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PROPEL Center Celebrates 37 Faculty Fellows Following Year-Long Skills-Enhancing Training Program Designed for Historically Black Colleges and Universities Professors

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ATLANTA, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A cohort of nearly 40 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) leaders recently culminated a year-long professional development training designed to enhance teaching skills to ensure the most impactful learning classroom experience. Launched by PROPEL Center, an innovation technology hub for HBCUs, the HBCU Faculty Fellows Academy (HFFA) serves as a cornerstone programmatic initiative that provides selected faculty members an opportunity to facilitate learning, lead and leverage Apple technology to promote student success, and expand their professional network. 

“At PROPEL Center, we remain committed to igniting opportunities in the classroom for both students and faculty through accelerated, experiential and virtual learning opportunities that infuse leading technology and industry-aligned professional training,” said PROPEL Center President Dr. Lisa Herring. “Our professors play an integral role in shaping the career trajectories of more than 300,000 students currently enrolled at HBCUs. It’s imperative that we work collaboratively with these distinguished institutions to ensure their faculty and students remain equipped to lead in a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace,” said Herring.

Highlighting the twelve-month experience was a two-day faculty showcase hosted in partnership with PROPEL Center’s founding sponsor Apple. At the end of May, in Austin, Texas, the HFFA spotlighted the cohort’s achievements and demonstrated how faculty members plan to integrate learning science principles, Apple technology, and the PROPEL Center leadership model to enhance learning outcomes at their respective institutions.

HFFA has achieved notable success. Following their participation in the program, 100% of the fellows reported an increase in their professional network, expanding their community across the HBCU ecosystem. Additionally, 100% of faculty fellows are preparing to integrate Apple technology into their classrooms, which will result in thousands of students benefiting from the enhanced teaching skills of the cohort.

The academy’s curriculum is designed by industry experts, HBCU faculty, and notable workforce collaborators, ensuring relevance and an innovative and personalized professional development experience. “The program’s curriculum design and delivery incorporate learning science principles that account for the unique learning needs of neurodiverse and culturally diverse learners,” said PROPEL Center Chief Learning and Innovation Officer Dr. Camesha Whittaker. “The curated learning experience emphasizes active, hands-on activities and challenge-based learning opportunities with a special focus placed on educators understanding ways to better support students along a unique learning journey,” said Whittaker.

2023-2024 HHFA Participants
Yaw Adoo, Morris Brown College
Mohit Anand, Miles College
Brody Bluemel, Delaware State University
Tamara Brown Payne, Fort Valley State University
Claudius Claiborne, Texas Southern University
Monique Earl-Lewis, Morehouse College
Megan Fields, Fort Valley State University
MaKisha Funderburke, Clark Atlanta University
Patrice W. Glenn Jones, Alabama State University
William Hanff, University District of Columbia
Andrew Hutchens, Benedict College
Keesha James, Lawson State University
Maurice Johnson, Florida A&M University
Kenya Jones, Clark Atlanta University
Sosanya Jones, Howard University
Ishwari Kunwar, Fort Valley State University
Nancy Linden, Savannah State University
Johnny Lowery, Claflin University
Marisela Martinez-Cola, Morehouse College
Ariana Mbemi, Jackson State University
Ouida McAfee, Coahoma Community College
Muhsinah Morris, Morehouse College
Christina Muhammad, Morehouse School of Medicine
Steven Onukwull, Bishop State Community College
Charmayne Patterson, Clark Atlanta University
Sylvester Polk, Bethune-Cookman College
Kimetta Reynolds Hairston, Bowie State University
Detrice Roberts, Jackson State University
Tytianna Rungstaff, Simmons College
Ruth Smith, Bethune-Cookman College
Steven Starks, Clark Atlanta University
Toni Stevens, Spelman College
Adria Welcher, Morehouse College
Avery Williams, Morehouse College

As PROPEL Center celebrates the accomplishments of its faculty fellows representing 25 HBCUs, it sets the stage for a new cohort poised to further elevate the educational landscape within HBCUs. “With a focus on honing leadership and tech-enhanced ways to facilitate learning, the HFFA stands as a beacon of teaching innovation in the HBCU ecosystem,” said Herring. 

