The Innovative Community Engagement Foundation was founded in 2014 with a steadfast resolution to aid those in low-resource areas throughout the state of Florida. Over the years, our impact has grown nationwide but we have remained focused on what we truly seek to have the most impact on: the lives of children. As a true charity, we help everyone in need with no exception. In our pursuit to remove the impediments that keep students from getting the most out of their education, we learned that we have a duty to try our best to remedy the deleterious effects of the systemic inequalities woven into our society. These have been built through the brutal legacy of institutionalized inequities like slavery, Jim Crow laws, voter disenfranchisement, housing redlines, and police brutality, to name a few. We cannot achieve our mission of stimulating different segments of society through mentorship, service, and professional development if we do not fully address, without mental reservation, these fundamental issues.
We unequivocally stand on the side of the protesters who are protesting not just the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, but all Black people and people of color who have been killed, and, frighteningly, could be killed, as a result of racial prejudice.
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In honor of Volunteer Month, the ICE Foundation would like to recognize our Volunteer Corps. Mylika Morton, Esq., CPA. has been volunteering since 2018. She has lent a hand at numerous backpack & turkey drives in the Orlando area. “My childhood was blessed by generous people and organizations that helped stand in the gap for me. It’s my honor to be able to partner with ICE to now do the same for this young generation.” Darrick Sr. & Tikia McGhee have been volunteering since 2018 at backpack drives in the Tallahassee area. “Both of them are stalwarts in our community and are worthy of individual praise but it is them as a union which is truly inspirational and transformational. Over the years, through their Church, the McGhees have changed the lives of thousands of Floridians without the desire for praise but most deserving of it.” - GC Murray II, Esq., ICE Foundation President & Founder Kiaira Nixon has been volunteering since 2018 at school supply and clothing drives in the Jacksonville area. “The Innovative Community Engagement Foundation develops young leaders throughout the State of Florida who care about social and economic justice. We all joined for different reasons, in different cities, yet, we're all active in giving back to those desperately in need as a community.” Kenneth Pratt has been volunteering since 2014 at mock trials, career days and donation drives in the Tallahassee area.
“Working with The ICE Foundation has greatly fulfilled me personally. Each project is carefully chosen to meet a pressing need of our community. Wherever the need, the ICE Foundation is there.” #MYSHINE #ShineBright #VolunteerCorps #ICEFoundation In honor of Volunteer Month, the ICE Foundation would like to recognize four shining women of our Volunteer Corps. Alivia Murphy has been volunteering since 2018 and is passionate about helping the community through ICE Tallahassee. "Through volunteering, I try to be selfless and lend a helping hand where necessary. Sharing your warm heart to others can make anyone’s attitude brighten. You never know what someone is going through and by helping them it can make their day. Just spread the love around. I always follow my mother’s saying, “Whatever you do, do with you might. Things half done, are never done right." Alyssa Hernandez has been volunteering since 2016 and has really made her mark during Share the Warmth with ICE Tallahassee. “Service gives us the opportunity to share our love for community and to enrich our lives and the lives of those we serve.” Alexis Barini started her internship with ICE Tallahassee earlier this year and has been instrumental in the organization of the ICE Foundation. "Working with ICE has been extremely fulfilling. It is inspiring to see the great impact we have already made on communities in need and the genuine passion everyone has for expanding the foundation's reach." Rayshell Holmes has been volunteering year in and year out at backpack, clothing, & turkey drives in the Tallahassee area since 2015.
