On MLK Day, the RWF Teens participated in a special Tech Career Fair organized by the Michigan Council of Women in Technology at the headquarters of Compuware Corporation in downtown Detroit. Ellen Bourke, president of MCWT, summed up why organizing this event for the RWF Teens was so imperative to her: “It’s very important because there are many scholarships and many opportunities available that [girls and women] aren’t taking advantage of. [Technology] is a great career for women, and currently we are vastly underrepresented in the field.”

The Tech Career Fair featured interactive discussions on how technology affects every aspect of our lives from the automobiles to healthcare. The many areas touched by technology impressed RWF Teen Jazzmin Jones, “Technology is a career field I’m interested in studying in college, so I [was] really excited to learn about all the opportunities.”

The RWF Teens also heard from women who have reached great heights in technology and received sound advice on what they should do to be come successful in this important field. To learn more about the Tech Career Fair, click on this link to see the story that ran on WDIV Local 4 TV.

The RWF is grateful to Ellen Burke of MCWT and the many inspiring women who took time out of their days to speak to our Teens about the wonderful opportunities a career in technology holds.

Click here to see more photos from this year’s Christmas for the Homeless party.

The RWF Teens enjoyed another special day at the Fox Theatre.  Fifth Third Bank arranged for our Teens to have an amazing lunch and see an amazing show, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, on Saturday, December 17th.  A great way to wrap up a wonderful and exciting year for the RWF Teens.  Special thanks to Byna Elliott for making the arrangements!

Visit the RWF Store to purchase your Signature Bracelet today.

Saturday, November 12, 2011 was another big day for the RWF as the Teens hit the campus of Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan to see a day in the life of a college student and get a glimpse of what their own futures hold. The day-long visit included an overview of OU’s history and a review of its many curriculums and majors.

Led by two very enthusiastic OU juniors, the Teens learned about applying to college, identifying scholarships, grants, and other financial assistance, and getting ready for those ever-important standardized exams. The Teens also toured a several dormitories and had their first experience with dorm food.

Whether it was a library, lecture hall, fitness center, gymasium, or school administration offices, the Teens enjoyed their all-access pass to seeing what college really has to offer. Our tour guides’ excitement and school pride were so infectious that by the end of the day, the RWF Teens couldn’t wait to get started themselves.

The RWF is very grateful to Oakland University and our tour guides for taking the time out of their days so the RWF Teens could immerse themselves in what college life is really all about!  Go, Grizzlies!

Together under one roof, teens, homeless children, mothers and women of the shelter spread joy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, December 5, 2011

Contact:
Jacqueline M. Northrop
800.580.8369 ext. 1009
press@scarletcomm.com

Detroit, MI – Another monumental season of giving and love is upon us as the Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF) prepares to do its part to spread holiday cheer and goodwill. RWF founder and president, Rhonda Walker, the RWF Board, teens and volunteers will host the Foundation’s ninth annual Christmas party for families at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries’ Genesis House II homeless shelter on Saturday, December 10, 2011, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The shelter is a three-story former convent that provides transitional housing for over 60 women and their children. It is located at 2015 Webb (at 14th Street) in Detroit.

Why the Foundation Continues to Give

The Foundation adopted the shelter nine years ago as part of its annual community outreach project. The purpose of the event is to emphasize the importance of service. “The focus of the Christmas Holiday for children in many cases this time of year is on what they expect to receive,” said Walker. “This event encourages our teens to be thankful for what they have and consider what they can share with others to emphasize the true meaning: giving. All the activities are designed to provide RWF teens and volunteers with hands-on opportunities to experience the joy of giving and reinforce the responsibility we all have to help others.”

During the holiday party, the RWF family, Board, teens and volunteers will serve residents a hearty holiday feast. The group will also distribute toys to children and gift bags filled with toiletries and other items to the women. The RWF teens will play games and participate in arts and crafts activities with the children.

The women and children of Genesis House II are not the only ones who benefit from participating in the holiday party. While the emphasis is placed on highlighting the benefits of compassion, the activity is also designed to help teens build skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making.

Additional information regarding Rhonda Walker Foundation can also be found on the Rhonda Walker Foundation website at rhondawalkerfoundation.org

About the Rhonda Walker Foundation

The RWF was founded in 2003 with the mission through our core “Girls into Women” Program to empower inner city teen girls towards becoming strong, confident, successful and moral future leaders. Since our inception eight years ago, we have been accomplishing this mission with the support of our sponsors and volunteers, through monthly programs, workshops and activities. Our career development programs include mentoring, a self-esteem building summer camp, cross country college tours, extensive etiquette, public speaking, goal setting and confidence training, community outreach projects with homeless women and children, and so much more. The dream of founder, Rhonda Walker, is to literally transform the ‘Girls into Women’ while in our program over a five year period, from the 8th grade until they graduate from high school. The program includes an ardent focus on instilling in every student the expectation that college is a must. It means not only preparing them for college with school visits, assistance with college applications, financial aid and scholarships but also providing support while they are in college.”

About the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries

Founded in 1909, the Detroit Rescue Mission serves Detroit’s needy and homeless. The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) is a Christian faith-based charitable organization dedicated to meeting the basic needs of humanity, while motivating individuals to rebuild their lives. DRMM programs touch the lives of more than 1,000 men, women, and children each day. To learn more about how to help families in need, call the Genesis House II at (313) 883-5614 or visit the DRMM Web site at www.drmm.org.

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Click here to download the press release.

Our 8th Annual Empowerment Brunch was a great success.  And in case you missed it, use the link below to see photos that appeared on detnews.com.  Hope to see you next year!

See Empowerment Brunch photos at detnews.com.

Proceeds to benefit local nonprofits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Katherine Cockrel
(IMG) Ignition Media Group
o: 313.496.1900
m: 313.550.4483
e: Katherine@theimgexperience.com

Birmingham, MI (November 1, 2011) – Chen Chow Brasserie (Chen Chow) today announced the launch of its all-new monthly celebrity sushi roll program. Each month, the restaurant will aim to partner with a local, regional or national figure to feature a signature sushi roll in support of their charity of choice. To kick off the program, Executive Chef Benjamin Meyer crafted a maki roll inspired by WDIV anchor, Rhonda Walker. The Rhonda Walker Roll will be featured on the sushi menu throughout the month of November. Priced at $16, a portion of the sale of each celebrity roll will be donated to the Rhonda Walker Foundation for inner city teen girls.

Meyer worked with Walker to create the light and flavorful maki roll prepared with orange coriander poached tiger shrimp, deviled crab and avocado topped with caramelized layers of avocado and salmon finished with a Michigan apple cider reduction and Sugar In The Raw crunch. Meyer embraced some of Walker’s favorites for inspiration, including salmon, shrimp tempura and rainbow rolls. “I’m thrilled to be working with Chen Chow on this exciting initiative,” Walker said. “I love the fact that Chef Benjamin and the rest of the team are committed to using their culinary talents to raise awareness of local charitable organizations.”

The celebrity sushi roll program is the brainchild of Meyer and Chen Chow’s general manager, Tracy Wilson. The two felt it was important to recognize and advance the work of nonprofits like the Rhonda Walker Foundation that are dedicated to making an impact in the community. “We thought it would be a fun way to do what we love to do at Chen Chow – make delicious sushi, while at the same time, giving back” said Meyer. “The celebrity sushi program is a great way to directly engage our patrons in the process; to give them an opportunity to work with us to make a contribution,” added Wilson.

The Rhonda Walker Roll will be available beginning Tuesday, November 1 and will remain on the menu for the duration of the month. Walker will be on hand to officially debut the roll on Friday,

November 4 at Chen Chow’s first-ever First Friday’s happy hour event. To find out more about the restaurant’s extensive sushi menu, events, executive chef and management team, visit www.chenchow.com.

About Chen Chow Brasserie

Situated on North Old Woodward Avenue in downtown Birmingham, Chen Chow Brasserie embraces various elements of Asian Cuisine by offering an exquisite dining experience set amidst a chic and alluring atmosphere. Executive Chef Benjamin Meyer’s menu is punctuated by intense flavors from worldly ingredients, featuring composed entrees and introductions as well as a succulent variety of maki sushi, nigiri and sashimi. Fan favorites include the Kobe Beef Hot Rock introduction, Miso Sea Bass and the Lobster prepared Four Ways. Chen Chow’s Onyx lounge offers a vibrant happy hour scene Mon-Fri from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. The restaurant is open for dinner nightly beginning at 5 p.m. Look for Chen Chow on Facebook, Twitter and online at www.chenchow.com.

About the Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF)

The Rhonda Walker Foundation was founded by Rhonda Walker in 2003 with a mission to empower inner city teen girls toward be coming strong confident, successful and moral future leaders. Its core program, Girls into Women, is a five-year program for teen girls beginning in their eighth grade year and continuing until they graduate from high school. Since its inception eight years ago, the RWF has maintained 100% high school and college graduation rates among girls that have completed the program. The foundation continues to advance its mission with the support of sponsors and volunteers through monthly programs, workshops and activities. RWF’s career development programs include mentoring, a self-esteem building summer camp, cross country college tours, extensive etiquette, public speaking, goal-setting and confidence training, community outreach projects with homeless women and children, and much more. Fore more information, visit www.rhondawalkerfoundation.org.

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Click here to download a copy of the press release.

For Immediate Release:
October 18, 2011

Contact:  Jacqueline M. Northrop
800.580.8369 ext. 1009
jacqueline@scarletcomm.com

Detroit, MI – The Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF) is excited to announce the 7th Annual Moving With Success Empowerment Brunch, honoring women in technology. This fun and empowering annual event brings together metro Detroit’s most powerful, charitable and inspiring women that have reached the highest levels in their profession, while having a documented commitment to support youth in our community. The women profiled during the annual fundraiser brunch are all leaders in various fields of technology, whether medical, legal, or business. This year’s Empowerment Brunch will take place on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at the Max M. Fisher Music Center from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. and will by emceed by philanthropist, designer and entrepreneur, Denise Ilitch.

“I am absolutely honored to emcee this year’s Rhonda Walker Foundation Empowerment Brunch. This group of extraordinary women of technology provide the motivation and exposure that our youth and community need to continue to excel and advance to their absolute best,” says Denise Ilitch,” Owner of Denise Ilitch Designs and Publisher of Ambassador Magazine.

With so many areas that technology has the ability to impact, we are thrilled to honor women in areas ranging from various professional business sectors. A full list of all of the 2011 honorees can be viewed here.

“I am honored to be one of the esteemed Honorary Chair Committee members of the Rhonda Walker Foundation Moving With Success Empowerment Brunch. As a professional in the technology staffing industry, it is an honor to see not only the field of technology get recognition from the Rhonda Walker Foundation, but especially this amazing group of women who are so deservingly receiving this award,” says Cynthia Pasky, President of Strategic Staffing Solutions.

This annual sell-out event still has tickets available for purchase at rhondawalkerfoundation.org. Sponsorship opportunities are still available as well. The Rhonda Walker Foundation, its dedicated board members and volunteers look forward to celebrating all of the esteemed and accomplished women of technology at The 7th Annual Moving with Success Empowerment Brunch.

The RWF was founded in 2003 with the mission through our core “Girls into Women” Program to empower inner city teen girls towards becoming strong, confident, successful and moral future leaders. Since our inception eight years ago, we have been accomplishing this mission with the support of our sponsors and volunteers, through monthly programs, workshops and activities. Our career development programs include mentoring, a self-esteem building summer camp, cross country college tours, extensive etiquette, public speaking, goal setting and confidence training, community outreach projects with homeless women and children, and so much more. The dream

of founder, Rhonda Walker, is to literally transform the ‘Girls into Women’ while in our program over a five year period, from the 8th grade until they graduate from high school. The program includes an ardent focus on instilling in every student the expectation that college is a must. It means not only preparing them for college with school visits, assistance with college applications, financial aid and scholarships but also providing support while they are in college.”

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Click here to download the press release.