STM Blog
NFHA and UrbanGeekz Partner to Raise Awareness about Inaugural Tech Equity Hackathon
WASHINGTON /PRNewswire/ — The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) has partnered with UrbanGeekz as it kicks off promotions for its inaugural Tech Equity Hackathon, scheduled for June 16 –18 in Washington, D.C.
The three-day Hackathon, being held at American University, will challenge students, recent college graduates and others to develop innovative solutions to remove algorithmic bias from the housing and lending sectors.
Our Tech Equity Initiative aims to eliminate bias in algorithmic-based systems in the housing and financial sectorsTweet
The Hackathon is open to all residents in the U.S. and its territories. Those interested can access the application here. Individuals with diverse academic backgrounds, ranging from degrees in STEM-based fields to the social sciences, are encouraged to apply.
NFHA will award $40,000 in cash prizes plus giveaways, and the event will also feature interactive workshops and networking opportunities with top industry professionals. Airfare, accommodations, meals, and ground transportation will be provided at no cost to applicants who are selected to attend. “I am so excited to collaborate with UrbanGeekz, which has been intentional in sharing the stories of Black and Latinx individuals in tech,” said Dr. Michael Akinwumi, NFHA’s Chief Tech Equity Officer. “NFHA has been at the forefront of addressing the biases that people of color and women face in the housing and financial services industries.”
“Our Tech Equity Initiative is a multi-faceted effort designed to eliminate bias in algorithmic-based systems used in housing and financial services, increase transparency and explainability for AI tools, outline ethical standards for responsible tech, advance effective policies for regulating AI tools, and increase diversity and inclusion in the tech field. This Hackathon is one way we’re diversifying the pipeline of technologists so that we can achieve these goals,” Dr. Akinwumi added.
During the Hackathon, participants will be divided into teams, and each team will be given one of three problem statements that deal with appraisals, mortgage underwriting, and algorithmic fairness.
“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with NFHA on this initiative to challenge participants to come up with real-time solutions to tackle AI bias in the housing and lending sectors,” said Kunbi Tinuoye, founder and CEO of digital news platform UrbanGeekz and Executive Director of the Geekz Ventures pre-accelerator.
“Racial and gender disparities in these sectors are a huge issue. The Tech Equity Hackathon is a unique opportunity for technologists, tech enthusiasts, problem-solvers, and social entrepreneurs to come up with practical solutions to make a real social impact. I would encourage anyone and everyone who cares about inequity to apply to participate.”
The NFHA and UrbanGeekz partnership is a multifaceted campaign to raise awareness and spread the word about the Tech Equity Hackathon. The hackathon’s tech focus is a perfect fit for UrbanGeekz’s tech-savvy audience and its associated channels.
The panel of expert judges for the Hackathon includes John Merrill, FairPlay AI Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer; Dominique Harrison, Director of Racial Equity Design and Data Initiative (REDDI) at Citi; Emmanuel Ogundimu, Associate Professor of Statistics at the University of Durham, United Kingdom; and Patrick Murck, President and Chief Legal Officer of Transparent Systems.
The Hackathon is one of several events NFHA is hosting during 2023 to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, the Kerner Commission Report and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy.
Interested in participating? Then apply now before the 3 am ET May 16 deadline.
About UrbanGeekz
UrbanGeekz is an African-American, Latinx, multicultural digital news platform focused on technology, business, science, and entrepreneurship. The groundbreaking videocentric multimedia platform covers tech, business, science, and startups. Its mission is to make tech ‘cool’ and accessible while highlighting innovative careers and STEM-related fields as exciting and rewarding paths, especially for women and underrepresented groups
About National Fair Housing Alliance
The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) is the country’s only national civil rights organization dedicated solely to eliminating all forms of housing and lending discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all people. As the trade association for over 170 fair housing and justice-centered organizations and individuals throughout the U.S. and its territories, NFHA works to dismantle longstanding barriers to equity and build diverse, inclusive, well-resourced communities.
SOURCE UrbanGeekz
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Diana Gregory Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from AmeriCorps on Behalf of President Biden
Honoring Diana Gregory
In a moment that truly embodies the essence of service and community care, Diana Gregory, the visionary founder of Diana Gregory Outreach Services, has been honored with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award from AmeriCorps. This award, presented on behalf of President Joe Biden, took place during a heartfelt ceremony at the VA Health Care System in Phoenix, Arizona, organized by the dedicated leadership of The Order of St. George.
