Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts

January 1, 2024

The Benefits of Certified Scrum Master Online Course for Women of Color

The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) online course is a transformative approach for individuals seeking to enhance their project management skills. For women of color, this course offers benefits that can contribute to their career growth and foster leadership empowerment in the workplace. This blog post explores the specific advantages the CSM online course provides women of color, emphasizing the potential for skill acquisition, network expansion, and leadership development.

Accessibility and Flexibility - One of the primary benefits of a CSM online course for women of color is the accessibility and flexibility they offer. Many women face unique challenges, like balancing self-care, work, and family; however, online courses allow women to tailor their educational journey to fit their schedules to pursue professional development without sacrificing other essential aspects of their lives.

Inclusive Learning Environment - Online CSM courses foster an inclusive learning environment where diversity is welcomed and celebrated. Women of Color often find themselves in underrepresented positions, and the online format of these courses provides a platform where individuals from diverse backgrounds can contribute, share experiences, and collaborate. This inclusivity creates an enriched learning experience by empowering women of color to bring their unique perspectives to the forefront.

Networking Opportunities - Building a professional network is vital for career advancement for Women of Color, and they can engage in networking opportunities by connecting with a global community of professionals, mentors, and fellow learners, expanding their support system, and gaining insights from diverse perspectives that transcend geographical boundaries. This interconnectedness becomes a valuable resource for career guidance, job opportunities, and collaborative ventures.

Skill Development and Empowerment - The CSM online course equips Women of Color with essential skills in Agile project management, leadership, and collaboration. These skills are instrumental in empowering Women of Color to take leadership roles confidently as they enhance their proficiency in Scrum principles, break through barriers, and contribute meaningfully to their organizations while challenging stereotypes and assumptions about their ability to lead.

Career Advancement and Recognition - Achieving CSM certification through an online course will enhance the professional credibility of Women of Color. They will stand out as capable leaders with a proven ability to navigate complex projects to lead to increased career opportunities, promotions, and a more prominent presence in leadership roles - ultimately contributing to a more diverse and inclusive professional landscape.

In conclusion, the CSM online course provides flexible learning opportunities to foster an inclusive learning environment by empowering women through skill development and paving the way for enhanced career trajectories. Women of Color who embrace the CSM journey can position themselves as influential leaders who can drive positive, lasting change in the workplace that contributes to a more equitable and diverse future.

March 6, 2022

Faith is the Key to God's Promises

Realists seem to shun (i.e., people who tend to view or accept things as they are) people who live by faith. On the surface, realists and people who govern their lives by faith are different. But at their core, they are quite the same because they consciously and unconsciously live by faith.

When realists work, they expect payment after completion of their project or workweek. That is unconscious faith because payment is expected, not guaranteed. Conscious faith is an unemployed person who is confident they will secure work with God's help.

Faith is not magic; it is a process of life. We are not faithless beings. The question is, where do we direct our faith and the energy we release when we exercise it? Realists may not believe in a deity like God. Their lives are inspired by what they see. People who believe in God are led by what they cannot see because their hope and assurance are in God's ability to honor His promises!

Click here to view journal pages for this blog post.

August 3, 2021

Black Women's Equal Pay Day

According to Fortune Magazine, the average Black woman will have finally earned the same amount the average non-Hispanic white man earned a year earlier—eight months later. That’s a problem, not just for Black women who lose out on $900,000 in lifetime earnings, but for everyone.

Black women who normally are the heads of their households (i.e., primary breadwinners) earn 63 cents of every dollar a white man makes. Shannon Williams, director of Equal Pay Today - a project of Equal Rights Advocates stated, "The issue of equal pay is not just a woman’s issue because it trickles down into our families, communities, and the overall economy."

The Black Women’s Wage Gap is a problem for everyone, but everyone isn’t working to address it! One way to close the wage gap is to close the skill gap. The SOFEI Group is working to decrease pay inequity among women of color through free professional, technical, and certification training for women who want to upgrade their skills to elevate their earnings! Please visit our website to view and purchase our NOMORE64 merchandise to empower women to take control of their skills and earning potential!

July 23, 2021

Don't Live Within Your Means

Living within your means is well-intended advice to prevent people from acquiring debt. But could this advice prevent individuals from believing and achieving a bigger and better life?

Mean among many definitions is average. Living outside your means spiritually, emotionally, and socially can lead to an extraordinary life. Here’s how:
  • Write your big dreams and read them daily
  • Create a vision board with images that coincide with your dreams
  • Review, envision, and mediate daily of you achieving your dreams
  • Surround yourself with people who have what you desire
  • Strive for purpose and not security
  • Live by faith and not fear

July 8, 2021

Management Essentials

When you’re a manager, there are some basic, essential skills everyone should have. Whether it’s setting clear work priorities, building great teamwork, listening well to others, or performing a performance review. Each of the skills impact how effective you’ll be as a manager. The Management Essentials e-course will help you build these skills and others. By giving you on the job development exercises to evaluate performance, set clear expectations, and create the right level of challenging work, you’ll build the skills required to be a great and motivating manager for each of your employees. This bite-sized course includes:
  • Giving Clear Work Priorities
  • What Employees Need
  • Reinforce Great Teamwork
  • Valuing Employees
  • Listening to Others’ Ideas and Opinions
  • Problem Solving Expectations
  • The Right Workload for Employees
  • The Great Things Employees Do
  • An Ethics and Integrity Discussion
  • Perform a Performance Review
  • Creating Challenging Work
  • Receive Feedback From Your
  • Creating a Great Work Situation
  • Evaluating Performance in the Right Way
  • Perform a Departure Review
After successful completion of this course, you will acquire skills to build basic management practices to coach employees, deliver valuable feedback, and recognize the achievements of others. Click here to learn more or to get started.

June 28, 2021

Autism 101

Approximately, 1 in 54 children is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrem Disorder (ASD) in the United States. And, many parents, teachers, and caregivers are scrambling to understand:

  • What is ASD?
  • The cause of ASD
  • The signs of ASD
  • ASD symptoms
If you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver of a child that may have ASD, the Autism 101 online course will guide you through these challenging questions. The SOFEI Group wants to provide you with information and resources to help you create a plan to support your child emotionally, physically, and academically. We believe that the more informed you are, the more equipped your child will be for success.

June 24, 2021

Getting Unstuck

Where are you? Where do you want to go? How are you going to get there? These are the questions a technical instructor asked to help trainees learn how to change directories using DOS (i.e., Disk Operating System).

Post-DOS days, the technical instructor realized these questions apply to our everyday lives, and we believe these questions can help individuals get unstuck in their careers, relationships, or finances. If you feel stuck, click here and download our guide that can help you get unstuck.

April 24, 2019

Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence

Immerse yourself in the fields of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence! With over 40 hours of expert instruction, you’ll have a firm grasp of core machine learning concepts and be positioned to apply this technology to your career.

This course includes:
  • An Introduction to Deep Learning & Computer Vision
  • Recommendation Systems in Python
  • Machine Learning: Decision Trees & Random Forests
  • Twitter Sentiment Analysis in Python
  • Python Programming: From Beginner to Intermediate
  • Quant Trading Using Machine Learning
  • Factor Analysis
  • Linear & Logistic Regression

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course, you will have learned the following concepts & so much more!
  • Discover Core Machine Learning Concepts & Build an Artificial Neural Network.
  • Build a movie recommendation system in Python.
  • Learn Intuitive Machine Learning Techniques by Exploring a Classic Problem.
  • Use Python and the Twitter API to build your own sentiment analyzer.
  • Go from beginner to intermediate level Python user.
  • Apply Machine Learning techniques to Quant Trading.
  • Use Principal Components Analysis to Extract Factors.
  • Build Regression Models with Principal Components in Excel, R, Python.
  • Understand the risks involved in regression and avoid common pitfalls.
  • Use simple & multiple regressions to explain variance & predict an outcome.
  • Project Files & Supplemental Material included with each course.

This course may be completed earlier than indicated and students retain access for one year from the date of enrollment. Click here to get started.

July 26, 2016

Wake Up America

Based on the violence that has spurred in America, one could conclude, America is heading towards a downward spiral. What's the underlying cause? Is race the culprit? Who or what has given life to an issue that was assumed dead?

The underlying force contributing to the demise of America isn't physical, but spiritual. And if we're going to make America great, we have to learn how to fight in a realm that's spiritual. (Ephesians 6:10-13)

According to John 10:10, the enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. What was stolen, killed, and destroyed during the recent weeks of violence and who's to blame? Believe it or not, it's the enemy and his mission is gaining footage.

Luke 6:27-28 states, "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. Remember the motto, "United We Stand, divided we fall." The power to make America great is within all of us. Not just the President, Congress, and the rich.

God needs a new nation of people who are willing to fight to restore, revive, and renew the spirit of America, and this blogpost serves as a recruitment message to the unsaved, and a wake-up message to the saved.

As long as America's spirit is broken, America will never be great. The only way to make America great is to be unified as One.

July 12, 2016

Equal, But Different

When women stop seeking validation and approval from men, their equity will grow. Some women dress seductively for men. Wear heels for the approval of men. Buy hair and make-up for men. Quit their jobs for men. Surrender their will to men who don't surrender their will to God. Live under the pretense that man knows what's best instead of God.

Should women who live subjectively to men expect equal treatment?

According to Genesis 1:26, God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and to let them have dominion over every living thing that creeps on the earth. And, according to Genesis 1:27, "God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

These verses share how God equally created men and women in His image to have dominion over the earth in our own distinctive roles. If women grasp hold of this knowledge, maybe women will seek equality through the Image of God instead of man.

November 12, 2014

Don't Die with Your Baton

‘The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without a purpose.” – Dr. Myles Munroe

On Sunday, November 9, Dr. Myles Munroe, a leader, prominent pastor, and author expressed his concern about the next generation of leaders not passing on the legacy of leadership. He described this as – a person dying with their baton. And if someone wanted that baton, they would have to pry it from the hands of the person who was dead.

Exodus 32:9 states, I have seen these people, and indeed they are a stiff-necked people! This verse signifies the depiction of people with hardened hearts and ears who are unwilling to listen or heed to the voice of God. Pride is the culprit of a stiff-necked generation, and this generational type implies growing from the strength of pride.

Individuals who are unwilling to learn are not willing to lead. And, they should not question or complain about the demise of their communities or society? God did not create humanity to receive and keep but to receive and bless! Dr. Munroe used his life to teach people how to discover and live with purpose!

In his book titled, Understanding Your Potential, Dr. Munroe affirms, You must decide if you will rob the world or bless it with rich, valuable, potent, untapped resources locked away within you. If you do, then you have chosen to die with your baton.

November 10, 2014

Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID)

In 1980, Mary Catherine Swanson (an English teacher) created AVID - a program designed to help underrepresented students succeed in high school and college. The program's philosophy is: "Hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they will rise to the challenge."

A group of AVID middle school students completed their assignments fifteen minutes early and wanted to watch YouTube videos which were unrelated to AVID. When asked to turn off their videos, a student responded with: "My mom watches YouTube videos all the time at work, so why can't we watch them at school?"

What legacy are we leaving our children in reference to work, finances, or service? Students need role models to coincide with their lessons to advance academically, socially, or economically. And their parents should be their first point of reference.

The industrialized workforce is depleting and individuals that choose to watch YouTube videos instead of seeking opportunities to serve will be challenged to advance via individual determination.

September 30, 2014

A World without Women

What would the world look like without women? Take a few minutes to ponder this thought. What did you come up with?

Women who are abused, neglected, or subjected to sexism, are invisible. And, women weren’t created to be second-class citizens to men, but equally to build a fruitful and noble world for all humanity to enjoy. Subjection of women can stem from pride and ignorance. It’s ignorance when people don’t know the reason for women’s existence; pride when people are self-serving and would do anything to fulfill their wants and needs.

If women want to strengthen their presence and voice in society, they should:
  • Discover their purpose and not allow people or external circumstances deter them from their destined path.
  • Live according to their uniqueness and convictions; not societal norms.
  • Know their rights as a citizen and in the workplace and hold people accountable who inflict harm to them.
  • Increase and stabilize their self- and net-worth to create personal and financial stability.
  • Stop defining their value based on their sexuality or possessions.
  • Connect with people who exalt others and not themselves.
  • Be decisive and fearless about their beliefs and choices.
Eve was created to serve as Adam’s helpmate; not his doormat. If women want to make their presence known and voices heard, they should stop walking in the shadow of mankind, and consider walking in the shadow of their Creator - God.

August 12, 2014

SOFEI's Top Ten

Following is a list of The SOFEI Group's top ten YouTube videos for motivation, inspiration, and hope:

March 10, 2014

Fearfully Made

A young girl ran to her mother after school and said, "Let’s hurry and get to the car because I don’t want to get a tan." Mother’s response, "Why are you so afraid of getting a tan?" Her daughter’s response, "I’m not, but a girl in my group asked me if I was dark skinned because of the sun?"

A portion of Psalm 139:14 states, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works. Humanity was created in the image of God and He has never spoken negatively to Himself or to the people He chose to make an impact throughout the world based on their uniqueness.

Our children are our future. Let’s be vigilant of what we feed them – directly or indirectly. Critiquing or teasing people about their looks (especially their hues) is a waste of time. Everything God made is good and was created for His glory. If God can see the beauty, good, and glory in His creation, why can't we?

September 5, 2013

Self-Servants Not Wanted

A prospective partner contacted The SOFEI Group to offer their services to build their brand. This person was turned down because their main purpose to join wasn’t about helping us achieve our mission – it was self-serving.

If your ultimate reason to secure employment or start a business is to make money, you’re off to a bumpy start. Many MLM (Multi-level Marketing) business owners plummet because they see an opportunity to make money, instead of an opportunity to improve the lives of others with their product or service. And, many businesses are not experiencing exponential growth because it’s replete with self-serving people who choose not to use their skills, experience, or education to serve.

In this knowledge-based workforce, employers and business owners want to connect with believers, leaders, or servants. People who believe in the organization’s mission, goals, and objectives; leaders who can influence people to achieve greatness, and people who do not mind serving their internal and external clients.

Anyone willing to believe, lead, and serve can strengthen their opportunity to achieve long-term success. But, if your willingness to work is to reap and not sow, you may be characterized as a self-server. Have you ever seen a want ad or business opportunity for self-servants?

June 12, 2013

Take the Secret out of Doing Business

Attend this seminar to receive business secrets to grow your business. Really? Let’s face it; there are no secrets to doing business, just strategies. Instead of spending money and time attending seminars or workshops to find secrets, take a deep breath and revisit your purpose for going into business. Here are a few questions to think about when developing your business strategy:
  • Who are your clients and how do they find you?
  • What’s your strategy to deliver your product and/or service to prospective clients to meet their needs, solve their problems, or enhance their lives?
  • Who are your ideal business clients?
  • How well do you know your prospective and current clients?
  • What’s your strategy to keep your clients happy and transform them to raving fans?
  • What resources will you need to support your strategy?
  • What’s your strategy to handle disgruntled clients and build their trust?
  • What’s your strategy to continue moving your business forward when funds are low?
  • What method(s) will you use to stay connected to your clients for repeat business or referrals?
  • How will you demonstrate your appreciation for your client’s business?
  • What strategies or tools will you use to measure your client's satisfaction?
Many business secret gurus or experts are simply sharing strategies that were applicable to their personality, business, and clients. Don’t get lured into their strategy because you don’t know the resources (e.g., money, people, or equipment) they had access to when they started. And, their strategy may not be suitable for your business mission, vision, or clients.

Stop seeking secrets; just create and build your strategies. You’ll be amazed of the results you will reap and you will not need to keep this a secret.

June 3, 2013

Training is a waste of time and money

Another federal government agency was snubbed last week for allegedly wasting tax payer’s dollars (50 million) for training conferences over a three-year period. Training is a waste of time and money when its goals and objectives aren’t clearly defined and connected to an organization’s mission, and the actual value training will add when completed.

Government waste didn’t start in this Administration; it has been a normal way of business to avoid a decrease in appropriation dollars for each fiscal year. When an agency learns that it has an excess in appropriation dollars towards the end of their fiscal year, many government employees reap the benefits of training, conferences, and/or new equipment.

Training should never be used as a last resort to save appropriation dollars that will result in waste. This strategy decreases the value of education and training. If a government agency can operate on less money than originally appropriated, this money should be returned to Congress to bring down the deficit.

April 23, 2013

Pay attention to what isn't being said

The SOFEI Group has counseled and trained many women who seem to pay more attention to what people tell them (e.g., their significant other or spouse) and not what they show them. Remember the saying Action speaks louder than words. What keeps women clinging onto the words of their loved ones while ignoring their actions? Hope for change, fear, blind love, or their religion?

People normally show us their truth. However, some women second guess their intuition and what’s presented to them. Example, a man’s truth maybe sexual or financial infidelity – the woman’s reality is she’s living or in a relationship with a man who cannot be trusted. A man’s truth maybe, he’s married with children - a woman’s reality that dates him is she’s an adulterer and a person that doesn’t value the sacredness of marriage. Lastly, a man’s truth maybe physical, emotional, or verbal abuse – a woman’s reality is depression, fear; hope for change, low self-esteem or self-worth.

Women have to take charge of their lives and stop allowing their lives to be controlled or manipulated by false statements and be motivated by the true actions of others. Maya Angelou states, When people show you who they are, believe them. And, don’t view their truth through your ‘lens of potential’ because we all have potential, but only action creates change.

March 17, 2013

Should the Government Accumulate Debt for the Poor?

Deuteronomy 15:11 states, For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

The Israelites were instructed by God to help the poor when they arrived to possess the Promised Land to serve as a reminder of God's gift of freedom after their enslavement in Egypt.

Some believe people that are poor brought it on themselves, and this belief makes it easy to close our hearts and hands towards them. Helping the poor demonstrates our faith in God and our country. Ignoring to care for the poor for any reason forfeits our humanitarian duty to care for our fellow citizens during their greatest time of need.

The battle between Congress and the President on strategies to serve the poor isn’t simply about the rising debt, but the different attitudes towards poverty. Not extending unemployment benefits or decreasing government entitlement programs may decrease the National debt, but it will not prevent the poor from sinking deeper into an oppressive state.

When the hearts of more American citizens become like God’s, we will give more without passing judgment or making excuses. If God can look beyond our faults to meet our needs, we should do the same.

The government shouldn’t accumulate debt to help the poor, but it should build a compassionate approach to handle it.