons you should consider using composable commerce for your company.

  1. Composable commerce is more efficient than traditional eCommerce platforms

Although traditional eCommerce platforms are widely used for making purchases and conducting business transactions, composable commerce is a more efficient way of doing so. This emerging mode of commerce allows businesses to tailor their shopping experience to individual customers by creating highly personalized interfaces and experiences. Unlike traditional e-commerce platforms, which tend to be rigid and limited in scope, composable commerce offers greater flexibility and adaptability.

By leveraging algorithms and data analytics, businesses can customize their e-commerce solutions according to customer needs and preferences. In addition, because consumers interact with multiple brands through one interface, they can save significant time by quickly browsing between products without repeatedly signing in or out of separate sites. Thus, it is clear that composable commerce is an increasingly effective way for retailers to engage with their customers and promote growth in this digital era.

  1. It allows for a more personalized customer experience

Shopping today is often associated with highly impersonal experiences and lacking human connection. You may breeze through aisles and aisles of generic products, selecting items with little interaction or guidance from store employees. But there is another way to shop: online. Thanks to technological advances, it is now possible to connect directly with the businesses you buy from, learn more about the products they offer, and get recommendations based on your preferences.

This personalized shopping experience dramatically enhances the overall shopping experience, allowing customers to find exactly what they need and feel valued by their favorite businesses. Whether you are browsing for clothes, home goods, electronics, or anything else, an online shopping experience allows you to create customized products that fit your needs perfectly.

How important is CX in eCommerce?

As eCommerce grows more competitive, the importance of customer experience (CX) will only increase. In fact, in 2022, CX is the key differentiator for online shoppers. This means

that businesses need to start paying close attention to every touchpoint in the customer journey- from initial awareness all the way to post-purchase support.

There are a few trends that businesses should be aware of when it comes to CX in eCommerce.

  • First, customers are increasingly expecting personalized experiences. They want to feel like businesses understand their needs and are catering to them specifically.
  • Secondly, customers are looking for convenience and simplicity throughout the entire customer journey. They don’t want to have to jump through hoops to make a purchase or get support.
  • Finally, customers expect transparency from businesses. They want to know exactly what they’re getting before they make a purchase, and they want businesses to be upfront about any potential issues.

If businesses can keep these trends in mind, they’ll be well on their way to providing an exceptional CX in eCommerce. By doing so, they’ll not only improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, but they’ll also boost their bottom line.

  1. It makes it easier to manage and update your storefront

Maintaining a storefront can be overwhelming and time-consuming, requiring much work, dedication, and attention to detail. However, updating your storefront makes managing those tasks more manageable and ensures that your customers always have access to the most current information about your business. With updates to your storefront, you can quickly and easily add new services, products, or promotions as needed, create landing pages for special events, or even customize content for different audiences.

Additionally, having an updated storefront helps ensure that your website stays on top of any changes in search engine algorithms or best practices. Ultimately, by updating your storefront regularly, you can keep pace with today’s fast-moving online landscape and provide the best possible experience for your customers.

  1. You can use composable commerce to create a unique brand identity

Composable commerce refers to a growing trend in online retail, where merchants use various digital platforms and services to create a customized shopping experience for their customers. Unlike traditional e-commerce, which uses standardized templates and predetermined selections, composable commerce gives buyers more control over the items they purchase and how they are presented.

It allows merchants to create a unique brand identity tailored to their target audience’s needs and tastes. Some ways composable commerce can help businesses build a recognizable brand include customizing product packaging, tailoring product recommendations, adding personalization features like initials or photos, and offering specialized services such as same-day delivery or concierge shopping.

Whether you run a small startup or an established business looking for new growth opportunities, composable commerce is what you need to stand out from the crowd.

  1. It’s cost-effective and scalable

As a business owner, you always seek ways to cut costs and increase efficiency. Composable commerce can help you achieve both goals by streamlining your operations and reducing your dependence on third-party providers.

Additionally, composable commerce is highly scalable, meaning that it can quickly grow with your business as your needs change. Whether you are just starting or are looking for ways to expand your existing operation, composable commerce offers a cost-effective solution that can be tailored to your specific needs. If you want to save money and grow your business, consider switching to composable commerce today.

