Rural Leader Magazine MAY 2025

MAY 2025

Cover Story New Caregiving App for Alzheimer’s: Elevmi, pg. 10 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2025 1

Contents Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com

About Us

Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad.

Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.— Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent.

Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermag.com Contact Us info@ruralleadermag.com editor@ruralleadermag.com ruralleadermagazine@gmail.com

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5 Hiring Event + Resource Fair 8 Lifelong learning reimagined: How DeVryPro helps professionals thrive in an AI-powered world 9 Nurturing God's Way COVER STORY 10 New Caregiving App for Alzheimer’s: Elevmi 11 Rural Leaders Roundtable

12 Paint your garden with color: Stunning plants offer effortless beauty 14 QPR Training 16 Five effective ways to maximize your workout routines 17 Morehouse School of Medicine Health Promotion Research Center Caregivers and Teens Study 19 Why ‘Mompreneurs’ are essential to their communities

Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@RuralLeaderMag.com—

Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Inside this issue, there are a number of great articles about leadership best practices, building positive self-esteem and productivity! We hope you enjoy this issue.

As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support!

Sincerely, Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag

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COVER STORY

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Lifelong learning reimagined: How DeVryPro helps professionals thrive in an AI-powered world With real-world courses, AI-driven support and flexible design, DeVry University’s new platform empowers learners to upskill for what’s next The workplace is evolving fast. From AI and automation to shifting business needs, professionals today face constant pressure to adapt. Employers are seeking talent with not only technical know-how but also the agility to learn, unlearn and relearn throughout their careers.

Recognizing this shift, DeVry University launched DeVryPro, an AI-powered online learning platform built to help today’s workforce meet tomorrow’s demands. Designed for professionals and built in partnership with industry leaders, DeVryPro offers practical, self-paced courses that make lifelong learning both accessible and actionable.

“Technology is not only shaping industries, but it’s also reshaping expectations,” said Dr. Shantanu Bose, provost and chief academic officer at DeVry University. “Professionals need learning solutions that are dynamic, career-relevant and designed to help them grow with the world around them. That’s exactly what DeVryPro delivers.”

A clear demand for skill development. According to DeVry University’s 2024 report, