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Disrupting Tech Career Paths: Robyn Mussler Redefines Education Through Real-World Innovation

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In a world where nearly eight out of 10 graduates feel unprepared for life after high school, new technology presents an unprecedented opportunity to bridge this gap. Robyn Mussler, founder of Connect-IT 360, a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to youth empowerment through tech education, shares how her organization is reshaping the landscape of traditional learning. Join Karla Jo Helms on the Disruption Interruption podcast to explore this revolution in critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving.

TAMPA BAY, Fla., June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Career and technology education, engaging 8.3 million high school students in 2020-2021, enhances graduation rates, prepares students for careers and technical degrees, and integrates hands-on training and practical academic applications to promote school attendance and active learning, reflecting its role as a crucial educational reform tool. (1) Karla Jo Helms (KJ), host of the Disruption Interruption podcast, and Robyn Mussler, a dynamic leader with over three decades of experience in software solutions and global business optimization, engage in a hopeful conversation on her inspiration and vision for Connect-IT 360.

“Kids are often taught in a yes-no checklist manner, which doesn’t reflect the complexities of real-world problem-solving. Our goal is to encourage them to be creators,” Mussler explains.

Mussler founded Connect-IT 360 to enhance traditional education by nurturing critical thinking and creativity among students, driven by her personal experiences and inspired by her sister Susie. Her insights are particularly revealing in a context where more and more young people feel like the traditional educational system is failing them. According to a survey from 2023, 56% of adults believe a 4-year college is not worth the cost. (2) A previous version of the same report revealed that 75% of graduates feel unprepared for life after high school. (3)

Mussler’s approach stems from her recognition of the limitations of current educational systems. “Kids are often taught in a yes-no checklist manner, which doesn’t reflect the complexities of real-world problem-solving,” she explains. “Our goal is to encourage them to be creators, exploring and discussing their findings, and understanding the broader impact of their actions on life and community.”

Empowering Students Through Human-Centered Design and Real-World Innovation
Connect IT 360’s flagship program, Next Gen Tech 360, emphasizes a human-centered design approach to empower students to create products with genuine customer value and improved user experience. According to Musler, the program also cultivates essential teamwork and perspective-taking skills vital for success in today’s professional landscape.

Reflecting on the program’s origins, Musler acknowledged the gap between traditional education and industry demands. This recognition spurred the creation of a robust training curriculum that integrates real-world challenges with technical skills development, mirroring the format of competitive pitch events like “tech shark tanks.”

The program’s impact goes beyond technical skills. “The transformation for the kids is magical. They realize they can do it. If something doesn’t work out, they try again in a different way,” Musler said.

Next Gen Tech 360 Expansion
Next Gen Tech 360 plans to expand its impact with the launch of Innovate 360, a year-round boot camp that introduces middle and high school students to the concept of ideation. This initiative will precede a revamped cohort program, featuring smaller, more frequent sessions to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Mussler outlines ambitious plans to scale Innovate 360 nationally. “Curiosity is the fundamental ingredient for disruptive innovation,” Mussler states. “Understanding how things work and how people interpret them is key to driving meaningful change.”

Links:
Disrupting Tech Leaders of Tomorrow with Robyn Mussler: https://omny.fm/shows/disruption-interruption/disrupting-tech-leaders-of-tomorrow-with-robyn-mus
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynmussler/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rockinrobyn018?lang=en
Company Website: https://connectit360.org/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connectit360/

Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today’s biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption.

Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple’s App Store and Spotify.

About Disruption InterruptionTM:
Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, “THAT’S IT! I’VE HAD IT!”? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo “KJ” Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world’s key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at http://www.disruption-interruption.com.

About Robyn Mussler
Robyn Mussler is the Principal Consultant and CEO of Resolution Management Inc., an IT and Business Consulting firm, and the Founder of Connect IT 360, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching youth essential life skills. Inspired by her sister Susie, who had Down Syndrome, Robyn founded Connect IT 360 with the mission to create opportunities for a brighter future for everyone. Robyn is also the author and chair of the award-winning Next Generation Tech (NGT) program. Her career, which spans 30 years, has established her as an innovative leader in IT, specializing in building software solutions and streamlining business operations globally. Her clientele ranges from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, reflecting her versatility and expertise. Recently, Robyn expanded her NGT program through her non-profit to reach communities nationwide, aiming to nurture the next generation of creators and leaders. She holds a BS in Management Information Systems, an MBA, and certifications in ITIL and Six Sigma. Additionally, Robyn has lived and studied in South America and Europe, enriching her global perspective and approach to business and technology.

About Karla Jo Helms
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.

References
1. Rix, Kate. “The Benefits of Career and Technical Education Programs for High Schoolers | K-12 Schools | U.S. News.” U.S. News and World Report, 27 Dec. 2022, usnews.com/education/k12/articles/the-benefits-of-career-and-technical-education-programs-for-high-schoolers.
2. Education at a Crossroads – 2023 POST-GRADUATION READINESS REPORT. Sept. 2023, resources.youscience.com/rs/806-BFU-539/images/2023_PostGraduationReadinessReport_PartOne.pdf.
3. Hornbuckle, Molly. “Post-Graduation Readiness Report – How Prepared Are High School Graduates for Their next Step?” YouScience, 28 Nov. 2022, youscience.com/post-graduation-readiness-report/.

Media Inquiries:
Karla Jo Helms
JOTO PR™
727-777-4619
jotopr.com

Media Contact

Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@jotopr.com, jotopr.com

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SOURCE JOTO PR™

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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1 hour ago

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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