In conclusion

Composable commerce is a new trend in online retail that allows businesses to create a customized shopping experience for their customers. This type of commerce gives buyers more control over the items they purchase and how they are presented. As a result, businesses can create a truly unique brand identity tailored to their target audience’s needs and tastes.

Some ways composable commerce can help businesses build a recognizable brand include customizing product packaging, tailoring product recommendations, adding personalization features like initials or photos, and offering specialized services such as same-day delivery or concierge shopping. Whether you run a small startup or an established business looking for new growth opportunities, composable commerce is what you need to stand out from the crowd.

“A Good UX Design Means Better Business,” Says Goran Paun, Creative Director of ArtVersion Agency

NY Weekly Staff on November 15, 2022

UX design (user experience design) is a massive, multidisciplinary, and exciting field that shapes the products and services used daily. It can make or break a business or brand. A career in UX design is fast-paced, involves getting to the bottom of a problem, and requires various skill sets. 

As an entrepreneur, you only have a few seconds to influence consumers who visit your site, so you should prioritize investing in UX optimization to gain trust and brand recognition and guarantee user retention. Many companies are tasked with driving the significance of UX to stakeholders whose focus is mainly on the numbers. In this case, a cost analysis integrating statistics on UX ROI can be valuable in comparing before-and-after results against vital performance indicators.

ArtVersion Agency is a Chicago-based creative agency focused on branding, graphic design, UI/UX, and web design. The company was established in 1999 and currently employs in-house strategists, designers, and developers. It runs under the stewardship of Erin Lentz (Executive Director of Design), Petra Tomekova (Art Director), Cristina Chaidez (Communication Strategist), and Goran Paun (Creative Director and the Firm’s Principal). They are pioneers in the UX Design discipline and are trusted by many large organizations in brand design and digital transformation expertise. Erin stated, “We work with change agents, leaders, and innovators. We are the change-makers. We drive the industry forward and refuse the status quo.”

ArtVersion Agency has been making headlines with its success. Their team’s proficiency spans user research, brand strategy, and user experience design. Additionally, the team is accredited and nationally recognized, with over 100 prestigious awards on its shelves. “One of our highlights resides in our staff’s ability to grasp the concept quickly and develop measurable results,” they say. 

Regularly working with influential startups and established brands, the ArtVersion team identifies opportunities and develops strategies to generate organic conversions and user engagement through interactive design. “We help brands connect their ethos and solidify their legacies along the journey,” states Cristina.

ArtVersion’s creative director and firm’s principal shared, “As we conduct more and more of our daily business interactions online, it’s never been more critical to offer users a seamless, frictionless digital experience that aligns with their daily lives. Users have come to expect an optimized user experience as a basic requirement, and it’s now become a prerequisite implementation strategy across all platforms and devices.”

Goran added that visibly understanding why customers come to a site and what they need works in both the audience’s and the business’s favor, thus, providing brands with the rationale and pathways for enhanced user experience. Again, companies can now impact their business more efficiently by instigating targeted policies throughout their market and its digital ecosystem.

As creative problem solvers, the ArtVersion agency team designs intuitive, data-driven, and experiential solutions that apply innovation and inspire possibilities. They are well-known for their expert ability to simplify complex processes and promote clarity. Their beliefs and core competencies in user-focused design across multidisciplinary areas allow for seamless consistency and a greater focus on the details.

The team likes to consider itself a creative extension of any brand or organization they collaborate with. Delving into the deep details of what makes a brand unique is a driving motivation for them; thus, working closely with their clients is what they do best, not only to fully capture their vision through iterative practices but to build relationships and, ultimately, the best possible user experience. 

ArtVersion Agency boasts high-end clients like Hilton, Caterpillar, TransUnion, PepsiCo, Morgan Stanley, Toyota, and Volvo, among many other Fortune 500 companies. They aspire to do additional good work and share more of their journey in the future.

Unifi.AI Brings Flexible Automated Solutions to Data Privacy Compliance

NY Weekly Staff on November 11, 2022

With 2.5 quintillion bytes of data created every day, many companies find themselves on the hamster wheel of compliance as they struggle to keep up with data privacy law updates while keeping customer information safe.

