CiLi's business retreat took place at Holy Cross on December 18th & 19th of 2023. This marked the beginning of an exciting journey for its new fellows, as they gear up for lucrative opportunities in the Louisiana job market. The fellowship program aims to empower college students in the state, providing them with career coaching and internship access throughout their academic journey.

From the get-go, the retreat was a whirlwind of invaluable information and resources curated by our team. The two-day event left no stone unturned, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the dynamic local job landscape.

The agenda was as diverse as a gumbo pot, covering topics like Interview skills, Resume building, Workplace etiquette, LinkedIn Networking, Time management, and more! The resume prep session included headshot sessions, insights into employer expectations, and one-on-one discussions with seasoned professionals, all aimed at equipping students with the tools they need to shine in job applications.

 

Principles of attire went beyond the basics, delving into the nuances of circumstantial dressing. Understanding how to present oneself in different situations is as essential as knowing what vegetables go with crawfish, and our fellows got the recipe for success.

Self-assessment principles took center stage, with predictive index testing and in-depth discussions on individual results. This not only helped students identify their strengths and weaknesses but also provided insights into how they fit into a team—a crucial aspect of success in any work environment.

 

The retreat's second day kicked off with a hearty breakfast, setting the tone for a deep dive into CiLi's systems and monthly processes. This rundown ensures that the new fellows are well-acquainted with what to expect as proud members of the CiLi program.

 

As we reflect on the retreat, it is filled with the promise of a prosperous future. As we move into the new year, CiLi gives thanks for the opportunity to guide these students toward success in the Louisiana job market.

CiLi's Founder's Fundraiser took place on November 7th, at The Vault NOLA. It was a year-end celebration where we expressed gratitude to sponsors, fellows, and partners, while also acknowledging our accomplishments throughout the year. It was a fantastic evening filled with networking opportunities, quality spirits, delicious food, and the joy of celebrating achievements.

   

Imagine an atmosphere buzzing with excitement as guests connected, enjoyed top-notch drinks, and indulged in delightful cuisine. It was a night of camaraderie and revelry, leaving everyone with smiles and fond memories.

And here's the scoop – our 2023 Year in Review magazine is out now. Dive into the comprehensive overview of our accomplishments and secure your copy. It's a perfect way to reflect on the milestones that shaped our journey in 2023. Don't miss out on this keepsake; grab your copy and join us in revisiting the highlights of the year!

Join Us!

Jamyre's Adventures with the State Department 

                  

2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl Career Fair

Support Summer Abroad - Donate

Great Article for Computer Science Majors

Written by Coursera • Updated on Jul 13, 2022

You'll work with computers in both computer science and IT, but they're slightly different fields.

Computer science and information technology (IT) are two distinct subjects, despite their many similarities. Generally, computer science refers to designing and building computers and computer programs. Information technology, on the other hand, refers to maintaining and troubleshooting those computers and their networks, systems, and databases to ensure they run smoothly.

So while working in a computer science-based job might mean you’ll create software, design websites, or gather information on visitors to a website, a career in IT can mean you’ll make sure computers are functional and secure.

Click here for Full Article!

https://coursera.org/share/efef97ab5f0af02164fe12f55b01a3cb

Fact Sheet #71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act

This fact sheet provides general information to help determine whether interns and students working for “for-profit” employers are entitled to minimum wages and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).1

Background
The FLSA requires “for-profit” employers to pay employees for their work. Interns and students, however, may not be “employees” under the FLSA—in which case the FLSA does not require compensation for their work.

The Test for Unpaid Interns and Students
Courts have used the “primary beneficiary test” to determine whether an intern or student is, in fact, an employee under the FLSA.2 In short, this test allows courts to examine the “economic reality” of the intern-employer relationship to determine which party is the “primary beneficiary” of the relationship. Courts have identified the following seven factors as part of the test:

1. The extent to which the intern and the employer clearly understand that there is no expectation of compensation. Any promise of compensation, express or implied, suggests that the intern is an employee—and vice versa.
2. The extent to which the internship provides training that would be similar to that which would be given in an educational environment, including the clinical and other hands-on training provided by educational institutions.
3. The extent to which the internship is tied to the intern’s formal education program by integrated coursework or the receipt of academic credit.
4. The extent to which the internship accommodates the intern’s academic commitments by corresponding to the academic calendar.
5. The extent to which the internship’s duration is limited to the period in which the internship provides the intern with beneficial learning.
6. The extent to which the intern’s work complements, rather than displaces, the work of paid employees while providing significant educational benefits to the intern.
7. The extent to which the intern and the employer understand that the internship is conducted without entitlement to a paid job at the conclusion of the internship.