"The ICE Foundation is synonymous with caring for others. My work since returning to Tallahassee has allowed me to work with great local non-profits who offer programs and services to many of the residents of Leon County in an effort to change lives. It’s been a blessing working with the ICE Foundation who has shown their commitment to children and families of the Griffin Heights neighborhood, specifically Joe Louis Apartments." March is Women’s History Month. Approximately 40 years ago, women’s history was not a well-discussed topic in general curriculum or within society. Women served as the backbone for much of the country’s innovations, movements, and change, and yet had not been publicly celebrated or appreciated. In the 1970s, many groups, such as the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a Women’s History Week celebration. Due to the success of this celebration, other groups and organizations began to organize similar week-long celebrations, and the success of these weeks/events became widespread knowledge. In 1980, President Carter declared the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. This declaration was the first Presidential Proclamation of its kind. Other politicians began supporting and sponsoring events for Women’s History Week, which led to wide-ranging political support to ensure that women and the achievements of women were recognized, honored, and celebrated. Soon, equality between men and women was a country-wide discussion and it impacted classrooms, courtrooms, homes, and the work force. By 1986, 14 states had already declared March as Women’s History Month and in 1987, Congress officially declared it so. A Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the achievements of women. This has grown to what we now recognize on March 8th as International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is globally recognized and encourages the celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Today, there is still much work to be done to ensure that equality between men and women is a reality. In many professions, women are still not promoted at fair rates and do not earn income at the rate of their peers. As a second-year law student, I have experienced first-hand what the journey through law school and within my legal career entail. Additionally, people so often speak about being a first-generation student that I do believe many people have become desensitized to the realities of what this means for the student. What it means is that there’s no one to rely on for help or information, there’s no one to call on when you’re unsure about what to do or what things to pursue, there’s no one to ask about what decisions you should make or what interpretations you can/should take away from a case, and so much more. In many ways, a first-generation law student is literally learning the law and learning about the legal profession itself all at once; and it’s a huge and very stressful task to take on. People are constantly assuming you know everything there is to know and that you’re completely aware and confident about the area of law you want to practice upon graduation. They also assume you’ve had exposure to certain types of people and work. This reality is even more true for women in law school. Often, we are not provided the same opportunities as our male counterparts, and in some instances, are even encouraged to pursue certain practice areas over others where men are deemed more likely to succeed (i.e. patent law). Thus, many women in law school spend countless hours outside of studying and reading for class trying to research even the most basic aspects of the law and the legal field that they seek to enter. Much of what you need to know about the law isn’t taught until you go to law school or until you are working in the legal field. Therefore, what I learned along the way, what I saw upon reading and viewing moments in women’s history, and what I ultimately feel empowered by during this Women’s History Month, is that finding mentors to instill the right message into you and to assist you with your life’s goals and journeys is so important. The legal career is still very heavily male-dominated and a woman seeking to pursue this career are often faced with overcoming specific challenges. This motivated me to build mentoring opportunities and programs that all law students could take advantage of. The mentoring program that I created is the Florida Bar YLD Law Student Division Mentoring Program. The program aims to have experienced, competent, ethical legal professionals impart their wisdom upon law students who attend law schools in the State of Florida who wish to successfully complete law school, graduate and obtain their J.D., and pass their respective Bar Examination (or pursue whatever legal career they seek). Thus, mentoring is key to the professional growth of law students who aim to become experienced, competent, ethical legal professionals. The legal profession has seemingly been resistant to mentoring programs largely due to the belief that they do not generate revenue. However, legal professionals should consider that programs such as these may lead to new attorney productivity and attrition; ultimately increasing profits, reducing errors, increasing client satisfaction, and reducing unnecessary costs related to on-going recruitment and other efforts. Also, these relationships can also help to eliminate much of the negative things that people are currently experiencing at work which has fostered movements such as “#MeToo.” Effective mentoring can also give law students confidence in their skills as a law student and future lawyer. As this confidence grows, it is my hope that it will lead to an overall shift in performance at their respective law schools and on The Florida Bar Exam. Additionally, as The Florida Bar YLD Mentors are involved with these law students, recruitment and engagement efforts for individual firms are also possible; and these students-turned-associates will be likely to remain with the firm. From the perspective of a law student, having a Mentor may serve as a way to tie in practical experiences with objectives learned in law school, may contribute to employment, and may assist the student with important practices such as organization, public speaking, researching the law, and writing the law.
Upon meeting one of my most impactful mentors, I now understand that embarking on this journey of self-care and positive mental health opened my mind to abilities that I either knew I possessed but initially had trouble tapping into or abilities that I didn’t even know I possessed. I was able to overcome the obstacles I faced as a woman; and this made me a better student and person, while opening my life up to new, positive experiences. Ultimately, I made the decision to be fearless in the pursuit of what I needed to do for my future self and career. It is my hope that the mentoring program will serve as a platform to allow women pursuing their legal degree(s) to seek equality in their journey. With mentors to support the journey, I hope that women will pursue ethical measures to obtain what they deserve in their careers, including access to information, access to equal pay, and access to equal promotion. Please visit https://students.flayld.org/mentoring-program/ for more information. Cummings to take home Legal Luminary Award
October 24, 2017 ICE Foundation Legal stalwart, Carolyn Davis Cummings, will be honored with the Legal Luminary Award by the ICE Foundation (Tallahassee, Fla.) The Innovative Community Engagement (ICE) Foundation, a statewide 501(c)(3) headquartered in Tallahassee, is hosting its annual Service Ball presented by Comcast at 7 p.m. Saturday at the University Center Club at FSU. The Service Ball serves as an event to honor community leaders and organizations for their commitment to service. The recipient of the 2017 Legal Luminary Award is legal stalwart and humanitarian, Carolyn Cummings, Owner of Carolyn Cummings ,P.A. The ball serves as the ICE Foundation’s major community fundraiser with leaders being honored with Shine [BRIGHT] Awards in the Earned Legacy category and the following categories: Fraternal Organization: This Greek-lettered or Masonic organization has gone above and beyond its normal creed and programming to create impactful solutions to community problems. This year’s winner is the Ahmed Temple Prince Hall Shriners. Law Firm: Awarded to a law firm that consistently provides excellent legal service, is active within the legal community but also contributes in a myriad of ways to the surrounding community. This year’s winner is Barrett, Fasig, & Brooks. Nonprofit: Bestowed to a community organization with innovative responses and solutions to the things which plague our society. This year’s winner is The Village Square. Earned Legacy: This individual has made a significant impact in the early stages of their live and career. This year’s winner is Brecht Heuchan. “The Service Ball is an auspicious occasion which allows us to not only honor great individuals and organizations in the community but also come together and have a great time.” said G.C. Murray, Jr., Esq., President & Founder of the ICE Foundation. “We are humbled by the impact that ICE has been able to have and are thrilled to be able to honor those in the community who have had an even greater impact.” The proceeds from the Service Ball go to benefit the ICE Foundation’s mission of stimulating different segments of society through mentorship, service, and professional development. Political guru Brecht Heuchan to be honored with the Earned Legacy Award by the ICE Foundation (Tallahassee, Fla.) The Innovative Community Engagement (ICE) Foundation, a statewide 501(c)(3) headquartered in Tallahassee, is hosting its annual Service Ball presented by Comcast at 7 p.m. Saturday at the University Center Club at FSU. The Service Ball serves as an event to honor community leaders and organizations for their commitment to service. The recipient of the 2017 Earned Legacy Award is political guru and innovator, Brecht Heuchan, President and Owner of Contribution Link. Service in its simplest form is meeting the needs of another,” says Heuchan who is known for his humility and thoughtfulness. “I don’t know of a higher calling than this.”
The ball serves as the ICE Foundation’s major community fundraiser with leaders being honored with Shine [BRIGHT] Awards in the Earned Legacy category and the following categories: Fraternal Organization: This Greek-lettered or Masonic organization has gone above and beyond its normal creed and programming to create impactful solutions to community problems. This year’s winner is the Ahmed Temple Prince Hall Shriners. Law Firm: Awarded to a law firm that consistently provides excellent legal service, is active within the legal community but also contributes in a myriad of ways to the surrounding community. This year’s winner is Barrett, Fasig, & Brooks. Nonprofit: Bestowed to a community organization with innovative responses and solutions to the things which plague our society. This year’s winner is The Village Square. Legal Luminary: This individual has made a significant impact to the legal and service community. This year’s winner is Carolyn Davis Cummings, Esq. “The Service Ball is an auspicious occasion which allows us to not only honor great individuals and organizations in the community but also come together and have a great time.” said G.C. Murray, Jr., Esq., President & Founder of the ICE Foundation. “We are humbled by the impact that ICE has been able to have and are thrilled to be able to honor those in the community who have had an even greater impact.” The proceeds from the Service Ball go to benefit the ICE Foundation’s mission of stimulating different segments of society through mentorship, service, and professional development. |
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