Business series

MAY 27—The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host their Business Program Series at 12:15-1 p.m. at the Downtown & Business branch, 612 Smithfield St. The topic is “Get Your Portfolio on Track in 2010 and Beyond.” Robert Fragasso, chairman and CEO of Fragasso Financial Advisors, will discuss the necessary investments to build a strong financial future—how to prepare for retirement and not outlive one’s money, the effects of inflation and how creating a balanced and allocated portfolio can reduce the risk. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-281-7141.

WASHINGTON (AP)—Roland Martin is talking revolution in this buttoned-down town.

“We’re going to do this one by one, person by person, block by block,” the talk show host and TV personality says.

Martin’s revolution has nothing to do with health care, bank bailouts or federal spending. It’s all about the lush puff of maroon silk underneath his chin.

An ascot...

MAKING A STATEMENT—Roland Martin fixes his pocket square after putting on an ascot, May 14, in Washington.

The concept of leadership and leadership development has been major topics in the urban community for decades, but yet, Leon E. Haynes, executive director of the Hosanna House, Inc. feels that there is still a need for emerging leaders within the community. Addressing the issue, his organization recently conducted the Emerging Leaders Forum outlining key characteristics and responsibilities necessary for to day’s leaders.

A WEALTH OF INFORMATION—Speakers, round table participants and Hosanna House officials take time out during the Emerging Leaders Forum. Shown are from left: Annita Haynes, A. William Schenck III, Esther L. Bush, Judge Cheryl Lynn Allen, Scott L. Brown, Leon Haynes III, Dr. Howard B. Slaughter Jr., David J. Hopkins, Gil Duncan IV and Yvonne Cook.

Often defined as having vision, being innovative and possessing honesty and perseverance, speakers William C. Richardson, Ph.D.; Yvonne Cook, A. William Schenck, Edward LaPuma and Gil Duncan concur that leadership is composed of such traits. “Leaders are developed and leadership is earned. Leaders humble themselves, have a willingness to serve and are good followers,” said Cook, president of the Highmark Foundation and vice president of Community and Health Initiatives.

Almost 20 years ago, Ola R. Jackson decided to combine her love of helping women in need with her marketing and advertising skills by creating a local publication titled Onyx Woman—a magazine for women of color in Pittsburgh. Fast-forward two decades and Jackson has parlayed her magazine into a multimedia network that encompasses print, broadcast, motivational seminars and the Internet.

OLA JACKSON

The woman who proudly features distinguished Black women in her various mediums will be honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the 2010 Western Pennsylvania Minority Business Champion.

Jackson and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be honored at the Western Pennsylvania SBA May 28th Awards Luncheon to be held at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh.