Technology

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER ANNOUNCES MENTOR ATHLETES FOR THE UPCOMING EXHIBITION – GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play

Published

12 months ago

April 25, 2025

WORLD PREMIERE AT THE CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER, MAY 15, 2025

Link to athlete headshots here.

LOS ANGELES, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The California Science Center today announced the mentor athletes featured by video in the upcoming GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play, a dynamic new exhibition developed with the generous support and active collaboration of the Walter Family Foundation, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, and LA84 Foundation, opening May 15, 2025. This uniquely Los Angeles exhibition will inspire people of all ages, backgrounds, genders, and abilities through an array of exciting and immersive activities that showcase the powerful connection between science, sports and play, while celebrating the joy of the human body in motion.

Open to the public admission-free, this groundbreaking exhibition will offer a wide range of hands-on activities and virtual guidance from a diverse team of well-loved Los Angeles-based mentor athletes, including:

Debbie Allen
Guests are invited to participate in a virtual dance lesson led by the legendary Debbie Allen—an award-winning and internationally acclaimed choreographer, director, dancer, and founder of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy at the Rhimes Performing Arts Center, a cultural oasis located in the heart of Los Angeles. This unique experience explores the powerful connection between mind and body as participants learn how we move to a beat, sense our body’s position in space, and express emotion through dance.

Freddie Freeman
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman – an eight-time Major League Baseball All-Star, two-time World Series champion and 2024 World Series MVP – will break down swing mechanics in the exhibit and show visitors how to channel more force into the ball with science-based tips paired with real-time video analysis from the HitTrax training platform.

Rachel Garcia
Guests will test their reaction times against professional softball pitcher, Olympic medalist, World Championship medalist, and former UCLA softball team player Rachel Garcia’s blazing fast pitches and also explore the science behind grip techniques and throwing motions that create specialty pitches designed to keep batters guessing.

Jamal Hill
Visitors will join Jamal Hill, a Paralympic bronze medalist and founder of the Swim Up Hill Foundation – dedicated to teaching one million people annually how to swim – for a virtual swim session packed with safety tips and science. They’ll follow Jamal’s movements on screen and see their own avatar swim beside him.

Chris Matthews
Guests will learn from one of most sought-after basketball shooting coaches in the world. Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews set multiple collegiate shooting records and played professional basketball internationally, before working as a shooting coach with numerous NBA and WNBA athletes and brands like Nike. He will demonstrate that understanding projectile motion can boost guests’ chances of making a free throw, using instant video feedback that helps them improve the arc of the ball.

Alyssa and Gisele Thompson
Visitors will get tips and encouragement from sisters and teammates in Angel City Football Club (ACFC) Alyssa and Gisele Thompson. Both have represented the U.S. in multiple FIFA World Cups and were the first high school athletes to sign with Nike. With their guidance, visitors will experiment with physics-based tips – inspired by Newton’s Laws of Motion – to learn how to score more goals, as they discover the power of TOCA Soccer’s proven training program.

James “Dat Yoga Dude” Woods
Guests will take a virtual yoga class with James “Dat Yoga Dude” Woods for a chill introduction to the science and benefits of yoga. A leading yoga instructor with a master’s in counseling psychology, he works with educators, school districts, healthcare providers and more to combat stress and burnout and create wellness routines.

In addition to these virtually guided experiences, guests will be able to try a range of additional activities, including climbing, handcycling, virtual board sports like snowboarding, and an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL) where scientists in a variety of fields investigate the ways the human body moves and interacts with the environment. In this part of the exhibition, “Innovating for the Athlete in You,” guests will explore how data captured by Nike uses sophisticated technologies to propel innovations in sports footwear and apparel, and helps athletes reach their full potential. Guests will:

Stand in front of an IR camera to see a heat map of their body on a monitorTurn on a fan to feel the permeability of different materials and discover how fabric engineering affects how it “breathes” and wicks away sweatPlay “whack-a-sole” to explore the concept of energy return by tapping several midsole materials with a malletPlace their knee on an ÖSSUR blade – a prosthetic used by amputee athletes – and press against it to feel how it compresses slightly, storing potential energy, which converts into kinetic energy

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the expert knowledge and guidance of such loved and respected leaders in sports with our community,” said Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center. “The experiences offered in GAME ON! will explore the intersection of science and sports and highlight our commitment to creating fun and memorable experiences that inspire science learning in everyone.”

GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play was designed by the California Science Center with the active collaboration and generous support of the Walter Family Foundation, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and LA84 Foundation, a legacy of the 1984 Olympic Games. The exhibition kicks off May 15, 2025, and will remain at the Science Center at least through the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

About the California Science Center
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults, and children can explore the wonders of science through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring large-format movies. The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission to the Science Center is FREE. The California Science Center is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Visit https://californiasciencecenter.org for more information.

About the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) tackles the most pressing problems facing Los Angeles with a mission to improve education, health care, homelessness, and social justice for all Angelenos. Reimagined in 2013, LADF has since raised over $204 million. Under its new strategic plan, “Lasting Impact for Los Angeles,” LADF is amplifying best practices, scaling solutions, growing its capacity and refining its work with investments exceeding $63.5 million in its programs and grants to local organizations. To date, LADF has positively impacted over 11 million youth. LADF is the proud recipient of ESPN’s Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Sports Award, Beyond Sport’s Sport for Reduced Racial Inequalities Collective Impact Award, and the Aspen Institute Project Play Champion. To learn more, visit Dodgers.com/LADF and follow @dodgersfoundation.

About the LA84 Foundation
The LA84 Foundation is a national leader in support of sports in positive youth development. As a legacy of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games, for over four decades LA84 has supported thousands of organizations in Southern California by awarding grants, funded infrastructure projects in communities, trained coaches and commissioned research. The LA84 Foundation addresses critical issues by elevating involvement in sports and play as a pathway to lifelong well-being for youth. Visit la84.org, and follow @LA84Foundation.

Media Contacts:

Kristina Kurasz Cutting, Director of Communications, California Science Center Kkurasz@californiasciencecenter.org, 213-744-7446

Sophie Jefferies, Communications Manager, California Science Center, sjefferies@californiasciencecenter.org, 213-744-7491

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SOURCE California Science Center Foundation

Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges Colleen Reilly as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

Published

8 hours ago

April 24, 2026

PORT ST. JOE, Fla., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Colleen Reilly is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transforming Catering and Event Services in Northwest Florida.

Since 2015, Colleen Reilly has served as founder and CEO of Catering Connections, a company that has redefined catering in Northwest Florida’s beach communities through innovation, collaboration, and community focus. Guided by her motto “Just one call feeds them all,” Ms. Reilly established a unique model by partnering with local restaurants to showcase their specialties, fostering unity among businesses while providing clients with one-of-a-kind event experiences.

With over 15 years of industry expertise, Ms. Reilly specializes in coordinating weddings, family reunions, and corporate events, managing every detail from client consultation to menu planning and flawless execution. Her dedication to service has earned Catering Connections multiple recognitions, including the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire from 2021 to 2025, the Best of Florida Award from 2022 to 2024, and the Lux Life Hospitality and Catering Award in 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Reilly’s career foundation includes an associate degree in paralegal studies, magna cum laude, from Volunteer State College, a reflection of her meticulous approach to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond her business, she serves her community as a board member of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership and as president of Friends of the Governor Stone Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving maritime heritage in Panama City. Her previous civic contributions include serving five years as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children within the legal system, and volunteering as a school chaperone for international student trips.

A leader who blends innovation with service, Ms. Reilly continues to grow Catering Connections while deepening her commitment to the local community. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her company’s impact, bringing people together, and creating meaningful experiences through food and fellowship.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

Technology

Media Contributor Kianga Moore to Host Executive Media Roundtable On AI’s Transformational Impact in Retail

Published

8 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint, and New Nexus Group to Explore Real-Time Decision-Making, Resilience, and Growth in a Volatile Market

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, the upcoming convening of a high-level roundtable discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape in real time.

Moderated by Media Contributor Kianga Moore, to be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11h00am (EST), the roundtable will bring together senior leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint and New Nexus Group to discuss how modern enterprise platforms are leveraging AI to drive agility, efficiency, and long-term resilience across the retail ecosystem.

The discussion will additionally focus on how AI is enabling retailers to respond dynamically to changing demand signals, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen interoperability across increasingly complex vendor and marketplace networks.

“Retailers today are operating in a constant state of disruption”, stated Kianga Moore. “This roundtable will explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a strategic asset for anticipating change and building more resilient, adaptive American enterprise.”

Key discussion topics will include remarks on how, for example, enterprise AI platforms are helping retailers respond instantly to fluctuations in consumer demand, pricing pressures, and external supply chain disruptions and the role of AI in enhancing interoperability across vendors, partners, and marketplaces to create more agile and resilient retail infrastructures in 2026.

Rob Gonda, Chief Technical Officer at Vendormint, stated that, “Interoperability is the backbone of modern retail. AI enables seamless communication between platforms, vendors, and marketplaces—turning fragmented systems into cohesive, responsive ecosystems that can adapt under pressure.”

Discussion topics will also include machine learning’s ability to optimize ad spend, improving personalization, and delivering measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust and regulatory compliance.

Eric Howerton, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AdFury.ai, added that,”AI is fundamentally changing how brands approach customer acquisition. By leveraging machine learning through fine-tuned, retail-specific agentic flows, we can not only optimize ad spend in real time, but we can also ensure messaging is personalized, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.”

And indeed the roundtable will include discussions on how AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate economic, technological, and geopolitical disruptions ahead—and plan accordingly.

Cheryl Yarbrough, Vice President of Partnerships at New Nexus Group added that, “Resilience in retail is no longer built in quarterly planning cycles-it’s built in real time. AI gives organizations the ability to identify disruptions before they cascade, pivot strategies before momentum is lost, and maintain continuity when the market moves faster than any human team can react alone.”

The roundtable will be held via Zoom TeleConference, with questions from the press and key stakeholders to follow opening remarks and a 30-minute Q&A between the moderator and the panelists.

For all media inquiries and to register to attend, please contact: Sam Amsterdam, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc. – Sam@AmsterdamGroup.net / +1 (202) 910-8349

Vendormint (https://vendormint.com)New Nexus Group (https://www.newnexusgroup.com)AdFury.ai (https://www.adfury.ai)

Samuel Amsterdam
Communications Counsel
Vendormint
samuelamsterdam@gmail.com

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SOURCE Vendormint

Technology

Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

Published

9 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

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SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage