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EDUCATORS CAN FOSTER TRUST IN SCIENCE THROUGH GLOBAL PLEDGE

International Day of Light Steering Committee

For more than a year, educators worldwide have been forced to transform the way they teach. However, advancements in science, specifically telecommunications, enabled the shift from a traditional classroom to remote learning environments. Today, scientific developments, including health advancements such as vaccines and testing, are allowing students to return to physical classrooms. The Trust Science pledge, a worldwide campaign to promote support for the scientific process and acknowledge the many benefits of science for society, offers a valuable teaching tool to help educators draw attention to the crucial role science plays in improving our quality of life. In celebration of this year’s International Day of Light on 16 May, the pledge is allowing people, particularly educators and students, around the world to affirm their support for science and the scientific process. Students can be leaders in understanding and defending science. Just as educators teach skills that build students’ scientific literacy to help them evaluate facts, they can offer ways for students to affirm confidence in the scientific process. “A dedicated effort to building—and in some cases, rebuilding—trust in science will prepare students to be the scientifically informed leaders we desperately need,” said Dr. Desiré Whitmore, Senior Physics Educator and Staff Physicist at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA. Additional resources for educators are available on the Trust Science website, including hands-on activity videos, lesson plans, posters to download, activities and lessons, links to online resources and the Laser Classroom. To date, the pledge has seen enthusiastic support worldwide with more than 2,500 signatures, including Nobel and Breakthrough Prize laureates, UNESCO L’Oréal For Women in Science prize winners, Presidents and CEOs of major scientific bodies, as well as scientists and students from more than 20 different countries. The Trust Science campaign is organized by the IEEE Photonics Society, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and The Optical Society (OSA), together with the International Day of Light Steering Committee. To sign the pledge and to learn more, please go to https://www.trust-science.org Contacts For questions about how you can engage with the campaign, please contact: info@trust-science.org For media inquiries, please contact: pr@trust-science.org Social media: please share using #TrustScience and #LightDay2021 Social media links: Facebook; Instagram; Twitter About the International Day of Light The International Day of Light (IDL) is a worldwide initiative that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications and energy. The International Day of Light is administered from the International Basic Science Programme (IBSP) of UNESCO by a Steering Committee that includes representatives from a broad range of international partners: the American Institute of Physics (AIP), the American Physical Society (APS), Bosca, the China International Optoelectronic Exhibition (CIOE), Chinese Optical Society (COS), the European Centres for Outreach in Photonics (ECOP), the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC), the European Physical Society (EPS), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the IEEE Photonics Society (IPS), the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), lightsources.org - the international network of accelerator based light sources, Light: Science and Applications, The Optical Society (OSA), Tampere University, SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics, SESAME, Signify, Tampere University, Thorlabs, Transitions, the Université de Franche-Comté and Velux. For information about the International Day of Light, please visit www.lightday.org Contacts for IDL: John Dudley and Joseph Niemela 2021 Steering Committee Chairs Email: contact@lightday.org Bethany Downer 2021 Communications Coordinator Email: contact@lightday.org Media Contact for Trust Science: pr@trust-science.org About IEEE Photonics Society The IEEE Photonics Society is the professional home for a global network of scientists, engineers and allied professionals who advance laser, optoelectronics, and photonics technology. As a technical society representing the IEEE, it is a vital part of the world’s largest technical professional organization of more than 400,000 members dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, educational activities, and humanitarian initiatives, the IEEE Photonics Society provides its members in more than 160 countries the opportunity to grow professionally and stay on the forefront of transformational breakthroughs in photonics. PhotonicsSociety.org About SPIE SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving more than 255,000 constituents from 183 countries, the not-for-profit society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth. SPIE annually organizes and sponsors approximately 25 major technical forums, exhibitions, and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. In 2020, SPIE provided more than $5 million in support of education and outreach programs. www.spie.org About The Optical Society Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders in light science and technology. The society serves over 432,000 customers and 22,000 members from more than 100 countries who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the field. OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts through world-renowned publications. For more information, visit osa.org. Contact Details pr@trust-science.org +1 703-907-0010 pr@trust-science.org Company Website https://www.trust-science.org

May 11, 2021 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Probiotic Skincare Start Up, Layers, Enters Burgeoning Microbiome-Focused Category With Holistic Inside + Out Beauty Approach

