Nagib Hakim

Encore Fellow Profiles

Nagib Hakim

LifeMoves, Santa Clara, CA

“I’ve worked with AI for a long time, and it’s great to apply the technology for the good of the community” – Nagib Hakem
"Working alongside Nagib was an invaluable experience. His mentorship was truly transformative, and his expertise elevated DevOps work here at LifeMoves. Nagib’s ability to seamlessly bridge complex data insights with real-world impact made a lasting difference. He was not just a colleague but a mentor whose guidance was priceless—a true gem in every sense." – Carmen Kapanga, Compliance Data Analyst at LifeMoves
At his previous employer Nagib was a Principal Engineer, a very technical position focused on AI systems, with a particular interest in knowledge representation and reasoning. When he retired, he went on the Camino de Santiago trip for a month before starting this volunteering effort. With a fresh mind and a new perspective on life, he was ready to apply his skills in the nonprofit world.
LifeMoves is a nonprofit organization based in the Bay Area, and one of the largest and most effective providers of shelter/housing and supportive services across Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Peninsula. It operates over 26 major sites, providing emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing, along with a vast array of supportive resources to help clients secure a place to call home. LifeMoves served over 7450 clients in FY24 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), and with very good results. Over the past three years, over 80% of clients who secured permanent housing after staying at LifeMoves kept that housing one year later.
LifeMoves had collected over 20 years of data in Salesforce but didn't know if this data could be useful in understanding donor behavior and engagement. This is critical for any nonprofit because better knowledge of donors can significantly impact fundraising efforts, ultimately allowing the organization to serve more homeless people and provide more homes.
Given his background, Nagib knew he could help, making this a perfect match. The goal was to infer from the data how donors would behave, and what excites them. They set out to develop a system to achieve this.
First, he had to analyze the data from Salesforce. A challenge was that he was the sole engineer. When he encountered unfamiliar aspects of Salesforce, he relied on the extensive online community for answers. Afterward, he developed a machine learning model, a form of AI, and interfaced it with Salesforce to write the results back into the database.
The analysis itself was not too difficult; the real challenge was making it accessible to non-technical users. It needed to be robust so that the team could continue to benefit from it after he left. Everything is configurable, allowing them to update and use the configuration files as the data evolves.
Initially, they set out to explore possibilities without expecting the high accuracy they ultimately achieved. The effort culminated in the development of a complete package, which was a pleasant surprise for both LifeMoves and Nagib.
The culture at LifeMoves was different from the tech industry, where the focus is heavily on technology and results. At LifeMoves, and likely in much of the nonprofit world, there is a stronger emphasis on people. The diverse group included employees who had themselves experienced homelessness, creating a welcoming, open, and community-focused environment.
One of the most rewarding aspects of his fellowship was mentoring some of the LifeMoves employees on data analytics. One of the by-products of his work was changing the mindset around how they use data. There is so much information we can get from large amounts of data, it needs to be considered differently from the day-to-day use of the system.
So far, they have done a 1st pass at predicting donor behavior, focusing on donor retention. The team is trying to figure out how to improve the methods for the fundraising campaigns based on the newly developed system. Now, every donor has an insight card in the database, so they can always look up their history and their various giving propensities. They keep discovering new factors – seeing what makes donors remain active, for example, and they are refining our campaign strategies accordingly.
This has been a very rewarding time, not only from a technical perspective, but interacting with the LifeMoves team. Now Nagib is trying to ask himself what he wants his retirement to be and whether he’s ready for retirement, or just take on another project.

Beth Dameron

Encore Fellow Profiles

Beth Dameron

Encore Physicians Program – Northern California

“It’s really gratifying to put my skills to work, knowing that we make positive contributions to underserved communities.” – Beth Dameron
In her 35+ year career, ending up as Consulting Practice leader at Kaiser Permanente, Beth oversaw many performance improvement initiatives. She has an analytic and financial background, with a MS in Health Policy and Planning.  When she retired in 2017, she gradually adapted to a new lifestyle, with a mix of volunteer work, some travel, and spending time going to museums, lectures, concerts and plays. Then came the pandemic, which put a stop to all of the in-person activities that she enjoyed.
She needed to find something that she could do virtually and searched for avenues to keep herself engaged during the lockdown. Eventually, she applied to the Encore Fellowships program and was very excited when she interviewed for the Encore Physicians Program opportunity.
The Encore Physicians Program (EPP) matches retired physicians with Community Health Centers (CHCs) in paid, part-time clinical positions. The program was originally planned and launched in 2018-19. When she joined the team in April 2022, there was a need to develop a plan for how the program might expand over the next 3-5 years. To do this, they reviewed a set of potential growth areas, looked at geographic and demographic data, the upward trend of retiring physicians, and the locations of CHCs and underserved patients across Northern California. The analysis led to the program’s expansion into new geographic areas in 2023; its reach now encompasses the counties of the greater San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento area and Santa Cruz.
In addition to being able to draw on her professional experience, in this role she’s enjoyed learning about the health care safety net, its funding mechanisms, and the related organizations that support and advocate for underserved patients.
The EPP’s previous external evaluations showed that both the physicians and the CHCs appreciate the program and its unique focus on retired physicians. They also highlight the key role of the two EPP Physician Leaders, who screen and match the applicants with a CHC. In 2024, they initiated a new set of surveys and their clients continue to report strong support for the program. They ask physicians to commit to at least one year in their CHC role and most of them stay and work beyond that.
EPP has placed more than 55 physicians to date. They like to talk about the positive impact it has for health centers and their patients by increasing access and expanding the types of specialties that are offered. The EPP physicians become productive team members in their health centers relatively quickly, due to their experience and familiarity with delivering care. The physicians report that they enjoy being a part of the team, appreciate the CHC staff and colleagues, the focus on patient care, and the opportunities for mentoring.
Through her Encore fellowship, Beth was able to continue to work to improve the health care system. While her career skills translated to what she does now, she has also learned new ways to add value, including how to be effective in a small start-up organization, utilize remote work techniques, and support the tasks that are associated with a grant-funded organization.
Beth’s initial Encore fellowship was extended and eventually lasted for two years. Now she contracts with CoGenerate and continues to work as a member of the EPP team. With the receding COVID pandemic, they have been able to place more physicians and, during last two years, the program’s growth has been very exciting. They are now looking again to see where and how the EPP can continue to expand over the next 3-5 years, and they also plan to move from the CoGenerate organization to a new home. The mission won’t change, but they will seek support to make organizational enhancements and ensure the EPP continues to serve retired physicians, CHCs and their patients.

Easterseals Mississippi Celebrates the Grand Opening of Its New Children’s Advocacy Center

Easterseals Mississippi Celebrates the Grand Opening of Its New Children’s Advocacy Center

Grand Opening Celebration on November 7, 2024: Community Invited to Explore the Children’s Advocacy Center, Discover Resources, and Engage in Child Protection Efforts

[Tupelo, Mississippi] — Easterseals Mississippi is proud to announce the grand opening of its first Children’s Advocacy Center, introducing a safe and supportive environment dedicated to serving children and families impacted by abuse.  

Located in a child-friendly and safe environment, the Easterseals Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center is designed to put the needs of the child first, offering them a place where their voices can be heard, and healing can begin. The Easterseals Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center operates with a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with law enforcement, child protective services, district attorneys, mental health therapists, forensic medical personnel, and other essential agencies involved in child abuse investigations. This model ensures a holistic, coordinated response, helping to reduce trauma and improve outcomes for children and families.

“We are incredibly proud of the important work Easterseals Mississippi is doing by providing a critical resource for children and families in need of safety, support, and healing,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “At The Fedcap Group, we believe in creating pathways to resilience and recovery, and this center represents a powerful commitment to protecting and uplifting the most vulnerable members of our community.” 

As a nationally accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance and an associate member of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, Easterseals Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center upholds the highest standards in advocacy, support, and service. In addition to direct services, the center actively promotes community awareness and child abuse prevention efforts, encouraging the public to participate in safeguarding children’s rights and protection.

“Easterseals Mississippi is honored to be part of a collaborative community network that prioritizes the safety, advocacy, and well-being of children,” said Sara Kitchens Director, Children’s Advocacy Center of Easterseals Mississippi. “The Children’s Advocacy Center represents our commitment to supporting children in crisis, empowering families, and working alongside our community partners to bring hope and healing.”

The grand opening celebration to be held on November 7, 2024 will offer the community a closer look at the Children’s Advocacy Center’s work and showcase the vital role Easterseals Mississippi plays in child advocacy. Tours of the center will highlight the range of resources available to children and families, and staff will be on hand to discuss the importance of prevention, early intervention, and community engagement in protecting children from abuse.

For more information about the Easterseals Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center or the grand opening event, please contact Sara Kitchens at skitchens@eastersealsms.org

About Easterseals Mississippi

Easterseals Mississippi is a dedicated affiliate of The Fedcap Group, committed to supporting children, adults, and families through programs and services that promote education, health, and advocacy. Through its Children’s Advocacy Center, Easterseals Mississippi is transforming lives and building safer, more resilient communities across the state. For more information visit https://www.eastersealsms.org

Media Contact:

Jim Malatras, JMalatras@fedcap.org


Civic Hall Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of its Bernard Goldstein Center at Union Square

Civic Hall Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of its Bernard Goldstein Center at Union Square

More than 35,000 Visitors Have Engaged with the Center Since Opening November 1, 2023

Hosted more than 150 Events

Civic Hall’s NY Tech Alliance Meet Up to Showcase Civic Hall Members to Celebrate its First Anniversary

New York, NY – [October 31, 2024] – Civic Hall proudly marks the one-year anniversary of its newly named Bernard Goldstein Center at Union Square, a groundbreaking hub for innovation, digital skills training, and civic engagement. Since its opening, Civic Hall has welcomed more than 35,000 visitors who have participated in events, training sessions, job fairs, demo nights, and tech meetups designed to bridge the gap between underserved New Yorkers and high-growth tech sector opportunities.

Founded to break down employment barriers within the tech and innovation industry, Civic Hall’s inaugural year has seen 1,050 individuals enroll in digital skills or tech training programs offered by Civic Hall’s distinguished training providers, who offer courses in high-demand fields such as data analytics, IT networking, digital marketing, building automation, coding, and cybersecurity. These programs have achieved an impressive 80% completion rate, reflecting Civic Hall’s commitment to equipping individuals with relevant, marketable skills in New York City’s dynamic tech sector.

“Our first year has set a strong foundation for what we envision as a transformative model to drive innovation and economic opportunity,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group, the parent organization of Civic Hall. “Civic Hall’s Bernard Goldstein Center at Union Square not only empowers individuals from all backgrounds to develop essential tech skills but also serves as a blueprint as we establish Civic Halls across the country and internationally, bringing this unique model of opportunity and inclusion to new communities.”

Over the past year, Civic Hall hosted more than 150 events driving tech innovation, supporting the local community, and helping connect people to jobs. 

Civic Hall – The Bernard Goldstein Center has also hosted a wide range of events in emerging fields like AI, EdTech, robotics, and disability tech, promoting innovation and sparking important dialogues within these sectors. Civic Hall also hosted a number of foreign nations and organizations to drive new global tech partnerships in New York City, including Israel, Taiwan, Spain, Italy, and Germany.    

To further strengthen employment pathways, the Center held nine job fairs attended by over 450 participants, along with 44 free community events that drew more than 2,050 people from across New York City. 

“The first year of Civic Hall served thousands of New Yorkers through workforce development programs, global tech events, and career fairs – setting a remarkable standard for innovative development of the city’s tech ecosystem,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “NYCEDC congratulates Civic Hall on this milestone and looks forward to our continued work fostering equitable economic opportunity and further positioning New York City as a leader in tech and innovation.”

“Civic Hall has set a genuine example of how community-focused tech and innovation can empower people, create real pathways to success, and drive new ideas,” said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. “I completely support a space that’s not only advancing fairness and tech equity in New York City but also setting a precedent for communities everywhere seeking to build technology for everyone.”

To commemorate its highly successful first year, Civic Hall will host a celebratory NY Tech Alliance Meet Up on November 20th from 6pm-9pm, spotlighting Civic Hall’s vibrant community and showcasing its members’ work. The event will conclude with an open reception.

“Civic Hall’s The Bernard Goldstein Center has quickly become a cornerstone for tech and innovation in New York City and beyond, making strides in workforce equity and community engagement,” said Jim Malatras, Chief Strategy Officer & Senior VP for Education at The Fedcap Group and Managing Director of Civic Hall. “Our mission is to break the down digital divide and create lasting, impactful change, and this past year has shown us how achievable that vision is. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Civic Hall team for their hard work in bringing this vision to life.”

Ranked as the world’s second-largest tech ecosystem, New York City is home to over 25,000 tech-enabled startups, supported by a dynamic network of 100 accelerators and incubators. The city’s tech sector employs over 360,000 people, having expanded by over 30% in the past decade. Civic Hall’s Bernard Goldstein Center plays an essential role in this innovation economy, ensuring that all communities have access to opportunities and can thrive in the tech sector.

“Civic Hall was founded to create a new model for connecting empathetic technologists working to drive innovation for the public good with underserved and underestimated populations in a space designed for learning and collaboration,” said Andrew Rasiej, Founder of Civic Hall. At the Bernard Goldstein Center we’ve established a place where synergies in tech and ideas come together, fostering an environment where people can build skills, connect, and develop solutions that benefit communities. Our goal is to make New York City a shining example of inclusive, purpose-driven tech, setting a standard for others to follow.”

About Civic Hall

In partnership with the City of New York, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, developer RAL, local elected officials, and community partners, The Fedcap Group opened Civic Hall’s Union Square location in November 2023. 

Civic Hall’s Bernard Goldstein Center at Union Square is a collaborative innovation center that brings together civic-minded technologists, social entrepreneurs, government officials, and community leaders to develop technology solutions for the public good. Located in Union Square—the heart of New York City’s burgeoning tech sector, Civic Hall fosters a vibrant ecosystem of knowledge sharing and cooperative action. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall facilitates groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact organizations, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and New York’s employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. Civic Hall also serves as a tech incubator and accelerator, support network for profit and nonprofit organizations and start-ups, and place to spur new innovations and ideas. For more information about membership, training, and event opportunities please visit civichall.org.  

Contact:

Josh Vlasto, josh@joshvlasto.com

 

marsha jones

Encore Fellow Profiles

Marsha Jones image

Marsha Jones

“I get to apply what I’ve done for years to this work that is shifting how we think about our society.” – Marsha Jones
Marsha’s journey began with a solid foundation in Financial and Technology Management from the US Department of Defense (DOD), where she earned a Master's degree in data analysis, program management, and leadership training. Her expertise deepened through the DOD's DA Internship program, which afforded her rotational assignments across prestigious institutions like NATO,Special Forces, and the Army Corps of Engineers. In one notable assignment in Germany, she played a pivotal role in establishing a new agency dedicated to countering terrorism in Africa. This experience was a precursor to her subsequent role at the United Nations, where she immersed herself in diverse cultures, legal systems, and societal norms across Europe, Africa, and the US.
Despite these accomplishments, Marsha encountered barriers due to age biases in the professional world. As thoughts of “retirement” began to surface, she sought meaningful avenues to leverage her experience for social good. This search led her to the Encore Fellowships, a perfect gateway into the nonprofit sector where she could significantly impact social and economic well-being.
Now, as the Researcher in Residence at Excessive Wealth Disorder institute, Marsha is part of a mission to “research, educate, and advocate for dismantling the social, economic, and environmental perils wrought by excessive wealth.” They are in the early stages of crafting a narrative that champions economic justice and calls for a more equitable wealth distribution through tax reform in the US. At EWDi, she applies her seasoned skills in data analysis, project management, and strategic planning to advocate for policies that promote thriving communities and disrupts the corrosive effects of excessive wealth on our democracy, specifically and in all aspects of our society, generally.
Working in a startup environment offers unique challenges and rewards. Marsha is often the only Baby Boomer among Millennials, providing a rich ground for mutual learning and mentoring. The team's dynamic fosters an environment where they need to focus on strategic thinking as well as attention to detail, so that they can effectively shape initiatives and public messaging.
Marsha’s role involves turning complex data into compelling arguments that support advocacy for reform. It's fulfilling to witness the tangible progress they can make toward enhancing social programs and promoting economic equity. Engaging in this work, she has found a profound sense of purpose that surpasses the traditional concept of retirement—proving far more rewarding than any leisure activity could offer. Through her efforts at EWDi, she is not just passing time, but actively contributing to a better world.

Civic Hall and Invest Taipei Office Partner to Foster International Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Civic Hall and Invest Taipei Office Partner to Foster International Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The City of Taipei Joins Civic Hall as a Founding International Member with Eye Towards Expanding Civic Hall in Taiwan

Pictures from the event can be found here

New York, NY – Last Friday, Civic Hall and the Invest Taipei Office, on behalf of the City of Taipei, entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen international cooperation and bolster innovation and entrepreneurship. The agreement will enhance cross-disciplinary exchanges and opportunities for Civic Hall and Taipei, including resource sharing and expertise to better drive tech and innovation opportunities. 

Under the agreement, Civic Hall will offer startup teams and professionals opportunities for training, education, and access to workspace in New York City along with making Taipei an International Founding Member of Civic Hall. These resources will enhance innovation capabilities in talent and technology, while expanding opportunities for international collaboration and exchange.

“This partnership is an important step in expanding Civic Hall’s global reach, allowing us to connect entrepreneurs in New York City with the thriving innovation community in Taipei,” said Jim Malatras, Chief Strategy Officer & Senior VP for Education, The Fedcap Group—the parent organization of Civic Hall. “We are excited to leverage ITO’s deep expertise and resources to foster new opportunities for startups and professionals in both regions.”

Taipei Mayor Wan-An Chiang remarked, “In our efforts to transform Taipei into a founder-friendly city and an AI-driven smart city, we are actively connecting with innovation ecosystems globally, including New York City. The Invest Taipei Office (ITO) plays a key role as a critical link in these international innovation ecosystems. Taipei is honored to become an International Founding Member of Civic Hall, and we anticipate that this partnership will foster greater collaboration and exchange between the innovation communities of New York City and Taipei.”

The Invest Taipei Office (ITO) added, “Today’s signing of this strategic partnership agreement holds historic significance for both Civic Hall and Taipei’s innovation ecosystems. ITO is proud to serve as a central hub in driving international innovation connections, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Civic Hall to share innovation resources and advance cross-border cooperation in innovation.”

Under the agreement, ITO will provide access to information on the City of Taipei’s investment environment and resources related to innovation and entrepreneurship with the long-term goal of expanding Civic Hall to Taipei. This includes shared spaces, landing consultation services, and other key entrepreneurial resources, while fostering connections within Taipei’s innovation ecosystem to promote cross-border collaboration.

About Civic Hall

Civic Hall is a collaborative innovation center that brings together civic-minded technologists, social entrepreneurs, government officials, and community leaders to develop technology solutions for the public good. Located in Union Square, Civic Hall fosters a vibrant ecosystem of knowledge sharing and cooperative action.

Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall facilitates groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact organizations, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and New York’s employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. Civic Hall also serves as a tech incubator and accelerator, helping to spur new innovations and ideas. For more information about membership opportunities, please visit civichall.org.  

About Invest Taipei Office (ITO)

ITO is the official organization of the City of Taipei’s Department of Economic Development responsible for promoting investment and business opportunities in Taipei. It offers consultation services, access to shared spaces, and resources to help entrepreneurs and businesses succeed in the dynamic Taipei innovation ecosystem. For more information, please visit https://invest.taipei

 

 

Civic Hall Announces Exciting Lineup for New York City Tech Week with Events Focused on AI

Civic Hall Announces Exciting Lineup for New York City Tech Week with Events Focused on AI

Civic Hall to Offer Complimentary Co-Working Space for AI-Aligned Companies During the Week

New York, NY – May 30, 2024 – Civic Hall, in collaboration with The Fedcap Group and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, is thrilled to announce its comprehensive schedule of events for New York City Tech Week, taking place from June 3rd to June 7th. This week-long celebration of technology and innovation is set to feature a diverse array of events aimed at showcasing the latest advancements in AI, fostering collaboration, and supporting the tech ecosystem in New York City.

Founded with the mission to advance the use of technology for the public good, Civic Hall serves as a hub for innovators, entrepreneurs, and civic-minded organizations. By providing a collaborative workspace and hosting events that bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, Civic Hall aims to drive social impact and community-driven solutions through technology.

Jim Malatras, Chief Strategy Officer of The Fedcap Group, stated, “Our partnership with Civic Hall for New York City Tech Week exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the vibrant tech community in New York City. We are excited to see the groundbreaking ideas and collaborations that will emerge from this dynamic week of events.”

Event Schedule Highlights:

Monday, June 3rd

    • NY Tech Week AI Startups Demo Day hosted by Lynx Collective
      • 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, 3rd Floor Conference Breakout Rooms
      • Link: Lynx Collective
    • AI Tinkerers Meetup (sponsored by NYCEDC)
      • 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, 2nd Floor Craig Newmark Auditorium
      • Link: AI Tinkerers

Tuesday, June 4th

    • AI Day Pass: Coworking with NYCEDC and AI Furnace
    • AI and Digital Health with Digital Health New York (sponsored by NYCEDC)
    • Hiring for the AI Generation of Tech: Strengths Constraints & the Case for Skills-Based Talent Strategies by Hack.Diversity
      • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 3rd Floor Conference Breakout Rooms
      • Link: Hack.Diversity
    • A Spotlight on AI Meetup by New York Tech Alliance

Wednesday, June 5th

    • AI Day Pass: Coworking with NYCEDC and AI Furnace
    • AI & ML: Novel Use Cases in Financial Services NY by NYCEDC and Columbia University Data Science Institute
    • Reimagining Accelerators for Tomorrow’s Startups by NYCEDC and AcceleratorCON
      • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, 3rd Floor Breakout Conference Space
      • Link: AcceleratorCON
    • Data and AI Summit by Data School
      • 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM, 2nd Floor Craig Newmark Auditorium
      • Link: Data School

Thursday, June 6th

    • Classroom Sponsorship Ribbon Cutting Event by Amazon
      • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6th Floor
    • Techstars Demo Day
      • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 2nd Floor Craig Newmark Auditorium
      • Link: Techstars 
    • Data Duel: The Tableau Viz Games by Data School
    • Shark Tank and Social by StartED
      • 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM, 3rd Floor Conference Space
      • Link: StartED

Friday, June 7th

    • Growing AAPI Startups and VCs in NYC by WorkOnward
    • How to Succeed as an International Founder by The Vertical
      • 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM, 2nd Floor Craig Newmark Auditorium
      • Link: The Vertical

Civic Hall is proud to partner with The Fedcap Group and NYCEDC in delivering this dynamic lineup of events. Our mission is to foster innovation, support the tech ecosystem in New York City, and provide a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration.

For more information on New York City Tech Week at Civic Hall and to register for events, please visit our website.

Contact:
Civic Hall
Email: info@civichall.org
Phone: (212) 555-1234

About Civic Hall

Civic Hall is a collaborative innovation center that brings together civic-minded technologists, social entrepreneurs, government officials, and community leaders to develop technology solutions for the public good. Located in Union Square, Civic Hall fosters a vibrant ecosystem of knowledge sharing and cooperative action.

Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall facilitates groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact organizations, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and New York’s employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. Civic Hall also serves as a tech incubator and accelerator, helping to spur new innovations and ideas. For more information about membership opportunities, please visit civichall.org.   

CIVIC HALL AND STARTED LAUNCH EDTECH HUB AT CIVIC HALL’S STATE-OF-THE-ART CENTER AT UNION SQUARE

CIVIC HALL AND STARTED LAUNCH EDTECH HUB AT CIVIC HALL’S STATE-OF-THE-ART CENTER AT UNION SQUARE

 

New York, NY – [March 25, 2024] –Civic Hall and StartEd have launched a new strategic partnership to launch The EdTech Hub, a dynamic space at Civic Hall at Union Square dedicated to fostering education-related entrepreneurialism and innovation.

 

StartEd will deliver programming year-round at Civic Hall to build the strongest EdTech network of opportunity in the nation, via Meetups, Think Tanks, and Shark Tanks that bring together diverse senior leadership to discuss and tackle key issues in the learning and workforce ecosystem. The partnership establishes Civic Hall as the physical home of a persistent education innovation community that attracts and develops early to mid-stage companies and not-for-profits.

 

Civic Hall will become the new home of StartEd’s EDTECH WEEK™ (www.edtechweek.com), the Global Education Innovation Festival in New York, back for its 10th year on October 8-10, 2024. StartEd’s EDTECH WEEK™ brings together every stakeholder in the education and workforce innovation community to learn from and meet with the best and brightest in the industry. The festival features Broadway performers, diverse thought leaders, and a unique combination of intimate experiences across the city designed to bring us even closer together than we had thought possible.

 

“Our new EdTech Hub will attract top talent and foster collaboration among industry leaders, startups, and organizations dedicated to shaping the future of education,” said Jim Malatras, Chief Strategy Officer & Senior VP for Education, The Fedcap Group—the parent organization of Civic Hall. “Together with the world’s leading EdTech network, StartEd, Civic Hall at Union Square will be the nexus for education and workforce innovation in New York.”

 

“Our work, deeply rooted in New York City’s vibrant tech ecosystem, has consistently provided a fertile ground for the necessary stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and scale,” said Ash Kaluarachch, CEO at StartEd and Producer of EDTECH WEEK. “For a decade, this nexus for entrepreneurs, educators, and investors focused on shaping the future of education and work. Our partnership with Civic Hall promises to further this legacy.”

 

StartEd’s program at Civic Hall kicks off in Q2 2024. Sign up for the newsletter to learn how to get started.

 

ABOUT CIVIC HALL

Civic Hall is a member of The Fedcap Group. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact organizations, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and New York’s employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. For more information about membership opportunities, please visit civichall.org

 

ABOUT STARTED

StartEd attracts and develops early to mid-stage companies that solve the biggest problems in education and workforce learning, at any point in the journey of building an organization that makes an impact, to ensure equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. We offer access to community, capital, connections, and culture via subscriptions that align with a company’s stage and objective. Founded by industry-leading entrepreneurs, StartEd accelerates education innovators addressing Early Childhood, K-12, HigherEd, Workforce, and Adult Learning. We support for-profit and non-profit companies from anywhere in the world. For more information on StartEd, please visit started.com.

