Dr. Velma Trayham opens national partnership opportunities as 'Unfireable' surpasses 10,000 copies sold. Published at October 17th 2026, 7:55 AM EDT via ACCESS Newswire i This article is third-party content and does not represent the views of this site. We make no guarantees regarding its accuracy or completeness. PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / October 17, 2026 / Dr. Velma Trayham, a portfolio owner, executive and author of the best-selling book "Unfireable: How to Lead With Purpose and Thrive in the Age of AI," is opening national partnership opportunities for the next phase of her Unfireable tour. The book has sold more than 10,000 copies. A portion of proceeds benefits women living in poverty through Millionaire Mastermind Academy, the nonprofit Trayham founded to fight poverty through entrepreneurship. The announcement follows a sold-out Oct. 2 appearance in Dallas, the seventh stop on the 16-city national tour. The book reached No. 1 on Amazon's best-seller lists in three categories within 24 hours of its release. Demand continues to grow among executives, entrepreneurs, educators and professionals working in an economy that AI is reshaping. Corporations and institutions commit significant resources to expanding economic opportunity. The challenge is making sure those dollars reach the intended communities and produce results that can be measured. Trayham has built her career on closing that gap. She leads organizations across the business and nonprofit sectors, and she turns partner investments into programs that each have a defined scope, an accountable delivery team and clear measures of success. "Partners don't need another promise. They need someone who will be accountable for the outcome," Trayham said. "My job is to bring the right people, resources and strategy together, then lead the execution with the discipline and transparency partners expect. Building generational wealth takes both ownership and leadership, and that is what 'Unfireable' and our programs are designed to deliver." More than a dozen corporations and organizations have taken part in the tour. Trayham was the inaugural speaker for the Mountain America Business Center Speaker Series, launched by Mountain America Credit Union in Utah. She also took part in the Arizona Alliance of Black School Educators' 12th Annual Teacher Leadership Summit. In Atlanta, she brought the tour to the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, where Atlanta Black Chambers hosted the stop. Trayham also serves as a judge for the Community Futures Challenge. The challenge was launched by Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses, known as PMI U.S., and is administered in partnership with Arizona State University. The next phase of the tour pairs the book's message with executive leadership experiences and entrepreneurship education focused on business ownership, financial independence and building assets for future generations. Trayham is inviting national and city sponsors, corporate hosts, financial institutions and foundations to partner on keynotes, branded corporate leadership series, employee book programs, mentorship and entrepreneurship initiatives, and community programming in each tour city. Every partnership will include a documented scope, a dedicated delivery team, defined success metrics and reports on outcomes. Millionaire Mastermind Academy provides business education, mentorship and access to capital for women and underserved entrepreneurs. According to its published impact figures, the academy has mentored more than 8,000 people, awarded $200,000 in scholarships and provided more than $50,000 in seed funding. Proceeds from book sales help expand that work and give women the tools to build sustainable businesses and lasting financial security for their families. Trayham is president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona, a 28-year-old statewide economic development organization with 52 corporate and government partners. She is also founder and CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group, an AI strategy and executive advisory firm, and founder of Millionaire Mastermind Academy. She has served on more than 21 boards. Corporations, financial institutions and foundations interested in national tour sponsorships, hosted leadership experiences or entrepreneurship partnerships can inquire at velmatrayham.com. About Dr. Velma Trayham Dr. Velma Trayham is a portfolio owner, executive strategist and best-selling author. She leads organizations and cross-sector partnerships that drive business growth, economic mobility and generational wealth. She is president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona, founder and CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group, and founder of Millionaire Mastermind Academy. She has received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and has been named one of the Top 100 Women to Know in America. Her book, "Unfireable: How to Lead With Purpose and Thrive in the Age of AI," reached No. 1 on Amazon's best-seller lists and has sold more than 10,000 copies. She advises corporations, institutions and public-sector leaders on turning investment into results that can be measured. Media and Partnership Contact Report this content If you believe this article contains misleading, harmful, or spam content, please let us know.

Billings South Park pool project granted over $170,000 from Mountain America Foundation. Funds will support modern aquatic facility to revitalize South Park area of Billings, Montana * The City of Billings received a grant of $171,488 from Mountain America Foundation in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. * The grant will support the planned South Park swimming pool complex, replacing a century-old facility with a new, expanded gathering place for families and residents. * Mountain America Credit Union and city leaders celebrated the award during the Billings City Council meeting on Sept. 21, 2026. BILLINGS, Mont., Sept. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Mountain America Credit Union and Mountain America Foundation recently joined the City of Billings and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) to celebrate a $171,488 grant for the planned South Park swimming pool complex. Suzanne Oliver, executive director of Mountain America Foundation, presented the ceremonial check during the Billings City Council meeting Sept. 21, 2026. "South Park has long been an important gathering place for Billings families, and the new pool will help it continue serving our community for decades," Billings Mayor Mike Nelson said. "This grant brings us closer to creating a welcoming facility where children will learn to swim, families can spend time together and residents from across Billings can feel at home." How did the grant come together? Mountain America partnered with the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund, which through its 3-to-1 matching grant helps financial institutions amplify their local charitable contributions. The city received the combined $171,488 award in May from Mountain America Foundation and FHLB Des Moines. What will the funding support? The grant will help advance plans for a new outdoor pool and bathhouse at South Park. Proposed features include zero-depth entry, interactive play areas, a climbing wall and flexible community space. The city is completing the design and request for proposals process before construction begins. Why does the South Park pool matter to Billings? Community pools provide affordable recreation close to home, help children build water safety skills and create gathering places for families and community programs. Beyond these benefits, aquatic facilities can support seasonal employment opportunities and offer residents a place to cool off during Montana's summer months. "A community pool is more than a place to swim. It gives children a safe place to learn, brings neighbors together and creates experiences families can share for generations," Oliver said. "When Billings leaders identified this project as a priority, Mountain America Foundation listened and worked to connect the city with funding to help move it forward." Community members can learn more about Mountain America Foundation and community involvement activities at macu.com/foundation. About Mountain America Credit Union With more than 1 million members and $22 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multiple states and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America - guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com. About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S. Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member financial institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit fhlbdm.com.