Layers Probiotic Skincare

Layers, a new probiotic skincare company, officially debuted four SKUs of synergistic high-performance products in the beauty and wellness category. With the understanding that superior skincare results are ultimately achieved by respecting our microbiome, Layers formulated their products with effective hard-hitting ingredients that work to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, enhance skin brightness, and improve elasticity while protecting and supporting the skin barrier. The result is dramatically improved skin without irritation. Microbiome and probiotic skincare are poised to be a large and enduring category, slated to grow to be 13% of the overall skincare market by 2030, as stated by Mintel. According to market research consultancy Verify Markets, microbiome skincare sales are projected to rise in double-digit percentages through 2023 across several countries, including United States (24.8%), Germany (22.2%) and Japan (19.8%). Layers inside + outside approach to healthy skin lies in the science-based Human Microbiome Project which illustrates the symbiotic relationship between our gut and skin, called the gut-skin axis. These two seemingly separate systems talk to one another through your microbiome, the trillions of good bacteria whose micro-language is responsible for everything from releasing natural antibiotics to supporting our immune system to improving hydration and supporting collagen production. Ignored by the skin care industry for decades, these bacteria dramatically impact skin health; imbalances can manifest as accelerated aging, extreme dryness, and even skin conditions such as eczema. On a mission to educate consumers, Layers believes in addressing the two holistically by providing effective, scientifically-proven, power-packed ingredients to improve skin health and appearance. “We continue to learn more every day about how our body’s systems are connected with one another and with our microbiome. Layers harnesses the power of probiotics to bolster these connections and bring your best, glowing skin to the surface.” - Rachel Behm, Founder of Layers With almost a decade of corporate experience in big beauty, Layers Founder Rachel Behm is a former Johnson & Johnson executive who worked on brands like Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Aveeno, Lubriderm, and ultimately oversaw the Johnson & Johnson Incubator Program. Layers and Behm are backed by Ignite Venture Studio, an accelerator of new and existing brands co-founded by CPG veterans Josh Ghaim and Jeff B. Smith. Behm’s personal interest in the microbiome stems from the work she did as a lab technician on The Human Genome Project, which underscored the importance of the more recent Human Microbiome Project. Layers debut assortment includes an ingestible, Daily Glow Probiotic Supplements, a dual-sided formula with a potent 5-strain probiotic on one side and a ceramide extract on the other, along with a complementary three step skincare regimen; Balancing Milky Cleanser, Probiotic Serum, and Immunity Moisturizer, that repairs the skin while strengthening the barrier. Prices range from $29-$89. Behm believes that the self-care experience should be indulgent as it is effective, which is why she chose beautiful glass packaging, a complex yet subtle fragrance, and highly efficacious active ingredients. Available initially for pre-sale, the products can now be purchased on the brand’s direct-to-consumer website, with retail expansion expected by late 2021. Founded in 2021 by ex-Johnson & Johnson executive Rachel Behm, Layers Skincare recognizes beautiful skin begins with a thriving microbiome and harnesses the power of probiotics to boost the body’s natural ability to bring your best skin to the surface. Potent supplements + science-backed topicals, developed by industry experts, fuel the gut–skin connection to reveal dramatically renewed skin that glows from the inside out. Contact Details Amanda Smeal Consulting, Inc. Amanda Smeal amanda@amandasmeal.com Aimee Moss aimee@aimeemoss.net Company Website https://mylayers.com

May 11, 2021 08:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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LevLane Advertising Appoints Nicole Landau as Chief Financial Officer

LevLane

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LevLane Advertising, a full-service advertising agency and 37-year veteran of the Philadelphia marketing scene, announced today the addition of Nicole Landau as its new CFO. Landau will oversee all agency financial functions and will serve as a key member of the executive team. Landau is a seasoned business executive with over 20 years of experience in senior financial leadership roles. Before LevLane, Landau served as Chief Financial at Seven C’s Hospitality Solutions, where she oversaw all finance and accounting operations. She began her career at Arthur Andersen before joining Digitas Health as Senior Finance Manager, followed by a decade-long stint as VP of Finance at DiD Agency. “Nicole’s background in financial leadership and operations was a perfect fit for us,” said Josh Lev, SVP Brand Engagement at LevLane. “She is exactly who we need in this role to help us reach the next level.” The agency has expanded services in recent years and is ready to capitalize on that momentum – something Landau will be integral in. “I’m thrilled to be part of the LevLane family. They have already done the hard work of building a unique culture and a stellar reputation in the advertising world,” said Landau. “I'm excited to continue that mission and I'm confident that together we can create the right financial structure to drive consistent growth." About LevLane LevLane is an award-winning, full-service, independent advertising agency in Philadelphia, PA that has been building brands that people love for nearly 40 years. Contact Details LevLane Liz Weir, SVP of Content, Social Media and PR +1 610-401-4825 lweir@levlane.com Company Website https://www.levlane.com

May 11, 2021 07:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tayler Jade Hits Top 40 Mediabase Chart with "WYA"

Tayler Jade

Tayler Jade and artist development partners Thomas Barsoe of OC Hit and Dani Thompson of DNT Entertainment, released “WYA;” part two of Jades first ever dual single release “Temporary/WYA.” Within the first few weeks of release, a radio movement has pushed Tayler Jade onto the Mainstream Top 40 Mediabase Activator Chart alongside the biggest artists in the world such as Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. Since its chart introduction on April 24th at #94, “WYA” has climbed 19 spots and is holding strong at #75. In the first week the single started showing legs on the BDS Most Added List with three mainstream station pickups including Kiss FM and Q101. In the second week those adds doubled. “WYA” is currently playing on multiple Top 40 stations all across the country such as: WSKS/WSKU “Kiss FM 97.9,105.5,” KXNC “Kiss FM 104.7,” WJDQ “Q101,” KSPI “Hot 93.7,” WJYY “105.5 JYY,” WKMX “106.7 KMX,” WQRW “Q 93.5,” and WVIN 98.3 to name a few. “For an independent artist that was just introduced to the world in February of 2021 to be sharing the same airways as the biggest names in music is an amazing accomplishment. We are so proud of Tayler and can’t wait to see what's next.” - Dani Thompson An EDM dance remix will follow the original version of “WYA” which was written by Tayler Jade (Tayler Lynch) and Jacquie Hishmeh, produced by Mikey Francis and Robbie Dean (Robbie Crebar), mixed and mastered by Luca Pretolesi with the support of engineer Robert Guzman, and vocally produced by Thomas Barsoe. Tayler Jade is an American Pop/R&B singer-songwriter and recording artist from Southern California. She has spent the past 2 years in the studio working on her first original EP which will be released in 2021 as a series of singles, starting with “Temporary” on February 12th. Her electrifying voice and sultry beats create a physical reaction that is sure to send chills down your spine. Her main musical influences are female powerhouses such as Tori Kelly, Ariana Grande, Victoria Monet and Summer Walker. Learn more at https://www.taylerjade.com/ Contact Details DNT Agency Dani Thompson +1 714-496-5152 danithompson@dntagency.com Company Website https://www.taylerjade.com/

May 07, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Norwegian Cruise Line Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week By 'Giving Joy' to Educators Across the U.S. and Canada

YourUpdateTV

In recognition and celebration of the countless teachers who have spent the last 15 months giving their all to students across the U.S. and Canada during these unprecedented times, Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel, announced this week the relaunch of its "Norwegian's Giving Joy TM" contest, which provides educators with free cruises and a chance to win up to $25,000 for their schools. Recently, Christine Da Silva, Vice President of Communications and Events at Norwegian Cruise Line, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss this exciting initiative. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/_QgnTvXUAvQ "Norwegian's Giving Joy" acknowledges the often-undervalued work of educators and highlights the intersection between travel and education. First launched with astounding success in 2019, with over 1.4 million votes for more than 46,000 teachers, and a total prize of over $100,000 for schools across North America, the contest heralds these selfless warriors. This year's campaign is especially significant given the elevated demands of this profession under pressure. For more information and to vote and nominate for a deserving teacher, visit nclgivingjoy.com About Christine Da Silva: Christine Da Silva is the vice president of Communication for Norwegian Cruise Line, responsible for the development and execution of the brand’s global external and internal communication strategy. Overseeing the Communication and Events teams, she leads the development of the brand narrative; is responsible for reputation, crisis and issue management; and has been instrumental in the launch of engagement initiatives including the game-changing Giving Joy and Encore Moments campaigns as well as the debut of the Company’s latest vessels. Da Silva has over 20 years of experience guiding brands and businesses in delivering authentic and impactful messages through integrated communication and marketing strategies that drive growth, sales and awareness. She is based in the Company’s head office in Miami, Florida About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 06, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Mother’s Day Gifts On-Demand from DoorDash