 

For media inquiries or more information, contact:

Josh Vlasto, for The Fedcap Group/Civic Hall (josh@joshvlasto.com)

Happy Jack Entertainment to Broadcast Their Mental Health and Wellness Podcast from Civic Hall

Happy Jack Entertainment to Broadcast Their Mental Health and Wellness Podcast from Civic Hall

New York, NY (March 12, 2024) — Happy Jack Entertainment, a community of creatives for creatives that uses technology and music to provide mental health services, has joined Civic Hall. As members, Happy Jack Entertainment will be broadcasting their podcasts from Civic Hall, where they turn the volume up on mental health conversations. Their podcast “Therapy Sessions,” hosted by Z-100’s Maxwell, produces eye-opening interviews with celebrities, artists, and more as they break stigmas and foster a more welcoming, healthier world. Through their podcasts, they are creating a movement that’s making mental health a conversation for the entire community.

 

Happy Jack Entertainment is comprised of artists, speakers, entrepreneurs, and successful music industry veterans who use their voices and platforms to be a catalyst for change. Happy Jack Entertainment is destigmatizing the conversation around mental health using technology to encourage others to embrace mental health discussions across all communities, transcending demographics and creating an all-embracing and compassionate world.

 

“Civic Hall’s open, collaborative environment is the perfect home for our mission to normalize mental health discussions across all communities,” said David Nathan, co-founder of Happy Jack Entertainment. “We can’t wait to broadcast from this innovative hub and amplify voices transcending demographics through raw, honest storytelling.”

 

ABOUT CIVIC HALL

Civic Hall is a member of The Fedcap Group. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact tenants, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and NYC’s diverse employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. For more information about membership opportunities, please visit civichall.org

 

ABOUT HAPPY JACK ENTERTAINMENT

Born from profound personal loss, Happy Jack Entertainment uses music, media, and candid storytelling to spark vital conversations around mental health. The company was created by David Nathan and Sam Koch, inspired by David’s late son Jack Nathan’s vision – to build a compassionate, judgement-free community for those struggling with mental illness and addiction. Jack’s brave vulnerability and advocacy through art, fashion and music laid the seeds for HJE’s powerful movement of openness, healing, and inclusion.

FedcapCARES Achieves Milestone with Successful Completion of SOC 2 Type II Audit by Sensiba LLP

FedcapCARES Achieves Milestone with Successful Completion of SOC 2 Type II Audit by Sensiba LLP

New York, NY – The Fedcap Group is pleased to announce the successful completion of the System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II audit conducted by Sensiba LLP for FedcapCARESour nation leading automated cloud-hosted software application which serves as a hub for case management, client activity and tracks attendance, employment, and job retention. This milestone, alongside our ongoing ISO 27001 certification, first achieved three years ago and renewed annually, underscores our relentless commitment to the highest standards of information security, privacy, and our dedication to safeguarding our clients’ data.  

 

The SOC 2 Type II audit is a rigorous examination of controls relevant to the trust services criteria categories, including security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It provides a comprehensive report on the design and effectiveness of specified controls over a specific period. Fedcap has taken this important step to ensure that our systems and processes not only meet but exceed internationally recognized best practices and guardrails.

 

“We created FedcapCARES to help organizations better perform case management through state-of- the-art technology. This successful completion of the SOC 2 Type II audit reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of information security in our platform,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “This achievement by The Fedcap Group not only aligns with industry and regulatory expectations, but also ensures the highest level of data protection for our clients most sensitive data.”


It is anticipated that SOC 2 Type II compliance will become a standard requirement in most, if not all, future contracts and renewals within the nonprofit sector. By voluntarily undergoing this audit, The Fedcap Group is not only meeting regulatory expectations but is proactively ensuring that our clients’ data is protected with the utmost care. As the landscape of digital information security evolves, SOC 2 Type II compliance is increasingly becoming a benchmark for excellence and trustworthiness.

 

About The Fedcap Group

For nearly ninety years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training, and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term economic well-being. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system change—working in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered.

 

Contact:

Jim Malatras, 212-727-4200, (JMalatras@fedcap.org)