African American engineer Marian Croak worked for thirty years at Bell Labs and AT&T. She is a prolific inventor in voice and data communication fields and best known for developing Voice Over Internet Protocols (VoIP), technology that converts voice into a digital signal, allowing calls directly from a computer or other digital device. She is a 2022 National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee and most of her 200 patents mostly focus on IP technology.
Dr. Croak currently works at Google, serving as Vice President of Engineering since 2014.
She credits her lifelong interest in technology to her father. He did not have formal education beyond elementary school, but built her a chemistry set that inspired her early exploration of the sciences. She grew up entranced by the inner workings of plumbing, electricity, and other home-related maintenance.
Dr. Croak is a 1977 graduate of Princeton University and earned her PhD from the University of Southern California.
Sources: Academy of Arts and Sciences; Blackpast.org; Wikipedia.org
|
Washington state is offering more than $4 million in instant rebates this spring to reduce the upfront cost of e-bikes and eligible accessories. WSDOT will be providing 10,000 rebates. Each person who applies may qualify for rebates of either $300 or $1,200, depending on their income eligibility.
Apply now. Application closes Wednesday, April 23
If selected for an instant rebate, you must then provide qualifying documentation of residency within the state of Washington and, if applicable, income qualification.
Selected applicants will receive an email invitation to complete their application.
Applicants will then have 96 hours to complete and supply qualifying documents to verify their eligibility.
If selected, the instant rebate is good for 45 days. Residents must redeem their rebate for qualifying e-bike purchase at an approved participating bike shop. More information on the WE-Bike program website
 After being pushed back due to COVID, Real ID begins May 7, 2025
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by airplane or visiting certain federal facilities must use a REAL ID-compliant document.
You may already have what you need: These identification options meet REAL ID standards and can be used to board domestic flights:
See the full list of documents accepted for air travel.
What about Standard driver licenses and ID cards?
Yes, the Department of Licensing will continue to offer standard driver licenses and ID cards that can be used by Washington residents to drive or as identification. They don't indicate a person's residency or legal status BUT starting May 7, 2025, they will no longer be accepted as valid forms of ID for boarding domestic flights.
What is an Enhanced driver license (EDL) and enhanced identification (EID)
An EDL or EID is a form of identification with enhanced security features that shows proof of identity and proof of citizenship. An EDL/EID meets federal requirements under REAL ID and is an approved alternative to a passport or passport card for re-entry into the U.S. at land and sea borders between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
Who can get an EDL or EID?
You must be a U.S. citizen and provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington State residency.
Washington’s EDL/EID doesn’t have a star marking. Will it be accepted?
The enhanced driver license/ID is Washington’s REAL ID-compliant form of identification. Many other states have chosen to offer a REAL ID card with a star marking. The EDL/EID bears a U.S. flag marking instead of a star. For domestic air travel, the EDL/EID and REAL ID card are equally acceptable.
Scan the QR code or click the poster above to access the DOL website.
Additional events listed at CAAA.WA.Gov/events
 Dreaming of starting your own business? Having a powerful business idea can feel like a HEAVY responsibility, but there's no better way to simplify and accelerate your process than getting assistance from people who have been in YOUR shoes!
Sign up for the next Small Business Incubator Program session hosted by the Entrepreneurship Community Cultural Office (ECCO) beginning May 27!
Whether you're starting from scratch or need help expanding an existing business, this is the perfect program to develop a well-rounded entrepreneurial acumen & achieve your long-term goals!
In just four weeks, you’ll be taught an all-encompassing curriculum covering:
- Business Development
- Market and Demographic Research
- Business Planning & Strategy
- Business Credentials
- Media and Marketing Development
- & Niche Market Targeting
All participants’ LLCs will be paid for upon completion of the program!
Sessions are held 3x per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM! Only 15 spots are available! REGISTER today using the QR code or clicking on the poster!
 4th Annual Black Earth Day on Saturday, May 3 from 11 am - 3 pm at Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetland!
Throughout history and into the present, Black and Indigenous communities have been dedicated to protecting and advancing life on Earth!
This event celebrates those environmental heroes, and provides a fun space for people of ALL AGES to learn more about pouring love into our planet!
Black Earth Day is FREE & open to the public, featuring:
 Delicious Food that Fills up the Soul!
 CAN’T MISS Hands-On Demos from Local Black & BIPOC Farm Owners!
 At-Home Gardening Kits & Valuable Tips!
 Workshops from Incredible Local Artists & Much, Much, More!
Click the poster to view the website!
|
