Author Archives: Crystal Williams

06.08.23
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Navigating Workplace Stress and Supporting Veterans with PTSD

In any work environment, stress can be an unwelcome byproduct. When employees such as veterans are navigating personal challenges like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), understanding, and a supportive atmosphere become even more crucial. So, how can we better comprehend PTSD, acknowledge its presence in the workplace, and foster a safe space for our veteran co-workers managing this condition?

Understanding PTSD in Veterans

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Many veterans have been exposed to traumatic experiences during their military service, which makes them particularly susceptible to PTSD. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

When a veteran is struggling with PTSD, they may find it challenging to feel safe or secure. The traumatic events they experienced during their service can often dominate their thoughts. They may have trouble sleeping, feel consistently on edge, or find less pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. PTSD symptoms fall into four categories: reliving the event, avoiding reminders of the event, negative changes in beliefs and feelings, and a heightened state of alertness or being on guard.

Veterans with PTSD in the Workplace

The effects of PTSD can extend into the workplace, influencing a veteran’s performance, engagement, and interactions. Veterans with PTSD may struggle with concentration, have higher rates of absenteeism, or seem detached. It’s essential to recognize these as symptoms of a larger issue, rather than attributing them to character flaws or poor work ethic.

Dealing with Workplace Stress

Workplace stress can exacerbate symptoms of PTSD. Therefore, addressing workplace stress is crucial, not just for veterans with PTSD, but for all employees. Here are some strategies:

  1. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees, including veterans, to take time for themselves, maintaining a healthy divide between their professional and personal lives.
  2. Create a Positive Environment: A healthy work environment fosters better mental health. This includes fostering respect and empathy among colleagues, ensuring safe working conditions, and promoting open communication.
  3. Provide Access to Resources: This might include providing information about coping strategies or making professional mental health services available through employee assistance programs.

Supporting Veterans with PTSD

Supporting veterans with PTSD is a responsibility that falls to everyone in the workplace. Here are some strategies:

  1. Promote Awareness and Education: Organize training sessions or workshops to help employees understand PTSD, particularly as it affects veterans. Knowledgeable employees are more likely to be empathetic and supportive.
  2. Encourage Open Dialogue: Let your colleagues know that it’s okay to talk about mental health. However, respect their privacy if they choose not to disclose or discuss their experiences.
  3. Foster Inclusion: Ensure team-building activities and workplace practices are sensitive to veterans with PTSD. Avoid potentially triggering situations whenever possible.
  4. Implement Accommodations: Depending on their comfort level and needs, a veteran with PTSD may benefit from specific accommodations such as flexible working hours, the option to work remotely, or having a quiet and private workspace.

Remember, supporting a colleague with PTSD is about creating an environment of understanding and empathy, not about trying to fix their problems. Your role isn’t to be a therapist, but to be a supportive, understanding colleague who promotes a positive and inclusive work environment.

By understanding PTSD, addressing workplace stress, and fostering supportive environments, we can all contribute to making our workplaces more inclusive and stress-free for our veteran colleagues. PTSD is a challenge, but with understanding and appropriate support, veterans can navigate the workplace successfully.

05.22.23
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Mentoring in the Workplace: Empowering Women and Fostering Collaboration

Hey there! In today’s ever-changing workplace, mentoring has become a game-changer for personal and professional growth. It’s especially crucial when it comes to women in the workplace. Despite breaking the glass ceiling, women still face unique challenges. That’s why mentoring plays a super important role in supporting and empowering women. In this blog, we’ll explore why mentoring women is a big deal and tackle the issue of older generations not always embracing younger working women. Let’s dive in!

The Power of Mentoring Women:

  1. Breaking Stereotypes: Mentoring women smashes stereotypes and shows that gender doesn’t limit anyone’s potential. Pairing successful female mentors with talented mentees sends a powerful message about what women can achieve.
  2. Boosting Confidence: Mentors provide a safe space for women to discuss their dreams, fears, and doubts. By sharing experiences, mentors help build confidence and self-belief, empowering women to take risks and chase their goals.
  3. Expanding Networks: Access to influential networks and opportunities can be a challenge for women. Mentoring bridges that gap by helping women expand their professional networks and fostering collaboration with others in their field.
  4. Skill Development: Mentoring is all about knowledge and skill transfer. Experienced mentors pass on valuable tools and expertise to their mentees, equipping women with the necessary skills to excel and overcome any obstacles they may face.

