Latest news with #Erika
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
AFCD bridging nations through art & fashion
Ashraf Siddiqui The second edition of Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy (AFCD), led by its founder and patron and hosted in partnership with Aljasra Cultural Club Doha, once again shone a spotlight on hidden gems within the diplomatic community. The captivating exhibition featured over 100 inspiring artworks, including pieces by 15 spouses, four daughters of ambassadors, and Ambassador Erika of Austria, highlighting the richness of cultural diversity. The event also embraced heritage by showcasing Qatar's UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Traditions, making it a unique celebration of cross-cultural dialogue. Throughout the evening, guests were treated to a beautiful blend of art, music, and heritage. Musical performances by couple artists Natalia and Radu added a magical atmosphere to the gathering, enriching the experience for all. Through its unique mix of artistic expression and cultural exchange, AFCD reaffirmed its role as a pivotal platform for nurturing connections across nations. It celebrated the richness of shared heritage and offered a rare glimpse into the creative talents that often remain hidden within the diplomatic circle — a reminder of the unifying power of culture and the arts.
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Legacy and Leadership: 10 Black-Owned Wedding Businesses to Support This Juneteenth and Beyond
As we acknowledge Juneteenth—a day that symbolizes freedom, resilience, and progress—we are reminded of the extraordinary contributions Black creatives bring to every corner of the wedding planning industry. From floral design and fashion to photography, music, planning, and beyond, Black-owned wedding vendors are not just participating—they are innovating, elevating, and setting new standards of excellence. Their work is layered with intention, cultural richness, and artistic brilliance that can't be replicated. They tell stories that resonate, and redefine what a celebration can look and feel like. It's time we do more than spotlight them once a year—we must invest in them, collaborate with them, and ensure their talents are not just seen but valued. The wedding industry is more vibrant, more soulful, and more powerful because of Black creatives. Let's keep amplifying their voices, hiring their services, and honoring their legacies—today and every day. Erika Bowers, the visionary behind Erika's Elegance Weddings & Events, is dedicated to transforming the wedding and event planning experience for her clients into an exciting and enjoyable experience. As a full-service planning and design company, Erika's Elegance emphasizes the uniqueness of each event, crafting personalized experiences that reflect the individual visions and life stories of its clients. A certified Professional Bridal Consultant with a strong background in accounting and project management, Erika combines her corporate expertise with a passion for creating memorable moments. Her commitment to integrity, values, and connection drives her work, ensuring that every event is more than just a checklist—it's about creating a celebration that exudes elegance and the individual. Serving as the Treasurer of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association SoCal, Erika actively contributes to promoting professionalism within the industry. With over 20 years of experience, Erika skillfully balances creativity with logistical precision, making every client's dream an unforgettable reality. Teresa Eoff is an award-winning floral designer based in Southern California, known for her lush, garden-style arrangements that transform spaces into unforgettable experiences. With over two decades of experience in the wedding and event industry, Teresa uses flowers as her creative medium to bring joy, beauty, and emotion to weddings, branding events, and special celebrations of all kinds. Clients love Teresa for her warm personality, open communication, and ability to bring their vision to life. A five-time WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award winner, she's dedicated to exceeding expectations and creating moments that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. Falynn Thompson is a floral designer and a proud Black woman in business with over a decade of professional experience. Her journey began at just 16 years old in a local flower shop, where she discovered a deep passion for floral artistry. Since then, she has built a career rooted in creativity, authenticity, and storytelling through her work with flowers. Falynn's work at Flawless Flowers reflects the unique emotions and narratives of each client she serves. As a Black entrepreneur, she is committed to representation and bringing an inclusive, intentional voice to the floral industry. Her business is grounded in dedication, community, and the belief that flowers have the power to connect, heal, and inspire. Every bouquet she creates is a meaningful expression of her artistry and her cultural roots. Tracy Bowles, the powerhouse behind Flawless Weddings and Events. As the award-winning founder and principal planner of this Black woman-owned planning and floral design firm in Southern California, Tracy brings over 20 years of expertise to the table. Known for crafting elegant, intentional, and culturally infused weddings, she has been celebrated by California Wedding Day, MunaLuchi Bride, Our Love In Color, and Black Bride Magazine. A passionate leader and mentor, Tracy also served as President of WIPA SoCal in 2024, continuing her mission to uplift underrepresented voices in the industry. Davida Buggs is the floral designer and founder of Flowers by Lady Buggs, a Los Angeles based design studio known for romantic arrangements with a whimsical twist. What began with the florals for her own wedding blossomed into a thriving business built on creativity, intuition, and a deep love for floral design. Davida believes flowers should do more than decorate a space, they should reflect personality and tell a story. She thoughtfully weaves in blooms that honor her clients' love, memories, and style, creating arrangements that feel both personal and elevated. Her signature designs blend texture, movement, and emotion in a way that feels effortless yet intentional. Clients often turn to Davida when they want florals that are timeless, soulful, and far from traditional. Joan Fuller is a Southern California-based photographer specializing in corporate events, weddings, and portraits. Joan loves photographing people and takes pride in capturing the true essence of her subjects. She creates timeless images that become cherished family treasures to be passed down through generations. Joan's work has been published in InStyle, Weddings Magazine and Grace Ormande's photo book 'Love Never Goes Out of Style'. With over 20 years in the pastry industry, Nicole Redd-McIntosh is the visionary behind Nicole Bakes Cakes, where edible art meets unforgettable flavor. A classically trained pastry chef with a B.S. in Baking and Pastry Arts, Nicole built her career in California's top hotels and restaurants, perfecting plated desserts before returning to her first love—cakes. Her passion for bold, art-inspired designs and unique flavor profiles has earned her a reputation as one of the most creative wedding cake designers in the industry. Each of Nicole's creations is crafted with intention, care, and a touch of magic—designed not just to be enjoyed, but remembered. From whimsical wedding cakes to show-stopping dessert tables, Nicole continues to transform celebrations into lasting memories, one sweet bite at a time. A standout in the world of wedding photography, Zyaire Porter is the creative force behind Porterhouse LA, LLC, a Los Angeles-based photography studio known for its bold, editorial style and authentic storytelling. With 15 years of professional experience and deep roots in Inglewood, Zyaire has earned national recognition—named one of BRIDES' Best Wedding Photographers in America in both 2020 and 2021. While his wedding work is widely celebrated, Zyaire's versatility extends beyond the aisle. His diverse portfolio includes collaborations with major brands like Nike, All Def Digital, Revolt TV, Drew League, Brisk, and HCASC. Through every frame, Zyaire brings culture, precision, and a signature visual voice that elevates every moment he captures. Kareem Virgo is the visionary lead photographer and co-founder of REEM Photography, a South Florida-based husband-and-wife team specializing in luxury weddings worldwide. Since 2015, Kareem and his wife Sandy have captured love stories through a signature blend of editorial sophistication and raw emotional storytelling. REEM—short for Reliving Each and Every Moment—is more than a name; it's the heart of their approach. From high-profile celebrations to destination weddings around the globe, Kareem's work is defined by timeless imagery and an unwavering commitment to preserving every meaningful detail. Derrick Young is the West Coast stylist and consultant behind Well Groomed Man, a premier custom suiting company known for delivering exceptional service to grooms, groomsmen, and modern professionals alike. With a deep understanding of style and a sharp eye for fit, Derrick guides clients from their initial fitting to seamless day-of support, ensuring confidence and sophistication at every step. Based in Las Vegas with an exciting new Southern California location opening in July 2025, Well Groomed Man also provides custom business and leisure suits tailored for everyday excellence. Derrick has become a trusted style advisor for men of all ages—from high school students preparing for prom to seasoned professionals building their wardrobe. Committed to partnering with planners, organizations, and anyone ready to refine their look, Well Groomed Man is redefining what it means to show up well dressed—and well groomed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of ERIKA Försäkringsaktiebolag (publ)
AMSTERDAM, June 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) of ERIKA Försäkringsaktiebolag (publ) (Erika) (Sweden). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Erika's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. Erika's strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), along with its conservative and liquid investment portfolio and prudent reserving, collectively contribute to an overall balance sheet strength assessment of very strong by AM Best. The company has a track record of strong operating performance, evidenced by a five year (2020-2024) weighted average return-on-equity ratio of 13.5%. Erika's results have been underpinned by robust and stable underwriting margins, with the company recording a technical surplus in each of the past 19 years (2006-2024). Erika is the primary provider of travel insurance to people travelling worldwide on the various international education programmes offered by Education First (EF). All business is sourced solely from EF tour operators, which limits Erika's control over distribution and growth. Erika's limited business profile assessment also reflects its relatively small portfolio, concentrated within one line of business. However, the risks associated with this concentration are mitigated partially by the company's relatively low product risk and geographic diversification. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on Contacts Juan A. Villaescusa Prades Financial Analyst +31 208081162 Dr. Mathilde Jakobsen Senior Director, Analytics +31 20 808 3118 Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Southern California mother deported after immigration hearing
