Friday, April 10, 2009

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS TO RECOGNIZE CARL DAMERON & 16 OTHER COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS AS CITIZENS OF ACHIEVEMENT

Carl M. Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications, volunteers his time and communications skills for the African-American community, especially on health issues, as well as for nonprofits and other community organizations in the inland counties including: The African American Health Institute,  The Salvation Army, Goodwill, Loma Linda Behavioral Medicine Center, Knotts Family Parenting Agency, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State San Bernardino, The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce, The San Bernardino Black Cultural Society and many more.


California State Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter and honoree Carl Dameron at the 2009 Black Summit in January of 2009.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The San Bernardino League of Women Voters will honor 16 individuals who have made a difference in their communities at the 33rd Citizens of Achievement reception and awards. 

It will be held on Sunday, April 26 from 2-4 p.m. at the San Bernardino County Government Center, 385 North Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino.  Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students.  Reservations can be made be made by calling 909-338-4163.

Honorees are:

Linda Adams, San Bernardino Public Library Program Coordinator, has initiated innovative programs especially for teens, as well as other creative programs for families and adults.

Charles “Chuck” Beeman, who died recently, will be honored posthumously for his many years of service as a member of the Board of Trustees of the San Bernardino Community College District.

Diane and Bill Boone send hundreds of packages of items to deployed military in remote areas of Iraq and Afghanistan through their labor of love, Touch of Home.

Carl M. Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications, volunteers his time and communications skills for the African-American community, especially on health issues, as well as for nonprofits and other community organizations in the inland counties including: The African American Health Institute,  The Salvation Army, Goodwill, Loma Linda Behavioral Medicine Center, Knotts Family Parenting Agency, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State San Bernardino, The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce, The San Bernardino Black Cultural Society and many more.

Bill Hanes, in charge of San Bernardino City Unified School District’s Warehouse Division, is involved in securing, storing, and distribution for Toys for Tots as well as in implementing a recycling program for the district.

Helga Kray, Cal State San Bernardino’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Student Leadership, and Development, is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students and staff, and also volunteers for community organizations focusing on children.

Mary-Justine Lanyon, editor of The Mountain News, is involved with planning activities for teens in her church, as well as in rehabilitating homes for low income and disabled homeowners, and she has used the newspaper to feature achievements of students. 

Ira Maser has been helping those in need since the devastating fires of 2003 by expanding and improving the resources available to the mountain communities.

Tanya Perry has been instrumental in getting people to work together to provide access to services for children and families in Big Bear Valley. 

John Peukert, Asst.Supt.of Facilities and Operations of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, is involved in the District’s fundraising for charitable giving as well as for an organization that raises awareness of child nutrition and fitness. 

Attorney Tim Prince donates time to the legal aid groups as well as to community service, focusing on making San Bernardino a good place to live and work.

Helen Richardson, a retired kindergarten teacher, volunteers her time to help at-risk readers.  She also founded a cinema club to bring foreign films to the mountains.

Candy Stallings, Executive Director of the San Bernardino Sexual Assault Services, has been dedicated to being a victim advocate since 1987, when she began as a volunteer. 

Joseph Williams, founder of the Youth Action Project, works with youth and young adults to help them become productive and successful adults. 

Joyce Zimmerman has been a mainstay of the Women’s Club of San Bernardino for many years and is a volunteer in the reading program at Lincoln School.

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Hollywood entertainers participating in Urban Dreams Film Festival

Stacey McClain 

Kenneth Dixon

Bentley Kyle Evans

Mark Adam Woods

(ONTARIO, Calif.) Hollywood TV and film producers Bentley Kyle Evans, Gus Blackmon and Stacey McClain will be participating in the Inland Empire’s First Annual Urban Dreams Filmworks Festival.

This unprecedented two-day event offers aspiring filmmakers the unique opportunity to showcase their talent and get recognized by Hollywood’s most revered entertainment professionals.

Industry leaders will lend their expertise to aspiring filmmakers who want to get their start in the entertainment industry. The festival will take place at the Ontario Convention Center June 19th and June 20th 2009. It is the first of its kind and is a major opportunity for new filmmakers in the Inland Empire and around the world who desire to excel in the industry.

Applicants can expect to showcase their skills as well as learn some new ones from Hollywood’s top TV and film executives who will be teaching seminars in scriptwriting, music video production and choosing actors. Expert entertainment financial planner Terrell Hickman will also be conducting a finance seminar.

Other notable entertainment professionals participating in the festival include singer Mark Wood, the original singer of Lakeside. Judges for the festival will include actor and producer Anthony Herron, who will also teach a screenwriting class. Ken Dickson, a Warner executive producer with an acting background in stage, TV and film productions, will also be at the event.

Erick Benson, Founder of The Urban Dreams Filmworks Festival, adds, “Stacey McLain-Fields has been a head writer for ‘The Parkers’ sitcom, and “The Jamie Foxx Show.” Fields was also a screenwriter of a B.E.T. Movie of the Week and a story editor for a decade or more. Stacey will be an award presenter and will hold a seminar on Writing for Television.”

For further information on festival events, submission guidelines and fees, student entries, seminar offerings and more, please visit www.urbandreamsfilmworks.com or call (909) 268-5303.

About Urban Dreams Filmworks
The founder of Ontario, California’s Urban Dreams Filmworks Inc., is Erick Benson.
He created Urban Dreams Filmworks as a cutting-edge film company to write and produce quality films with positive messages. The goal is to expose the world to stories that can change lives and create tomorrow’s horizons today.


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Educators Say "Education Is A Civil Right"


Suzy and Craig Aguillard

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Rialto Alliance of Black School Educators (RABSE) tackles a pressing issue in education during its first annual Spring Conference and Educational Luncheon from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday, April 11.

The conference’s theme is “Education is a Civil Right.” The event, sponsored by the University of Redlands, will be held on campus at Orton Center, 1200 E. Colton Ave. in Redlands.

“One of the goals of the conference is to inform both educators and parents how to better prepare their children for school, college and life.” said Craig Aguillard, a member of RABSE.

Aguillard, and his wife Suzy, are founders of ACQUIRE Educational Services, Inc., a company that provides tutorial services for adults and students. “We want to make sure African American students, and other students of color, receive an adequate education.” Aguillard said.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Charlie Mae Knight, an educator and civil rights activist. Knight’s more than 40-year career includes spells as president of the National Alliance of Black School Educators, associate superintendent of the California Department of Education, superintendent of Lynwood Unified School District and superintendent of Ravenswood City School District.

The opening speaker is Dr. Lawson Bush, director of the University of California, Irvine/Cal State University, Los Angeles Joint Doctoral Program. Bush is the author of Can Black Mothers Raise Our Sons.
Bush has also worked as a school principal and conducted research into African American education history. He is the founder of Imani Saturday Academy, a program that provides K-12 students with instruction in math/science, Language Arts, African history and martial arts.

Conference registration is $40 per person. Checks can be mailed to 6331 Haven Ave., Suite 13, Mailbox 187, Alta Loma, CA 81737. For more information e-mail Rabse@gmail.com

ACQUIRE Educational Services Inc. operates its ACQUIRE Learning Center at 1188 W. Leiske Avenue, Ste. 100 in Rialto. ACQUIRE Educational Services can also work with students in their homes. For more information, call (909) 875-3356 or visit www.Acquire3.net.

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Thursday, April 9, 2009

TWO ART INSTITUTE OF CALIFORNIA – INLAND EMPIRE DEGREE PROGRAMS STIRRING UP INLAND EMPIRE’S PASSION FOR FASHION

Tiffany Leilani models a gown designed by Adrianna Diaz, a Fashion Design student at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire. The Fashion Design and Fashion Retail Marketing programs at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire prepare students for exciting careers in the fashion industry.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – “If you want to see the world, fashion is a great industry to be in.”

So says Academic Director for Fashion Sherry West, who oversees The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s fashion programs. There are two programs of study within this discipline, Fashion Design and Fashion & Retail Management.

“You would spend three to four years in a Fashion Design program to obtain a position as an assistant fashion designer,” West said. “That is only the beginning. There are hundreds of opportunities within this field.”

Every level of fashion, from discount to luxury, relies on designers, she pointed out. And within each level there are men’s, women’s and children’s clothes. Designers create clothing from swimming suits to evening gowns to theatrical costumes, as well as accessories like belts and purses. They also create the designs for patterns (i.e. floral) and trims seen on clothes.

“You could pick a brand and go for it,” West said. “

“I don’t recommend anyone go straight from college to having their own fashion line” West said. “I think they should get the experience, travel and see their creations made and successfully marketed, without the pressure of being responsible for the overall success as a business owner.”

An ability to draw is one skill a fashion designer must possess, according to West. “They have to be able to convey their ideas in an illustratable form,” she said.

Another must is a love of travel. The fashion capitals of the world are Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Milan, West explained.

Ontario’s Anchor Blue is one of several fashion designers in the Inland Empire, and there are many others farther away from Los Angeles or New York. Still, these designers will need to travel, she said.

There is another side of fashion that’s just as exciting as design work, according to West. That’s the marketing side, and these are the careers for which the Fashion & Retail Management degree program prepares students.

“Fashion & Retail Management is an exciting program for our area retailers,” West said. “The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire has determined this area is a prime location for this program.”

“The Inland Empire area needs a qualified labor force in the fashion marketing industry, said Phyllis Clark an Art Institute of California – Inland Empire fashion programs instructor and member of the programs’ advisory board. “There are a growing number of large, upscale retail centers in the two-county area. A few of these are Victoria Gardens and the Ontario Mills Outlet Mall in the west San Bernardino Valley, the Galleria at Tyler and Riverside Plaza in Riverside, and the Cabazon Outlet Mall in Cabazon and El Paseo in Palm Desert.”

Fashion Design & Retail Management can prepare students to work as merchandise or store managers in these high-end malls or major department stores in the Inland Empire.

“We want them to aim high,” she said. “And to do that, most will have to leave the Inland Empire.”

Fashion advertising is another career field for which this degree prepares students, West said. Some of these people work for fashion magazines; others create brochures and catalogues used to market new fashions.

People with bachelor’s degrees in Fashion & Retail Management might also work in a design firm’s marketing or product development departments, as a human resources manager for either a design house or a retail chain or as a “visual merchandiser,” according to West. A visual merchandiser is a person who sets up creative marketing displays to help persuade either the wholesale or retail consumers to purchase fashions.

While the career paths for which The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s fashion programs prepare students are different, they are closely related, West said.

“Fashion designers need retailers to sell the clothes they design,” she said. “Retailers need fashion designers to have clothes to sell. I teach these students to work together.”

“There are entry-level opportunities for fashion designers and fashion and retail marketers with Bachelor’s degrees,” West said. “But they have to obtain an education. It is such a fast-paced industry they will need as much knowledge as possible. The more knowledge they have, the more marketable they are.”

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design.

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin May 14 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

“BOLT” ANIMATOR TELLS STUDENTS HOW TO OBTAIN BALANCE IN DEMANDING CAREER

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Charles “Boola” Robello will tell how he balances his duel roles as a character animator and father of two in a 12 noon presentation Saturday, April 18 at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

Robello, who works with the Los Angeles animation studio Rhythm & Hues, most recently did character animation for Disney’s movie “Bolt.” He also worked on Monster House, Spiderman 3, The Incredible Hulk and I Am Legend, as well as many other films.

“He’s one of the top animators in the industry,” said Santsosh Oommen, academic director for Animation & Media Arts and Game Art & Design. “He worked in traditional animation and now does character animation by computer.”

The presentation is open to the public at no cost. Those who wish to attend should RSVP by calling Santosh Oommen at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or (800) 353-0812.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design.

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin May 14 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.


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Gospel Singer to Perform Easter Concert

Gospel singer Helen McNair will perform Saturday, March 11 at the Victoria Woods Senior Apartments.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Gospel singer Helen McNair is scheduled to perform at the Victoria Woods Senior Apartments, 1095 Kendal Dr, San Bernardino, as part of Easter festivities. The event, sponsored by Gene Chandler, president, and Helen Chandler, activities director, at the Victoria Woods Senior Apartment, is scheduled for 4 p.m., Saturday, April 11.

“Easter is a time of celebration and joy for people around the world,” McNair said. “It’s an honor to perform for the residents of Victoria Woods Senior Apartments on this special occasion.”

McNair began her professional career in the 1960s, along with her two sisters, in New Brunswick, N.J. in a group known as the Georgettes. They began by singing in their church and traveling to New York City to record as background singers for professional and upcoming artists.

McNair has performed with The Clara Ward Singers, Prof. James Cleveland, Prof. Raymond Raspberry, Gregory Perkins-Bowen, Vernard Johnson, Shirley Caesar and Albertina Walker.

