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The Fedcap Group to Honor Governor David A. Paterson with the Community Impact Award at Upcoming Power of Possible Gala

The Fedcap Group to Honor Governor David A. Paterson with the Community Impact Award at Upcoming Power of Possible Gala

New York, NY– The Fedcap Group will present former New York Governor David A. Paterson with the Community Impact Award at its annual Gala, to be held December 1, 2025 in New York City. Governor Paterson has served New York communities for the past 40 years, demonstrating a deep commitment to public service.

“Governor David Paterson is a trailblazer whose career has been defined by expanding opportunity—especially for underserved communities,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “From strengthening education to driving economic progress, Governor Paterson has broken barriers and championed policies that have improved lives across the state. He is an inspiration to many we serve, and we are honored to present him with the Community Impact Award.”

The Community Impact Award recognizes individuals whose life’s work has advanced opportunity, economic mobility and wellbeing—particularly for barriered communities.

“This award from The Fedcap Group is especially meaningful because it comes from an organization doing the kind of work I’ve long believed in and fought for,” said Governor Paterson. “Promoting access to education, workforce development, health, and economic opportunity is critical to building a stronger, more just society.”

Governor Paterson made history as the first African‑American legislative leader in New York when, in 2002, he was elected Minority Leader of the State Senate. In that role, he spearheaded efforts to improve Medicaid delivery, champion stem‑cell research funding, and promote alternative energy policy while advocating for minority‑ and women‑owned businesses.

As Governor, David A. Paterson led New York through the height of the Great Recession, warning of the looming fiscal crisis in his inaugural address and calling special legislative sessions to confront growing deficits—reducing New York’s deficit by nearly $40 billion—while helping preserve the state’s credit rating. He became the first governor in New York history to sign legislation attaching criminal penalties to predatory lending during the height of the national foreclosure crisis.

Governor Paterson championed a number of civil rights and social policy initiatives, including introducing landmark legislation that ultimately ended legal discrimination against same-sex couples in New York. He enacted sweeping reforms of the Rockefeller Drug Laws, which for more than 35 years had imposed mandatory minimum sentences on low-level drug offenders and stripped judges of sentencing discretion. He advocated for accommodations for disabled students taking the bar exam—drawing from his own experience as a visually impaired attorney.

These accomplishments reflect a tenure marked by decisive leadership in times of crisis and a commitment to social and economic justice.

“Governor Paterson’s record of principled leadership—especially in moments of crisis—reflects the very spirit of Fedcap’s mission to expand opportunity at scale,” said Mark O’Donoghue, Chairman, The Fedcap Group Board of Directors. “From strengthening New York’s fiscal footing to advancing civil rights and access for people with disabilities, his impact is both measurable and deeply compassionate. On behalf of our Board, I’m proud to honor him with the Community Impact Award and grateful for his example to the communities we serve.”

The Gala brings together civic, business, philanthropic, and nonprofit leaders to celebrate those who make lasting contributions to community wellbeing and inclusive economic growth. Funds raised support The Fedcap Group’s life-changing programs in education, workforce development, health, and economic development across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.

Find more information at https://www.gala.fedcapgroup.org.

About The Fedcap Group
The Fedcap Group is a global network of top-tier nonprofit agencies dedicated to creating opportunities for people with barriers to economic well-being. With operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and recently Australia, The Fedcap Group provides innovative solutions in education, workforce development, health, and economic development, impacting the lives of over 250,000 individuals each year.

About Fedcap’s Community Impact Award
The Fedcap Group is a nonprofit organization committed to creating opportunities and improving the lives of people with barriers to economic well-being—serving more than 250,000 people annually across the globe. The Community Impact Award celebrates extraordinary companies, organizations, and individuals that embody The Fedcap Group’s “Power of Possible” philosophy. It honors leaders who turn visionary ideas into actions, transform challenges into opportunities, and bring sustainable impact to the forefront of their work. The Power of Possible Gala will bring together leaders from across industries to celebrate innovation, commitment, and the transformative power of community collaboration.

Media Contact: Jim Malatras, JMalatras@Fedcap.org

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Teams from The Fedcap Group Across the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom Volunteered at Dozens of Charities as part of its Annual Community Day

Teams from The Fedcap Group Across the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom Volunteered at Dozens of Charities as part of its Annual Community Day

Watch our Teams in Action in their Communities 

NEW YORK, NY – The Fedcap Group has celebrated its second international Community Day on Friday, September 19, 2025 with more than 500 staff coming together across three countries to volunteer their time with 40 charities.

