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Bingo with a Purpose: Designer Handbags and Global Adventures Await at Purses for Passports

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on September 26, 2024

By: Nic Abelian

Steven’s Wings: Global Youth Adventures is set to host an exciting and impactful fundraiser, Purses for Passports: Designer Handbag Bingo, with a goal of raising $15,000. The proceeds from this event will go toward funding international travel opportunities for three underserved youth as part of the organization’s Global Explorer Program in July 2025. This program, which combines cultural immersion, service learning, and leadership development, provides young participants with experiences that broaden their worldviews and help them become empowered, global citizens.

Empowering Youth Through Global Exploration

Founded in 2023 by Erica Wright in honor of her brother Steven, Steven’s Wings: Global Youth Adventures is committed to providing transformative travel experiences for underserved youth. Steven, a Navy veteran and healthcare worker known for his compassion and dedication to service, inspired the mission of the organization: to give young people the opportunity to grow through global travel, cultural immersion, and community service. The Global Explorer Program offers life-changing journeys that aim to develop leadership skills and encourage participants to return home with a stronger sense of purpose.

The funds raised through Purses for Passports will directly support three deserving youth by covering the costs of travel, accommodation, and program participation. Through these experiences, participants are not only exposed to new cultures but also given opportunities to engage in meaningful service projects that promote personal growth and social responsibility.

How Purses for Passports: Designer Handbag Bingo Works

Purses for Passports offers participants a unique opportunity to enjoy a fun night of bingo while making a difference in the lives of underserved youth. The event features rounds of bingo, with winners taking home coveted designer handbags as prizes. Each handbag represents more than just a luxury item—it symbolizes a contribution to a larger cause, helping underserved youth gain experiences that would otherwise be out of reach.

The excitement of winning a designer handbag draws a diverse crowd, but what truly resonates with participants is the knowledge that their involvement in the event is contributing to a cause with deep community impact. Every ticket purchased, every bingo card played, helps raise funds to support the future leaders of tomorrow through the Global Explorer Program.

A Community Effort to Empower Young Dreamers

Community involvement is at the heart of Purses for Passports, as the success of the event depends on the participation of individuals and local businesses alike. Erica Wright, the founder of Steven’s Wings, emphasizes the power of community support in making these life-changing travel opportunities possible. “Your participation in Purses for Passports helps us give wings to young dreamers, opening their eyes to the world and unlocking their full potential,” Wright says. This professional insight captures the essence of the event—a collective effort to uplift youth and provide them with opportunities for growth and leadership development.

The event is not just about raising funds; it’s about building a community of supporters who believe in the mission of Steven’s Wings. Whether it’s through playing bingo, donating, or spreading the word, each contribution helps create life-changing experiences for youth who may never have the opportunity to travel or engage with different cultures.

The Global Explorer Program: A Path to Leadership

The Global Explorer Program is at the core of what makes Steven’s Wings unique. The program focuses on three pillars: cultural immersion, service learning, and leadership development. Participants in the program not only travel internationally, but they also engage in hands-on projects that serve local communities, whether through building schools, participating in environmental initiatives, or volunteering with local organizations.

These experiences help youth build critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, and empathy, all of which are essential for becoming effective leaders. Upon returning home, participants are encouraged to apply what they’ve learned to their own communities, continuing Steven’s legacy of service and making a difference on a local level.

For the young people selected for the 2025 Global Explorer Program, the opportunity to travel abroad is a chance to expand their horizons and grow as individuals. It’s an experience that can change their perspectives on life, their role in the world, and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Contact Steven’s Wings

To learn more about Steven’s Wings: Global Youth Adventures, or to participate in the upcoming Purses for Passports event, visit:

Published by: Nelly Chavez

 

Fashion 4 Development Hosts the Fourth Annual Sustainable Goals Banquet

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on September 26, 2024

By: Margaret Wimmer

In the Presence of World Leaders and Diplomats, the 4th Annual Sustainable Goals Banquet Honored Agents of Change and Further F4D’s, HKI’s, Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture’s and Education Above All’s Commitment to the UN Sustainable Goals.

Fashion 4 Development (F4D), in partnership with the Human Kind Institute (HKI), Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture and the Education Above All Foundation (EAA), hosted the Fourth Annual Sustainable Goals Banquet on Monday, September 23rd, during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The evening was hosted by F4D Founder and HKI Director Evie Evangelou, and the theme was Healthier People, Healthier Planet. 

Held at 583 Park Avenue, the night welcomed World Leaders, UN ambassadors, VIPs, fashion industry leaders, political influencers, diplomats and prominent climate change spokespeople, including Harold O’Neal, Freddie Toye, Barbara Winston, Eva Orner, Desirée Bollier, Catherine Castillon, Dayle Haddon, Shannon Hoey, Prime Ministers, Ministers and Ambassadors for Jamaica, Bahamas, Saint Kitts Nevis, Bosnia, Malawi, Egypt, Morocco, Indonesia, Eritrea, UK, Malta and more, to support both the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the efforts of both organizations to promote positive strategies for sustainable economic growth.

 Fashion 4 Development is part of the programming for the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. The Years of Culture initiative spearheads international cultural exchange by forging meaningful, long-term partnerships between Qatar and other nations. It was designed to cultivate mutual respect and deepen cross-cultural understanding, bringing diverse communities together through shared experiences.

Evie Evangelou began the night’s program by welcoming everyone and said, “Welcome to this year’s gala reception during the 79th session of the UNGA as we mark the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. Years of Culture serves as a catalyst for bringing people together and encouraging dialogue among nations. The Education Above All Foundation works to ensure equal access to education and to harness the power of quality education for positive, sustainable, and inclusive change. The Human Kind Institute exists to liberate creative minds and fuel imagination with one common connection—we care about humanity and our planet; we care about peace and harmony in our world.”  

Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, the first female Himalayan Siddha Master, then took the stage to perform an enlightening two-minute meditation session with all of the guests as part of a world peace campaign. 

Evangelou then took the stage to introduce Nia Thompson and the musicians from the Broadway production of Lion King with composer and concert pianist for Pixar Harold O’Neal, who performed Shadowland. 

Throughout the evening, agents of change took to the stage to receive their Human Kind Institute Awards (HKI) for their unwavering efforts toward sustainability, addressing food security, extreme poverty, education, preservation of culture, and the empowerment of women and children. 

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim was awarded the Environmental Protection Award for Planetary Guardians following a video from founder Richard Branson.  The Planetary Guardians are a collective of committed leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving people and the planet. They are coming together with no other agenda than to do the right thing to secure a safe, just, and healthy future where humanity and the planet flourish together. Their mission is to elevate the science to make the Planetary Boundaries a measurement and operating framework for the world and to start a movement where everyone, everywhere, joins forces as guardians of our shared home. www.planetaryguardians.org

Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid was awarded the Children’s Advocacy Award. Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid was appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as his Special Representative on Violence against Children in May 2019.  A pediatrician from Morocco, Dr. M’jid has over the last four decades devoted her life to the promotion and protection of children’s rights. From 2008 to 2014, she served as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.

Dr. Maalla M’jid said, “Ending violence against children cannot wait. Millions of children worldwide are displaced. Millions of children are affected by conflict. Millions of children are victims of different forms of violence. But it is possible to end violence against children, and the fashion industry and private sector more widely have a key role to play. Child protection is everyone’s business.”  

Following the awards, F4D presented an Education Above All (EAA) video. Education Above All Foundation took a central role in showcasing its dedication to equitable access to education, underlining the essential link between education and sustainable, inclusive progress. EAA Foundation highlighted several ongoing projects and initiatives that underscore the transformative power of quality education in driving positive change. 

EAA Foundation Youth Advocate, Ahmed Saif Hajari then delivered a presentation on youth-led sustainability projects. Through his involvement in the EAA Foundation Youth Advocacy program, Ahmed is committed to championing the importance of education as a driving force behind the UN SDGs. 

Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner of International Affairs for NYC, then took the stage to give his remarks. 

He noted, “We’re deeply committed to honoring the sustainable development goals. And our commitment to the SDGs is unwavering.  We’re proud to manage  New York City’s Junior Ambassador program, that empowers young New Yorkers to engage and address key global issues. Through the lens of the SDGs, educators and students gain a deeper understanding of the United Nations’ work and the interconnectedness of global challenges. This year, we are especially proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our junior ambassador program. Our mandate is clear. We must ensure that the next generation understands how their actions today will shape the future.” 

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Thani, the Founder of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Art (IAIA), then took the stage to give his remarks. 

He stated “Under the umbrella of IAIA, we started a brand that is inspired by the history of Kaftan as a symbol of Arab and Islamic heritage. The Kaftan was arguably introduced to Morocco in the 15th century using fabrics that traveled from Asia and Europe all the way to Morrocco. And with this spirit offers a sustainable and contemporary design fabric right to the hands of local craftsman in Morocco, ensuring the continuity of this remarkable craft and connecting cultures in the process. The cross-cultural spirit we embody at the Institute of Arab Islamic Art is inherited by my understanding and fascination of the Arab civilization and the Islamic civilization. I am inspired by my country’s commitment to cultural diplomacy through the remarkable work of Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums and the Years of Culture initiative.”

The evening also spotlighted EAA’s Weaving Hopes exhibition from Silatech Beneficiaries in Morocco, which featured artisanal creations made by Moroccan youth, beneficiaries of a Silatech Foundation’s project in partnership with Al Amana Microfinance Institution. The initiative has empowered over 134,000 young people by providing them with resources to turn their passions into sustainable livelihoods. Other exhibitions highlighted included Moroccan kaftans by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Thani, Founder of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Art in New York; exquisite displays of Amazigh jewelry and Kaftans by Siham El Habti, reflecting Morocco’s vibrant artistic heritage; and a showcase of vintage Kaftans by Kenza Melehi in collaboration with Yves Saint Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier. 

An authentic Moroccan tent with furnishings was also featured during the event, and guests enjoyed a buffet menu of Moroccan flair created by Master Chef David Fhima from Casablanca, the Founder of Fhimas, Minneapolis and Maison Margaux.

The night concluded with closing remarks from Evie Evangelou and two beautiful musical performances by Ferdaous, an award-winning Moroccan songwriter, composer and singer and Gnawa State 7 music group. 

The banquet was part of a two-day program that also included Fashion 4 Development’s (F4D) 12th Annual First Ladies Luncheon, further bridging fashion, diplomacy, education, and sustainable development.

F4D Awards created exclusively by Toye, Kenning & Spencer, founded in 1685 and with a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Toye, Kenning & Spencer is the leading and most diversified craft skills employer in the United Kingdom. To learn more about F4D, please visit: http://www.fashion4development.com

About Fashion 4 Development

Fashion 4 Development (F4D) is a private sector global platform founded by Evie Evangelou in January 2011 in cooperation with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon to support the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and “Every Woman, Every Child”. F4D builds upon the core leadership principles of the 4E’s: Educate, Empower, Enhance and Enrich, and activates partnerships that promote the Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Industries, advance economic and social development activities, preserve culture and empower women. In 2015 F4D committed to support the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and place a significant focus on sustainable lifestyle practices for a healthier world. Fashion 4 Development’s tagline – “Giving Back is the New Luxury” – and its message to promote positive social change are being received with open arms around the world, with initiatives in over 20 countries.

About Years of Culture 

The Years of Culture initiative, chaired by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, spearheads long-lasting cultural partnerships between Qatar and other nations. It exists to promote respect and understanding among diverse cultures and serves as a catalyst for bringing people together, nurturing connections, encouraging dialogue, and deepening understanding. Though formal programming spans one year, the lasting impact continues through legacy projects.  

The Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture is developed in collaboration with leading organizations in Qatar with counterparts in Morocco and with assistance from the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Qatar’s Embassy in Morocco, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Qatar.

Previous Years of Culture have included: Qatar-Japan 2012, Qatar-UK 2013, Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar-Türkiye 2015, Qatar-China 2016, Qatar-Germany 2017, Qatar-Russia 2018, Qatar-India 2019, Qatar-France 2020, Qatar-USA 2021, Qatar-MENASA 2022, and Qatar-Indonesia 2023. Website: yearsofculture.qa 

About the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation 

The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is a global foundation established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. EAA Foundation aims to transform lives through education. We believe that education is the single most effective means of reducing poverty, creating peaceful and just societies, unlocking the full potential of every child and youth, and creating the right conditions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Through our multi-sectoral approach, unique financing models, focus on innovation as a tool for social good, and partnerships, we aim to bring hope and real opportunities to the lives of impoverished and marginalized boys and girls. EAA Foundation is comprised of the following programmes: Educate A Child (EAC), Al Fakhoora, Reach Out To All (ROTA), Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC), Innovation Development (ID) and Together project. 

The Human Kind Institute (HKI), founded by Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva, exists to liberate creative minds and fuel imagination. Before technology, before material outcomes, it is our shared consciousness and mutual benevolence that will guide us toward a positive future. By bridging the gap between art and technology, spirituality, and science, we will encourage evolutions in education and sustainable lifestyle practices. Through a key focus on wellbeing, we will encourage, and nurture healthy mindsets fit for the challenge ahead. Website: www.humankind-institute.com

Published by: Nelly Chavez

Leila Evloeva Talks Investing in Luxury Estates

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on September 26, 2024

By: Joshua Finley

Anyone considering property investment knows why advisors rate it as one of the safest and most rewarding ways to diversify a portfolio. Property tends to withstand market swings and serves as an ideal hedge against inflation. Those seeking rental income will find that careful investments can provide stable returns. For many investors, the appeal of the luxury property market is hard to resist, especially with its potential return on investment.

According to property group Zillow, inventory in the luxury segment is up 15.7% year over year but remains 46.9% below pre-pandemic levels. In June 2024, 20.8% of luxury listings had a price cut, up from 19.4% the previous June, making now a potential ideal time to invest.

Investing in luxury property for long-term returns makes sense, but for many buyers, other factors influence their decision. For high-net-worth individuals, luxury property is not just a financial investment but an investment in a home.

These buyers consider livability, yet many homes are sold solely ‘by the numbers.’ The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and entertainment areas factor into the price, but this approach often overlooks individual tastes and needs.

One woman focused on revolutionizing the Miami luxury property sales market is luxury real estate advisor and architectural designer Leila Evloeva.

Leila takes a holistic view of investor needs and is committed to going beyond the dollars and cents motivation when it comes to luxury property investment, and that approach can provide the extra value that her wealthy clientele demands.

Getting Under the Skin

Investment in luxury property is often driven by emotional and psychological factors. For many buyers, the exclusivity, status, and prestige of owning a high-end property are powerful motivators. Additionally, the security and long-term value growth of luxury real estate attract buyers seeking both a lifestyle upgrade and a solid, appreciating asset for their portfolio.

For Evloeva, the key to providing real value to the client is to balance their long-term financial interests with an in-depth understanding of their lifestyle requirements.

“For buyers of luxury real estate, lifestyle and comfort are crucial. Features like gourmet kitchens, home theaters, spa-like bathrooms, and outdoor spaces appeal to this market, but the focus is on lifestyle. Some clients seek an entertaining base, while others prefer a lock-up-and-go option. The key to offering sound advice is understanding personal preferences and aspirations. That’s why I discuss clients’ ideal lifestyles and, for international clients, research their culture,” commented Evloeva.

“I’m passionate about real estate, but it’s not driven by a paycheck. I never want to put someone in a situation where they end up with a property they won’t love, especially when they’re investing their hard-earned money. My goal is for them to not only love their house but also the area they live in and the feel of the neighborhood,” says Evloeva.

“Can they walk their dogs safely? Are there vegan restaurants nearby? Are their kids in college and coming back for the holidays? What about great entertainment options or the sound and smell of the ocean? It’s about making a genuine connection with the client and understanding who they are and what they aspire to.”

A Design Pedigree

Ever since she can remember Leila Evloeva has had an interest in architecture and the use of space, and it’s stood her in good stead when it comes to finding properties that meet the lifestyle aspirations of her clients.

“I come from a family of architects, and space has always fascinated me. It’s one of the reasons that I studied for a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Business Management In Interior Design at Berkley. I wanted to explore how investment and a passion for space can fit together to provide holistic value to property buyers. 

After completing her BFA, Leila went on to graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business with an MBA, rounding off an already impressive property advisory pedigree.

As she explains, “The MBA studies sharpened my focus on what defines a superior investment financially. Often that’s calculated on the footprint of the property. but square feet can be a crude measure of value. It contributes to long-term returns, but the potential of that space often needs to be unwrapped for clients – and done in a way that helps them recognize the quality-of-life value in their investment.”

“Finding the sweet spot between a shrewd addition to an investment portfolio and a desirable lifestyle is the key to unlocking lasting value for the client, and it’s an approach that has allowed me to form incredible and durable relationships with loyal clients.” 

Technology and Value

For Evloeva, the increasing sophistication of virtual environments has provided a platform to add even more value to clients. However, she maintains that technology is both good and bad news for property buyers and property investment advisors.

“VR provides an immersive experience for potential buyers, but studies show it’s most useful for properties with lower agent service quality. So, if you’re not focused on adding value to the client experience, it’s ideal. It often makes agents lazy, as they rely too heavily on VR’s ‘Wow Factor’ and fail to understand the client’s needs and desires.