Currently, McNair performs for weddings, banquets, community organizations and church functions throughout the Inland Empire, Los Angeles and beyond.

Her repertoire includes, gospel, spirituals, songs for special occasions and the classics. She is a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino, and is active in the Sanctuary choir, the Mass choir and the Mission chorus.



For more information about booking McNair contact (909) 888-0017.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

THE ART INSTITUTE OF CALIFORNIA – INLAND EMPIRE TO DELIVER CAN STATUE TO SALVATION ARMY

While this is a well-attended holiday dinner, The Salvation Army feeds nearly 200 people six nights a week at its Hospitality House. It will have some help doing so when The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire partners with The Salvation Army for its National Week of Service, April 19-25. During that week, instructors and Culinary Arts students will serve a meal at Hospitality House. Throughout the week, all students will collect cans. After displaying a “can sculpture” at its April 25 open house, The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will donate the cans to The Salvation Army.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Bring lots of cans.

That’s the message The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire has for everyone the week of April 19-25, as it partners with The Salvation Army for a canned food drive. It’s conducting this drive as part of the National Week of Service, a project in which most campuses of The Art Institutes schools are participating.

These cans collected by The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will provide nourishment to the more than 200 people The Salvation Army feeds every day at its Hospitality House shelter on Fifth Street. But first, they’ll be used for what The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire does best – create art.

“Our students will create a sculpture with the cans,” said Thomas Bustamante, dean of student affairs. “We will then display this creation during our open house on Saturday, April 25.”

Hospitality House dinner guests will actually benefit from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s community service project twice during the week. A second project calls for Culinary Arts students and staff from all departments of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire to prepare and serve a dinner at the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House shelter one day during the National Week of Service.

“The goal in both of these projects is to positively affect the Inland Empire, and to show the importance of service to our students,” said Emam El-Hout, president of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “This is our opportunity to have an impact on all of our communities.”

The public is invited to visit The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at its San Bernardino campus during the April 25 open house, at which the “can sculpture” will be displayed. The campus address is 630 E. Brier Drive.

The open house, which begins at 10 a.m. is an opportunity to learn more about the school’s programs, discuss educational goals, tour the facilities, learn about tuition scholarship opportunities and gain a first-hand look at how a creative education from an Art Institutes School can be the preparation for an exciting career.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design.

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin May 14 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire .

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu ), a system of over 40 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

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ATTORNEY BARNES HELPS NAVIGATE COMPLEX REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Sharon Barnes combines her expertise as an attorney and Real Estate broker to help investors and homeowners find solutions to today's complex Real Estate issues.

(COLTON, Calif.) Sharon Barnes, attorney and Real Estate broker, helps people find solutions in today’s complex Real Estate market.

“They’re in default and underwater, trying to understand their options they are faced with infomercials and new regulations,” Barnes explained. “Many homeowners and Real Estate investors are feeling overwhelmed. They just want a person with integrity to explain their options in way they can understand.”

What if someone owns multiple investment properties they’re having trouble renting to qualified tenants in this cold economy? Or something has come up that makes it necessary to sell the properties? Or what if they need to resize their business operations?

Barnes also helps homeowners and investors understand the impact of a short sale or foreclosure on their credit, and decide if selling at a loss is better than walking away

“I bridge the gap between legal services and Real Estate services,” Barnes said.

Barnes has worked as an attorney for 20 years and owns APEX Legal Corporation. She also obtained a Real Estate broker’s license three years ago, and works as an associate broker with the Colton office of MGR Services, Inc. This corporation assists its clients in both commercial and residential sales, as well as property management.

In both of her professions, she’s seen many situations where the services of both an attorney and a Real Estate broker are needed. Barnes provides both.

“In these situations, most Realtors will tell you, ‘We need an attorney,’ “ Barnes said. “I deliver that service as part of the Real Estate services I provide. Most of the time it is not necessary to incur the costs of an attorney outside the Real Estate transaction.”


She also helps busy professionals, such as doctors, attorneys and certified public accountants who wish to invest (or disinvest) in Real Estate. Barnes can handle the purchase and sale of these homes, help her clients obtain whatever insurance they will need on the property, and find tenants to live in and care for the property through MGR’s property management division.

One service, which she can offer through APEX Legal Corporation, is the creation of a living trust. Another strategy she can help investors work through is to create multiple limited liability corporation or LLC’s to protect their assets.