Loved ones are heartbroken after a Southern California mother was detained and deported after a routine immigration hearing. Maria Valeriano Perez, 52, is a mother of three children who has lived in the U.S. for 35 years. She had been working as a custodian in Ventura County for years. Her family said she attended an immigration appointment on June 4 and, instead of receiving an update on her case, she was immediately handcuffed and taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She was transported to a federal detention center in downtown L.A. and was eventually deported to Oaxaca, Mexico. Maria's daughter, Erika Perez, said she was not only in shock over her mother's detainment, but also by the reportedly heartbreaking conditions her mother had witnessed. 'She told me about women inside banging doors, begging for food,' Erika told KTLA's Sandra Mitchell. 'They were so hungry that they would pretend they were drinking [and eating.]' Erika said her mother described the detention facility conditions as bleak — a place where men, women and children were crowded into a single room for processing. 'The women would crawl under benches and start crying just to escape the nightmare that they were going through,' Erika said. Kamilla Ponce, whose uncle was also detained by ICE, said he was not provided with much information during the process. 'They didn't even ask if they had papers or if they were documented or had proof of ID, they just rounded them all up,' Ponce said. Her uncle, Rodolfo Ponce Flores, was taken into custody during a raid in the Garment District in downtown L.A. on June 6. She said in just a few days, he had been moved to at least three different facilities across three different counties in SoCal. 'We tried to go see him, but they said, 'No,'' Ponce said. 'They were not letting anybody in, not even the lawyers.' Although Erika said her mother has accepted her fate that she may never gain U.S. citizenship, it doesn't change the effect her absence will have on her friends, loved ones and community members. 'She told me to take care of my siblings and that it's going to be okay,' Erika said of her last conversation with her mother before she was deported. 'I'm just devastated. She's gone now. She left me alone to raise my two other siblings.' Under a new policy from the Trump Administration, Maria would not be able to apply for re-admission into the U.S. for another 10 years. A GoFundMe page to help the Perez family can be found here. A campaign to help Ponce's uncle can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protesters clash with police as ICE raids surge across Phoenix metro area
Protesters and media gather in a Peoria neighborhood on June 10, 2025, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided a house near 69th Avenue and West North Lane. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror Tensions erupted between immigrant rights advocates and Peoria police officers on Tuesday, amid a surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity across the Valley. Federal officials with Homeland Security Investigations, a division within ICE, descended on a Peoria neighborhood Tuesday morning. A neighbor told the Arizona Mirror they witnessed multiple agents use flash bangs and a battering ram to enter the house. Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe, a spokesperson for HSI, said the case involved narcotics and human smuggling, and that one person was arrested on federal charges and another was turned over to immigration officials. Peoria Police Department vehicles blocked off both ends of the street and officers kept watch as protestors, drawn by social media alerts, lined the sidewalks nearby. A confrontation between Peoria PD and opponents led to one person being subdued with a Taser and arrested. Chantil Martinez, who has lived in nearby Glendale her whole life, said she sympathizes with local police officers who likely had no choice in their assignments. But she was quick to say that, while she has some level of trust in local police officers, that same trust doesn't extend to federal officials. The raids carried out by ICE agents, she said, are comparable to discriminatory arrests carried out in Nazi Germany. 'It's almost like knocking on the doors back in the day and saying: 'Are you a Jew?' It's not OK,' she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Another protester, Erika, told the Arizona Mirror that she heard about the presence of federal agents on her way back from a doctor's appointment via a Tiktok livestream, and drove to the area to offer her support. Her three children, ranging in ages from 1 to 16 years old, stood next to her on the sidewalk in the blistering, triple-digit heat. Erika, who was unwilling to give her last name because she feared retaliation, said she's been monitoring the Los Angeles ICE raids and she worries about the same happening in Arizona. 'We all have family members, or people we know, who would be affected,' she said. A spokesperson with the Peoria Police Department said the department only managed traffic control in the area while federal officials conducted a drug-related investigation, and that 'false narratives' about it being related to immigration enforcement led to the protest. Immigrant advocacy organizations in Phoenix have been on red alert in the wake of ICE's workplace raids in Los Angeles, which have seen more than 40 people detained, and the subsequent protests. The Trump administration has increasingly sought to ramp up deportations, with Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller pushing for 3,000 arrests a day. While enforcement actions in Phoenix have recently centered around migrants attending hearings at the city's immigration court, pro-immigrant groups were alarmed by information that ICE raids are expected to be conducted across the Phoenix metro area this week. That information appeared to bear out: Over just the past few days, ICE agents have been spotted in multiple locations across the Valley. And hours before the arrests in Peoria, three men in a truck carrying construction materials were detained at a gas station at 27th Avenue and Indian School Road, according to the Phoenix New Times. Roughly 50 protesters, including members from pro-immigrant groups, gathered to oppose the HSI operation in Peoria and were particularly critical of Peoria PD's presence. As the Trump administration's hostility towards undocumented people has reached new heights, scrutiny about the relationship between federal immigration officials and local law enforcement departments has increased. One protester yelled 'You're a traitor, you betrayed your community,' at a Peoria police officer, while another shouted, 'This isn't what our taxes are for!' into a bullhorn. Erika noted that she was upset about Peoria PD's collaboration, saying it gave her doubts about calling them for help in the future. 'It makes me have less trust in them now,' she said. 'It makes you question where to turn when you need help.' In a statement issued shortly after the protest ended, the Phoenix Police Department sought to distance itself from ICE's increased activity in the Valley while at the same time encouraging peaceful demonstrations. Donna Rossi, a spokeswoman for the department, said Phoenix PD is not involved in the federal government's recent enforcement actions. Rossi also acknowledged that the actions of federal immigration authorities can 'evoke fear or other strong emotions,' but urged protesters to express those emotions in peaceful ways. 'The Department fully recognizes and respects the constitutional rights of all to peaceably assemble and exercise free speech,' Rossi said in a written statement. 'We encourage all community members to express their views in a peaceful and lawful manner, and we remain committed to supporting safe and respectful demonstrations.' The Phoenix City Council is currently considering an initiative proposed by immigrant rights advocates for the Phoenix Police Department to stop working with ICE. According to reporting from the Arizona Republic, the majority of arrests in the metro area that end in deportations are conducted by Phoenix police. At one point during the protest, a scuffle broke out between police officers and the crowd. Three officers surrounded a protester, who ended up on the ground after officers deployed a Taser. The scene was chaotic, with some in the crowd converging on the officers as the detained protester was escorted to a police vehicle while other activists urged them to hang back. At least half of the group stayed apart from the altercation. In a video posted to social media, a water bottle can be seen flying past the police officers who surrounded the protester on the ground. At least one immigrant advocate, Clarissa Vela, the co-founder of the People First Project, was struck by a rock in her leg. 'This is what they want — they want us to be criminals,' Vela shouted through a bullhorn as she tried, unsuccessfully, to convince the crowd to calm down. According to a statement issued by the Peoria Police Department, an officer was intentionally blocked by two protesters and assaulted by another, who was then subdued and arrested. In a post on social media site X, formerly Twitter, Gov. Katie Hobbs criticized the alleged assault and said her office has directed the Arizona Department of Public Safety to ensure local law enforcement agencies have the support they need. 'I have directed @Arizona_DPS to reach out to local law enforcement to ensure needs are met and we maintain order in the community. The State of Arizona is prepared to assist the City of Peoria and any other local law enforcement entities with necessary resources to keep our communities safe,' she wrote. 'Violence is completely unacceptable, and I urge any protesters to remain peaceful.' Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, too, denounced the incident. 'An attack on a police officer is never appropriate,' she said in a written statement. 'These men and women risk their own lives and safety to do the job we've asked them to do.' As law enforcement on the ground clashed with the crowd, a Department of Homeland Security Blackhawk helicopter circled above. The helicopter is primarily used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection where it has been flown for a variety of missions, including conducting security for the Super Bowl. The helicopter later landed at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport, the operational headquarters for ICE Air and where deportation flights are taking place. The helicopter also circled the Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale as well as the Peoria Sports Complex prior to making its way to the area near 69th Avenue and West North Lane. ***UPDATED: This story has been updated with additional information. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