Navigating Intergenerational Dynamics: Despite progress, some older working women may not always be open to mentoring younger generations. Let’s explore some possible reasons:

  1. Limited Representation: Older women breaking the glass ceiling might not have had many female mentors themselves. As a result, they might find it challenging to take on the mentorship role for younger women.
  2. Competitive Environment: In male-dominated industries or highly competitive workplaces, some women may view younger women as competition. This unintentionally leads to a lack of support and mentorship.
  3. Generation Gap: Different generations have their unique approaches to work, technology, and career progression. This generation gap can create barriers to effective communication and understanding.

Finding Solutions: To foster an environment where women support and mentor younger generations, let’s explore some steps we can take:

  1. Encourage Inclusive Mentoring Programs: Organizations should actively promote mentoring programs that focus on empowering women. Pair experienced female mentors with younger mentees and provide resources and support.
  2. Foster Cross-Generational Collaboration: Encourage open dialogues and knowledge-sharing between different generations of women. Facilitate mentorship programs that promote interaction, bridging the generation gap and fostering understanding.
  3. Mentor Training: Provide mentorship training programs to equip experienced women with the skills to mentor effectively. Training can address biases, communication strategies, and techniques for supporting younger women.
  4. Celebrate Success Stories: Highlight success stories of women who have benefited from mentoring relationships. By showcasing positive impacts, we can inspire more women to embrace mentoring and encourage others to become mentors.

Mentoring women in the workplace is a fantastic way to empower and support one another. It goes beyond just professional development; it creates an inclusive and collaborative environment. As women continue to break barriers, let’s bridge the intergenerational gaps and embrace mentoring. By investing in these relationships, we can create a workplace where women thrive and support each other on their incredible journeys. Let’s make it happen!

04.19.23
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Cheerleading Combines: A Pathway to Collegiate Success

Discover How Attending Cheer & Stunt Combines Can Benefit Your High School Student’s Athletic Collegiate Career

Are you an aspiring college cheerleading or acrobatic athlete? Are you looking for the ultimate recruiting experience to showcase your talents to some of the most esteemed collegiate coaches in the nation? Then a Cheer and Stunt College Combine is just what you need. 

So, what is the cheer & stunt combine?

A cheerleading combine is a tryout or audition event where athletes showcase their skills to potential college or professional teams. The event is attended by colleges or professional teams, scouting agencies, or independent organizations. During the combine, athletes are evaluated based on their athleticism, stunting ability, tumbling skills, dance technique, and overall performance. The primary goal of the combine is to identify talented cheerleaders who can enhance the team’s overall performance and represent the organization with professionalism and sportsmanship.

If you’re still on the fence about whether your student athlete should attending a Cheer and Stunt College Combine, here are some reasons to consider:

  1. Exposure to College and Professional Teams: Attending a cheerleading combine can provide student athletes with the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of coaches and recruiters from various college and professional teams. This exposure can increase the chances of getting recruited and can open doors to new opportunities.
  2. Skill Development: Cheerleading combines offer student athletes the chance to receive feedback from experienced coaches and trainers. This feedback can help them identify areas where they need to improve and can provide them with valuable tips and techniques to enhance their skills.
  3. Networking: Attending a cheerleading combine can help student athletes build connections with coaches, recruiters, and other athletes in the industry. These connections can lead to future opportunities and can help them build a network of contacts within the industry.
  4. Experience: Cheerleading combines offer student athletes the chance to experience a professional-level tryout or audition. This can help them build confidence and prepare them for future tryouts and auditions.

What can you expect at a cheer and stunt college combine?

During the combine, student athletes can expect to participate in a series of evaluations and assessments designed to test their athletic abilities and cheerleading skills. They will check in at the registration desk, complete any necessary paperwork, and warm up and stretch. Then, the evaluations will begin, which may include tumbling skills, stunting ability, dance technique, and overall performance. In addition, students may participate in interviews with coaches or recruiters to evaluate their character, work ethic, and overall suitability for the team. After the evaluations are complete, student athletes will receive feedback from coaches and trainers about their performance.

When is the next combine?

The College Pipeline Program at Momentum Athletics, is dedicated to providing student athletes with unparalleled educational opportunities that enable them to take their cheerleading career to new heights. Join them in June for the  NC Cheer and Stunt College Combine and take your first steps towards achieving your dreams of collegiate cheerleading success. At Momentum Athletics, we are committed to providing student athletes with the ultimate recruiting experience and the chance to shine on a national stage. Don’t miss out on this groundbreaking event that empowers today’s athletes to showcase their talents and reach their full potential.

Saturday, June 10th, 2023

Palisades High School in Charlotte NC

10-2pm 

Register Now

03.22.23
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Corporate Blame Culture: Why It’s More Prevalent in an Economic Downturn and What Employees and Managers Can Do to Prevent It

Corporate blame culture is a phenomenon in which employees are blamed for mistakes, problems, or failures in the workplace. In this type of culture, individuals are quick to point fingers and shift blame rather than focusing on solutions. This culture can have a negative impact on the work environment, employee morale, and overall productivity. It is particularly prevalent in times of economic downturn when companies face financial pressure and uncertainty.

In an economic downturn, the focus on financial performance can lead to a toxic work environment where employees feel pressure to perform and are afraid to speak up about issues or mistakes. This pressure can result in a culture of blame, where individuals are quick to point fingers and avoid taking responsibility for problems.

One of the reasons why corporate blame culture is more prevalent in an economic downturn is that companies are under financial pressure to meet their targets and stay afloat. In this environment, employees may be more likely to blame others for their mistakes in order to avoid repercussions themselves. Additionally, when employees feel that their job security is threatened, they may be more inclined to avoid taking risks or speaking up about issues, which can exacerbate the blame culture.

However, the blame culture is not only detrimental to employees, but it can also have a negative impact on the company’s bottom line. When employees are afraid to speak up about problems or mistakes, the organization may be unaware of issues that could lead to legal and reputation damage. This can severely impact the company’s finances and brand, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.

To prevent a blame culture from taking hold in the workplace, it is essential that managers take a proactive approach. One method to stop a blame culture is to promote a culture of teamwork and responsibility. Managers should motivate workers to collaborate to address issues, instead of pointing fingers. This can help create a more positive work environment where individuals are willing to take responsibility for their actions and work together to solve problems.

Another strategy to prevent blame culture is to provide support and resources to employees. During times of economic downturn, it is important for managers to be mindful of the impact of financial pressure on employees. Managers should be supportive and provide resources such as training, coaching, and mental health support to help employees cope with stress and perform at their best.

It is also important for managers to lead by example. If managers are quick to blame others for mistakes, it can create a negative culture in the workplace where individuals are more likely to shift blame. Instead, managers should model accountability and responsibility, taking ownership of their mistakes and working with their team to find solutions.

Employees also have a role to play in preventing blame culture. One way that employees can prevent blame culture is to be open and transparent about mistakes and problems. When employees are honest and forthcoming about mistakes, it can help create a more positive work environment where individuals are willing to take responsibility for their actions and work together to find solutions.

Another way that employees can prevent blame culture is to focus on solutions rather than assigning blame. When employees are focused on finding solutions to problems, they are less likely to be concerned about who is to blame for the problem. By focusing on solutions, employees can help create a more positive and productive work environment.

In conclusion, corporate blame culture can be detrimental to the workplace and its employees, especially during economic downturns. Managers and employees should take proactive measures to prevent blame culture from taking root. By fostering a culture of collaboration, providing support and resources, and focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame, companies can create a positive and productive work environment. By taking responsibility for their actions and working together to find solutions, employees can build a stronger sense of community and accountability. In the end, preventing blame culture can lead to better outcomes for the company, its employees, and its stakeholders.

03.13.23
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10 Groundbreaking Women in Technology to Celebrate This Month

The world of technology has historically been dominated by men, but various inspirational women have made their mark in the field, such as Grace Hopper, Ada Lovelace, Sheryl Sandberg, Susan Wojcicki, Meg Whitman, Radia Perlman, Kimberly Bryant, and Reshma Saujani. These women have been leaders in the industry, developing technologies, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and leading organizations aimed at empowering girls in technology. These women are inspiring girls and women around the world to pursue careers in technology and make advancements in the industry.

  1. Grace Hopper was a pioneering computer scientist and US Navy Rear Admiral who developed the first compiler and played a crucial role in the development of early programming languages. She was also a key advocate for making computer programming more accessible and user-friendly. Hopper’s dedication to innovation, leadership, and advocacy for accessibility and diversity in the field of technology make her an inspiration to women and girls everywhere.
  2. Ada Lovelace is considered to be the world’s first computer programmer, having written the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine. Her work with Charles Babbage on the design of his proposed mechanical computer, the Analytical Engine, laid the groundwork for modern computing. Lovelace’s contributions to the field of computer science and her groundbreaking work in algorithmic programming make her an inspiration to women and girls interested in technology.
  3. Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and a prominent advocate for women in technology and leadership positions. She has authored several influential books, including “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,” which encourages women to pursue their goals and ambitions in their careers. Sandberg’s dedication to leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for women’s advancement in the tech industry make her a powerful role model for women and girls interested in pursuing careers in technology.
  4. Susan Wojcicki is the CEO of YouTube and has been influential in the growth and development of the video-sharing platform. She has also been an advocate for increased diversity and representation in the tech industry, particularly for women. Wojcicki’s dedication to innovation, leadership, and diversity and inclusion make her an inspiration to women and girls in technology.
  5. Meg Whitman is the CEO of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and has been influential in the technology industry for decades. She has previously served as CEO of eBay and as a board member of companies such as Procter & Gamble and Dropbox. Whitman’s dedication to leadership, innovation, and business strategy make her an inspiration to women and girls interested in pursuing careers in technology and business.
  6. Radia Perlman is a computer scientist and network engineer who is credited with developing the Spanning Tree Protocol, a key component in the development of modern computer networks. She has also been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, particularly for women. Perlman’s dedication to innovation, leadership, and diversity and inclusion make her an inspiration to women and girls interested in pursuing careers in technology.
  7. Kimberly Bryant is the founder of Black Girls CODE, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity and representation in the technology industry. She has been a vocal advocate for increasing opportunities for girls and women of color in technology and has been recognized for her work by numerous organizations, including the White House. Bryant’s dedication to advocacy, leadership, and diversity and inclusion make her an inspiration to women and girls in technology.
  8. Reshma Saujani is the founder of Girls Who Code, an organization that aims to close the gender gap in technology by providing opportunities and education to girls. She has been a vocal advocate for increasing

Women have always been a powerful force in the tech industry, yet their achievements are commonly ignored or undervalued. Let’s join forces and bring light to the inspiring women in tech that have made a difference in your own career journey. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or an iconic personality, share their story and honor their incredible works. Through the collective efforts of the tech world, we can create a more welcoming, diverse landscape for all. #ShareHerStory #WomenInTech

03.23.22
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Top 10 Common WordPress Errors:

  1. White screen of death (WSOD): This error occurs when your website appears as a blank white screen with no error message or content.
  2. Internal server error: This error occurs when your website’s server encounters an issue but is unable to identify the specific problem.
  3. Error establishing database connection: This error occurs when WordPress is unable to connect to the database where your website’s content is stored.
  4. 404 page not found error: This error occurs when a visitor tries to access a page on your website that does not exist.
  5. Syntax errors in WordPress: This error occurs when there is an issue with the coding of your WordPress theme or plugin.
  6. WordPress memory exhausted error: This error occurs when your WordPress website uses more memory than your server can handle.
  7. Connection timed out error: This error occurs when the server takes too long to respond to a request from your website.
  8. WordPress login page refreshing/redirecting issue: This error occurs when you are unable to log in to the WordPress dashboard because the login page keeps refreshing or redirecting.
  9. WordPress maintenance mode error: This error occurs when WordPress is updating or performing maintenance tasks on your website.
  10. Plugin compatibility issues: This error occurs when a WordPress plugin is not compatible with your website’s theme or other plugins, causing conflicts or errors.