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/H75CYj5AsR0 This Mother’s Day, whether you’re treating a mom in your life near or far, DoorDash is serving up effortlessly perfect, on-demand gifts for every type of Mom - from the chocolate lover to the floral fanatic, DoorDash has you covered (even if you’re gifting at the last minute)! Additionally, DoorDash is announcing today brand new offerings from Jo Malone and The Honest Company, just in time for Mother’s Day in select markets! Give Mom the gift of self care with one of the five exclusive, limited edition self-care bundles from The Honest Company, available exclusively via DashMart, or check out the Jo Malone virtual storefront on DoorDash for unique, luxury products for the bath, body and home. With DoorDash’s Gifting feature, you can choose from beauty products, flowers, chocolates, baked goods, brunch staples, products made by women, and more from local and national favorites and from DashMart, a new kind of convenience store! Gifting through DoorDash also allows you to put a customized, personal touch on a gift with a wide selection of fun virtual cards, a personalized gift message, and same-day delivery directly to mom’s doorstep, with the option to schedule delivery up to 4 days in advance. For those looking to treat mom with fantastic items from women-owned businesses, customers can check out DoorDash’s Made by Women Program by searching “women owned” on the DoorDash platform to discover local favorites. A gift guide is available for every type of mom, available on-demand through DoorDash! And, as a special promotion for Mother’s Day, DashPass members will receive $10 off an order of $50 at The Flower and Gift Boutique when they order between 5/1 - 5/9 and use code: 10FORMOM Mother’s Day Gifts On-Demand from DoorDash For the Chocolate Loving Mom: Nothing says I love you like an ooey-gooey chocolate treat for the mom in your life. Check out the following dessert shops in select areas to find an assortment of chocolate goodness: Cosmic Brownie Cookie from Crumbl Cookies Chocolate Cupcake from Susiecakes Two Chip Chocolate Chip cookies from Levain Bakery For the Floral Fanatic Mom: Send a beautiful bouquet from the Flower and Gift Boutique or search for the Flowers & Gifts carousel in-app for a wide selection of flowers near you. From now until May 9 DashPass subscribers in select cities can get $10 off their order of $40 or more when they use code ‘10FORMOM’ at the Flower and Gift Boutique on the DoorDash app. For the Mom Who Loves to Brunch: Start Mom's day off right, with brunch delivered straight to her bed, kitchen table, or anywhere she wishes to enjoy the best meal of the day! Whether she's particular to sweet or savory, DoorDash offers a wide selection for every type of palate. Sun in My Belly (Atlanta) Eggspectation (Baltimore) Buttermilk Channel (Brooklyn, NY) D Cuisine (Chicago) Hudson 29 (Columbus) Lucille’s (Houston) Honey Bee’s House of Breakfast (Los Angeles) Sadelle’s (Manhattan) The Egg Spot (Miami) Hope Breakfast Bar (Minneapolis) Sweet Maple (San Francisco) Cassis American Brasserie (Tampa) Maketto (Washington D.C.) For the Mom Who Deserves to be Pampered: Gift mom with one of five exclusive, limited edition self-care bundles from The Honest Company, available exclusively via DashMart. Bundles are available in the following cities: Chicago, IL Houston, TX Denver, CO Carrollton, TX Tempe, AZ Sacramento, CA Baltimore, MD Minneapolis, MN Columbus, OH Indianapolis, IN For the Mom Who Needs a Break from Cooking: Treat mom to an amazing meal from one of these women-owned restaurants in select cities. Goddess and the Baker ( Chicago) Nong's Khao Man Gai (Portland) Kismet (Los Angeles) Fauzia’s Heavenly Delights (NYC) Glen's Garden Market (Washington D.C.) Visit DoorDash.com or TryCaviar.com or download the apps to your mobile device About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 05, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Accelerated Wealth Advisors welcomes Susan Auer

