Creating Pathways,
Removing Barriers
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We’re always making move to create pathways and remove barriers through programs, partnerships, and special initiatives and February 2023 was no different.
We want you to join us in the movement and spread the word, so keep an eye on this monthly roundup to view programming and events you can look forward to, as well as learn of the ways we have delivered in our mission to uplift African Americans in Louisiana!
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Automotive Apprenticeship Program Begins
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Our Automotive Apprenticeship program, in partnership with National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA), National Urban League, and LADA has kicked off this month with the start of workforce training programs in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Candidates were selected by the Urban League of Louisiana, and have started their four-week professional and life skills training program. Soon they will then be placed with participating dealerships where they will shadow dealership employees while they are taking technician classes in automotive technology programs at either Baton Rouge Community College or Delgado Community College. The best part is each apprentice will earn while they learn.
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SEE Change Steering Committee Meets
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This month, we hosted a meeting of the SEE Change Collective’s steering committee. This collective brings together members of our community in a collective that is data-driven, community-oriented, and outcomes-focused.
Together, we are committed to identifying and implementing policy and practice solutions to close the racial wealth gap in the Greater New Orleans region.
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DEI Leadership Roundtable
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On February 24, we hosted a roundtable with DEI experts from across the state of Louisiana and a discussion with Judy Reese Morse, ULLA’s President & CEO, and Deborah Grimes, System Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Ochsner Health. Together we discussed our experiences in the DEI field, trends, problems, and future possibilities. We’re excited to work more with this group of leaders to create a stronger ecosystem for DEI practitioners in our state. We will be their biggest champions!
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On March 2, we hosted a Women’s History Month event featuring Lona Edwards Hankins, Interim Executive Director at the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Lona spoke with our President & CEO, Judy Reese Morse about transportation and economic mobility.
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Take Advantage of the Becoming Bankable Series
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For small businesses, there are certain indicators that are very telling as to whether or not obtaining a traditional business loan will be possible. It is imperative that entrepreneurs understand how to best position themselves to access capital and what they can be doing today to advance their business closer to becoming bankable.
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Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grants
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Calling all electrical contractors! Join Urban League of Louisiana’s Contractor’s Resource Center and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD), on Thursday, March 9 to learn more about the electric vehicle infrastructure program.
Over the next five years, Louisiana will receive approximately $73M dollars for electric vehicle infrastructure through President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. LA DOTD plans to administer the deployment of electric vehicle charging station infrastructure throughout the State. As part of the EV infrastructure deployment plan, the U.S. Legislature has made National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program funds available for expenditure by state transportation agencies. These funds will cover 80% of the EV infrastructure expenses with a minimum 20% state match covered by grant recipients. To disburse these funds, LA DOTD is developing a competitive grant program that allows for a phased approach to the buildout of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) over five years that meets federal requirements of DC Fast Chargers within one mile of designated corridors.
Applications for this grant program will be available soon! Join us to learn more about the program and how you can prepare to take advantage of this this opportunity!
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Join us during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week for “A Recipe for Success: Leveraging Best-in-Class Accelerator Programs to Grow Your Food Service Business!” Learn how food service accelerators are helping diverse entrepreneurs to grow and scale their operations. Hear from local restauranteurs and experts to gain insights on your recipe for success.
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Save the Date! We’re excited to host the 2023 Women In Construction Convening: Pathways to Profits – Leveraging Innovation for Recovery, Growth, and Sustainability, on Thursday, April 27.
During the past three years, construction firms across Louisiana have been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, Hurricanes Ida and Laura, localized flooding and tornados, and the economic downturn. These events caused delays in projects, labor shortages, supply chain delays, increased material costs, and tightened insurance coverage.
For construction business owners, the need for deliberate strategies for recovery, growth, and sustainability are imperative. During the 2023 Women in Construction Convening, participants will learn about innovative pathways to profitability that can change the trajectory of their business with a focus on risk management, technology enhancements, opportunities in sustainable buildings and green infrastructure, and much more!
This day will be packed with insights and best practices from industry experts, guest speakers, and women leaders who are excelling in the industry! More details coming soon.
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Exciting News! ULLA to Co-Host 2023 Televised Gubernatorial Debate
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“The Urban League of Louisiana is proud to continue our history of non-partisan voter education and mobilization,” said Judy Reese Morse, President & CEO, Urban League of Louisiana. “This unique partnership positions our organization to help elevate issues important to the communities we serve as well as help to highlight the future Louisianians of all communities share.”
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Impacting Change for Good
Learn more about the work Urban League of Louisiana did in 2022.
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Upcoming Events
Visit our events page to see all of our upcoming opportunities and events!
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