https://www.eqandjs.org/events-2 daily 0.75 2021-09-27 https://www.eqandjs.org/events-2/event-one-r97l3 monthly 0.5 2021-09-27 https://www.eqandjs.org/our-purpose daily 0.75 2024-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632747450652-17L7C36MNRTV8PJEIUT8/EQJS+Group+Image Our Purpose - Our Purpose Our Purpose: EQ&JS Foundation is a U.S. registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, dedicated to improving the quality of life and standard of living for underserved Liberians through education, mental wellness, self-help, and economic empowerment. Mission Statement: Improving the quality of life for underserved Liberians. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632751342951-402LZX56AKWROWNMST94/Liberia+Map+update-01.png Our Purpose - Our Origin Story Liberia, Africa’s oldest republic, still faces immense challenges post-civil war, with only 54% of children completing primary education. Many lack digital literacy skills, particularly women and girls, who face significant barriers to education and employment opportunities. This digital divide reflects global challenges, but it is more pronounced in Liberia, where women have limited access to technology. Our founder, Johnny Sneh, escaped Liberia during the civil war. After settling in the U.S., Johnny’s deep gratitude and passion for helping underserved Liberians led to the formation of EQ&JS Foundation. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide, uplift underserved communities, and empower women and youth through education. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632753730474-GBG46KW4DDYMF9BWCFXN/YGPA6519.JPG Our Purpose - The Phoenix Community Phoenix Community represents our team, programs, clients, graduates, sponsors, supporters, and board of directors. It is built on the values of transparency, integrity, compassion, dignity, diversity, and faith. Phoenix Community is a lasting support system, symbolizing quality, honor, and trustworthiness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632754287223-4RE19MINHQ3DSCPAPC0Q/Logo+and+white+background-01-01.png Our Purpose - Our Identity The Phoenix Logo stands for Renewal, Hope, and Grace. Like the ancient legend of the Phoenix, which is reborn from its ashes, our foundation seeks to renew and empower individuals through education and community support. https://www.eqandjs.org/new-page-4 daily 0.75 2021-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632782368105-SRUJ77K3GODVXSBZSCMS/Manso+-+board+6.jpg Manso Augustine Kamara - Manso Augustine Kamara Manso Augustine Kamara, over the past 12 years, has worked for organizations and institutions in such areas as teaching, general administration and supervision, credit and marketing, and bank branch and subsidiary management. He has extensive knowledge and working experience in finance and banking aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods and developing businesses. Since 2009, Manso has consulted on a wide range of training in banking and finance in Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Swaziland. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Economics from Fourah Bay College and a master’s degree in business administration from IPAM University of Sierra Leone. His dissertation topic there was, The Effect of Marketing Strategies on Performance in the Petroleum Industry in Sierra Leone – A Case Study of NP (SL) Limited. Manso is skilled in workforce development and readiness. Originally from Sierra Leone, he is currently Managing Director for the National Petroleum (Liberia) subsidiary, residing in Liberia while his wife and three children remain in Sierra Leone. https://www.eqandjs.org/new-page-5 daily 0.75 2021-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632781948235-6JMRW5JSJ6ICEIBPRSFS/Jamie+Lowenthal.png Jamie Lowenthal - Jamie Lowenthal Jamie graduated in massage therapy from The Alternative Conjunction Clinic and School of Massage Therapy in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, with an associate degree in natural health and a concentration in advanced massage therapy applications. She has been a practicing licensed massage therapist for 17 years and operates her own business, Lily of Valley Massage Therapy Works, LLC. She has also volunteered at Shining Stars Equine Therapy working with children with disabilities. Jamie and her husband Matt live with their two daughters in Adams County, PA. They both serve on the Board of the Ark Foundation. Ark’s mission is to end cycles of poverty through education and health access, while funding special projects and educational programs at regional and local hospitals in Pennsylvania and Florida. https://www.eqandjs.org/new-page-1 daily 0.75 2021-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632876727581-4OHNWRV9TTXV28S0PMMH/Vivian+Gast.png Vivian Gast - Vivian Gast Vivian was principal of Vivian Gast Graphic Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 28 years, specializing in the design and production of marketing and development materials for non-profit organizations. Transferring that expertise from the drawing board to the volunteer board, she has served as trustee and board president at both Woodmere Art Museum and the Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia. Currently, Vivian serves as President of Earth Wind Fire and Water, a non-profit she and husband Bill formed in partnership with Ndabibi Environmental Conservation Centre in Naivasha, Kenya, East Africa. Here, Vivian channels her interest in environmental conservation and