According to UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), as more and more social and economic activities have [sic] “place online, the importance of privacy and data protection is increasingly recognized. Of equal concern is the collection, use and sharing of personal information with third parties without notice or consent of consumers. 137 out of 194 countries had put in place legislation to secure the protection of data and privacy.”

As the amount of information produced continues to grow, companies are looking for a more efficient way to secure data and manage the growing number of countries requiring data privacy compliance.

Data privacy compliance without automation leaves the door open to human error. The Enterprisers Project points out that, 

It is nearly impossible for organizations to be 100 percent compliant with their legal privacy obligations. Digital business ecosystems are constantly changing, creating new risks and areas of non-compliance. Meeting requirements and preventing breaches and incidents requires continuous diligence, and while some organizations take this seriously, others meet compliance once and say, “Whew, we’re done!”

Unifi.AI’s privacy platform provides consumers with simple privacy and encryption solutions that help companies build data flow diagrams with a single click. 

Co-founders Pramod Misra and Neha Tiwari started Unifi.AI with one ambitious goal in mind—solve some of the toughest problems of machine learning, data privacy and AI governance. 

Pramod brings 20 years of experience in data science and machine learning to Unifi.AI, and Neha’s background includes 15 years of data privacy consulting. With a laser focus on the possibilities automation could provide, together, they developed a platform that met and exceeded their goal.

Unifi.AI reduces the time companies spend on compliance and executing encryption or app permissions. The AI-led platform reduces setup time to one-third of the normal process. Companies can rest knowing that their compliance needs are handled automatically. 

Benefits of working with Unifi.AI:

Automated functional structure and data flow design

Data flow diagram created in a few hours rather than weeks or months

Risk assessment and matrix

Standard contractual clauses for your vendors and partners

Compliance with NIST/ISO27001 Frameworks

Risk quantification for each country and regulation

Unifi.AI doesn’t collect or store any information on its platform, so information is only viewable on the client side. 

With Unifi.AI, companies don’t have to worry whether they are getting compliance right by doing it themselves or hiring a privacy expert. Unifi.AI’s easy-to-use platform allows companies to comply with multiple data privacy laws (e.g. GDPR, CCPA, HIPPA) with a single click. Everything is automated and hassle-free.

Learn more about how Unifi.AI is protecting customers’ data through automation on their website.

Foresyte Paving the Way for Social Fintech

NY Weekly Staff on November 11, 2022

A sound financial plan serves as our blueprint for achieving the lives we envision. Having a grip on our personal cash flow and future financial goals are both crucial elements to achieving the financial freedom we all seek. 

Although some people might find it challenging or even intimidating to stay on top of their finances, Foresyte is reshaping the way we manage our finances and free time. Foresyte is an emerging “lifestyle planning” app in the social fintech space developed by a team led by CEO Stephen Eddy. His team’s mission is to help the world understand how personal finance and discretionary planning coexist while providing a platform that brings clarity to the fun parts of life. 

According to a national survey, Over 67% of 18–34-year-old Americans are currently unserved with budgeting. Debt, burnout, and anxiety are on the rise, and young professionals are in need of a proactive budgeting solution that actively guides their lifestyle planning decisions. Foresyte intends to protect this group from the budgeting neglect that has misguided many into financial quagmires.

A first-of-its-kind innovation, Foresyte stands out as a one-stop shop for lifestyle planning. It’s a creatively designed calendar-budgeting hybrid that helps users optimize their time and money to enjoy the things they love to do, while living within their means. The app uses a dynamic calendar heatmap to draw attention to cash flow and exertion actuals, helping users see how future finances will be impacted by the plans they commit to today.

Since entering the market in August 2022, Foresyte has produced 3,500 installs, 2,000 active users, and 90% month-over-month growth. This is a significant milestone for the relatively young app attempting to resegment a crowded space, signaling its potential for market disruption over the coming years.

