We provide these programs through a network of public and private partnerships that include the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, and community organizations throughout the city. We have been recognized nationally for our innovative approach to coordinating city resources and delivering unique and diverse programs. Our hands-on, project-based programs expose teens to rewarding careers and help them develop marketable job skills.
globob7@sbcglobal.net •  312.816.6896

Mitchell Harris earned his BFA at New York University and his Masters of Traditional Oriental Medicine in California from Pacific College, graduating with academic honors. He continued his postgraduate studies in Chengdu University, China where he earned his certificate in International Medicine. Since that time he has opened successful private practices in Illinois and Indiana and has been active in the political and public communities of Chinese Medicine. Mitchell is a professor at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago and is the former President of the Indiana Association of Acupuncture and OM. He is licensed in California, Indiana and Illinois and is nationally certified in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. Mitchell is the technical editor for Acupressure for Dummies by Wiley Press. He has been featured in magazine and newspaper articles as well as on television for his work in Chinese Medicine and speaks to many associations and organizations on a variety of topics regarding his field.
www.healthfromeast.com

Kaysie became a massage therapist in 1997.  After realizing that combining various modalities produced the best results for her clients, Kaysie embarked on achieving a Masters in Oriental Medicine.  She will graduate from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in April 2010.  She looks forward to being able to help her patients find optimal wellness through herbs, acupuncture, nutrition, massage and most important of all, education.

The oldest family-owned and operated chocolate company in the US, Guittard Chocolate Company is one of few in the country that works directly with cocoa growers.  An expert team at Guittard travels the world, working closely with growers to assess the development of individual crops and to oversee the fermentation and drying process of the cacao beans. The painstaking process of transforming the dried cacao beans into an American treasure is done in Guittard's Burlingame facility, where cherished recipes and techniques, handed down from generation to generation for over 135 years, are still in use.  Guittard focuses on serving their community and using tradition and innovation to develop the best product possible.

Stephan Boznak, L.Ac. is the founder and director of Health Traditions Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.  He completed his undergraduate degree at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and then attended the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM), receiving a Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine.  He is licensed as an acupuncturist in Illinois and Board Certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in both acupuncture and herbal medicine.  His specialties include the use of herbal medicine and acupuncture in the treatment of “knotty diseases” that have not responded to other therapies, women’s health and infertility, stress and pain disorders, and cancer care.  Tonight, let him and his associates cure your ills as they turn you into a Voodoo Doll in the Voodoo Lounge or Cocoa Sutra.
www.health-traditions.com

Jan Jeffcoat is a morning news anchor at WFLD-TV in Chicago. Jeffcoat started anchoring in Chicago on June 25, 2007. Before she took up this position, Jeffcoat was a morning anchor at KRIV-TV in Houston, TX. She worked at KRIV-TV from November 2004 to June 2007. During her time at KRIV-TV the morning show became Houston's fastest growing morning news. Before coming to Houston, Jeffcoat worked at WBTV in Charlotte, N.C., and WCSC-TV in Charleston, S.C. Jeffcoat was once the only Texas television personality to anchor 4 hours of news each day. She was named “Top Houston Professional who's on the fast track" by H-Texas Magazine. During her first month in Houston she covered a collision on the Sam Houston Tollway that resulted in her nomination for a Regional Emmy. She also received an Emmy nomination for Best Anchor in Texas in 2006 and 2007 as well as two AP awards for anchoring. In 2005 and 2006 Jeffcoat was nominated for a Star Award by the American Women of Radio and Television for Best On-Air Personality in Houston.

www.myfoxchicago.com

Julius Meinl • Nicole Stemler

Our state-of-the-art roasting plant combined with the unique Julius Meinl coffee roasting experience and know-how guarantees the persistent high quality of our coffee blends. Now the Julius Meinl Group has designed its version of the Vienna "Kaffeehaus" and shipped it to the US for the first time.

www.meinl.com • 773.868.1857

A husband and wife team founded Koval Distillery, the first boutique distillery in Chicago, with the help and support of their entire family.  Based on their extensive, colorful international experiences, they started producing a great variety of spirits inspired by their travels.  Koval is dedicated to using organic raw ingredients because they want to support agricultural practices that are sustainable and respectful of the soil. Organic food tastes better and is more nutritious than conventionally grown produce, the first step in making the best spirits possible.

Parrot Cage

The Parrot Cage  Restaurant is the creation and operation of the highly acclaimed Washburne Culinary Institute. Both operations are located in the South Shore Cultural Center -- a Chicago Landmark and architectural treasure restored to preserve the original details of many areas, such as its lavishly ornamented and finely detailed first floor interior. The restaurant, which is located at 7059 S. South Shore Drive, has an outside patio with great views of Lake Michigan and is open every Wednesday through Saturday from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm providing Chicago's south side with a true gourmet restaurant featuring a variety of local and international culinary delights at affordable prices. For reservations, call 773-602-5333 or go on line at www.opentable.com.

Roberto Ayala
Roberto Ayala is the Production Technician for the Chicago International Salsa Congress and your DJ for the evening. Roberto has worked in many fields associated with music and events such as DJing, stage set-ups, filming, and sound engineer. He also volunteers his time to community events as well as the Congress. Roberto also enjoys dancing salsa and producing his own mixes in different genre.
Roberto Ayala / DJ Resonance / RM Entertainment Group / Cultural Expressions Productions Ltd
www.myspace.com/robertodjresonance roberto_ayala5@hotmail.com

773.541.0932

Sikia Restaurant 

Drawing on the diversity that is Africa, Sikia celebrates the flavors of a continent where the exotic mingles with the familiar.  From the memorable tagines of Morocco to the savory stews of the eastern grasslands and the curries of the Swahili coasts, all of our dishes celebrate the variety of African cultures who prize wholesome, economical and thoroughly delicious cuisine. Come and enjoy the taste of Africa in this exciting new addition to the Englewood community.  Sikia is open for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and for brunch from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant is located at 740 West 63rd, on the corner of Halsted and 63rd St.  For reservations, call 773-602-5200 or go on line at www.opentable.com.