And How to Fix Them:

  1. White screen of death (WSOD): To debug this error, you can try enabling WordPress debugging by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file: define( ‘WP_DEBUG’, true ); This will allow you to see any error messages that may be causing the issue.
  2. Internal server error: You can check the server error logs to see if there are any specific error messages that can help you identify the problem. You may also want to check if any recent changes or updates may have caused the issue.
  3. Error establishing database connection: To debug this error, you can check your wp-config.php file to ensure that the database name, username, and password are correct. You can also try repairing your WordPress database by accessing your site’s cPanel or PHPMyAdmin and running a repair function.
  4. 404 page not found error: To debug this error, you can check if the page URL is correct and if the page exists. You can also try resetting your website’s permalinks in the WordPress dashboard.
  5. Syntax errors in WordPress: To debug this error, you can check the code for any syntax errors using an IDE or text editor that highlights syntax errors.
  6. WordPress memory exhausted error: To debug this error, you can increase the PHP memory limit by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file: define( ‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’ ); You can also try disabling any plugins that may be using excessive memory.
  7. Connection timed out error: To debug this error, you can try increasing the timeout limit by adding the following code to your .htaccess file: php_value max_execution_time 300 You can also try optimizing your website’s code or server settings to reduce the server response time.
  8. WordPress login page refreshing/redirecting issue: To debug this error, you can try clearing your browser cache and cookies. You can also try disabling any security plugins that may be blocking your login attempts.
  9. WordPress maintenance mode error: This error occurs when WordPress is updating or performing maintenance tasks on your website. You can wait for the maintenance tasks to complete or try manually deactivating any maintenance plugins.
  10. Plugin compatibility issues: To debug this error, you can try disabling one plugin at a time to identify which plugin is causing the issue. You can also try checking the plugin documentation or contacting the plugin developer for support.
01.22.18
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Safeguard Your Business

Businesses today face a constantly evolving set of potential threats, from data security breaches to downtime from unexpected events. Businesses are asking questions like:

·         With growing use of the cloud and mobile devices at work, how can we keep business data protected?

·         As my data grows, how can I make sure it is all backed up without spending a fortune?

·         If an unexpected event occurred, like a fire, break-in, or flood, how long would it take our business to get back online? And what would this downtime cost our business?

·         How do we keep up with a constantly changing compliance landscape?

Get modern protection for evolving threats, with solutions that help protect your business data and minimize the disruptions caused by unexpected events. With Microsoft, enterprise-grade protection is built into its technologies. So you don’t have to think about it. From advanced data protection to solutions that help you recover quickly from unexpected events, get technology that is designed to help safeguard your business.

Safeguard your business use cases:

Get advanced data protection, built-in at every level of your IT
Easier security
for PCs & devices		 Log in to PCs and devices quickly and easily using enterprise-grade security features like Windows Hello facial and fingerprint recognition—and Two-factor Authentication for added protection.
Automatic threat protection, PC to cloud Get up-to-date anti-malware protection with Office 365 and Microsoft Azure.

Get built-in threat protection on PCs and devices with Windows Defender.

Detect and alert security breaches with Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA) in the Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS).
Built-in mobile data protection Take your Windows mobile device to and from work and know sensitive data is protected with built-in encryption capabilities like Enterprise Data Protection and BitLocker.
Protection that
follows your data		 Track sensitive data you send in email and selectively prevent actions like editing, copying, or printing with Azure Rights Management in Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS).

 

Easy, affordable data backup—ready when you need it
Always have access to your latest files Keep your files synchronized across your devices and access them anywhere, anytime, both online and offline, with OneDrive for Business, where you have the confidence that your data is continuously backed up in Microsoft’s geographically distributed datacenters.
Easily back up business applications Get peace of mind knowing your data is backed up and that you can restore your information quickly with Azure Backup, which provides scalable, secure backup services and up to 99 years of data retention for legal compliance.
Protect your database Protect critical information in your SQL Server databases by automating database backups to Microsoft Azure with encrypted backup files and the ability to restore your backup to the cloud if your main servers are unavailable.

 

Be back online in minutes when the unexpected happens
Know you’re open for business, even if disaster strikes Get your business back up and running in minutes when the unexpected happens with Azure Site Recovery, which offers an automated disaster recovery solution in the cloud—without requiring major capital expense.
Have confidence you won’t lose your work Always access your latest files from any device with OneDrive for Business. So, if you accidentally leave your laptop at home, you can easily access your files from another PC at work—and then all of your changes will automatically sync back to your laptop at home.
Have peace of mind if mobile devices are lost or stolen Know that lost or stolen laptops are automatically protected with BitLocker encryption.

Remotely wipe data from a lost device with easy-to-use tools in Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS).

Automatically sync your data, settings, and apps to a new Windows device to get back up and running fast.

 

Reduce risk with easier compliance
Business controls to help ensure compliant behavior Office 365 includes controls that help stay compliant, like Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policy Tips, which triggers an alert when sensitive information is about to be sent via email.
PC and device compliance with Windows 10 Windows 10 is able to be deployed in a compliant manner, as Microsoft is continually working to deliver technology that helps customers meet the latest industry and regional certifications.
Compliance-ready cloud Meet a range of country and industry compliance requirements with Microsoft Azure and Office 365, which are independently verified to maintain compliance with a broad range of standards.

 

12.02.15
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Microsoft Office 365 is the Right Choice for Small Business

Business is better with Microsoft Office 365. It’s the Office you know, with additional tools to help you work better together.

Create, edit, and share Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents from your PC/Mac, iOS, AndroidTM, or Windows devices, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere. Plus, with multi-party HD video, content sharing, and shared calendars, you’re always in sync with your team.

 

Office 365 updates itself, so you always have the latest features of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. With low upfront costs and the flexibility to add users and services as needed, Office 365 provides the ROI you need to succeed.

 

Office 365 Benefits

Access your email, contacts, and calendar anywhere on any device via Outlook, with built-in spam and malware protection that automatically updates itself.

 

Hold online meetings for up to 250 participants, with screen sharing, audio and video, virtual whiteboards, polls, and shared notes.

 

A private social network enables your company to stay connected, share information across teams, and make faster, more informed decisions.

 

Simplify IT management and save money with a reduced IT infrastructure and continuous backup and disaster recovery abilities.

 

Store up to 1 TB of documents online to easily access anywhere on any device, share with colleagues, and back up your work.

 

Get telephone technical support for setup and deployment. Get more support via online Q&As, how-to resources, and the Office 365 customer community.

 

A financially backed 99.9% uptime guarantee* gives you the peace of mind of knowing you can always access your services.

 

Flexible plans to meet your needs. Choose between plans that include online versions of Office, or get the full Office suite loaded to your favorite devices.

 

office365
08.24.15
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Support Pioneers in Skirts

Pioneers in Skirts™ is a film that takes an honest look at solutions for the setbacks women still face in their careers – for women now and for the next generation. Visit the official website to learn more about the film.

It’s a documentary film about women who want careers, their success and their struggles, and the people who advocate for them: employers, coworkers, mentors, and parents.

They are running a month-long crowdsourcing party on Kickstarter from August 19 – September 19! Funds raised will help the film finish production and transition into post-production. Please help them finish this amazing movie!!

03.17.15
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Office 365 Government The best choice for government organizations

Use Office anywhere

Provide users with the Office applications they know, optimized for their devices, so they can work their best wherever they are.

Simplify collaboration

Hold multi-party HD online meetings with screen sharing, note taking, and annotations. Start an IM, call, or video chat with just a click.

Run it the way you want

Move to the cloud on your terms. Get highly configurable administration that is easy to use and accessible anywhere. And save on IT.

Read More Here