However, launching a consumer product as a first-time entrepreneur with limited resources has come with no shortage of skepticism. Fortunately, Stephen and team found a way to overcome this “it can’t be done” presumption by moving quickly and delivering a product to market that has captivated its early adopters during the first 90 days.

“Foresyte faces the unique challenge of educating consumers about a new product category that didn’t previously exist. We’ve found creative distribution channels that have allowed us to compensate for this ‘lack of comparable products’ dilemma and get users to recognize the unseen problems Foresyte solves in their lives,” he explains.

The vision is to expand Foresyte’s early success to become a true one-stop shop for planning the fun parts of life. According to Stephen, the intersection of personal finance and discretionary planning is novel. Foresyte’s social calendar infrastructure offers an upgraded alternative to platforms like Facebook for planning social events while layering on financial insights that bring new context to how we plan.

This December, the company intends to roll out a set of Travel Planner features that offer the world a single platform to shop the true cost of traveling to any city around the world, see how those plans will impact their finances in real-time, and book the best deals on flights, hotels, transportation, and tourism all from within the app. 

Webtronic Labs Makes Technology Accessible to More Businesses

NY Weekly Staff on November 9, 2022

Technology changes at lightning speed. Many business owners stay on the fringe of technology, refusing to dip their toes into the unpredictable waters because they don’t want to mess things up. They feel intimidated by the rapidly changing landscape, often afraid to admit that technology “speak” is complex. When you’re a business owner standing on the outside looking into the chaos, it’s enough to make you want to stay far, far away. 

So how can you maximize your company’s impact and potential if you’re not moving forward with the times? How can you ensure that your company doesn’t get left behind in this rapidly changing digital world?

In 2014, when 3D printers and wearable electronics were pushing into the mainstream, a group of inspired engineers came together to discuss how they could bring technology to the average person. Forget the confusing tech speak and industry jargon. They wanted to package software solutions in a user-friendly way, so clients felt like they were part of the creative process.

Web and App developer Jessie Valladares was at the engineer’s meeting that day when the idea for Webtronic Labs sparked. He understood the challenges entrepreneurs and business owners faced when they wanted to play big business but didn’t have access to advanced systems and tools of larger corporations. He believed he could remedy the disadvantage by offering software solutions in a new way. 

Although the idea was conceived in 2014, the company was created in 2018 when he brought together some of the finest engineers from around the globe to offer high-quality software solutions for companies of all sizes. Unlike many software companies specializing in a specific area of technology, Webtronic Labs offers a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of their customers. Since team members specialize in different areas of technology, Webtronic Labs is able to provide exceptional, customized service on multiple levels. 

Often businesses have to go to different companies to get the exact software solution they need. Not with Webtronic Labs. They are a one-stop shop that’s ready to tackle any software project. 

“It is our goal to help as many businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs as possible by being flexible in creating solutions.” 

– Jessie Valladares / CEO, Webtronic Labs

As a software development agency, Webtronic Labs understands the importance of getting the technology right, but what separates them from other companies is their ability to listen to the heartbeat of their clients. Not only do they work passionately to implement client ideas successfully, but they also follow best practices to ensure projects remain easy to change and update. 

For businesses looking to automate their services, simplify processes and provide more value to their customers, Webtronic Labs has the solution. With a curated menu of services, they have the right team to help any business build a stronger brand and a competitive edge in their niche. 

Software companies come and go, but those that find solid footing in the industry understand their customers and offer them more than just the latest trends in technology. 

Learn more about how Webtronic Labs is leveling the technology playing field for businesses of all sizes.

How Kquika Saves Airlines Money with Its Innovative Machine Learning Platforms

NY Weekly Staff on November 2, 2022

Kquika is solving problems for airlines and passengers with proprietary data sets and machine learning algorithms. Made by experts in aviation, their products provide airlines with the best flight path and accurate weather delay, maintenance delay and maintenance need predictions. 

With the exception of personal vehicles, the transportation industry has lagged far behind other industries on the technology front — especially when it comes to commercial aviation. Yes, airlines have been using automatic check-in kiosks for a bit, but beyond simple automations, new ideas like big data and machine learning have yet to be embraced and implemented on a wide scale. 