From local food banks to community centers, cleaning parks and delivering food to those in need, our employees gave their time to organizations doing vital work in their communities.

Locations include:

  • New York Cares, New York City
  • Living Rock Ministries in Hamilton, Canada
  • Martha’s Table in Washington, DC
  • McLaughlin Garden in South Paris, Maine
  • Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee
  • Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank in Akron, Ohio
  • Bella Vista Animal Shelter in Arkansas
  • Community First Village in Austin, Texas
  • Four Square Homeless Charity in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • SeeAbility in Surrey, United Kingdom

“Across three countries, our teams came together for one purpose: to live our mission of putting people on the path to economic well-being,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “Community Day is more than service—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe in.”

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 drives economic mobility through four practice areas—education, workforce development, health, and economic development. 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)

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Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community School Partners with TACT to Launch Cybersecurity Training for Students with Autism

Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community School Partners with TACT to Launch Cybersecurity Training for Students with Autism

Austin, TX — [July 22, 2025] — The Fedcap Group today announced a new partnership between the Teaching the Autism Community Trades school and the Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community School to launch a specialized cybersecurity training program for neurodiverse students in Austin, Texas. Designed by TACT, the program will begin in Fall 2025 and offer industry-aligned, hands-on instruction that prepares students for careers in one of the fastest-growing sectors.

TACT, a fully accredited school founded in Colorado to provide skills-based training for individuals with autism, boasts an 83% job placement rate—far surpassing the national average of 10% for this population. Its individualized, competency-based cybersecurity program offers opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications such as ISC2, CompTIA, and CodeHS, preparing graduates for employment as Tier 1 SOC analysts and other cybersecurity roles.

Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community School, operated by Easterseals Lonestar, is a community charter school tailored to the learning needs of neurodivergent students. This partnership marks the first time TACT’s cybersecurity curriculum will be delivered in Texas, expanding access to a proven training model for students with autism and related differences.

“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to expanding innovative, high-impact programs across our network,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “Together with Easterseals Lonestar and TACT, we’re helping students with autism access the education, credentials, and opportunities they need to build meaningful careers in technology.”

“This collaboration gives our students a powerful new opportunity to prepare for careers in a sector that needs their talents,” said Dr. Mary Van Haneghan, Executive Director of Easterseals Lonestar. “TACT’s model is deeply aligned with our mission to provide transformative support that meets individuals where they are—and equips them to thrive.”

“We are thrilled to bring this transformative program to Greenleaf,” said Mandy Pruitt, Head of School at Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community School. “TACT’s model aligns perfectly with our mission to foster independence and purpose in every student. Together, we’re opening new doors and building real pathways to the future for our students.”

“Our goal has always been to empower students with autism through meaningful, strength-based training that leads to real careers—not just jobs,” said Becky Mershon, Interim President of TACT. “By partnering with Greenleaf, we’re expanding opportunity and helping more students access the tech economy on their terms.”

The program will feature small class sizes, individualized instruction, and wraparound supports, including job coaching and career exploration. 

This initiative builds on The Fedcap Group’s national commitment to improving economic mobility for individuals with disabilities. With workforce gaps in cybersecurity widening—and over 500,000 individuals with autism expected to age out of the U.S. education system over the next decade—this partnership provides a scalable model for targeted, high-impact tech training.

About The Fedcap Group

The Fedcap Group is a global network of nonprofit agencies dedicated to creating opportunities for people with barriers to economic well-being. Through education, workforce development, occupational health, and economic development, The Fedcap Group serves over 250,000 individuals annually in the U.S., Canada, and the UK.

About Easterseals Lonestar

Easterseals Lonestar is part of The Fedcap Group and provides vital services to individuals with disabilities, veterans, and families across Texas. Through education, workforce training, residential services, and community-based programs, Easterseals Lonestar empowers people of all ages to achieve greater independence.

About TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades)

Founded in Colorado, TACT is the nation’s leading trade and technical training program for individuals with autism. TACT offers accredited, hands-on training in fields ranging from woodworking and automotive technology to cybersecurity. With an 83% job placement rate, TACT provides students with autism the tools, confidence, and certifications to thrive in competitive industries. TACT is a member of The Fedcap Group. 

Media Contact:

Jim Malatras, JMalatras@fedcap.org

 

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Fedcap Launches the Apex Clean Energy Training Center in the United Kingdom

Fedcap Launches the Apex Clean Energy Training Center in the United Kingdom

Aligned with the UK’s Office of Clean Energy Jobs, Program Equips Job Seekers with the Skills Needed to Excel in the Fast-Growing UK Solar Industry

Basingstoke, UK–Fedcap, a global leader in advancing economic mobility for communities facing barriers, launched the Apex Clean Energy Training Center in the United Kingdom. This initiative marks the first international expansion of Fedcap’s Apex Technical School, a leading provider of high-demand vocational training programs in the United States.  

Starting today, the Center’s first program is a comprehensive 12-week industry-led course designed to prepare individuals for careers in solar photovoltaics installation and operations, with no prior experience required. Learners will engage in hands-on technical training, develop employability skills, and earn accredited certifications, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in this rapidly growing industry.

“The launch of the Apex Clean Energy Training Center in the United Kingdom represents a pivotal moment for Fedcap as we bring high-quality clean energy programs to the UK,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “We are equipping individuals with the skills to thrive in in-demand sustainable energy careers while creating economic opportunities for families and communities across the UK.” 

This program is the first in Fedcap UK’s suite of clean energy career initiatives to meet the priorities set out by the UK’s Office for Clean Energy Jobs, addressing the critical skills gap and enabling individuals to access sustainable, high-quality careers. The Apex Clean Energy Training Center is Fedcap’s first initiative in the UK education sector and part of a broader effort to build a robust education practice in the region. By collaborating with local employers and leveraging its vast expertise, Fedcap aims to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the clean energy sector.

“Fedcap UK is excited to expand its programming with the launch of the Apex Clean Energy Training Center—representing the next step in our mission to create pathways to economic mobility in the UK,” said Brian Bell, Lead of Fedcap UK. “This program aligns closely with the priorities set out by the Office for Clean Energy Jobs, exemplifying our commitment to providing tangible education and workforce solutions that meet the needs of job seekers and employers alike.”

The first solar installation cohort, which started today, includes over 20 participants from Hampshire, Berkshire, and Surrey, who will gain practical skills and work directly with industry professionals. This program builds upon Apex’s proven success in the United States, where over 75% of graduates secure employment upon program completion.

“This is a milestone for Apex Technical School and a testament to the power of expanding our proven training models internationally,” said Steve Markowitz, President of Apex Technical School. “For more than 60 years Apex has been teaching high-quality vocational programs that lead to sustainable, well-paying jobs. By bringing our clean energy training expertise to the UK, and by partnering with Fedcap UK, we are helping individuals develop life-changing skills and empowering them to thrive in an industry that’s crucial for driving the clean energy economy.”

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 drives economic mobility through four practice areas—education, workforce development, health, and economic development. 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. For more information visit https://fedcapgroup.org. 

About Fedcap UK

Fedcap UK is a leading provider of services designed to help individuals overcome barriers to employment and achieve sustainable career success across the United Kingdom. As part of The Fedcap Group, Fedcap UK delivers innovative programs that address unemployment, skill development, and social inclusion. Working in partnership with local governments, employers, and community organizations, Fedcap UK offers personalized support, vocational training, and job placement services to individuals from all walks of life. With a commitment to creating economic opportunities and fostering long-term positive impact, Fedcap UK is dedicated to building stronger communities and transforming lives across the United Kingdom. For more information, visit https://fedcap.org.uk. 

About Apex Technical School

Apex Technical School, part of The Fedcap Group, is a leading vocational training institution dedicated to equipping individuals with the skills and certifications needed for high-demand careers. With over 60 years of experience, Apex offers hands-on training in fields such as electrical and advanced solar installation, plumbing, welding, HVAC, automotive service, and more. Apex’s programs are designed to prepare students for real-world challenges, ensuring they enter the workforce with confidence and expertise. Committed to transforming lives through education, Apex empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve economic independence and career success. For more information, visit https://apexschool.com. 

Contact:

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

For UK media inquiries contact Neal Smith, 07936 030129, neal.smith@fedcap.org.uk

 

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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.
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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.
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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


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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

 

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marsha jones

Encore Fellow Profiles

Marsha Jones image

Marsha Jones

Excessive Wealth Disorder Institute

“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.
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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. 

 

 

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