Latest news with #WomeninBusiness
Web Release
16-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
EBRD appoints new Head of Lebanon
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has appointed Alessandro Vittadini as the new head of the Bank's operations in Lebanon. Based in Beirut, Mr Vittadini assumed his new position on 14 July, succeeding Khalil Dinguizli. He will be responsible for the EBRD's investments and operations in the country and will report to Gretchen Biery, the Bank's Director for the Eastern Mediterranean region. Mr Vittadini said: 'It is a great honour to take on this responsibility at such a pivotal moment for Lebanon. I look forward to deepening collaboration with government partners and the international community to advance policy dialogue that strengthens our investment climate. By supporting the private sector and unlocking sustainable growth opportunities, we can help to drive Lebanon's economic recovery and long-term resilience.' An Italian national, Mr Vittadini brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent almost 20 years at the EBRD. He combines banking and policy, having served in a range of different positions, including Adviser to the Board Director for Italy and Banker in the Western Balkans team. In his most recent role as Head of the SME Finance and Development Grants Unit, he focused on fundraising and the development of innovative financial and advisory instruments for small and medium-sized enterprises. He also contributed to the launch of flagship programmes such as Women in Business, Youth in Business and Star Venture. Mr Vittadini graduated Magna cum Laude from the University of Milan and has an LLM in Banking and Finance from King's College London. Since the start of its operations in Lebanon in 2018, the EBRD has invested €840 million in the country, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector, providing trade guarantees, promoting sustainable energy, and improving the quality and efficiency of public services, as well as offering advisory support to 450 small and medium-sized enterprises.
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Missing' Brit teen could raise baby in hellhole ex-Soviet prison
British teenager Bella May Culley could be forced to have a baby inside a Georgian prison after being arrested on suspicion of importing cannabis into the country Suspected British drug smuggler Bella May Culley could bring up a baby behind bars in Georgia. The 18-year-old – who has said she's pregnant – faces up to a lifetime jail term after being accused of importing cannabis. Bella's being held in the former Soviet state's Women's Prison No.5, where kids are understood to be able to stay with mums up to age three – with special rooms provided. It comes as Bella's dad Niel is still thought to be waiting for an emotional reunion with his daughter at the prison, about a 45-minute drive south of capital Tbilisi. She has written to prison authorities requesting permission for a visit from her family but the process takes up to five working days. Bella had vanished in Thailand before turning up in Georgia where she was on TV handcuffed to a court official. The Brit is accused of carrying about 12kg of cannabis and around 2kg of hashish into Georgia. The teenager, from Billingham on Teesside, told a court she's pregnant. She faces a lengthy spell behind bars if found guilty — which could be life in the worst-case scenario. Women's rights lawyer Eliso Rukhadze explained the likely scenario if Bella went into labour while in prison in Georgia. The lawyer said: 'She [Bella] would be transferred to a hospital [to give birth] and then back.' She added: 'Over the last years, large amounts of funds have been allocated to make the space as comfortable as possible in Georgian prisons for mothers with babies. Up to the age of three, the child would grow up there [in prison] and the mum would have unrestricted access to the child, including breastfeeding. 'Then, once the child is over three, they would be given to the rest of the family. It's not a stressful environment and they try to support these mothers as much as they can, including getting help from a resident psychologist. 'Full medical service is provided – including diagnostics, except surgeries. Equipment is modern. There is a nursery too, trying to create as comfortable conditions for the child as it is possible in the prison.' In 2018, a Penal Reform International Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer said of Women's Prison No.5: 'The prison comprises a series of cell blocks and training facilities as well as an administrative building, all within tarmacked grounds where women hang up washing or use the public telephones. 'Each cell block has its own training room, where women can participate in courses such as traditional Georgian felt making, beauty therapy and hairdressing. There is also a sewing enterprise run by Women in Business, where around 50 women are employed under a contract with the Ministry of Corrections to make mattresses for men's prisons. 'The women can earn a wage, which they can either send to their families outside or spend on themselves in prison.' Back in the UK, Bella's granddad revealed she had told him that she was travelling to the Philippines. "She went to the Philippines to see somebody, a lad there, who she used to go out with a couple of years ago, who was working out there,' William Culley said earlier this week. "She said, 'I'm going on my own, but I'm meeting Ross out there. Or Russ, I'm not sure what his name is. He was working out there for his father's company or something. But now I wonder if what she told me was true." Bella's dad Niel lives in Vietnam but retains a property in Billingham. Mr Culley said he had been instructed by his son to market the house to raise money towards legal help for his daughter. Bella is reportedly the great-granddaughter of the late Labour MP Frank Cook.