Diana’s selection for this distinguished accolade highlights her extraordinary commitment to fostering positive change and improving the lives of those in her community. Over the past decade, she has passionately addressed critical issues like food insecurity and health awareness, focusing on supporting seniors and veterans. Through her organization, Diana Gregory Outreach Services, she has distributed fresh, nutritious produce to thousands, ensuring that those in need have access to healthy food options.
But Diana’s contributions extend far beyond food distribution; she has also implemented vital health education programs that empower individuals and families, helping them to embrace wellness and make informed choices about their health. This holistic approach has created a transformative impact on underserved communities, reinforcing the importance of access to both nutrition and education.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is an honorable recognition reserved for individuals who have dedicated over 4,000 hours of volunteer service. This milestone is a testament to Diana’s proactive engagement and relentless advocacy for those she serves. Her award serves not only as recognition of her achievements but also as an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps and contribute to their communities.
The Order of St. George, a respected non-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to refugees, veterans, and the Boy Scouts of America, proudly presented the award. Their involvement signifies the collaborative spirit of various organizations working together to uplift and empower individuals in need, underscoring how interconnected our communities truly are.
As we celebrate Diana Gregory’s well-deserved honor, we recognize the countless lives she has touched and the paths she has paved for a brighter, healthier future. Her remarkable efforts highlight the immense power of community service and the difference every individual can make when they dedicate their time and passion to helping others.
To learn more about Diana Gregory Outreach Services and how you can get involved in her inspiring mission, please visit dianagregory.com. Together, let’s continue the legacy of compassion and service that Diana has so beautifully embodied.
Congratulations, Diana Gregory, on this remarkable achievement! Your dedication is a shining example of what it means to be a true leader and advocate for community well-being. Your work inspires us all to be better, do better, and serve better.
To learn more about Diana Gregory, visit https://dianagregory.com/
Related Link (Origina Press Release):
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/177DijAbdG
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge
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Mysterious Lights Over Oregon: Pilots Report Unusual Aerial Phenomena
This past weekend, the skies of Oregon became the backdrop for an extraordinary event that has both puzzled and dazzled observers. At least four commercial pilots reported encountering unexplained bright lights displaying incredible speeds and erratic movements, renewing interest and debate about aerial phenomena.
The Encounter Details
The first report came from a pilot operating an air ambulance who described a startling experience. A bright, red light zoomed towards his Life Flight plane, only to reverse direction and head back towards the Pacific Ocean at bewildering speeds. The event left the pilot and his crew astounded by the light’s velocity and abrupt maneuvers.
Meanwhile, the pilot of a United Airlines flight over Eugene also reported seeing multiple mysterious objects. These unidentified lights moved vertically and horizontally in patterns that defied easy explanation, with no evidence of military activity in the area at the time.
Adding to the intrigue, the Life Flight pilot noted that one of the lights engaged in a corkscrew pattern, an observation that was corroborated by the aircraft’s collision avoidance system. Air traffic control, maintaining a cautious approach, authorized the pilot to maneuver as necessary to maintain safety.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYVWd4ew
Visual Evidence and Continued Sightings
Throughout these encounters, several pilots managed to capture brief video clips. These clips, although hard to discern due to the dark conditions, show glimpses of the unusual red, circular lights. Another report from two Horizon Airlines pilots further confirmed that whatever was out there wasn’t isolated to a single incident or observer.
Experts Weigh In: Possible Explanations
In the wake of these mystifying sightings, experts have been quick to offer explanations. Douglas Buettner, a scientist who has researched similar incidents, suggests that these lights could likely be flares from Starlink satellites. Starlink, a constellation designed by SpaceX to provide global broadband coverage, has been known to produce vivid optical flares when its panels reflect sunlight.
Buettner’s research, which includes previous pilot reports and observations, supports the idea that this natural reflection of sunlight could explain the phenomena observed. However, he also admits the current data is insufficient to conclusively rule out other possibilities.
Government and Public Response
Following these reports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the sighting of unidentified lights by a pilot, although they have not commented further. In a recent Senate hearing, the Pentagon’s director overseeing unidentified anomalous phenomena indicated a spike in such reports since the launch of satellite constellations like Starlink, underscoring the growing interest and concern regarding these observations.
