< Previous28 | TALK MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020 Our diversity is our strength Proud to celebrate Black History Month PHFA.org • 855-U-Are-Home (827-3466) Tom Wolf, Governor Robin Wiessmann, Executive Director & CEO TALK ACROSS PA continued from page 7 HARRISBURG The GACLA members include: New Appointees: • Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, Chester • Hon. Jamie L. Arroyo, Lancaster • Emilio A. Buitrago, Delaware • Rev. Bonnie Camarda, Philadelphia • Thaís Vázquez-Carrero, York • Ida L. Castro, J.D., M.A., Lackawanna • Diana P. Cortes, Esq., Philadelphia • Maria L. Delgado, Lawrence • Jimmy Duran, Philadelphia • Jonathan Encarnación, Berks • Priscilla E. Jimenez Esq., Philadelphia • Quetcy M. Lozada, Philadelphia • Adrián Rivera-Reyes, Ph. D., Philadelphia • Monica A. Ruiz, M.S.W., Allegheny • Hon. Cornell Wilson, Lebanon Returning Commissioners: • Francisco Torres-Aranda, Luzerne • Vanessa R. Belen, Erie • Mary S. Colón, Lehigh • Sonny Concepción, Erie • Iris M. Sanchez-Cintrón, Northampton • Joanna Otero-Cruz, Philadelphia • Carol Obando-Derstine, Lehigh • Maria Teresa Donate, Northampton • George Fernandez, Dauphin • Isamac Torres-Figueroa, Berks • Delma Rivera- Lytle, York • Amaris Hernandez-Padgett, Philadelphia • Maritza Padua, Montgomery • Natalia Ortiz, Psy. D., Philadelphia • Adriana Rivera M.S.L., Philadelphia • Damary M. Bonilla Ro- driquez, Ed. D, Pike • Jacqueline V. Rocco, M.Ed., M.A., Montgomery • Marisol Torres, Berks DARBY for unknown reasons, left and returned to the borough. Council members Esther Lites and Howard Blackson, Jr., whose eight-year tenure expires Jan. 6, were recognized for their dedication to the borough. Council President Darlene Hill presented plaques to each for their service. Councilman Patrick McKenna, chairman of public safety, said the borough has lost (and still is losing) officers but in balance, he motioned to re-hire Raymond and Izzi. Mayor Helen Thomas performed the swearing-in. Hill read the plaques presented to the outgoing Council members that said, “The County of Delaware and Darby Borough presented to (Lites and Blackson), in recognition of your faithful service to Darby Borough Council December 2019.” Lites said she enjoyed working on Council and plans to continue working for the community. “I’m happy to give someone else a chance to do something,” Lites said. “I enjoyed it while I did it. I’m not stopping now, I’m going to continue. I’m still going to be involved with the seniors and the children.” 6. Small Diverse Business Certification & Procurement Opportunities To be eligible for the various programs and resources available to small diverse businesses, you must first be registered and legally oper- ating within Pennsylvania and be verified as a small diverse business. Eligible small businesses must hold certifications as diverse business- es with one of the Pennsylvania Department of General Services’ approved third-party certification entities. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of General Ser- vices website to view a full list of third-party certifiers and learn more about becoming a certified small diverse business. For more general information on becoming a supplier or vendor for state government, visit our Government Contracting page. 7. Small Disadvantaged Business Status In addition to small diverse business certification in Pennsylvania, you might want to explore the federal resources available to small disad- vantaged businesses. Qualifying businesses that meet the federal standards for small disadvantaged businesses through the Small Business Administration (SBA) have access to a suite of additional federal programs and assistance. To learn more about acquiring this classifi- cation for your business, visit SBA’s website. 8. Minority Business Develop- ment Agency Business Center of Pennsylvania (MBC-PA) An agency of the United States Department of Commerce, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) promotes the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned-and-operated businesses while focusing on job creation for minority business entre- preneurs. MBDA’s team of business advisors offers capital and financial management access, business con- sulting, contract and market access, and global business development services. Resources for Minority-owned Business in PA continued from page 8 worth it later. I would recommend starting a career journal and docu- ment your journey. Capture your emotions when offered an interview and even when you didn’t get the job you really wanted. 2. Assess yourself: What are you really good at? Where are your shortcomings? Success comes easier when you leverage the things you do exceptionally well and make plans to address those things you don’t. When professionals are successful in their careers, they love what they do. When it’s fueled by passion, it rarely feels like work. 3. Update your résumé: Your ré- sumé is your professional narrative and certainly, it should tell the best story about you. Ditch the copy and paste of job descriptions résumé and create a story that shows your contributions and how you’ve moved the needle. The job market is very competitive. Position yourself to stand out in the crowd. January and February are the best times to look for a job because budgets have been created for new talent. 4. Hire a career coach: I’m sure the results of your self-assessment won’t come as a surprise but perhaps you uncovered some ugly truths. In your discovery, you may have identified what’s hindered your growth. This is the perfect opportunity to hire a coach and propel your career forward. Career coaches are great accountability partners. They help you define career goals and establish your career trajectory. They even help you secure the resources you lack. You don’t know what you don’t know; hire the help you need. As a career coach, I’ve witnessed the professional growth of many of my clients resulting from the invest- ment in themselves. 5. Don’t take no for an answer: When one door closes, another is guaranteed to open. Delay certainly doesn’t mean denied. Make a personal commitment to not give up when things don’t move at your desired pace or if you happen to be told no. Consider the no as a warning sign; better awaits you. This journey requires patience and diligence. Good luck! Prepare for greatness and embrace the changes. Rome wasn’t built in a day and success doesn’t happen overnight. You have to plan the work and work the plan. Use these next few weeks to create a dynamic career growth strategy. WAYS TO PROPEL YOUR CAREER FORWARD IN 5 2020 continued from page 9 Our diversity is our strength Proud to celebrate Black History Month PHFA.org • 855-U-Are-Home (827-3466) Tom Wolf, Governor Robin Wiessmann, Executive Director & CEO If you think you qualify, call 412-350-4309. Allegheny County Department of Equity and Inclusion 542 Forbes Ave • 204 County Office Building • Pittsburgh, PA 15219 DEICertification@alleghenycounty.us YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS CERTIFICATION IF YOU ANSWER YES TO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING: •Are you a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident? •Is your firm 51% owned by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual who controls and manages the firm’s daily business operations? •Does your personal net worth not exceed $1.32 million? Talk Magazine P.O. Box 143 Monroeville, PA 15146-0143 Phone: 412.823.4007 Email: info@talkmagazineonline.com The LJS Group P.O. Box 143 Monroeville, PA 15146 Change Service Requested PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO. 5673Next >