Oct. 18, 2005: Diversity Training Specialist to be Featured at “YP Voice” Kick-off Event

OSWEGO, NY-- Julius D. Edwards, president and CEO of The Uniq & DiverSolutions Group, will address attendees at a kick-off party announcing the formation of “YP Voice,” a new young professional and entrepreneur networking and community enrichment organization in Oswego County.

The Uniq & DiverSolutions Group specializes in diversity training, executive counseling, team building, community organizing, juvenile detention, youth violence, gang prevention and intervention, in-service teacher training, personal empowerment, employee morale, youth leadership and development.

As an educator, guest lecturer, motivational speaker and youth development specialist, Edwards is a recognized leader in the areas of youth leadership, youth violence, youth gang prevention/intervention, and designing innovative and comprehensive solution-based strategies. He is a staunch youth advocate and most recently led a community-based initiative to reduce the onset of gang violence and violent crime in the city of Syracuse.

Edwards has received numerous awards for his leadership and commitment to providing solutions to issues plaguing today’s youth and inspires his audiences with a unique and insightful perspective on the characteristics, challenges, and choices in a diverse culture. Edwards currently serves as the assistant director of juvenile detention in Onondaga County.

The event is free of charge and will be held Friday, Oct. 21, 7 to 11 p.m. at the Oswego Armory, West First Street in Oswego. The party will feature e.s.p. jazz quartet, unique exhibits by local artists and businesses, free samples and giveaways, free food including voodoo chicken and shrimp, gumbo, pasta bar and a carving bar. A beer and wine cash bar will also be available.

Sponsors for the event include Operation Oswego County, Workforce Development Board of Oswego County, Novelis Corp., Oswego County National Bank, City of Oswego Community Development, PathFinder Bank, SUNY Oswego, President's Office, Laser Transit, Ltd., Mitchell Printing and Mailing Company and Steve Chirello Advertising.

“YP Voice--Change. Community. Fun.” (YPV) was formed to guide the growth and evolution of Oswego County by organizing professional, social and community involvement within Oswego’s young professional community. Part of the group’s mission is to educate others about the economic and social capital in the greater Oswego County area and to offer its members professional development and peer-to-peer networking opportunities, as well as social and cultural events, and community development and service initiatives. YPV membership is open to employed personnel and entrepreneurs ages 23 to 43.

For more information about the YPV kick-off party, visit www.ypvoiceofoswego.org, or call 343-7681.

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