2024-2025 HHFA Participants
Jarralynne Agee, Miles College
Monique Anderson, Lane College
Herbert A. Brisbon, Dillard University
Angela L. Charlton, Coppin State University
Satyanarayan Dev, Florida A&M University
Biswadeep Dhar, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Takisha Durm, Alabama A&M University
Agbor A. Ebot, Livingstone College
Valeree Ellis-Barnes, Rust College
Dwedor W. Ford, Prairie View A&M University
Kristi Garrett, Morris Brown College
Rosalyn D. Harrington, Winston-Salem State University
Jerry L. Haywood, Jr., Fort Valley State University
Farzana Hussain, Huston-Tillotson University
Renita J. Irving, Clinton College
Stacy J. Jones, Jackson State University
Rhonda L. Lucas, Bishop State Community College
Nathalie Mizelle, University of the District of Columbia
Anisha Moorhead, Harris-Stowe State University
Krystal Peters, Cheyney University
Jeremy Allen Pittman, Coahoma Community College
Amanda Plain, Miles College
Yasmeen Rawajfih, Tuskegee University
Erica R. Russell, Norfolk State University
Karen E. Stewart, Tennessee State University
Morris Thomas, Howard University
Geneene N. Thompson, North Carolina A&T State University
John Wagner Givens, Spelman College
Reshid Xavier Walker, Delaware State University

For more information on future HFFA opportunities, visit propelcenter.org.

Media Contact:
Erik Burton
erikburton@propelcenter.org | 770-294-8475

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SOURCE PROPEL

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Trace Systems is now an Authorized Starlink Reseller

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MCLEAN, Va., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trace Systems Inc. is proud to announce its designation as an authorized reseller of Starlink high-speed internet for businesses, enterprises and government use.

“Working with Starlink represents a transformative step in advancing secure communications capabilities for our customers,” said Otto Hoernig III, CEO of Trace Systems. “Integrating Starlink into our service portfolio enhances secure, high-bandwidth connectivity and enables scalable, real-time collaboration across enterprise and edge environments.”

As a trusted satellite integrator for the Department of Defense, Trace brings decades of experience and an extensive portfolio of contract vehicles as well as industry and government partnerships. The company will now leverage Starlink’s resilient global connectivity to bolster communications across multi-domain operations delivering greater capabilities to the bandwidth constrained operator — anywhere in the world.

About Starlink

Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world. As the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit, Starlink delivers broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more. Starlink is engineered and operated by SpaceX. As the world’s leading provider of launch services, SpaceX is leveraging its deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations to deploy the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Learn more at www.starlink.com.

Follow Starlink on X https://x.com/Starlink 

About Trace Systems

Trace Systems delivers advanced information technology and communication systems and solutions to the U.S. Government, specializing in secure, mission-critical systems that enable global operations. With a proven track record of innovation and operational excellence, Trace provides the engineering expertise and technical leadership required to meet today’s complex defense challenges. Learn more at www.tracesystems.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Email: mediarelations@tracesystems.com

Phone: 703-414-3500

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trace-systems-is-now-an-authorized-starlink-reseller-302464388.html

SOURCE Trace Systems Inc

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1st Commercial Credit Launches $20 Million Ledger Lines Program, Partners with Banks to Expand Working Capital Access

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New revolving receivable-based facility fills critical lending gap for mid-market companies facing limited ABL and bank loan options

AUSTIN, Texas, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ –1st Commercial Credit, LLC, a national leader in accounts receivable financing, trade payable finance, and invoice factoring, announces the launch of its new Ledger Lines program—providing revolving credit facilities of up to $20 million, backed by receivables and tailored for high-growth businesses.

New Ledger Lines program—providing revolving credit facilities from $3 and up to $20 million.

With Ledger Lines, businesses generating at least $3 million in monthly invoices can access up to 90% of receivable value as working capital. The structure avoids traditional debt by documenting the facility as a continuing receivable purchase, providing fast and flexible funding without complex loan covenants.

“Ledger Lines are designed for companies that are too big for traditional factoring but not well-served by bank lending or rigid ABL structures,” said Raul Esqueda, President of 1st Commercial Credit. “By working in partnership with banks and advisors, we’re helping companies replace high-cost debt and unlock working capital without disrupting their existing financial relationships.”

Key Benefits of the Ledger Lines Program:

Credit lines from $3 million to $20 millionUp to 90% advance on eligible receivablesFunding in as little as 3 weeksNo traditional debt added to the balance sheetBanks may subordinate receivables while maintaining existing term loansOptional credit insurance to reduce riskAvailable to industries such as manufacturing, staffing, transportation, security, and importers

The company reports growing demand from investment bankers, restructuring advisors, and bank workout departments who are turning to 1st Commercial Credit to support clients with cash flow constraints, MCA obligations, or seasonal volatility. Ledger Lines enables a seamless transition from high-cost loans and unscalable ABL products to receivables-based funding that grows with the business.

To qualify, companies must maintain up-to-date financials, demonstrate profitability, and have a Chief Financial Officer overseeing internal operations. A Deposit Account Control Agreement (DACA) is also required to control receivable proceeds.

Solving the $3M–$10M ABL Gap

With many traditional asset-based lenders pulling back due to rising defaults and low margins, businesses in the $3M–$10M range are often left with few viable financing options. According to Esqueda, the complexity and cost of underwriting ABL deals at this size often exceed the returns.

“Ledger Lines provide a scalable alternative to ABL,” said Esqueda. “We remove the bottlenecks of traditional credit underwriting and give clients a funding solution that adjusts with their receivable base—not their collateral mix.”

Backed by Technology and Trade Credit Protection

Ledger Lines builds on 1st Commercial Credit’s $6 billion funding milestone achieved in 2024, and its $200 million in receivables insurance coverage. The program is powered by the company’s proprietary MyBizPad® platform, which automates funding requests, and real-time receivables tracking—ensuring operational efficiency and transparency for clients.

Contact Information:

1st Commercial Credit, LLC
6500 River Place Blvd, Building 7, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78730
(800) 876-6071
www.1stcommercialcredit.com

About 1st Commercial Credit

Founded in Austin, Texas, 1st Commercial Credit, LLC is a privately-owned factoring company, a leader in receivable-based financing, purchase order financing and trade payable finance. Serving businesses across the U.S. and select international markets, the firm specializes in non-debt capital solutions for manufacturing, staffing, transportation, and importing companies—empowering businesses to scale without traditional borrowing.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/1st-commercial-credit-launches-20-million-ledger-lines-program-partners-with-banks-to-expand-working-capital-access-302464392.html

SOURCE 1st Commercial Credit, LLC

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Xtraspots Launches v2 Hybrid Parking Platform for Garages and Homeowners, Adds POS Integration with Elavon Among Others

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NEW YORK, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Xtraspots, the fast-growing platform revolutionizing smart parking and mobility, announces the launch of Xtraspots v2, a revamped Hybrid Parking Platform designed for both commercial garages and residential hosts. Whether it’s a high-traffic lot or a homeowner’s spare driveway, Xtraspots enables users to list, manage, and monetize their parking spaces with ease.

Set to launch this June, Xtraspots v2 will be available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, offering drivers a faster, more intuitive experience to find, reserve, and pay for parking in real time. The redesigned interface simplifies navigation and expands earning potential for everyday property owners.

Alongside the app release, Xtraspots is introducing a new Point-of-Sale (POS) system with integration to Elavon and other leading payment processors. The POS solution is designed to provide secure, scalable, and cost-effective transaction support for parking operators across both residential and commercial environments.

Key features include:

Dual pricing support for compliant cash and card rate structuresReal-time analytics and full control over processing feesFast onboarding for both individual hosts and commercial garage operators

“Our hybrid model democratizes access—to parking, to payments, and to passive income,” said Charles Sepulveda, Co-Founder and Chairman of Xtraspots. “With the launch of our new app and expanded POS integrations, we’re not just providing parking—we’re building a smarter, more inclusive ecosystem.”

“I have all five of my garages on the Xtraspots platform—with more to come,” said George Cabrera, owner of GC Garage at 310 Grand Concourse in the Bronx, NY. “It’s user-friendly, and the POS system cut our processing fees significantly. This has opened up new income potential for my business while keeping everything organized in one place. The support of the Xtraspots team has been amazing—they’re always just a call or email away, something I didn’t have before.”

Media inquiries, partnership requests, or early access:
📧 sales@xtraspots.com
🌐 www.xtraspots.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xtraspots-launches-v2-hybrid-parking-platform-for-garages-and-homeowners-adds-pos-integration-with-elavon-among-others-302464396.html

SOURCE Xtraspots Inc.

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