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Simone Biles is not only leaving her mark on the world of just gymnastics but the world of technology as well. AfroTech previously shared that the Olympic star partnered with Cerebral — the leading online mental health provider — as its Chief Impact Officer (CIO) in October 2021. After being on the team for less than two months, the mental health startup’s value has vaulted to a higher level, InnovationMap reports.
Simone Biles has been transparent throughout the year about the importance of prioritizing mental health. In alignment with that, her latest partnership aims to make mental health resources more accessible. According to a press release, the Olympic gymnast has partnered with Cerebral — the leading online mental health provider — as its Chief Impact Officer. “Mental health is just as important as physical health, but for far too long the stigma of mental health has prevented too many people from seeking help,” Biles said in a press release. “I have my own challenges with mental health, and therapy has been very empowering for me as I try to be the best person that I can be. I believe everyone should have access to mental health resources and Cerebral gives me the ability to personalize my mental health care experience.” Barriers such as cost of therapy and lack of insurance keeps people from getting help, and Simone Biles and Cerebral’s partnership will financially assist underserved...
Being a founder is not an easy journey. James Oliver who is currently behind Kabila, a company connecting underserved founders to co-founders, capital, and community, had his fair share of challenges prior to the venture. In fact, his first startup, WeMontage, failed while he was also navigating the early days of fatherhood — his twin children were born prematurely at just two pounds each via an emergency C-section. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, some of his difficulties were launching his company as a non-technical founder creating software. Two days after his children’s births, he had to attend an accelerator, led by gener8tor, which was a two-hour drive from where he lived in northeast Wisconsin. Ahead of a presentation on demo day, Oliver was greeted by an angel investor group, and they were willing to invest $250,000. “I dropped to my knees and thanked God because everything I was going through at that time was really hard. So that was my introduction to being a parent and...
The public release of ChatGPT in 2022 marked a massive milestone in the popularity and global interest in AI. It showed off impressive capabilities in natural language, and sparked hundreds of projects that fueled a boom in the advancement of artificial intelligence. It’s natural, with AI creeping into everything from online shopping to healthcare, that it would eventually find its way into education. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education by enhancing teaching methods, improving accessibility, and personalizing learning experiences. As technology continues to advance, its integration into the educational sector has the potential to reshape how students learn, educators teach, and institutions operate. AI In Education Isn’t Exactly New The term ‘artificial intelligence’ was coined at Dartmouth College in 1953, but it wasn’t until 1960 that we saw the birth of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). These programs were built on the massive, expensive computer systems of...
This healthcare company is one funding round closer to fulfilling its goal of making mental health care more accessible. Backpack Healthcare shares in a press release that it has officially completed a $14 million Series A funding round led by Healthcare Capital. Also participating were ECMC, Techstars, Collab Capital, Bridge Builders Collaborative, Portland Seed Fund, Hopelab, Rethink Education, Genius Guild, and Unlikely Collaborators. Additional angel investors included Maya Ghosn Bichara and Jeffrey Walker. Founded in 2018 by Hafeezah Muhammad, the company uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to combat the current youth mental health crisis through its app and teletherapy services, specifically honing in on those with Medicaid insurance coverage. “The funding we have raised underscores the U.S. healthcare system’s need for more inclusive, tech-enabled solutions to tackle the growing pediatric mental health crisis,” said Muhammad, who also serves as the company’s CEO....
Russell Westbrook’s passion for sports is spilling into the investment arena. According to a press release, the Los Angeles Clippers player is investing in the 320-acre sports complex Arizona Athletic Grounds, previously known as Bell Bank Park and Legacy Sports Park, in Mesa, AZ. Per the Phoenix Business Journal, it is not clear how much stake Westbrook acquired in the deal. Arizona Athletic Grounds caters to the youth and adults offering various athletic programming and events throughout the year. The facility offers eight baseball and softball fields; 19 basketball courts; 24 soccer fields, football and lacrosse fields; 57 indoor volleyball courts; 12 beach volleyball courts; 41 pickleball courts; 22 futsal courts; a 14,000-square-foot performance center; and an array of festival fields. Its diverse sports offerings draw more than 4 million annual visitors per year. Looking ahead, Arizona Athletic Grounds leaders hope to accelerate their basketball programming with the help of...