LINK TO DOL GUIDELINES

CILI Second Year Fellow, Dominique Scott, and CILI Coach, Glendalen Williams shared information with the over 200  women in attendance at the Women in Business Conference organized by the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce. 

This year's event,held at the beautiful JW Marriott on Canal St, was titled "Earning Your Economic Freedom." 

The keynote speaker was Deryl McKissack, President and Chief Executive Officer of McKissack & McKissack, a national architectural, engineering, and construction services firm. 

Several of the business leaders stopped by to learn more about CILI's progress and future vision. 

CILI Coach Gretchen McKinney joined four CILI Fellows for a special event hosted by the American Marketing Association. 

Sessions were led by marketing experts and covered topics including analyzing successful ad campaigns, product placement and other important factors of marketing. 

Sydney Odom, one of the four CILI fellows in attendance was also given the chance to speak during a session analyzing marketing strategy.

We are incredibly proud of our fellows for connecting with industry experts. This level of engagement is one of the keys to laying a foundation for your career paths. Special thanks to Gretchen for providing support and guidance during the event. Our coaches' involvement is invaluable. 

Fellows speaking with P Henry of BAMM Communications, a New Orleans based marketing firm.

NANO LLC and Corporate Internship Leadership Institute honored as 2021 Morial Award Winners

NEW ORLEANS – On Wednesday, March 16, 2022, The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) hosted the annual Morial Awards in its Great Hall to recognize local businesses that have demonstrated innovative growth and economic impact, as well as exceptional contributions to the sustainability and growth of local communities and small businesses across the state of Louisiana. After careful review by the awards committee, Corporate Internship Leadership Institute was selected as “Corporation of the Year” and NANO, LLC was selected as “Small Business of the Year.”

“We would like to express our congratulations to the winners and honorees of this year’s Morial Awards,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “As a major economic generator, we are committed to the growth and prosperity of our region. Celebrating the successes and investing in the health of local businesses is a big part of our philosophy to support small and disadvantaged business enterprises, as well as local corporations. It is not every day that such an outstanding group of intellectuals and entrepreneurs can gather together, and we wish to thank everyone who joined us in celebrating these outstanding organizations.”

Corporation of the Year recipient, Corporate Internship Leadership Institute (CILI), collaborates with companies, educational institutions and students to provide internship opportunities throughout the New Orleans metro region, Gulf Coast area and state of Louisiana. Facilitates professional development and soft skill building programs, coaching and mentoring to college students.

“The experience of being nominated for such a prestigious award was validation of the work we have done, winning the award is somewhat unreal. We are so excited and honored for this recognition and now work to uphold the standard of the Morial legacy,” said Perry Sholes of CILI.

Architecture and interior design firm NANO, LLC took home the Small Business of the Year award. Founded in 2001, the New Orleans-based firm’s extensive portfolio includes commercial, residential, educational, municipal and industrial projects, including a role as the architect of record for the Convention Center’s ongoing $557 million capital improvements project.

“As members of the New Orleans business community, this award means a lot to us,” said NANO architect and co-founder Terri Hogan Dreyer. “It reminds us that the work we do for our clients can have a broader, positive impact that continues long after our part in a project is completed.”

Gotech, Inc., and VPG Enterprises were also finalists and recognized for their achievements at the ceremony.

These awards were established in celebration of Mayor Ernest N. Morial’s achievements and his legacy as a civil rights activist, and political pioneer. As the first Black mayor of New Orleans in 1977, a position he held for two terms through 1986, he championed the Convention Center’s construction and saw it as a way to promote economic development, especially for local and diverse small businesses.

As a part of the celebration, mayor Ernest N. Morial’s son, former mayor Marc Morial, addressed the attendees, and hundreds of local business leaders.

“I would like to extend a congratulations to the winners of this prestigious award,” said Marc Morial, who currently serves as the President and CEO of the National Urban League. “Your tenacity and investments in the growth of communities and small businesses across this state align perfectly with the work my father did during his tenure as Mayor of New Orleans. It was truly a distinct pleasure to stand in my father’s legacy at this event and in the building named in his honor.”

These awards are just a part of what The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center does year-round to support local businesses. The convention center is committed to increasing business opportunities for the local community’s small and emerging businesses (SEB) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) by encouraging the hiring of local vendors for the purchase of goods and services.