“With my background in interior design and architecture, I can help clients use VR to explore design options for their future homes. However, it’s crucial to first spend time getting to know the client before using technology to guide their investment and lifestyle choices.”

Leila Evloeva has dedicated her professional life to authenticity, as she puts it, “I’d rather lose a sale than stray from the path of providing my clients with honest, forthright and considered opinion on whether a property is right for them. As I’ve said, it’s not about the paychecks, it’s about people.”

To learn more about Leila Evloeva’s unique approach to adding both financial and lifestyle value to property investors visit her LinkedIn page.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

Angelina Carvalhal: Driving the Future of Higher Education with Innovation and Student-Centric Leadership

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on September 26, 2024

In the ever-evolving realm of higher education, the need for bold, student-centered leadership is more critical than ever. One of the most forward-thinking leaders answering this call is Angelina Carvalhal, CEO and Influencer. With a fresh perspective on what modern education should look like, Angelina is transforming institutions by focusing on innovation and real-world relevance and creating an education system designed for the future rather than clinging to the past.

Her approach to education reform goes beyond incremental changes; she advocates for completely reimagining what success looks like for both students and institutions. With a focus on adaptability, skill-building, and holistic student development, Angelina is pioneering a future where higher education aligns with the needs of the world students will inherit.

Innovating for the Modern Student

Angelina Carvalhal’s vision for higher education is deeply rooted in addressing the needs of today’s students—students who often juggle academic pressures, part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and an uncertain future job market. Understanding this, she champions education systems that go beyond traditional curricula, prioritizing flexibility, access, and personalized learning paths.

“Students today need more than just theoretical knowledge; they need practical skills and experiences that will allow them to navigate complex careers and personal challenges,” Angelina explains. Under her leadership, educational programs emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving—skills that are vital in an age where technology, globalization, and industry trends shift rapidly.

By embracing technology and innovation, she is making education more accessible for a broader range of learners, including non-traditional students, working adults, and students balancing family life. Her efforts to make education more flexible ensure that learning is not confined to a classroom or a rigid schedule but instead becomes a lifelong process available to all.

Career-Ready Graduates in a Competitive World

Angelina has long recognized that the transition from education to the workforce is fraught with challenges. While students may be graduating with degrees, they are often underprepared for the demands of the modern workplace. In response, Angelina has redefined how institutions under her leadership approach career readiness.

Her philosophy is simple: education should be closely linked to career outcomes. To that end, she has implemented internship programs, mentorship opportunities, and collaborations with businesses across various industries. These partnerships give students hands-on experience and expose them to real-world environments, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways before they graduate.

Angelina’s approach doesn’t stop at job preparation—she also focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation. Embedding entrepreneurial thinking into the curriculum encourages students to think creatively, take initiative, and build projects or ventures that solve real-world problems. Her commitment to nurturing job creators, not just job seekers, has set her institutions apart from more traditional educational models.

“We need to prepare students for industries that may not even exist yet,” she says. “That requires not just teaching them how to work within systems, but how to innovate and create new pathways.”

Student-Centered Leadership

Her focus on student-centric leadership is at the heart of Angelina Carvalhal’s success. She views students not as passive recipients of knowledge but as active participants in shaping their own education. From creating student advisory boards to designing platforms where students can voice their concerns and ideas, Angelina ensures that institutions remain agile and responsive to student needs.

Angelina also recognizes that student success goes far beyond the classroom. She is an advocate for promoting emotional intelligence, resilience, and life skills as integral parts of the learning process. She partners with institutions to create programs focused on mindfulness, mental health awareness, and stress management to help students cope with the demands of modern academic life.”Education isn’t just about creating successful professionals; it’s about creating well-rounded individuals who can thrive in all aspects of life,” Angelina says.

Shaping the Future of Educational Leadership

One of the most striking elements of Angelina Carvalhal’s influence is her progressive approach to leadership within higher education. She doesn’t just focus on the students but also the structures that support them, calling for a shift in how institutions are managed. Angelina believes that to keep pace with the rapid changes in society and technology, higher education leadership must be more collaborative, data-driven, and adaptable.

To bring this vision to life, she has pioneered leadership development programs for faculty and administrators, encouraging them to adopt a growth mindset and embrace innovation in their teaching and administrative practices. Her goal is to cultivate leaders within institutions who are not only prepared to manage today’s challenges but also equipped to envision and implement tomorrow’s solutions.