Growing up in a Black household, you likely heard the phrase “don’t jump on my furniture.” And as much as many people tried to adhere to the rule, for some, jumping was a natural passion and interest. That passionate sentiment could be said for Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles. With an early interest in the sport since the age of six, Biles, no doubt, took Kriss Kross’ lyrics to “Jump” literally. The Olympic star began competing in competitions by capitalizing on her affinity for gymnastics. It earned her initial first-place prize on vault at the 2012 American Classic, landing her a spot to compete at the 2012 USA Gymnastics National Championships. Biles would be named to the U.S. Junior National Team that same year. After mastering the aerodynamic sport, Biles would earn gold, silver, and bronze medals in the Olympics. She also has won various other world championships. While her sports career is impressive, Biles has leveraged her success as an athlete to make investments and...
Summer Walker has never been one afraid to speak her mind. The outspoken R&B singer’s masterful pen game has made that known throughout her discography. According to Rated R&B, she’s getting even more personal with a new medium — an audio series. Walker is the latest artist to be featured on Mindset, a mental wellness audio platform, where she will be transparent on topics including social anxiety, relationships, and racism. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mindset by DIVE Studios (@mindset_dive)
Throughout his career of nearly three decades, Usher and his philanthropic efforts have greatly supported disadvantaged communities. Today, Usher’s New Look (UNL) — the R&B legend’s nonprofit organization for under-resourced youth — has announced it has received a $500,000 grant from Truist Foundation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Usher's New Look (@ushersnewlook) The grant will support UNL’s high school leadership program, including its financial literacy programs, according to a press release. “Breaking the cycle of poverty and debt is tantamount to the future success of young people, particularly in these challenging times where we see that there are currently 16 million children living in poverty today,” Careshia Moore , president and CEO of UNL, said in a press release. “This is, therefore, a proud moment for Usher’s New Look, and we are so very grateful to Truist Foundation for this transformational grant that will enable us to further our mission and touch the...
The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that as essential workers help keep the world afloat startups like Vitable Health are simply vital. Hourly workers are what keep businesses rolling, yet they’re often left uninsured or have to fend for their health out-of-pocket. Vitable Health aims to change this misfortune by giving employers a more cost-effective way to give their employees and their families healthcare, Forbes reports. Now, the Pennsylvania-based startup has raised $7.2 million in funding to ensure that hourly workers’ health is as much of a priority as salaried employees. Participants of the round included First Round Capital, and angel investors such as the CEO of Lattice, Jack Altman; managing director at Y Combinator, Michael Seibel; senior vice president of business at GoPuff, Daniel Folkman; co-founder of Cityblock Health, Toyin Ajayi; and others, according to Forbes. With their latest funding, Vitable Health plans to improve its app as it launches its mental health...
The life of Dorothy Dandridge is a bittersweet tale of career highs and societal induced lows. Although she is remembered today as an entertainment pioneer who paved the way for many Black actresses, her success was oftentimes overshadowed by racism and financial mishaps. Even though Dandridge reached stardom and her legacy is still celebrated today, it is said that the famous actress died with only two dollars in her bank account, according to ThoughtCo. At a young age, Dandridge could sing, dance, and act; skills that her mother’s lover, Geneva Williams took notice of. Williams made it her mission to hone Dandridge’s natural abilities, and soon Dandridge and her sister Vivian formed The Wonder Children. The duo began touring southern churches with the National Baptist Convention. The duo, now known as The Dandridge Sisters, would get their big break in 1935 when they made their Paramount debut in “The Big Broadcast of 1936.” This role led to other roles in Hollywood like “Jeepers...