Accelerated Wealth

Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC (AWA) announced today Wealth Advisor Susan Auer has joined the firm to help clients achieve their retirement goals. “We are pleased Accelerated Wealth continues to attract talented and experienced professionals dedicated to helping clients with their financial future,” said Accelerated Wealth’s Financial Advisor Dustin West with whom Susan Auer will partner with to serve clients. “As a Certified Financial Planner™, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.” Susan is a Colorado Springs native and holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado University. Before joining AWA, Susan spent eight years helping clients at USAA develop financial plans and achieve financial success. As a Wealth Advisor, Susan’s experience includes holistic financial planning for achieving savings goals; investment selection; retirement, estate, family and legacy planning; life insurance/protection planning; and health solutions. Susan Auer added, “I am passionate about empowering every client to achieve their financial goals. I believe the key to client success is through developing well-established relationships and comprehensive individual plans. As an independent firm with time tested strategies and access to a variety of investment solutions, Accelerated Wealth provides objective advice and wealth management services for our clients.” About Accelerated Wealth Advisors (AWA) Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC is a Colorado Springs based wealth strategy firm dedicated to providing effective strategies to help its clients make wise financial decisions. AWA’s business practices and culture are driven by its core values of faith, integrity, relationships, vision, excellence and being coachable. AWA is headquartered in Colorado Springs with four offices located in three states including additional Colorado offices in Lone Tree and Englewood. For more information please visit www.acceleratedwealth.com or Facebook. All Rights Reserved. Advisory services are offered through Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC and Accelerated Wealth, LLC are affiliated entities and do not provide legal or tax advice. The information contained herein is obtained from sources deemed to be reliable. Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC and Accelerated Wealth, LLC cannot be responsible for the accuracy of the information being presented. Not an offer to buy or a solicitation to sell securities. See your accountant or legal counsel for tax or legal advice. Not affiliated with or approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. All investing involves risk. Contact Details Accelerated Wealth Advisors, LLC Sloane Herman, Director of Marketing +1 719-466-5639 sloaneh@acceleratedwealth.com Company Website https://www.acceleratedwealth.com

May 05, 2021 08:03 AM Mountain Daylight Time

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Celebrating Mother’s Day With Nintendo

YourUpdateTV

Mother’s Day is arriving soon, and it’s a great chance to give the gift of family time. Recently, Host and TV Personality Lilliana Vazquez, teamed with Nintendo and YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to discuss how Nintendo is fostering connectivity for the entire family. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/azej87vU7tA For Mother’s Day, give the gift of self-care and family time with the Nintendo Switch family of systems. These systems, games and experiences can help foster connectivity for the entire family. This includes mom’s personal “me” time and game nights together with the family, while also allowing both moms and kids to connect with their friends. Here are some top picks: With the Nintendo Switch family of systems, families have the choice of a system that best fits their needs and play styles. Nintendo Switch can be played on the TV or taken on the go, while Nintendo Switch Lite is a dedicated gaming handheld system great for moms who love playing in handheld mode. Animal Crossing: New Horizons: There are so many ways to create, enjoy and share your island getaway. Explore and customize your island at your own pace, meet residents, discover new activities and share your unique island life with friends and family. With seasonal updates to the game releasing on a regular basis, now is the best time to jump into the world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to see what everyone is talking about. Ring Fit Adventure: To help keep your family active, Ring Fit Adventure allows you to explore an adventure world and conquer enemies using the Ring-Con, Leg Strap and Joy-Con accessories that will respond to your movements, allowing the game to turn them into in-game actions. You can even pass the Ring-Con and Leg Strap accessories to a buddy and take turns in different mini-games, like breaking boxes with gusts of air and crafting pottery using squats. It’s a great way to stay active while at home! Just Dance 2021: Just Dance 2021 is the ultimate dance game for the whole family, with 40 hot new tracks, including chart-topping hits like “Don't Start Now” by Dua Lipa, “Feel Special” by TWICE, and “Señorita” by Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello. Start a dance party your friends and family can enjoy together! ColourPop x Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Well-loved cosmetics brand ColourPop crafted a unique makeup collection inspired by aspects of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. These include lip tints, eyeshadow palettes and pressed blushes, all with colorful packaging featuring characters and themes from the game. Danielle Nicole x Super Mario: Innovative fashion brand Danielle Nicole designed and produced a nostalgia-inducing collection of bags based on the Super Mario franchise. These bags range from crossbodies to backpacks, all featuring Super Mario inspired images that are sure to excite trend-seeking moms everywhere. For more information, visit Nintendo.com. About Lilliana Vazquez: Lilliana is a trailblazing interviewer, style expert and author. The enterprising star has curated a career that began from a small blog, to being seen by millions daily on numerous nationwide platforms and morning talk shows. Lilliana has always been passionate about giving back and actively advocates on issues such as education, health, immigration and economic empowerment. She also embraces and welcomes her responsibility as a role model for others in the Latinx community who aspire to work in television. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 05, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The First American Samurai With Divine Purpose