Kquika is working with airlines to change that and bring the commercial aviation industry into the 2020s. Just like Google Maps can find the best route, Kquika solves the same problem for flight paths, delays and maintenance. 

About Kquika

Kquika consists of two main services: a predictive maintenance platform and a disruption and recovery platform. The predictive maintenance platform utilizes use and repair data across commercial airplane models to predict when aircraft components and systems need service.

The platform empowers airlines to understand what parts of the plane will need maintenance and when. This effectively lowers maintenance costs because airlines are able to correct problems before they become catastrophic. The tool is similar to the platforms and data sets manufacturing facilities use to anticipate machine damage that could hold up production and possibly injure someone. 

Therefore, Kquika is helping airlines reduce aircraft damage and maintenance costs while keeping passengers and workers safe and free from emergency maintenance-related flight delays. Additionally, the maintenance platform works for any type of aircraft, making it a great tool for logistics companies with an airborne arm, the military, hobbyists and aviation schools. 

The disruption and recovery platform takes everything about a flight into account, including the weather, flight path, recent and future flight paths and other important airline and air traffic control data. Its machine learning algorithms use this data to calculate possible delays.       

When Kquika discovers a delay, its automated system can be programmed to send alerts to customers along with the option to rebook their flights. This works for any type of delay or missed connection. The platform gives airlines the ability to alert and reroute passengers faster and without the need for human interaction — saving airlines in two ways. First, human receptionists are not needed for rebooking and questions about delays, saving airlines on labor costs. Second, passengers are well-served with Kquika and not left standing in line waiting to speak with tellers, resulting in a good customer experience and better brand loyalty.  

Overall, the powerful and easily integrated Kquika platforms give airlines peace of mind, significant cost savings and increased customer loyalty. It also provides passengers with essential time-saving tools. 

What Kquika is Up To Today

Victor Oribamise, CEO is currently in talks with major airlines about the use of their products. One day they hope to be assisting every airline and passenger on earth with their ingenious products. This busy trio is also working on valuable new innovations to their platforms, so keep an eye on Kquika via the Kquika website, LinkedIn and Twitter for updates! 

Elizabeth Tweedale is Bringing One of the UK’s Most Successful Online Coding Schools to the United States

NY Weekly Staff on November 2, 2022

As an educator and visionary leader, Elizabeth Tweedale has spent her career creating opportunities for children to be both successful and future-ready. Several years ago, Tweedale launched Cypher Coding, a series of fun and engaging coding camps and clubs for school children aged 5-12. The program, led by Tweedale and a hand-selected team of some of the top computer science and coding instructors in the UK, was an instant success, revealing – and responding to – a growing need for tech classes designed exclusively for children.

Now, Tweedale is bringing her groundbreaking program to the United States, launching Coco Coders to fill the gap that many students experience when it comes to computer science education. It is a personal mission for Tweedale and her team – a way to elevate the quality of education in the United States by giving young students the tools they will need to compete for jobs in an evolving digital landscape. In essence, Coco Coders is empowering children to build their own futures.

“When we look at the job market and the shortage of technologically proficient professionals to fill those jobs, right now we see a lot of employers that are trying to upskill their existing staff,” Tweedale explains. “But if we take a step back and look at what is missing in our education system, there is a need for education to transform to meet those demands.”

While American education has traditionally wisely emphasized literacy and numeracy, Tweedale stresses the importance of including computer science as a foundational skill.

“At Coco Coders, we like to say that we are not trying to create a world full of little computer scientists and coders,” Tweedale says. “But when we all attended school, we all learned our times tables without becoming mathematicians; we learned to read and write without becoming authors. Computer science and coding are fundamentals that should be injected into our education system.”

While it may sound like an audacious claim – a dramatic transformation to a system that has been historically slow to change – Elizabeth Tweedale has the rare combination of experience and passion for making it seem possible. She also has the success record to prove it can be done.

After founding a successful AI company, GoSpace AI, Tweedale shifted her focus to teaching computer science and coding to children. In addition to leading Cypher – one of the leading coding schools in the United Kingdom – Tweedale is the author of several coding books for children. She and her team have spent years developing and testing their curriculum, which makes Coco Coders not simply another EdTech platform for children – it is a program that is backed by some of the leading minds in both technology and education.

