Omoné O. Livingston, driven by her passion for engineering and community impact, founded O2EPCM, Inc., which recently received the 2023 Inner City 100 Chevron Dorothy A. Terrell Community Impact Award. O2EPCM specializes in providing comprehensive solutions in project management, construction management, project controls, QA/QC, inspection, staff augmentation, and design/engineering support. Beyond professional services, the company actively contributes to community development through impactful scholarships, internship initiatives, and involvement in community development events. O2EPCM's commitment to diversity is reflected in its hiring practices and participation in programs like the South Bay Workforce Program, transforming lives through meaningful careers. The company's dedication to employee growth, including benefits like tuition reimbursement and career counseling, results in a skilled and empowered workforce that benefits the communities it serves. Omoné's recognition reflects her unwavering commitment to her community and workforce. Read More

Printfresh, co-founded by Amy Voloshin in 2016, started as a pajama-focused brand and has experienced remarkable growth, winning the 2023 Inner City 100 Business Growth Award for the second consecutive year with a staggering 5,280% growth since 2018. The brand's success lies in its dedication to distinctive prints, brand consistency, and a focus on sustainability, size inclusion, and social responsibility. Printfresh has expanded beyond sleepwear into a versatile lifestyle label, emphasizing a commitment to organic plant-based fabrics and contributing to the community through initiatives like Pledge 1%. The company's growth journey reflects the impact of hard work, customer focus, and a steadfast adherence to its values, positioning Printfresh not just as a business success but as a socially responsible brand making a real difference. Read More

Diana Villegas's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and a strong commitment to community impact. Founded by her parents in 2003, Nova Driving School has flourished under Diana's leadership, now boasting a fleet of 60 vehicles with advanced technology for driving education. Diana's resilience and work ethic, shaped by her mother's diverse business pursuits in Ecuador, drive her success. Nova Driving School stands out not only for its quality and safety but also for its dedication to making a positive impact on the community. Through partnerships and initiatives like donating to organizations and engaging with underprivileged communities, Nova has experienced significant growth. Participating in programs like the ICCC Latinx cohort has further enriched Diana's insights, emphasizing the importance of self-motivation and employee support. Nova Driving School's accolades, including the Inner City 100 award and Inc. 5000 recognition, showcase its remarkable success and commitment to community engagement. As Nova continues to grow, Diana's unwavering dedication to giving back remains a guiding force for the future. Read More

ICIC offered alumni the opportunity to explore the dynamic realm of social media marketing through insights shared by industry leaders in a recent ICAN webinar. From tailored strategies on LinkedIn to the power of storytelling on Instagram, the speakers, including Dianne Austin, Buzz Busbee, and Leo Voloshin, cover diverse approaches. The webinar, moderated by Dina Towbin of Dina Towbin & Associates, highlights the importance of continuous learning, openness to new strategies, and the ever-present value of engaging with your audience in the ever-evolving landscape of social media marketing. Read More

ICAN, a testament to the success of supporting businesses in underserved communities, exemplifies the transformative impact of ICIC. Quentella Enty and T.J. Douglas, alumni of various ICIC programs, now serve as ICAN steering committee members - expert advisors, mentors, and collaborators for businesses needing additional support to thrive in today's dynamic economic landscape. Enty, Vice President of KFA Inc. and member of ICAN’s Chicago Steering Committee, emphasizes the importance of scaling businesses that are the backbone of the American economy, creating jobs, and advocating for communities. Douglas, founder of The Urban Grape and member of the Boston ICAN Steering Committee, shares his journey of building a successful retail and e-commerce enterprise, leveraging ICIC programs like Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC). Both Enty and Douglas actively contribute to ICAN, fostering a network of empowered business leaders facing similar challenges and promoting inclusive economic growth and community empowerment. Read More