sustainability through EWFandW’s mission: to foster improved living standards, poverty reduction, and environmental respect for peoples in disadvantaged communities through education, self-help, and practical grassroots projects. She and Bill are passionate about the people and landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa. https://www.eqandjs.org/our-program-1 daily 0.75 2024-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/819047d2-850e-42aa-bc7c-33bf5bdea95b/IMG-20240922-WA0044.jpg Our Program - Our Program “Computer and Digital-Creative Literacy for Women and Youths in Liberia” This program addresses the significant digital literacy gap in Liberia, aiming to equip women and youth with essential technology skills. Our goal is to increase enrollment in digital learning programs and enhance participants' skills to prepare them for further education or employment. Key Outcomes: Increase Digital Literacy Enrollment: By creating accessible learning centers and partnering with local communities, we aim to boost participation among women and youth. Enhance Digital Competence: Offering comprehensive training in computer fundamentals, internet navigation, and digital communication tools, this project helps participants build confidence and pursue career opportunities. Project Objectives: Train 3,000 women and youth over four years. Target communities in Montserrado, Margibi, Sinoe, Nimba, and Grand Gedeh counties. Promote gender equality by empowering women with digital skills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632861391703-0M48W5LSV35OQUGMPHT6/dave.png Our Program https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632861511488-973WLFF2X4Y66WFQH5KA/Shirley%2BK%2Bcrop%2Bimage.jpg Our Program https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632877131398-R7IOUZNWLSQ8EE1P6SWY/Mr%2BBell.jpg Our Program https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/c89e1189-4d73-44f9-b4eb-67258798dbe9/Screenshot_20240924-141857.jpg Our Program https://www.eqandjs.org/contact-us daily 0.75 2024-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632771728485-CPEOF4F85RIJ608UCZYD/UPDR8623.JPG Contact Us - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.eqandjs.org/new-page-2 daily 0.75 2021-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632787023046-L57SDD1S9YXK0ZTOS8KX/BGast.jpg William R. Gast - William R. Gast Recently retired, Bill Gast is owner and partner with his brother of the boutique branding agency, Mangos, in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. With a background in the visual arts, Bill originally worked as a graphic designer and art director for publications. After attending the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he worked in industry as a product manager prior to owning Mangos. Bill serves on the boards of Chamounix Mansion, the first international urban youth hostel in the USA, and University of the Arts, Philadelphia, his alma mater. He is currently President of Penllyn Club in Springhouse, PA and serves as Vice President of Earth Wind Fire and Water, a non-profit he and his wife, Vivian, formed in partnership with Ndabibi Environmental Conservation Centre in Naivasha, Kenya, East Africa. A strategic thinker and self-described renaissance man, Bill embraces the fact that there are just as many ways to teach as to learn. He and Vivian live in suburban Philadelphia. https://www.eqandjs.org/home daily 1.0 2024-09-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632770179898-N8LG5LTPXLFSAGPXXTFB/EUGM5501.JPG Home - Our Program Computer and Digital-Creative Literacy for Women and Youths in Liberia: This program addresses the significant digital literacy gap in Liberia, aiming to equip women and youth with essential technology skills. Our goal is to increase enrollment in digital learning programs and enhance participants' skills to prepare them for further education or employment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632770228907-C2WCIJ9JRQTSW39O1XK7/CBEX7835.JPG Home - Our Impact EQ&JS Foundation has delivered impactful programs, with 6 cohorts and over 530 classroom hours, benefiting more than 140 youth and women across two counties in the Republic of Liberia. Key Initiatives: 1. Zogo Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Program: This pilot program successfully rehabilitated 4 out of 6 vulnerable youths struggling with drug addiction. 2. Girls Computer Literacy Program: Bridging the digital divide for young women, this program has run six cohorts and graduated 93 beneficiaries. Our past successes demonstrate our capacity to scale these efforts and deliver measurable results with the support of donors and partners. https://www.eqandjs.org/impact-1 daily 0.75 2024-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/92952fa2-1a70-4276-9d2f-c4cc734e74cf/IMG-20240922-WA0005.jpg Impact - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.eqandjs.org/new-page daily 0.75 2021-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632786922289-EFM0NM3IKOGAJ0AI9ZWI/Matthew+Lowenthal.png Matthew Lowenthal - Matthew Lowenthal Matt Lowenthal, CIO of 8 Point Management Company, advises ultra-high net worth families on asset allocation, entity creation, and family governance. He has a BA in Political Science and is Certified in Private Wealth Management through the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. As a third-generation immigrant interested in equal opportunity regardless of race or nationality, Matt has devoted much of his career to working with the migrant community in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Passionate about recovery and the many benefits it provides individuals and the larger community, Matt serves on the board of Club ODAT, an organization dedicated to providing a safe space for Recovery/12 Step Meetings in south-central Pennsylvania. Matt also serves on the Board of the ARK Foundation, whose mission is to end cycles of poverty through education and health access, while funding special projects and educational programs at regional and local hospitals in Pennsylvania and Florida. https://www.eqandjs.org/new-page-3 daily 0.75 2021-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632787712013-H6GWZ2Z2KIWE2VOZR4DF/Bradley.jpg Steven Scott Bradley - Steven Scott Bradley Steven Bradley serves as Chairman on the Executive Board of the African American Chamber of Commerce for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. He chairs the First African Baptist Church of Darby Township – Trustee Ministry and serves both as advisory member of the Urban Affairs Coalition Strategic Planning Committee and as a board member of WHYY. Steven is President/CEO of Philadelphia-based Bradley & Bradley Associates, Inc., a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance and risk management services for government/quasi-government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses for nearly 15 years. Clients include the City of Philadelphia, charter schools, and large nonprofit organizations in the region. As his company website states, relationships are priority #1. Steven believes in giving back. “Mentoring relationships in the minority business community – these are the reasons that I get energized about my daily responsibilities,” he says. https://www.eqandjs.org/donate daily 0.75 2021-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632852654385-NVPPR5KSVVACH58Y6V4G/TLWW9072.JPG Donate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632853493755-FRYJ05RZNZ90BIR6O5Y7/supplies.png Donate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632853565324-HKZ8QSENCI4JXGH4FKS6/XFJZ6569.JPG Donate https://www.eqandjs.org/leadership daily 0.75 2024-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632778742098-HGF5PGJQ81ACU75G53TB/Sneh-Bio1-profile+.jpg Leadership https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632780189915-MSZ5E7JCV6X226QLTOSJ/Matthew+Lowenthal.png Leadership https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632780225913-2GGJX2LJ579YELEQ9LDL/BGast.jpg Leadership https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632780994526-5Q0XTNK9VUOGMKY59LJ2/Bradley.png Leadership https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632876512055-YJMWEOE7E0QKD352G28K/Vivian+Gast.png Leadership https://www.eqandjs.org/john-ballough-sneh daily 0.75 2021-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632786587683-8W4XR5Q76W0OCQ092WIY/Sneh-Bio1-profile+.jpg John Ballough Sneh - John Ballough Sneh In 2000, EQ&JS Foundation’s founder and Board Chairman, John B. Sneh, was sent by his mother from Liberia to America to escape civil war and the threat of becoming a child soldier or being killed. He was just eight years old. With the help of many, especially his adoptive family, the Balloughs, John has achieved a level of success since that enables his mission to pay-it-forward. It is with a deep sense of gratitude, compassion for Liberia’s outcast Zogos, and a personal passion to make a difference in their lives that he has created this unique foundation. John graduated with a business degree from La Salle University’s School of Business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and spent five and a half years with IBM, first in their new technology convergence space helping organizations become Digital Disruptors; then, serving as the Hybrid Cloud Integration Account Executive covering IBM Public Markets & Healthcare Industry. In the latter role, he empowered clients to grow by applying innovation, creativity and rich data to drive digital transformation across all business units. Upon his mother’s death in October 2020, and as a testament to her foresight, John left IBM to pursue his mission to give back to Liberia’s most destitute community. When not traveling back and forth to Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia, where the foundation he formed in 2021 is based, John resides in New York City. He recently joined Amazon as Enterprise Account Executive – Digital Native Business at Amazon Web Services (AWS). https://www.eqandjs.org/dennis-ashby daily 0.75 2021-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61478fe581244072fb657e15/1632786365295-PEE1PPUOFGKZ609FPJRW/Ashby+Bio-8.PNG Dennis Ashby - Dennis Ashby Dennis Ashby is an accomplished leader in the field of Enterprise Technology. He specializes in building high-growth Sales and Technology teams that help clients build robust solutions for the Digital Age. At present, Dennis is Director of Sales for IBM’s Americas Services organization. Prior to joining IBM, he held varied executive positions in startups and large enterprises where he led global teams. Dennis received a Bachelor of Computer Science degree, with a specialization in Mathematics, from Hofstra University in Long Island, New York. Active in many community-based organizations/clubs helping young adults learn computer programming, he places special emphasis on bringing African American youth into the world of technology and IT sales. Currently, Dennis resides in Silicon Valley, California, with his wife and three children.