Koyamada International Foundation

The Last Samurai star Shin Koyamada and wife of 16 years, Nia Lyte, tried everything possible to get pregnant, but dishearteningly, nothing worked. As time slipped by and Nia’s biological clock started ticking, the odds of pregnancy became overwhelmingly against them. The couple tried many rounds of IVF treatments with top fertility doctors in different countries, reiki, yoga, acupuncture, Tibetan meditation, natural herbs, hormone stimulation, astrology, and a cosmos analysis to see if the ancestors were interfering, yet all techniques failed. With each defeat, the Koyamada’s spirits waned, fear and anxiety increased. A miscarriage almost sealed the decision of starting a natural family simply would not happen. After the miscarriage crisis, when Nia and Shin went to Japan, their Shintoist Japanese friend, who had a similar journey, said that a spiritual person told the couple to beseech the Virgin Mary on their behalf. Coming from a Japanese Shintoist, Nia was taken aback by the recommendation and yet touched when she met her friend’s miracle daughter. Back in Los Angeles and during the dawn of the pandemic, Nia joined a small Christian Bible group, and Nia and the group prayed together for a baby. Nia got pregnant three months later. Nia boldly recalled, “This changed our family. It is different when you read about miracles or see them in films. When you experience a miracle in your own flesh, it is very powerful. I made a promise to God that if He could give us a baby, I would share this miracle with the world. I would also give Jesus and his mother Virgin Mary all the glory. It may sound crazy, but when everything else failed, the power of prayer worked for our family.” In early 2021, little Shun Nathan Koyamada entered into Shin and Nia’s lives. Not giving up on each other, sticking it out together, and overcoming the trauma of five long years, Shin and Nia further proved that marriage truly is not always about looking at each other but looking in the same direction. Proud father Shin shares that the name Shun is derived from his ancestors, the Hayato People who lived in the Satsuma Domain, today's Kagoshima Prefecture located at the southern most area of Japan's Kyushu Island, where 900+ years ago the name came into use by the samurai under the title Hayato no suke. Nia added that Nathan means gift from God. Shin discovered his samurai ancestry via his grandfather, telling him old stories based on the grandfather's life-long research on the subject. Surprisingly, Shin didn't know his samurai ancestry until after the release of the Hollywood blockbuster Last Samurai, a film influenced by the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion, where Shin's character Nobutada Katsumoto, inspired by his real samurai ancestor, befriends Tom Cruise's Algren role. Apart from his samurai descendants, Shun's unique heritage includes being half Colombian, half Japanese, and the first American samurai born in the United States. As Nobutada might say, "Jolly Good.” According to Shin and Nia, doctors said that since science should have worked but failed, she had a two percent chance of having a healthy natural pregnancy. They concurred that Nia giving birth to a biological baby was a medical miracle. Shun is a miracle baby and is proof to the Koyamadas of a higher power in charge. For Shin and Nia, having a baby completes the circle in their lives. After co-founding KIF ( Koyamada International Foundation ), a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring youth and women to achieve their dreams. Now for the Koyamadas, their work takes on added meaning beyond being symbolic. It is now more personal. KIF can create miracles for others. Because after their personal miracle, the Koyamadas have the strength of three spirits: dad, Shin; mum, Nia; and son, Shun. Follow Nia and Shin on social media Facebook @NiaLyteShow and @shinkoyamada, Twitter @nialyte and @shinkoyamada, Instagram @nialyte and @ shin_koyamada. For interviews and media inquiries, contact Kelly Bennett at Bennett Unlimited PR at (949) 463-6383 or Kelly@BennettUnlimitedPR.com. Contact Details BENNETT UNLIMITED PR Kelly Bennett +1 949-463-6383 kelly@bennettunlimitedpr.com Company Website http://koyamada.org

May 05, 2021 02:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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