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Chicago Author and Architect Alicia Ponce Announces Launch of Latinas in Architecture Vol. III

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CHICAGO, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chicago-based author, entrepreneur, and architect Alicia Ponce announces the launch of “Latinas in Architecture Vol. III,” the third anthology in the “Latinas in Architecture” book series.

First launched in 2021, the series brings together personal stories from Latinas in architecture, sharing their beginnings, the challenges they faced entering the field, and the triumphs that followed. Slated for release this March, Volume III explores the life chapters of a new group of contributing authors—multicultural Latinas whose journeys are rooted in the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, and Puerto Rico.

“This book is a testament to the leadership, resilience, and impact of Latinas in architecture. It also serves as a mirror and a call to action—holding ourselves, the architecture industry, and academia accountable for what remains,” said Ponce, founder and principal of APMonarch, a Chicago-based, female- and Latina-owned architecture firm focused on designing healthy buildings and equitable communities.

The authors featured in this new book are:

Tatiana Bilbao – Foreword ContributorAngelica ArentAna Cecilia QuezadaGloria KloterYanel De Angel SalasGeny MuñozMariana Alvarez-PargaShadia JaramilloAura MenaJacqueline VelezVanessa Smith TorresMelissa GarciaElisa Hernández SkaggsOksana RamosGeorgie MárquezElizabeth PachecoNatasha EspadaJessica AdetoroKatherine Darnstadt

In addition to amplifying these voices, Ponce is actively working to expand pathways for Latinas entering the architecture profession as the founder of Arquitina, a national nonprofit leadership and licensure initiative. The organization creates cohorts of women pursuing their architectural license who partner with licensed architect mentors while raising awareness and funding through special events. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ 2025 demographic statistics, only 2% of licensed architects in the United States are Hispanic or Latina women.

“True inclusion demands more than intent; it requires a profession that actively supports a welcoming, equitable path to licensure and growth,” Ponce said. “We must measure that progress—through representation in licensure, equal pay, and leadership roles—and commit to changing what the numbers reveal.”

Volume III is available on Amazon & Arquitina/Books.

For more information about “Latinas in Architecture,” visit https://latinasinarchitecture.org.

About the “Latinas in Architecture” Book Series

As of 2021, there were 121,997 registered architects in the United States, with women representing approximately 20% of licensed architects. As of 2025, Latinas account for 2% of the profession nationwide.

To help drive meaningful change, Alicia Ponce founded Arquitina, a first-of-its-kind leadership and licensure initiative dedicated to increasing the number of Latina architects in the United States.

“Latinas in Architecture” is an anthology of compelling—and at times maddening—stories that capture the highs and lows of multicultural Latina women working in architecture and the built environment. As licensed professionals, mothers, and business owners, these women proudly contribute to the cultural landscape of our cities as architects, engineers, planners, developers, construction managers, and sustainability professionals. Simply put, they are chingonas, changing the demographic one Latina at a time.

For more information about the book series, visit https://latinasinarchitecture.org.

Media Contact:
Marie Lazzara
JJR Marketing
630-400-3361
marie@jjrmarketing.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chicago-author-and-architect-alicia-ponce-announces-launch-of-latinas-in-architecture-vol-iii-302754839.html

SOURCE Latinas in Architecture

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Alcott HR Appoints Michael Pascucci as Director of Strategic Projects

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FARMINGDALE, N.Y., June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alcott HR announces Michael Pascucci as Director of Strategic Projects. Michael brings over ten years of experience in HR operations and project management.

Before joining Alcott HR, he held senior roles leading technology upgrades and launching new employee benefits programs. This experience supports Alcott’s initiatives, helping the company grow while putting clients first.

 As Director, Michael drives operational excellence at Alcott HR by leading strategic projects. He maintains processes to ensure Alcott stays flexible and personalized during growth. Michael focuses on projects that further enhance client support.

Improving Data Accuracy:  Michael connects Alcott’s main systems with partners. Automating these connections streamlines onboarding and enrollment, ensuring benefits and payroll are accurate and secure. This gives clients confidence their information is in good hands.

Creating a Seamless Client Experience:  Michael is improving how Alcott manages projects and client renewals. With consistency in these processes, Alcott delivers a seamless, dependable experience, especially during year-end reporting and enrollment.

Building for Growth:  By replacing manual tasks with digital solutions, Michael helps Alcott grow with its clients. This allows the team to focus on building relationships and offering expert HR guidance to help clients achieve their goals.

“Michael doesn’t just manage projects, he builds systems that help our team excel,” said Kristen Bartolotta, Sr. Director of Operations at Alcott HR. “His ability to transform complex processes into streamlined solutions has improved our efficiency and enhanced our client service.”

“Working with the talented Alcott team has been a great experience,” said Michael Pascucci. “I’m excited to continue working across departments to improve our processes, boost efficiency, and help the company keep growing.”

Through these efforts, Michael helps Alcott deliver even greater value to clients by driving innovation, strengthening relationships, and ensuring every organization can reach its potential.

About Alcott HR: Alcott HR is an IRS Certified* and ESAC Accredited, Professional Employer Organization that provides a comprehensive range of human resources solutions to small and mid-sized businesses. With nearly four decades of experience, Alcott HR offers customized services that allow businesses to manage their workforce more effectively while staying compliant with state and federal regulations. Their services include payroll, benefits, risk management, and HR support, designed to help businesses grow and succeed.

The IRS does not endorse any particular certified professional employer organization.

Media Contact:
Sarah Zulawski
Marketing Specialist
szulawski@alcotthr.com 
(716) 241-8893 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alcott-hr-appoints-michael-pascucci-as-director-of-strategic-projects-302805721.html

SOURCE Alcott HR

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Alcott HR Appoints Michael Pascucci as Director of Strategic Projects

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FARMINGDALE, N.Y., June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alcott HR announces Michael Pascucci as Director of Strategic Projects. Michael brings over ten years of experience in HR operations and project management.

Before joining Alcott HR, he held senior roles leading technology upgrades and launching new employee benefits programs. This experience supports Alcott’s initiatives, helping the company grow while putting clients first.

 As Director, Michael drives operational excellence at Alcott HR by leading strategic projects. He maintains processes to ensure Alcott stays flexible and personalized during growth. Michael focuses on projects that further enhance client support.

Improving Data Accuracy:  Michael connects Alcott’s main systems with partners. Automating these connections streamlines onboarding and enrollment, ensuring benefits and payroll are accurate and secure. This gives clients confidence their information is in good hands.

Creating a Seamless Client Experience:  Michael is improving how Alcott manages projects and client renewals. With consistency in these processes, Alcott delivers a seamless, dependable experience, especially during year-end reporting and enrollment.

Building for Growth:  By replacing manual tasks with digital solutions, Michael helps Alcott grow with its clients. This allows the team to focus on building relationships and offering expert HR guidance to help clients achieve their goals.

“Michael doesn’t just manage projects, he builds systems that help our team excel,” said Kristen Bartolotta, Sr. Director of Operations at Alcott HR. “His ability to transform complex processes into streamlined solutions has improved our efficiency and enhanced our client service.”

“Working with the talented Alcott team has been a great experience,” said Michael Pascucci. “I’m excited to continue working across departments to improve our processes, boost efficiency, and help the company keep growing.”

Through these efforts, Michael helps Alcott deliver even greater value to clients by driving innovation, strengthening relationships, and ensuring every organization can reach its potential.

About Alcott HR: Alcott HR is an IRS Certified* and ESAC Accredited, Professional Employer Organization that provides a comprehensive range of human resources solutions to small and mid-sized businesses. With nearly four decades of experience, Alcott HR offers customized services that allow businesses to manage their workforce more effectively while staying compliant with state and federal regulations. Their services include payroll, benefits, risk management, and HR support, designed to help businesses grow and succeed.

The IRS does not endorse any particular certified professional employer organization.

Media Contact:
Sarah Zulawski
Marketing Specialist
szulawski@alcotthr.com 
(716) 241-8893 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alcott-hr-appoints-michael-pascucci-as-director-of-strategic-projects-302805721.html

SOURCE Alcott HR

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Vaultzy and Miracle University Pilot Demonstrates AI-Powered Document Management for Students. Expansion Planned for California Foster Youth Programs

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A successful student pilot demonstrates how secure digital records and AI guidance can help them access education, employment, housing, and life opportunities

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Vaultzy, an AI-powered document management and life assistant platform, today announced the successful completion of a pilot with Miracle University, demonstrating how secure digital records and intelligent guidance can help students overcome barriers to education, employment, and economic mobility.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, noted, “Never expired. Never lost. Your vital documents, all in one secure place.”

For many students, particularly those facing economic hardship or life disruptions, lost identification, unavailable transcripts, and scattered paperwork can delay enrollment, employment, housing applications, financial aid, and access to public services. Vaultzy was created to address this challenge by providing a secure, user-controlled platform for lifelong document management.

Beyond document storage, Vaultzy recently launched the first version of its AI-powered Life Agent. The platform allows users to interact with their personal records and receive guidance related to major life transitions. By understanding what documents a user has available, the Life Agent can help identify requirements and next steps for education, employment, healthcare, government services, financial planning, and other important milestones.

The pilot was conducted in partnership with Miracle University, a Sacramento-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students who have left the traditional education system earn their high school diplomas and achieve academic and career success. The initiative focused on helping students digitize, organize, and securely manage their most important records while introducing them to emerging technologies that can support their long-term success.

“Our mission is to help students overcome barriers and unlock their full potential,” said Dr. Kadhir Raja, Founder of Miracle University. “Students need access to their documents, confidence in managing important life transitions, and guidance on what comes next. Vaultzy helps bring all of these together, empowering students to navigate education, employment, housing, and other life opportunities with greater confidence and independence.”

The pilot demonstrated the importance of giving individuals lifelong access to trusted records while providing the tools and guidance needed to use them effectively. As California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, noted, “Never expired. Never lost. Your vital documents, all in one secure place.”

Looking ahead, Vaultzy plans to continue expanding its AI-powered capabilities. “We envision a future where every individual has a trusted AI companion that not only safeguards their records but also helps guide them through life’s most important transitions,” said Avanti Ramraj, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Vaultzy.

The success of the Miracle University pilot is helping inform broader discussions with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and public-sector leaders interested in modernizing how individuals manage and access trusted records while receiving guidance through important life transitions. One of the most promising opportunities is the potential application of Vaultzy within programs serving foster youth, seniors, and other underserved populations.

About Vaultzy

Vaultzy is an AI-powered document management and life assistant platform that helps individuals securely store, manage, and share important records throughout their lives. Combining secure document management, document intelligence, multilingual assistance, and agentic AI capabilities, Vaultzy is building the infrastructure for lifelong document ownership and trusted digital identity.

About Miracle University

Miracle University is a Sacramento-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students overcome educational barriers and achieve academic, personal, and professional success. Through mentorship, education, and community support, Miracle University equips students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to transform their futures.

Media Contact
Anupriya Ramraj, Vaultzy, 1 510-255-0657, contact@vaultzy.ai, www.vaultzy.ai

Twitter, LinkedIn

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/vaultzy-and-miracle-university-pilot-demonstrates-ai-powered-document-management-for-students-expansion-planned-for-california-foster-youth-programs-302805103.html

SOURCE Vaultzy

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