Angelina also champions the need for diversity and inclusion in leadership. She has made it her mission to ensure that leadership teams reflect the diversity of the student bodies they serve, promoting a culture of empathy, representation, and equity at all higher education levels.

A Lasting Impact on Higher Education

As higher education continues to evolve, Angelina Carvalhal is undeniably a leader who is helping shape its future. Her emphasis on innovation, student-centric policies, and real-world readiness are creating a model for how institutions can thrive in the 21st century. By constantly pushing for change that meets the needs of both students and society, she is positioning higher education not just as a gateway to the workforce but as a transformative experience that prepares individuals for a life of learning, leadership, and growth.

Angelina’s leadership stands as a testament to what is possible when institutions are designed to teach and empower students to reach their full potential.

Published by: Holy Minoza

Unveiling the Future of Healthcare and Leadership Development with StellaVersed Consulting Firm, LLC

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on September 26, 2024

In an era where innovation is not just desired but required, the inception of StellaVersed Consulting Firm, LLC (SVCF) marks a significant milestone in the realms of healthcare administration, IT solutions, and leadership development. Co-founded by Dr.

Janel Paulk and Dr. Pamela McAfee, SVCF emerges as a beacon of pioneering consulting services tailored to illuminate innovative pathways for its clients. This narrative delves into how SVCF is setting a new standard in delivering exceptional value through its mission and vision.

At the heart of SVCF lies a profound commitment to partnering with clients as team members, fostering long-term and mutually rewarding business relationships. This principle is encapsulated beautifully by Audre Lorde’s words that resonate deeply within

the firm’s ethos: “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” Such a philosophy underscores SVCF’s approach to harnessing diversity as a strength in developing creative solutions for complex challenges faced by healthcare organizations today.

Dr. Janel Paulk and Dr. Pamela McAfee bring to the table an amalgamation of expertise and experience that spans across healthcare administration and operations, healthcare IT and change management, along with leadership development and education. Their journey has seen them presenting at various prestigious leadership conferences both nationally and internationally, establishing their thought leadership in these domains.

The recent selection of SVCF as a Qualified Vendor for the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) stands testament to their unparalleled prowess in qualitative and quantitative research design and implementation. For NACHC, they are set to provide consulting services as subject matter experts focusing on needs assessment creation for strategic planning purposes alongside facilitation and project management design.

What sets SVCF apart is not just their technical know-how but their innovative approach towards solving problems. The co- founders believe in embracing change management as an essential component of technology implementation in healthcare settings. Their strategies are designed not only to streamline operations but also to ensure that technology acts as an enabler rather than a disruptor.

Leadership development forms another cornerstone of SVCF’s offerings. Recognizing that leaders are not born but made, Drs. Paulk and McAfee have curated programs aimed at nurturing skills necessary for effective leadership within healthcare environments. These programs emphasize ethical decision- making, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and resilience-building among other critical competencies.

SVCF’s mission extends beyond providing consulting services; it aims at fostering an ecosystem where innovative ideas can flourish without constraints — a place where clients feel empowered to explore new horizons while being assured of unwavering support from seasoned experts.

For those interested in embarking on this transformative journey with StellaVersed Consulting Firm or learning more about their unique approaches towards creative leadership development and healthcare operations management can reach out directly to Dr. Pamela A. McAfee via email at drpamela@stellaversedconsulting.com, connect with her on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/ in/ pamela-a-mcafee or via their website at stellaversedconsulting.com. 

Future of Healthcare and Leadership Development

Photo: Unsplash.com

As we look towards the future, it is clear that StellaVersed Consulting Firm stands ready not just to navigate but also shape the evolving landscape of healthcare administration, IT solutions, and leadership development through its innovative consulting practices. Their work promises not only enhanced operational efficiencies but also enriched lives through better health outcomes — an endeavor that truly embodies their mission of delivering exceptional value by illuminating innovative paths forward.

In essence, StellaVersed Consulting Firm embodies transformation — a relentless pursuit toward excellence where every challenge encountered is viewed as an opportunity for growth; where every client relationship is cherished; where diversity in thought leads to groundbreaking solutions; all steered under the visionary guidance of Drs. Paulk and McAfee who continue inspiring action toward a healthier world equipped with dynamic leaders ready to take on tomorrow’s challenges today.

 

Published by: Khy Talara

Improving Dental Case Acceptance: Joshua Lingerfelt’s 3 E’s

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on September 26, 2024

By: Thomas Mann

In the highly competitive dental industry, patient interactions play a pivotal role in practices’ success. With rising patient expectations and stiff competition among dental practices, offering above-average services alone isn’t enough to ensure growth. 

Understanding this dynamic, Joshua Lingerfelt, founder of Case Conversion Institute (CCI), has crafted a transformative approach to patient communication—the “Three E’s” framework. This effective strategy has been instrumental in increasing case acceptance rates and helping dental practices boost revenue while enhancing the quality of patient care.

What Are the Three E’s?

The Three E’s—Echo, Encourage, and Easy-Question—are rooted in the understanding that patients make decisions based on emotions — even when they think they’re being logical. 

Dental practices that master this framework can effectively communicate with patients despite high emotions. 

This can ultimately lead to stronger relationships, better outcomes, and higher case acceptance rates.

  • Echo

The first E in the framework is “Echo,” which involves reflecting the patient’s concerns back to them to validate their feelings. 

Patients often arrive at a dental practice with fears, anxieties, or confusion about their treatment options. By echoing their concerns, the treatment coordinator or dentist demonstrates active listening. This can make the patient feel heard and understood.

For example, if a patient expresses concern about the cost of a procedure, a coordinator might respond with: “I understand that the cost is a big concern for you right now.” 

This small act of validation helps to build trust and opens the door for a more meaningful conversation about solutions.

  • Encourage

The second E stands for “Encourage.” Dental professionals can further address the patient’s concerns by displaying a deeper understanding of the benefits of the proposed treatment. This encourages the patient by reassuring them and providing insight into how the procedure will improve their quality of life. 

For instance, in response to a patient’s fear of tooth loss, a dental professional might say: “I know how important it is for you to keep your natural teeth. The treatment we’re recommending will help you do that and ensure your smile stays healthy and strong.” 

By connecting the procedure to the patient’s personal goals, the practice reinforces the emotional and logical reasons for proceeding with the treatment.

  • Easy-Question

The final E, “Easy-Question,” aims to boost the patient’s confidence by presenting them with an easy, affirmative question that guides them toward a positive decision. Encouraging patients doesn’t necessarily mean pushing them into a decision. Rather, you’re giving them the emotional support they need to feel good about moving forward.

An example of an “easy question” is: “Would you like to stop living with this pain?” 

Most patients will instinctively say “yes,” setting the stage for a productive discussion about the next steps. This method moves the conversation forward without creating pressure, allowing the patient to feel in control of their decision.

A Framework for Success

Joshua’s Three E’s framework goes beyond traditional objection-handling techniques. It bridges the gap between logic and emotion, enabling dental practices to address patient concerns holistically. His coaching sessions, which include role-playing and real-time feedback, teach dental teams how to implement this approach effectively.

Joshua recalls a specific case in which a dental practice in Pennsylvania struggling with case acceptance adopted the Three E’s framework and saw immediate improvement. 

In another instance, a treatment coordinator in the Los Angeles area was initially reluctant to offer financing options for high-ticket procedures. They began using the Three E’s and saw an increase in production. 

By shifting the conversation from price to value and emotional benefit, the coordinator was able to close more cases and increase patient satisfaction.

Practical Application

Implementing the Three E’s isn’t limited to patient consultations. 

Joshua encourages dental teams to take this framework home and use it in everyday interactions. As he puts it, “If you can use the Three E’s to persuade your kids to go to bed on time, you can certainly use it to help patients make decisions that improve their oral health.”

By consistently using this framework during patient interactions, dental practices can achieve higher case acceptance rates, improve patient relationships, and potentially increase revenue. It works on the phone, in person, and even during follow-ups.

The Future of Patient Care

Success in the dental industry is no longer centered on offering the latest technology or cutting-edge treatments. Understanding patients’ emotions and providing personalized care also plays a huge role. 

Joshua’s Three E’s framework offers a simple, effective way to build stronger connections with patients and encourage positive treatment decisions. Practices that adopt this model see improvements in their case acceptance rates and foster a culture of empathy and trust within their team.

As Joshua Lingerfelt explains, “It’s not just about selling treatments; it’s about making sure patients feel good about the decisions they’re making. When you do that, everyone wins.”

 

Published By: Aize Perez