Students meet once per week for one-hour online sessions, grouped together in cohorts that are intentionally limited to only a few children. This allows the instructors to maximize their learning time and gives the children the opportunity to not only develop their computer science skills but to form meaningful relationships with their online classmates. Tweedale and her team have discovered that this model provides the greatest learning outcomes for their students.

“We have taught over 12,000 students, and we can say wholeheartedly that for children learning this subject, the most effective strategy is the little-and-often approach,” Tweedale says. “Students can make big leaps in understanding during our summer camps, but the rigor of meeting once a week throughout the year, with some homework or challenges in between those meetings, really sets the foundation for their learning and success.”

With Coco Coders now available throughout the United States, parents who want to prepare their children for the future have a successful, affordable program at their fingertips. When it comes to education, technology, and the future of work, this is welcome news indeed.

To learn more about Elizabeth Tweedale and Coco Coders, visit www.cococoders.com. 

With More Natural Disasters due to Global Warming, How Can We Protect Ourselves?

NY Weekly Staff on November 2, 2022

Scientists have long proven that global warming is to be taken seriously. And if that was not enough for some to entertain the idea, the extreme warmth of last summer shows that the numbers can certainly not be debated anymore. The problem is that the warmer seas and oceans get, the more devastating natural disasters can become. Here is how each individual can protect themselves by keeping a track record of their documents and belongings.

Keep All Your Most Important Documents in PDF Format

When a wildfire rages, there is often no way to know where it will be heading precisely until the last minute. And so, when families are made aware that they have to leave the house and take only their most important belongings, chances are that they will leave one or more important documents behind. And if the house is burned down to the ground, there will start the long journey of recuperation, which after the devastation will make the whole process of getting back on their feet even more difficult than it already is.

That is why these documents need to be turned into PDF files that can be kept in various locations. Think of a USB drive, an external memory and on The Cloud as well, to always have a copy in your hands, no matter what could happen, including losing them to a natural disaster. The great thing about this format is that you can actually edit a PDF online. Therefore, if you want to add notes to them, you can easily do so. For example, on a birth certificate document, you may want to add a picture of the person as well on another page. Just make sure that the documents themselves are not modified in any way; otherwise, these virtual copies that you took the time to make could be useless in the end.

Here is a quick list of some of the personal documents that are a must when you decide to create PDF copies. Of course, they should be done for each member of the family.

  • Birth and death certificates
  • Social security cards (copy of both sides)
  • ID cards and passports (for the passport, make a copy of the cover and the first four pages, where all the personal information is indicated)
  • Wills and powers of attorney (if they happen to change in time, make sure you only keep the last copy in all locations where they can find the PDF)
  • Marriage license
  • House deeds and mortgage documents
  • Pension plan
  • Green cards (if any)

Work and Insurance Documents should not be forgotten

Once you are done with your personal documents, you need to handle everything that has to do with work and the various insurances you may have acquired through time. By using PDF Smart, you can easily do the necessary file modifications by adding elements, as described below. It also lets you do a format change, as well.

Many will simply have a contract for work, which will make it easy. But for those who have a business, they will need to turn the physical business license into a PDF document. This is the most important paper that you will need to carry around. As for the rest, it will greatly depend if you work from home or an office. If the answer is “a,” then you need to make sure with your accountant that there are copies of the fiscal documents and everything that is legally binding kept somewhere safe outside your home. 

When it comes to insurance, PDF files are certainly the most secure way to make sure that if anything happens to any items of value that you own, you will be reimbursed. What you need to do is to take a picture of the object and scan the receipt that you were provided with when you bought it and add it to the document. Do this for anything that you deem worth it and save it with your personal files. If any natural disaster hits your house, and they get lost or destroyed, providing this PDF to your insurance company will simplify the reimbursement process greatly. 

Finally, you should add to these the vehicle titles that you own or are loaning at the moment. In fact, any other loan documents should also find their way on the USB, external drive and The Cloud. This is the best way to ensure that future natural disasters won’t make your life even harder than it will be.

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