What Will You Do To Make A Difference In Your World?
Troy Taylor answers the call-to-action with his strategy to contribute to the well-being of our community
At the 2025 XCEL Summit for Men, we asked attendees in an open forum what our community needs to make a change and what African Americans should focus on. Our panel included four of that year’s XCEL Summit for Men Honorees, including Troy Taylor, founder, chairman, and CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida. His strategy: to hold ourselves collectively accountable for moving forward in an unprecedented time of change, challenge, and opportunity. As we approach our upcoming XCEL Summit for Men’s 10th anniversary, we encourage young professional men to step up because our future depends on your help. Here’s an excerpt from him.
Walmart Launches Atlanta Skilled Trades Hub To Train 4,000 Workers By 2030
The Atlanta training center will become the fourth location in Walmart's Associate to Technician program.
Walmart is expanding its investment in workforce development with the launch of a new skilled trades training hub in metro Atlanta, the company announced on June 29. The facility is designed to help employees move into technical careers as employers across the United States continue to grapple with a shortage of skilled workers,the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
The Atlanta training center will become the fourth location in Walmart’s Associate to Technician program, joining existing sites in Texas, Florida, and Indiana. The Georgia hub will operate at Tulsa Welding School’s DeKalb County campus, where associates will receive tuition-free training in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, electrical systems, and facility maintenance, according to the outlet.
The expansion comes as demand for skilled trades workers continues to outpace supply. The U.S. Department of Education has projected that as many as 2.1 million skilled trades positions could go unfilled by 2030, creating economic challenges for employers and industries that rely on technical labor.
“Walmart is creating pathways into skilled trades careers like HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical systems,” Donna Morris, Walmart’s chief people officer, said in a statement. “When we invest in helping associates build skills, earn credentials, and pursue new opportunities, we strengthen our business while creating pathways for people to build lasting careers.”
According to Walmart, the company aims to train 4,000 associates through the program by 2030. More than 600 employees have already completed the initiative and advanced into skilled trades positions since the program launched.
The retailer also announced higher wages for maintenance technicians. General maintenance technicians can now earn between $26 and $51 per hour, an increase from the previous range of $19 to $35 per hour, according to the company.
Among those who have completed the program is Robin Medrano of Athens, Georgia, who began working at a Walmart fulfillment center unloading trailers and packing customer orders before transitioning into a general maintenance technician role after completing the company’s training.
The Atlanta expansion reflects Walmart’s broader effort to address workforce shortages while providing employees with opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials and advance into higher-paying technical careers.
Core’s historic performance featured five 3-pointers and the league’s first 4-point shot of the 2026 season. Although the Amps narrowly lost 51-48 to the Power, his achievement set a fresh benchmark in the nine-year-old 3-on-3 league co-founded by Ice Cube.
For the historically Black college and university (HBCU) community, Core’s historic night is far more than a stat line. It serves as a powerful reminder of the elite, often-overlooked talent bred on “The Highest of Seven Hills” and across Black college campuses. In a professional athletic landscape where HBCU athletes routinely fight for mainstream visibility, Core’s dominance provides vital representation and shows what the record means beyond the box score.
Core, a two-time FAMU graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, pursued a nontraditional path after college. He gained a significant following on the one-on-one circuit and consistently excelled in Ball Is Life network matchups. Core’s journey offers key lessons for aspiring sports professionals.
By leveraging nontraditional platforms and building a strong personal brand through social media and grassroots competitions, he showcased his talent to a wide audience and attracted professional opportunities. His career shows the power of creative exposure, using every platform to stand out, and embracing unconventional paths to professional success.
According to Ball Is Life network profiles, Core has over 140,000 Instagram followers and has defeated established veterans, including former NBA Slam Dunk champion Gerald Green. His isolation skills earned him entry into the BIG3 in 2024, where he earned Rookie of the Year and 4th Man of the Year honors, followed by an All-Star selection in 2025.
“He is a big guard who thrives in isolation ball,” the Detroit Amps coaching staff stated in a post-game release. Under the guidance of Basketball Hall of Famer George “The Iceman” Gervin, Core has found an ideal mentor to develop his scoring instincts.
Now at the top of the BIG3 record book, “The Blueprint” demonstrates that HBCU athletes are not only part of professional basketball but can lead as well. His record-setting performance emphasizes this influence. Core aims to continue his momentum on July 10, when he returns to the Ball Is Life YouTube circuit to face former NBA guard Archie Goodwin at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
A new study commissioned by digital payments platform Zelle found that Gen Z travelers spend more on group trips than any other generation, yet they are also the most likely to be left covering expenses when friends fail to pay them back, reports USA Today. According to the survey, Gen Z participants reported spending an average of $2,501 per person on travel to major events such as music festivals and sporting events. However, among those who fronted money for shared travel costs, 76% said they were never fully reimbursed by their friends. More than half—55%—said the unpaid expenses created tension or permanently damaged a relationship.
The survey also found that 20% admitted to muting group chats or canceling plans with friends to avoid uncomfortable conversations about repayment. Meanwhile, 47% said covering group travel costs pushed them into debt.
“No one wants the best part of a trip to be followed by the worst part: chasing friends to pay you back,” Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle, said in a statement. “Shared experiences should bring people closer, not create debt, tension or awkward group chat reminders.”
The findings come as many Gen Z consumers continue to navigate rising living costs while prioritizing experiences. Financial experts say those realities make upfront conversations about money even more important. Before booking a group getaway, experts recommend discussing budgets, deciding who will pay for what, and agreeing on repayment timelines to avoid misunderstandings later.
“Delaying repayment can create a bigger problem than the debt itself. As Zelle found, there is a tendency for consumers to avoid conversations about repayment,” said board-certified clinical psychologist and certified financial therapist Dr. Traci Williams. “What starts as a payment request can quickly turn into avoidance to temporarily reduce financial anxiety. Taking responsibility, acknowledging the delay, and using simple tools to pay people back can help reduce stress and protect relationships.”
Atlanta-Based Staffing Firm Looks To Hire 1,700 Workers In Wake Of AI Boom
Companies are ramping up investments in AI infrastructure and enterprise transformation.
The growth of artificial intelligence has prompted many companies to scale back hiring amid economic uncertainty. Insight Global, however, is moving in the opposite direction.
The metro Atlanta-based talent, consulting, and tech company announced plans to hire more than 1,700 full-time employees in 2026 to support growing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure projects, enterprise transformation initiatives, and technical talent. The hiring push will span consulting, technical delivery, recruiting, sales, and corporate operations, according to a company press release. The expansion comes as organizations across industries accelerate AI adoption and seek workers with the skills to build, deploy, and manage AI-powered systems.
“For 25 years, we’ve been finding the right people to solve hard problems,” said Bert Bean, CEO of Insight Global, in a statement. “Today, one of the hardest problems in business is unlocking real value from AI. You can’t outsource transformation to software. You need people who know how to build and run it.”
Bean added, “We’re investing in our workforce so we can keep helping our customers move faster while creating meaningful career opportunities for thousands of people.”
The company said its hiring strategy is designed to support a growing pipeline of AI engagements, including multiple projects tied to some of the nation’s largest AI infrastructure developments. The investment follows the recent launch of IG Labs, Insight Global’s AI services and products practice, as well as its new Solutions Associates Program, which aims to develop early-career technical talent.
“The biggest differentiator in the AI space is access to people who know how to implement it,” said Cillian Maher, president of Insight Global’s consulting division. “By investing in new talent across consulting, delivery, and engineering, we’re giving customers the expertise they need to accelerate faster.”
Insight Global said the hiring expansion comes as many companies are slowing or freezing recruitment efforts. According to the company, overall demand for its services has increased by 15% year over year, while AI-specific demand has surged by 136% in early 2026. Insight Global added that it remains committed to investing in employee development despite rapid advances in automation.
“Even as AI reshapes the future of work, Insight Global remains committed to its purpose of developing its people personally, professionally, and financially so they can Be the Light to the world around them,” the company said in its announcement. The company’s continued investment reflects its belief that technology creates greater opportunity when paired with exceptional people.
For more information about Insight Global’s job openings, visit here.
Return-To-Office Mandates Are Costing Workers $55 A Day
A 2025 analysis found that return-to-office mandates effectively reduce workers' take-home pay.
Returning to the office is costing millions of workers time and money.
A new commentary published by The Hill and featured on The Washington Post’s Ripple platform argues that return-to-office (RTO) mandates force employees to take an indirect pay cut because they must pay for commuting, parking, meals, and other office-related expenses.
According to the analysis by workplace expert Gleb Tsipursky, “Office days now cost the average worker about $55 in out-of-pocket spending on commuting, parking, coffee and lunch,” he said, citing recent Owl Labs research. The report also found the average one-way commute now takes 31 minutes, adding both financial strain and time costs to employees’ workdays. As a result, he argues that requiring employees to return to the office without additional compensation amounts to a reduction in the overall value of their jobs.
“Tell a salaried employee to come back three or four days a week, and you have quietly lowered his or her take-home value,” he wrote.
Based on Owl Labs’ findings, a typical day in the office costs roughly $15 for commuting, $9 for parking, $13 for breakfast or coffee, and $18 for lunch. Meanwhile, IRS and AAA estimates suggest driving costs have continued to climb, making in-person work even more expensive for employees.
Parents and caregivers, however, may feel the impact even more. Sixty-eight percent of working parents surveyed by Owl Labs said caregiving responsibilities can affect their job performance, whereas flexible work arrangements help them better manage those demands.
The data also suggests that many workers view workplace flexibility as part of their overall compensation package. As more employers scale back remote work options, some employees say they would begin searching for new jobs or expect higher salaries to offset the added costs of commuting. According to Tsipursky, employers who want workers back in the office should recognize the financial burden that comes with those policies.
“Return-to-office is a compensation decision that hits wallets first and morale soon after,” he wrote. “If leaders want people in seats, the fair move is simple: cover the costs or raise the pay.”
Alma Mater Secures Star-Studded Athlete Investor Group Ahead of New Funding Round
Pros from the NFL, MLB, NHL, and golf back the footwear brand's proprietary 3PE Technology to disrupt the golf shoe market.
Alma Mater, a golf footwear startup, announced a new group of high-profile athlete investors on July 6, highlighting its growth as it prepares for its next fundraising round. The company plans to raise $8 million, backed by several athlete investors, and is in talks with lead investment firms.
The investor group includes NFL players Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace, MLB veterans Kevin Millar and Jackie Bradley Jr., NHL legends Joe Pavelski and Tyler Seguin, and professional golfers Taylor Montgomery and Natasha Oon. Additional investors are TV host and Olympic gold medalist Victoria Arlen, former MLB players Jed Lowrie and Chris Young, and NBA broadcaster Mike Smith.
Founded by industry veterans Nathan Brown and Laura Chen, who held leadership roles at Nike and FootJoy, the company draws on over 25 years of combined experience at major footwear brands. Brown was director of Product at Nike Golf, and Chen was senior design Lead at FootJoy. Together, they aim to transform the golf shoe market, traditionally divided between performance cleats and casual spikeless designs. This shapes the brand’s strategy.
“We build with the people who got us here,” said Nathan Brown, CEO of Alma Mater, in a statement. “This group didn’t sign on for a check. They invested because they’ve worn the shoe, they know what we’re doing differently, and they want to be part of building something that gives golf what it deserves.”
The brand’s flagship product, the Beta, features a proprietary three-piece platform called “3PE Technology.” Rather than adapting traditional cleat designs, the team used a nitrogen-infused foam midsole common in ultra-marathon running and combined it with a perimeter exoskeleton for lateral stability during the golf swing. The outsole lugs were developed with a gravel bike tire manufacturer to maximize traction without spikes.
This strategy is gaining recognition in the golf industry. The Beta model was included in Golf Digest’s advanced list for Best Men’s Golf Shoes of 2026, an early-preview feature spotlighting promising products based on initial performance feedback and sector insights. The selection process draws on prototypes and early-access reviews by the publication’s gear-testing panel. MyGolfSpy also recognized the Beta at the PGA Merchandise Show.
For athlete-investors such as Montgomery, a PGA Tour professional, the product tackles golf’s long-standing footwear challenge: balancing rotational grip on the tee box with comfort during an 18-hole walk. This harmony is central to its appeal.
This announcement arrives as Alma Mater prepares to launch its next fundraising round to scale production. The company offers its Beta Longwing and Beta Lite models through select retailers and its e-commerce site. In the past 12 months, Alma Mater sold more than 25,000 pairs across the United States and Europe, with retail partnerships including Golf Galaxy and Trendy Golf. Online sales grew 60% quarter over quarter, signaling strong demand and expanding market reach.
Dr. Maxine Bennett-Marsh, a clinician, CEO, community advocate, and visionary leader, is also now the founder of Orion Medical Network LLC, the newest Black-owned medical staffing agency in Maryland. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held earlier this month at the new location, 11302 Crossroad Trail, Brandywine, Maryland, marking a significant milestone for Southern Prince George’s County and the greater Maryland healthcare community.
A Staffing Agency That Covers All Bases
Orion Medical Network LLC is committed to empowering care through exceptional staffing and specializes in the placement of Registered Nurses and Allied Health Professionals at hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. As an NLC-affiliated organization, Orion Medical Network is uniquely positioned to deploy qualified healthcare professionals across more than 40 states, offering healthcare facilities the flexibility and reliability they need to maintain excellent patient outcomes.
“We are excited to open our doors and begin serving the healthcare facilities and professionals in our region and beyond,” said Dr. Bennett-Marsh. “Our goal is to be a trusted partner — connecting exceptional healthcare talent with the organizations that need them most, and doing so with excellence in every shift.”
Community leaders, healthcare partners, and members of the public attended the grand opening celebration and helped to make it a huge success.
Who is Dr. Maxine Bennett-Marsh?
Dr. Maxine Bennett-Marsh, DNP, built her career on a commitment to improving healthcare and serving underserved communities. After earning recognition for academic excellence through induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, she organized community health fairs in Baltimore, Maryland, and received multiple Maryland State Proclamations for expanding access to healthcare and mental health resources. Her work has also been featured in CEO Weekly, New York Weekly, and on a Times Square billboard promoting her upcoming book on hypertension management.
In 2019, she received the Champion of Health Award for her leadership and advocacy. She later founded Orion Medical Network, LLC, a Maryland-based healthcare staffing and workforce development company focused on strengthening healthcare systems and supporting clinicians. The company officially launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in June 2026 and now serves multiple states, reflecting its ongoing mission to improve access to high-quality care.
Learn more about Orion Medical Network
Orion Medical Network LLC is a Maryland-based medical staffing agency specializing in the placement of Registered Nurses and Allied Health Professionals with hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. As an NLC-affiliated agency, it deploys qualified professionals across 40+ states. Guided by the mission of Excellence in Every Shift, the agency is committed to connecting exceptional healthcare talent with the organizations that need them most. Learn more at OrionMedicalPros.net.
Jalen Hurts And Arik Armstead Redefine Wealth For Black America
NFL stars avoid lifestyle inflation, demonstrating that disciplined saving can create financial empowerment.
In an era when professional sports culture glorifies immediate spending on mansions and exotic cars, elite athletes Jalen Hurts and Arik Armstead follow a different playbook. By prioritizing aggressive saving and asset preservation, they provide a clear blueprint for financial empowerment in the African American community.
“Hurts protected the gap between what he earned and what he spent, and this is what builds wealth,” Ben Batiste, owner of Crestmark Wealth Group, said in an interview with Moneywise. Batiste noted Hurts avoided lifestyle inflation by driving a paid-off used car and moving to a modest lease instead of buying depreciating luxury vehicles.
Similarly, defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick with a $9 million guaranteed contract, drove his mother’s Toyota Camry during his rookie year. On the Money and Wealth podcast hosted by Operation HOPE Founder John Hope Bryant, Armstead said his main goal was to save $5 million before making major luxury purchases.
“Just because you can buy something doesn’t mean you can afford it long term,” Armstead said on the podcast. He followed a strict rule: pick only one indulgence instead of funding multiple expensive habits like luxury cars, jewelry, and bottle service at once.
This conservative method challenges systemic wealth inequalities. The African American community has faced obstacles to building generational wealth. Hurts and Armstead show wealth accumulation depends more on the percentage of income saved than on total earnings.
John Hope Bryant highlighted Armstead’s strategy, noting a 5% return on $5 million produces $250,000 in annual passive income without reducing the principal. He explained this principle applies at any income level: set a baseline target for passive income to secure your financial future.
These examples translate into practical daily habits. Financial experts recommend pausing before spontaneous purchases and curating social media feeds to avoid lifestyle comparisons as steps toward financial empowerment.
“Delayed gratification is a learned skill, not a personality trait,” Jared Porter, co-founder at 401GO, told Moneywise. “The more you practice resisting the immediate purchase, the easier it becomes to see how saving now protects your future self.”
In addition to automated savings, both athletes stress self-education. Armstead spent his offseason studying venture capital at Columbia University to better understand tech investing and overcome barriers from complex terminology. Hurts prioritized hiring trusted financial advisors and supporting his sister’s college education. When selecting an advisor, experts recommend choosing professionals with recognized credentials, such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and seeking transparency in fees. It is also important to select someone who acts as a fiduciary and clearly understands investment strategies to ensure their advice aligns with your goals.
By making saving their top priority, Hurts and Armstead show that financial empowerment requires a defensive strategy, ongoing education, and a conscious rejection of short-term status symbols.