Mountain America Credit Union celebrates Hispanic Heritage through culture, community and financial access. Mountain America will join National Hispanic Heritage Month events across Utah and Arizona. * More than 30% of Mountain America employees self-identify as Hispanic or Latino. * Bilingual teams and Spanish hub branches help members navigate financial decisions in their preferred language. SANDY, Utah, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Mountain America Credit Union is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month by supporting cultural events in Utah and Arizona, recognizing the contributions of Hispanic employees and connecting families with bilingual financial guidance. National Hispanic Heritage Month runs annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. "Mountain America is committed to making financial guidance accessible to all our members, including Hispanic families and business owners across the communities we serve," said Sterling Nielsen, president and CEO of Mountain America Credit Union. "Whether opening an account, starting a business or purchasing a home, our goal is to provide clear guidance and personalized support that help members make informed financial decisions." How will Mountain America participate in Hispanic Heritage Month? Mountain America employees will join residents at events featuring music, art, baseball, cultural traditions and community resources. Scheduled events include: * Voces En Bloom: Celebrating the New Wave of Música Latina, Sept. 5 at McCarthey Plaza at Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, Utah * Juntos Nos Movemos with the Utah Transit Authority, Sept. 18 at Sorenson Unity Center in Salt Lake City, Utah * Festival Latino de Payson, Sept. 19 at the Peteetneet Museum Amphitheater in Payson, Utah * Utah Symphony's Celebración Sinfónica, Sept. 21 at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City, Utah * Mexican Baseball Fiesta, Sept. 25-27 at American Family Fields of Phoenix, Arizona How does Mountain America support the Hispanic community throughout the year? Mountain America works with organizations that support Hispanic and Latino businesses, students and families across its footprint, including the Arizona, Idaho and Utah Hispanic Chambers of Commerce; Latinos in Action; Suazo Business Center; Utah SOMOS Foundation; Mujeres Unidas de Utah; Avanza Radio; the Latin Chamber of Commerce of Las Vegas; and more. These relationships help expand access to financial education, entrepreneurship resources, workforce development opportunities and community support. For highlights from National Hispanic Heritage Month and other community partnership updates throughout the year, visit Mountain America's newsroom. Why does Hispanic economic growth matter? Hispanic communities are helping shape the country's workforce, consumer economy and business growth. U.S. Latino economic output reached $4.4 trillion in 2024, according to the Latino Donor Collaborative's 2026 U.S. Latino Economic Impact Report, produced with Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business. If measured as an independent economy, it would rank as the fourth largest in the world. Between 2019 and 2024, the U.S. Latino economy grew at an annualized 5.4%, more than twice the overall U.S. rate of 2.4%. Latino household consumption reached $2.8 trillion in 2024. The 2025 Official LDC U.S. Latino GDP Report found that U.S. Latinos owned approximately 5.7 million businesses in 2022. Those businesses employed more than 3.8 million people and generated $945 billion in annual revenue. Hispanic communities are also notably younger than the country overall. The median age of U.S. Hispanics was 31.2 in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data - about a decade younger than the median age of non-Latinos. That growth will influence how families approach education, entrepreneurship, homeownership and long-term financial planning. How does Mountain America support Hispanic employees? More than 30% of Mountain America employees self-identify as Hispanic or Latino. Their language skills, professional experience and knowledge of the communities they serve help the credit union build stronger relationships with members. Mountain America supports professional growth through leadership development, career opportunities and channels for employees to share their perspectives. Hispanic employees serve throughout the organization, including in branches, business services, operations and leadership roles. Earlier this year, the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (UHCC) named Mountain America the Best Workplace for Hispanic Employees of 2025. "Understanding who we're serving improves our members' experience," said Sharlene Wells, chief public affairs officer at Mountain America Credit Union. "When employees understand a family's language, traditions and goals, conversations become more comfortable and financial decisions become clearer." How does Mountain America connect families with financial resources? Bilingual Mountain America team members serve members at branches and community gatherings. Employees help families understand financial products, establish credit, prepare for homeownership and plan for long-term stability. That support extends to entrepreneurs who need guidance on business accounts, financing and growth. Clear explanations and culturally knowledgeable service can help business owners understand their options and prepare for lending conversations. Community members can learn more about Mountain America's bilingual services, financial education resources and community involvement activities at macu.com. About Mountain America Credit Union With more than 1 million members and $22 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multiple states and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America - guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com.