I Inc and Beyond

Ryan Cook and Veteran Programs at Central Michigan University

Ryan is currently studying International Business at Central Michigan University in Mt Pleasant, MI. He is the current President of Central Michigan's Project Management Chapter and is also currently leading the Better Together Project. The Better Together Project is an initiative that's main goal is to give back to the community in a way that is not being done already. While it works closely with experienced project managers who have been in the game for years, its decision making and project initiatives are entirely student-led.

 

Currently, Ryan and his team have two different projects that they are working on. The first project's initiative is to build a program for veterans to be able to take free guitar lessons and eventually receive their own guitar. The ultimate goal is to work with Guitars4Vets to open an official chapter in the city of Mt Pleasant.

 

Ryan and the rest of the Better Together Project Team are also working on hosting a career workshop based on the principles of I Inc to better prepare participants for their career search. The goal is to give students of the program the necessary tools to create income for themselves in the cutthroat modern world of searching for a career. 

 

No matter the project, Ryan's ultimate goal is to make a difference in the world that will leave a lasting impact on people's lives as well as to inspire others to make the changes that they want to see in the world.

 

If you are interested in either of these initiatives, feel free to contact Ryan at cook2rm@cmich.edu

Penny Fomby discussing an upcoming workshop for Veterans starting on Jun 3rd, 2024

Penny Fomby

Veteran Liaison | City of Dearborn

 

Penny grew up in Detroit and is a proud mother of two children. She joined the Army in 2013 and now serves as a veteran liaison for the city of Dearborn. As a veteran herself, Penny is passionate about supporting veterans and their families, dedicating her time and energy to ensuring they receive the help and resources they need.

 

Penny can be reached at: Cfomby@Dearborn.gov

 

or at : 734-933-0490 

 

Charlene Parks and her work with teenage girls

Charlene Parks is a serial entrepreneur, business strategist, and advocate for empowering young people and urban communities. With over 25 years of experience leading transformative projects and managing multimillion-dollar technology programs, Charlene has dedicated her career to driving innovation and creating opportunities for success. She is also an adjunct professor at Walsh College, a Doctorate candidate in Business Administration, and a proud member of the Board of the Next IT Girl, an organization focused on inspiring and preparing the next generation of women in technology. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Charlene finds joy in family, travel, and fostering creativity. She is passionate about inspiring young women to embrace their full potential and build a future of confidence, purpose, and success. 

Teen Success Blueprint: Goal Mastery for Teen Girls is a transformative guide designed to empower them to dream big, set clear goals, and achieve their full potential. Through practical tools, inspiring stories, and actionable exercises, this book provides young readers the skills to develop resilience, manage their time effectively, and maintain a positive mindset while navigating life’s challenges.

Charlene’s goal with this book is to inspire teenage girls to take ownership of their futures by giving them the tools they need to turn dreams into achievable goals. Whether improving grades, excelling in activities, or building stronger relationships, the book equips readers with lifelong skills for success and happiness.

Readers will leave feeling confident, motivated, and prepared to take on their next challenge, knowing they have the roadmap to becoming their best selves.

glowinkpress.com

Hear about a successful "Better Together" project from two very engaged students

Better Together Project Summary: As part of the Better Together project, Olivia Kelly  and Aiden Huber had the opportunity to co-lead a financial literacy workshop at Howard W. Blake High School in collaboration with UT’s Personal Finance Club. They helped develop engaging activities that emphasized the real-world impact of budgeting and saving. They got to experience how receptive and curious the students were.  They covered essential topics like budgeting, saving, investing, and equipping students with tools that aren’t normally emphasized in high school curricula. The session was incredibly well received, and they have since been invited back to present for their summer boot camp and in the fall. 

Olivia Kelly is a junior at the University of Tampa, majoring in Finance with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She currently serves as President of the Phi Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi and Vice President of Finance for UT’s American Marketing Association. Olivia has interned with Webull Financial, a leading fintech firm, and will be returning this summer to continue her work in compliance and regulatory research. With a strong passion for corporate law and the broker-dealer industry, she plans to attend law school after graduation and pursue a career at the intersection of law and finance.

Aiden Huber is a second-year student at the University of Tampa, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Accounting. He currently serves as Chair of the Professional Programming Committee for Alpha Kappa Psi’s Phi Upsilon Chapter, where he leads initiatives aimed at fostering members’ professional growth. Aiden is also the founder of A-Swim Concierge Lessons, a private swim instruction business he built from the ground up. Aiden plans to pursue a career in public accounting with a long-term goal of earning his CPA and working in advisory services. 

 

If you want to reach out to either Aiden or Olivia about further questions, they can be reached at: aiden.huber18@gmail.com or oliviakelly1104@gmail.com

 

 

Gain a deeper perspecitve of PM Certifications from Erin LeBlanc, Corporate Senior Manager - Coca Cola United - Projects

Erin LeBlanc is a seasoned project manager with over 13 years of experience in the field. Currently, Erin serves as a Corporate Senior Manager in the Project Management Office at Coca-Cola United, where she has been a valuable team member for the past 4 and a half years. In this role, Erin works on cross-functional projects and plays a crucial part in setting project management standards for the company.

Throughout her career, Erin has demonstrated a strong ability to lead and manage complex projects, ensuring successful outcomes and fostering collaboration across various departments. Erin's expertise in project management has been instrumental in driving efficiency and innovation within Coca-Cola United.

Erin is passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of project managers. With a commitment to excellence and a wealth of practical knowledge, Erin is dedicated to helping aspiring project managers achieve their goals and succeed in their careers.

If you want to reach out to Erin with any questions, feel free to use her email listed here:

ErinLeBlanc@ccbcu.com

Learn about a Valuable Service for Vets and others.

Learn about a valuable resource to help Veterans, First Responders and Medical Staff deal with emotional trauma.

QRVup.org

 

 

Listen to Rameses Yebra, Suicide prevention/ DV/SA Law Enforcement Liaison, and how he draws his inspiration from a lineage steeped in military tradition, instilling in him the values of service to country and community. Raised in a family where dedication to others formed the bedrock of their existence, Rameses learned from an early age the importance of selflessness and duty towards those in need.

 

His journey in service began with the United States Marine Corps, where he served proudly with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, participating in crucial missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II, as well as Operation Enduring Freedom I and II in Afghanistan. The trials and triumphs of combat, particularly during the 2003 invasion and stabilization efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, deepened Rameses' commitment to civic duty.

 

During his second combat tour, Rameses played a vital role in the clearing of insurgent-held territories, including the city of Ramadi, Iraq, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His experiences on the front lines further solidified his resolve to serve others, both on and off the battlefield.

 

Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, Rameses transitioned seamlessly into a decade-long career as a Medic with the in the Army. His time spent providing critical medical care to fellow service members solidified his passion for healthcare and support services.

 

Driven by his unwavering dedication to his fellow Veterans, Rameses began volunteering his time and expertise during his military service. At Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), he served on a National Veteran Service Officer advisory council for the VA, acting as a voice for elected officials at local and state levels. 

 

In 2020, Rameses took his commitment to the next level as a K9 officer with the Minneapolis police department as well as founding a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention for Veterans, First Responders and organizing community service projects across Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, California, Georgia and Wisconsin. Through his leadership, this organization has become a beacon of hope for Veterans and First responders in crisis, providing crucial support and resources to those in need.

 

Today, as advocate for QRFup, Rameses continues to honor his family's legacy of service by tirelessly advocating for the well-being and welfare of the Veteran and first responder community nationwide. His vision and leadership serve as a guiding light for those navigating the challenges of life after suicide attempts and ideology, domestic violence, sexual assault and homelessness. Empowering the community on prevention and intervention. Helping gap the difficulties of the law enforcement steps in criminal cases, court procedures, educating healthy relationships, safety planning and how to thrive after a life of trauma.