The Broader Implications
While the most likely explanation for these mysterious lights points to satellite flares, the repeated occurrences of such phenomena continue to stir the public’s imagination and scientific curiosity. As we advance in our technological capabilities, the skies above us grow increasingly populated with human-made objects that can sometimes return to us as bewildering spectacles.
In either case, these events serve as a reminder of the vast and unexplored frontiers above us and the ever-present human quest for understanding the mysteries of our universe. Whether they turn out to be mundane or truly otherworldly, the skies over Oregon this weekend have given us all something to ponder and marvel at.
Related Link:
https://nbc16.com/news/local/life-flight-pilot-reports-seeing-ufo-near-eugene
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Mysterious Drones Over New Jersey: A Deep Dive into the Sky’s Intrigue
In recent weeks, New Jersey has found itself at the center of a perplexing enigma—mysterious drones hovering in the night sky over various towns, stirring intrigue and concern among locals and officials alike. Reports of these unidentified flying objects (UFOs) have raised questions regarding their origins, purposes, and safety implications, prompting both state and federal investigations.
Eyewitness Accounts: What Are Residents Seeing?
Reports of these nighttime sightings began surfacing in mid-November. Many residents described seeing groups of drones flying in organized patterns, often noted for their unusual size—some likening them to “SUV-size drones.” Notably, sightings have occurred near sensitive areas such as Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research facility, and even over Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. The objects have also been documented flying over coastal regions, creating a sense of unrest among those who dwell below.
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia did not hold back in her fears, describing these drones as potentially 6 feet in diameter and sometimes operating with their lights off. The mystery deepens as some local lawmakers gathered with state police and officials from the Department of Homeland Security to discuss the increasing frequency of these sightings which have spanned across New Jersey and even into parts of Pennsylvania.
Official Responses: Federal and State Action
The increasing reports of drone activity have prompted cautious responses from state and federal officials. The New Jersey State Police, alongside the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the FBI, have started to investigate. These agencies are eager to understand the nature of these unidentified flying objects and urge residents to report any suspicious activity.
White House National Security spokesman John Kirby recently stated that a review of the reported sightings has determined that many of these instances may actually involve manned aircraft operating legally. He affirmed that there has been no evidence of foreign involvement or threats to public safety linked to these sightings thus far.
However, not everyone is at ease. Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut has gone so far as to suggest that unidentified drones spotted over sensitive areas should be shot down. At the same time, apprehensions voiced by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy echo a collective desire for clarity. Murphy stated, “This is something we’re taking deadly seriously,” emphasizing the need for transparency and prompt actions from federal authorities.
Investigative Challenges: Identifying the Objects
The investigation into these drone sightings faces significant hurdles. Many reports may stem from harmless, legal manned aircraft, according to preliminary assessments. Yet, the mix of anxiety and curiosity has led to calls for stricter regulations on drone flights. Some lawmakers have proposed immediate restrictions, while constituents express frustration at the apparent lack of answers regarding their safety.
Local residents are also contemplating taking matters into their own hands, threatening to shoot down the drones if the government doesn’t provide clarity and action. Such self-directed responses highlight the rising tensions and concerns over privacy and safety.
What Next? Community and Government Collaboration
As the investigation unfolds, collaboration between community members and officials remains crucial. The FBI has urged residents to share any videos, photographs, or information regarding the drone sightings. Local officials emphasize that vigilance from the public can aid in piecing together the mystery.
In the meantime, experts in drone technology maintain that many of the sightings could indicate unauthorized drone operation, necessitating clearer laws governing drone usage. The law regulating aircraft does not empower police to intervene effectively; hence, an increasing number of legislators are advocating for an examination and potential amendment of existing laws.
While the origin and purpose of these drones remain unsolved, the experience resonates with the broader conversation around drone technology, personal privacy, and safety in increasingly crowded skies. Local communities eagerly await answers, hoping that soon we can demystify what lurks above in our endless night sky.
Conclusion
The mystery of the drones over New Jersey reflects the intersection of technology, safety, and public concern in today’s society. With investigations still ongoing and community engagement essential, residents and officials alike are hoping for clarity as they navigate this aerial enigma together. In an age where the skies are becoming more crowded, understanding the nature and purpose of these flying machines will be paramount for ensuring both safety and peace of mind.
Related links:
https://apnews.com/article/fbi-drones-new-jersey-0f4aba00748ac464d42270fbe7457733
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drones-new-jersey-what-we-know
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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