Business Journals
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Ellie Mental Health founder Erin Pash starts new tech and retail incubator
The founder of a successful mental health company is now turning her attention to incubating innovative businesses that blend technology, retail and social well-being. Erin Pash, founder and former CEO of Ellie Mental Health, has launched her latest venture, calling it Pash Co. Both an acronym for People Advancing Social Health and a self-titled company, Pash Co. will serve as an incubator for technology, social media and retail businesses that aim to enhance social health and aid in forming human connection. Minneapolis-based Pash Co., which officially launched last week, already has announced three ventures that will be released later this year: two social apps and a retail business. Talk To My Face is a social media app that prioritizes and facilitates in-person connection. Caveman to Casanova is an app designed to guide and support men in building stronger relationships. Pot Mama's is a women-focused retail concept offering cannabis products while destigmatizing the use of the substance among women. The company also is developing other ventures and partnerships in the social health startup realm. 'We're starting a movement to prioritize social health as a critical component of overall wellness," Pash wrote in a statement. "The goal is to create technology that brings us together in meaningful ways, not keep us isolated behind screens. At Pash Co., we're pushing the creative limits of what's possible when we design technology with human connection at its core." Pash served as CEO of Ellie Mental Health since founding the company in 2015. In January, she passed the title to Michael DiMarco, but continues to serve on Ellie's board as chair and as an executive consultant. Pash was a Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree last year and a Women in Business honoree in 2020.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thornridge alumna, Phoenix native in line to lead Governors State University
Joyce Ester, a native of the south suburbs, has been tentatively chosen as the new president of Governors State University, according to the University Park school. Ester, president of Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota, is originally from Phoenix and attended Thornridge High School in Dolton. She was among three finalists for the GSU position and would become the university's seventh president, following Cheryl Green. Green was president for four years and ended her tenure March 1. Ester has been president of Normandale since 2014, and her last day there will be June 3, according to the school. Governors State said it had received 62 applications for the president's position, and that Ester was one of three finalists interviewed in late February. The board of trustees is expected to vote April 24 on Ester's appointment, the university said Tuesday in a message to faculty, staff and students. Subject to board approval, Ester would assume her role at GSU on July 1, the university said. James Kvedaras, board chairman, said in a statement he and the board 'are honored to begin a new chapter in the university's history with the inspired leadership of Dr. Ester.' 'I look forward to joining this community who is dedicated to student success and whose core value of 'deliberate university focus on student achievement of academic, professional and personal goals' resonates deeply with my own,' Ester said in the statement. Normandale Community College is the largest college and third largest institution in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, serving more than 14,000 credit students and more than 2,000 noncredit students annually, according to Governors State. Under Ester's leadership, Normandale saw an 18% enrollment increase among students of color between 2015-2020 and has continued to be one of the top transfer institutions in the state, according to GSU. Ester brings more than 30 years of experience in various roles throughout academia that addressed academic and student affairs, faculty and staff governance, and financial management, according to the university. Before joining Normandale, Ester was president for two years of Kennedy-King College, one of seven schools that comprise City Colleges of Chicago. Ester was honored as a city of Bloomington Pioneer in 2023 for her impact on the local community and the college's equity initiatives, according to Normandale. She was also selected as a 2024 Women in Business honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, according to the college. Ester holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara; a master of arts in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara; and a bachelor of arts in Sociology from Northern Illinois University, according to her biographical information.
Chicago Tribune
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Thornridge alumna, Phoenix native in line to lead Governors State University
Joyce Ester, a native of the south suburbs, has been tentatively chosen as the new president of Governors State University, according to the University Park school. Ester, president of Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota, is originally from Phoenix and attended Thornridge High School in Dolton. She was among three finalists for the GSU position and would become the university's seventh president, following Cheryl Green. Green was president for four years and ended her tenure March 1. Ester has been president of Normandale since 2014, and her last day there will be June 3, according to the school. Governors State said it had received 62 applications for the president's position, and that Ester was one of three finalists interviewed in late February. The board of trustees is expected to vote April 24 on Ester's appointment, the university said Tuesday in a message to faculty, staff and students. Subject to board approval, Ester would assume her role at GSU on July 1, the university said. James Kvedaras, board chairman, said in a statement he and the board 'are honored to begin a new chapter in the university's history with the inspired leadership of Dr. Ester.' 'I look forward to joining this community who is dedicated to student success and whose core value of 'deliberate university focus on student achievement of academic, professional and personal goals' resonates deeply with my own,' Ester said in the statement. Normandale Community College is the largest college and third largest institution in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, serving more than 14,000 credit students and more than 2,000 noncredit students annually, according to Governors State. Under Ester's leadership, Normandale saw an 18% enrollment increase among students of color between 2015-2020 and has continued to be one of the top transfer institutions in the state, according to GSU. Ester brings more than 30 years of experience in various roles throughout academia that addressed academic and student affairs, faculty and staff governance, and financial management, according to the university. Before joining Normandale, Ester was president for two years of Kennedy-King College, one of seven schools that comprise City Colleges of Chicago. Ester was honored as a city of Bloomington Pioneer in 2023 for her impact on the local community and the college's equity initiatives, according to Normandale. She was also selected as a 2024 Women in Business honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, according to the college. Ester holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara; a master of arts in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara; and a bachelor of arts in Sociology from Northern Illinois University, according to her biographical information.