“Many investors utilize living trusts to manage millions of dollars in real estate assets without creating an LLC,” Barnes said. “Some types of Real Estate holdings are not conducive to an LLC and must be handled under a corporation or Real Estate Investment Trust. Investors who appreciate the various investment strategies are those to whom I can deliver the best service.”

Another benefit to living trusts is that unlike a will, a living trust allows a spouse or other designee to make decisions should someone become incapacitated.

“If you are married, or if you have children, you should have a living trust,” Barnes said. “This is especially true if you are self-employed.”

In California, Real Estate and businesses are considered community property, Barnes explained. This usually means one spouse can’t make a transaction affecting these without the consent of the other. A living trust gives the spouse, adult child or partner authority to make these decisions on the other’s behalf.

Barnes recalls one client, a middle-aged couple that did not have a living trust. The man, who was self-employed, had contracted bacterial meningitis and could no longer speak.

“His wife didn’t know what to do,” Barnes said. “She couldn’t get any money out of the business without his signature. She couldn’t get any money out of the equity in their house. A living trust would have allowed her to.”

Likewise, a living trust would have allowed an elderly woman whose husband had end-stage Parkinson’s’ disease, and who needed to sell property to pay for $200,000 in debt the couple had incurred. But, with her husband alive but too ill to sign papers, she could not do so.

“We had to file for a conservatorship, and an attorney was appointed by the court, supposedly to represent the husbands’ interests,” Barnes said. “He tried to prevent my client from getting some of the money she needed, in case he would need it to pay for care in a convalescent hospital. But he didn’t need convalescent care. She had been married to him for 47 years, and if he needed diapers, she would have put diapers on him. A living trust would have made that clear.”

Yet another of Barnes’ clients was a couple in their 80s, whose 56-year-old daughter had a medical condition that caused her to lapse into a coma. The parents weren’t able to prove they were responsible for their daughter, and were prevented from making decisions about her medical care.

“Living trusts also allow the transfer of a home to a child or children upon the parent’s death, “ Barnes said. “Without them, the transfer must be handled by probate, which can get expensive, especially if you have more than one child, or if survivors do not agree.”

Sharon Barnes is an experienced Real Estate attorney and certified commercial broker. Her expertise includes working with developers, contractors, investment groups, mortgage bankers and business owners. By combining legal and Real Estate expertise she provides valuable service to investors and property owners throughout the Inland Empire.

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Monday, April 6, 2009

STUDENTS NETWORK WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AT ‘PORTFOLIO’ SHOW

Tracy O'Bannon, a recent graduate of The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire's Interior Design program, showed her portfolio at the recent Winter Graduate Portfolio Exhibit held at the Riverside Art Museum. Manny Otiko photo


(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) New graduates received some help entering the job market when The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire hosted its Winter Graduate Portfolio Exhibit recently at the Riverside Art Museum.

Cindy Jones, director of career services, said The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire hosts a Graduate Portfolio Exhibit each quarter. One of the main goals of the exhibit is to introduce students to industry experts who can offer critiques and feedback on their work.

“Apart from educating students for careers in the creative field, the school is also responsible for providing them with skills that will help them succeed in the workforce,” said Jana Rawling, academic director for Graphic Design.

“I want to make sure that all of our students are hirable, and have the ability to get and keep a job,” Rawling said. “It’s important that students know how to dress up and show up in a professional manner.”

Another important part of the exhibit is helping students develop important ties with key members of their industry. “Some industry members are looking for future employees, while others are trying to figure out where the industry is going,” Rawling said. “The best way they can learn that is by talking to students, who are the future of the industry.”

Rawling said the exhibit featured work from interior design, culinary arts and graphic design students. Rawling said students are required to produce a portfolio before they graduate.
Tracy O’Bannon, an interior design graduate, was one of the students who displayed her work at the exhibit. “Creating a portfolio is a great way to keep track of all the work you have done during your degree program,” O’Bannon said.

“You sum up everything you have learned at school. My portfolio contains all the work I have done over the last three years,” O’Bannon added. “You don’t know how much you have done until you sit down and compile everything.”

O’Bannon said she talked to several potential employers at the exhibit who gave her great feedback. “They were very impressed with my graphic design work,” she said. “Most of the feedback was positive.”

Cesar Bahena, an interior design graduate, said the Graduate Portfolio Exhibit allows students to rub shoulders with industry experts and learn about the job market. He said he met several industry professionals and explained his design concepts to them. “They gave me great feedback on my 3D design work, and they liked my concepts,” Bahena said.

Bahena said that interior design graduates can pursue employment with design firms, architecture firms or do freelance work. They are often employed to redesign restaurants, office buildings and homes, Bahena noted.

Bahena also added that the Graduate Portfolio Exhibit is a great way for students to showcase their work to the public and industry professionals. “It gives us an opportunity to show everyone what we are capable of,” Bahena said.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design.

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate of Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin May 14 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a tour, call (909) 915-2100.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

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WORKSHOPS HELP EXECUTIVES DRAW LEADERSHIP LESSONS FOR TODAY’S BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA


Kathleen Dameron, owner of KD Conseil, has created a series of workshops to help business leaders draw inspiration from United States President Barack Obama in their own leadership.


(PARIS, France) – United States President Barack Obama inspires millions of people on both sides of the Atlantic.

KD Conseil will host a series of workshops to help international business executives turn President Obama’s success strategies into personal success. These workshops take place on evenings and weekends.

“In his 2008 presidential campaign, Barack Obama inspired many in today’s challenging environment,” said Kathleen Dameron, owner of KD Conseil. “Obama managed one of the best campaigns in history. He won in a landslide to be the first African American president. These workshops will show business leaders how they can use Barack Obama’s leadership skills to win in whatever situation they face,”

KD Conseil is hosting a series of three-hour workshops that explore aspects of President Obama’s winning campaign strategy and how they can apply to today’s business environment.

“The first of the five workshops inspired participants to implement opportunities in their business and professional environments to lead with the skills they admire in Obama,” Dameron said.

The remaining sessions are:


• Gaining the Vision — April 29th 7pm-10pm
This session explores how Obama found unifying messages that brought diverse people, opinions and agendas together.


• Creating Balance in Your Life — TBD (May) 7pm-10pm
This session shows that even though the campaign for President of the United States is one of the most demanding jobs in the world, President Obama still had time for the things that gave him balance in his life. The participating business executives will learn how, like President Obama when he was on the campaign trail (and now as United States President), they too can lead a balanced life.

The evening workshops take place at Espace Trinité, 3 rue de la Trinité 75009 Paris and cost $35 Euros. This includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments.

Dameron has experienced first-hand the effectiveness of President Obama’s leadership skills. Although she lives in Paris, this native of East St. Louis, Illinois was so impressed with Obama, after he won the Iowa caucus she came to the United States for several weeks to campaign for him in the swing state of Missouri.

“Working on this highly successful campaign inspired me to think about how I could use my own skills, which are in training and coaching, to contribute to developing leadership in more people, and more of the leadership skills we need to face today’s challenges. From that, I came up with the idea for these workshops,” she said.

“What impresses me the most about Barack Obama is how much he stays in touch with his people,” Dameron said. “After the election he quickly sent all of his staff and volunteers an email detailing what we could expect next, and what he could and could not do. I continue to receive emails from him about once a week.”

“What about him most impresses you?” she asks. “That’s probably where your leadership potential lies.”

KD Conseil is also hosting weekend workshops designed to help business executives take what they admire about Obama and use it in their own way.

The upcoming weekend workshops is ““The Art and Power of Life Balance,” to be held May 21-24. Cost for the May weekend workshop is 600 Euros.

The participants in these workshops will discuss their impressions of Obama. Then they will provide feedback to other participants as to how they could best use their own skills in the same area.

Dameron, owner of KD Conseil (a consulting firm offering international business executives training and coaching in how to manage their companies in a global environment) and Alan Steinborn, an authority on business leadership, facilitate the workshops.

Seating is limited. To reserve your seat or for more information about KD Conseil and any of the workshops it is holding, call 33 (01) 42 21 00 73 or email info@kdconseil.com
French and English speakers may obtain information about the company through the website www.kdconseil.com.

Kathleen Dameron, born in East St. Louis, Illinois, lived in southern California before moving to Europe. She graduated from University of Redlands in California. She also has a degree from the Universitè de Paris. She resides in Paris, France, where she established KD Conseil in 1992.

KD Conseil helps multi-national firms understand the different cultures within their organization. By understanding and working through cultural differences, KD Conseil helps the firm develop “shared practices” that will be highly efficient ways of delivering their services and products in a global market.

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