In 2019, the Authority launched the Small and Emerging Business Program. In 2021, the convention center registered 252 new Certified Vendors and made $11 million in payments and contract awards to SEBs and DBE’s. In a recent report, the convention center revealed that 56% of its vendors in 2021 were either SEB’s or DBE’s showing a 30% increase from 2020.

Link to Full Press Release

Corporate Internship Leadership Institute Announces 2022 Board of Directors  CILI announces 11 board members who will guide the non-profit organization in developing future workforce talent across Louisiana.

NEW ORLEANS — Corporate Internship Leadership Institute, a non-profit organization focused on connecting college students of color to paid internships based on career interest, has announced their 2022 board members, supporting CILI's efforts to add diversity in middle to high-wage corporate roles across the metro area.   "We're on a mission to build a high-skilled and inclusive workforce," said Perry Sholes, SPHR-SCP, founder and chairman of the board for CILI. "Black and Brown people are still largely underemployed in New Orleans, including people who have a college degree. We have a long way to go, and our new board members will help us make progress in the year ahead. Each member has committed to helping students of color in our program, especially first-generation college students with social and economic challenges."   Students accepted into CILI's internship program receive mentorship and paid internship opportunities during their junior and senior years. Partnering companies commit to providing paid internships for Tenth Institute members.   Sholes, CILI's founder will serve as the organization's 2022 board chair. Sholes holds a BS in Marketing from Tampa College and an Executive MBA from the University of South Florida. Sholes has over thirty years of human resources experience, having held corporate positions at Kraft Foods and Nabisco Brands, Inc in domestic and international divisions. Rachel Massey, assistant vice president of external engagement and university events for the University of New Orleans, will serve as vice-chair. Prior to joining UNO, Massey served as director of programs for Leadership Florida. She has experience as a hospitality industry executive in Chicago and Las Vegas. Massey holds degrees from the University of Florida and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.   Kelder Summers, communications manager for New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice, will serve as board secretary and lead board governance. She is also the owner and general manager for Whiskey & Sticks, a bar and lounge.  William DiPaola, CFE, chief operating officer for Ballard Brands, will serve as treasurer. Among the many brands that Ballard Brands represents is PJ's Coffee which recently opened its 150th location. DiPaola has represented the National Restaurant Association and International Franchise Association on behalf of the Save Small Business Coalition before the National Labor Relations Board on Capitol Hill.   Kendall T. Crawford, manager of strategic initiatives and student affairs for St. Augustine High School, will serve as development chair. Crawford graduated from Dillard University with a degree in mass communications. At St. Augustine, he has served as a teacher and Associate Athletic Director.    Juaquana Lewis, Ed.D., executive director of curriculum and instruction for InspireNOLA Charter Schools, will serve as co-chair for programming. She holds an Ed.D in educational leadership from Northcentral University, Master of Arts in educational administration from University of New Orleans, Master of Arts in teaching, urban education from Southern University at New Orleans, and Bachelor of Science in newspaper journalism from Florida A&M University.   Tyler Litt, Senior Director of Equity and Community Investment at New Schools for Baton Rouge, will serve as co-chair for programming. In this role, she sets vision for equitable enrollment, oversees a collaborative for schools, families, and community partners, and manages a portfolio of community investments.    Candace Stanton, Career Advisor and First-Generation student Care Coach at Xavier University of Louisiana. Candace will serve as events chair. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is currently a PhD candidate in Human Behavior. Her experience includes first generation students, student success counseling, teaching, recruitment, program development and implementation as well as career advising.    Arlanda Williams, MPA, CWD, vice chancellor for workforce development and technical education/institutional advancement at Delgado Community College, will lead strategic initiatives. Williams holds an executive Master of Public Administration from Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge. She is also a member of the Historically Black Colleges & Universities Advisory Council. Robbins Graham, JD, attorney at law, will serve as a board member. His experience includes work in the child support enforcement division of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and stints under Orleans Parish District Attorney Harry Connick Sr. and private practice in criminal defense and civil law. Marques Colston founded Marques Colston Enterprises, a professional development services company that empowers organizations and growth-minded athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives to unlock professional creativity and possibility with strategies, tools, and resources inspired by Colston's NFL career and his experience as an owner, partner, investor, and advisor to dozens of companies. He is a licensed financial advisor and has launched Venture Investing and Entrepreneurship for Professional Athletes, an executive education program for current and former professional athletes at Columbia Business School. He is an adjunct professor at the University of New Orleans. Colston is a Super Bowl champion, an inductee in the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and the Sports Hall of Fame in Pennsylvania and Louisiana."