Cousins Empowered Optimists

“A complete copy of the 990 was sent to all voting members and governing bodies of our organization via email before filing. The completed 990 was reviewed in a Zoom meeting all issues and questions were addressed. The form was amended prior to filing. Copies are made available to the public upon request via the email: [email protected].”

“Our handbook of policies & procedures is distributed and discussed yearly in a Zoom conference thats mandatory for our volunteers officers directors trustees and Board members to participate in. During the Zoom conference we review policies for conflict of interest and determine whether there are any current circumstances that pose a conflict of interest. Our finance manager monitors all contracts and pending business to ensure there are no conflicts. If conflicts are discovered the issues are brought before the Board where the issues are discussed and resolutions implemented. Contracts and pending business that reflects a conflict are rejected. The conflict of interest policy is presented to and discussed with volunteers officers directors trustees and Board members if they are not in attendance in the annual Zoom conference. Copies of the conflict of interest policy are available to the public upon request through the email: [email protected]”

“The Board reviews and approves compensation based on comparability data and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision . This applies to our Executive Director top management officers and key employees of the organization.”

“Our organizations 990s Bylaws Policies and procedures Employee handbook and other official documents are emailed to our Board Members and are made available to the public by request at : [email protected]”

“CEO Superheros educators begin teaching youth to build and code robots at age 5 through our Bots & Tots program with the Vex robotics and other fun teaching tools: https: youtu.be iLOEO8wbGEk?si=cbwsEapOG7HFo8EK We partner with literacy advocate and author Markedia Alston in a strategy designed to teach pre-school and kindergarten children social-emotional resilience skills. Through her book The BooHoo BooHoo Bear Markedia has created a tool complete with a curriculum being implemented to teach young children how to express themselves and address their feelings in a constructive way through storytime sessions games and activities. In addition Markedia teaches writing workshops and oversees essay contests for our CEO Superheroes Leadership Academy. Our skilled educators have tremendous success with neurodivergent youth who excel under our guidance defying all odds to author books and master S.T.E.A.M. instruction. Youth are introduced to opportunities in aviation led by 19 year old aircraft pilot Zaire Horton. We teach drone instruction to youth in Chicago Park District and other facilities with licensed drone pilot Derrick Washington who prepares 16 year old youth to secure their drone pilots licenses. Our Chief Operating Officer is Veronica Riley a corporate strategist educator & mother of six who also heads TSC Studios.Through collaboration with TSC Studios we are launching a televised series called Chi-Code Chronicles which is an educational action-adventure series for the targeted ages of 7-14 aired in 30-minute episodes which we are developing. The Tagline: "Power Up Your Mind with STEAM A+". Why this works: ? Blends real-world & animation seamlessly. ? Fast-paced funny engaging--kids learn without realizing it. ? Real Chicago locations make it immersive. ? Action-packed missions with real problem-solving. Logline: A brilliant team of young heroes--the CEO Superheroes--use the power of Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics and Aviation STEAM A+ to crack cryptic missions solve real-world problems and save youth from dangerous situations. As they navigate Chicagos cultural and scientific hubs like the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry they apply lessons from exhibits tech labs and historical sites to outthink their opponents and rewrite the future. Core Elements of the Show: 1. The Mission & The Mystery Each episode begins with an encrypted "Chi-Code Challenge"--a STEAM-based puzzle embedded in a real-world problem.? Use their unique STEAM skills to decode investigate and apply critical thinking.? Apply knowledge from exhibits museum camps and tech summits. In addition Veronica coordinates our CEO Superheroes Leadership Academy which provides support for youth to develop life skills self-mastery techniques and experiences in entrepreneurship. While youth learn to be baristas in Erins Cup a coffee shop started by a 17 year-old entrepreneur & mentor Khale Hunter they are also introduced to nutrition mental health and self-wellness concepts from Dr. Veronica Wimp our medical director and other mentors and educators. The youth receive instruction in the process of developing a business mindset financial literacy credit score protection strategies basics of money management budgeting critical thinking cryptocurrency business plan development marketing branding and social media management. In addition participants are introduced to techniques useful in conflict resolution healthy decision making lifemapping communication skill enhancement and networking with purpose. The youth who participate in this program are challenged to read specific books then interview and interact with the authors like Japanese author Takuan Amaru : https: youtu.be KGM3mmJoNNU?si=RaBi4_I3MM_Fia70. Youth throughout Illinois have attended our Family Tech Days where we create a fun environment for youth and their families to learn about and register for instruction in robotics 3D printing virtual augmented reality aviation and more S.T.E.A.M.”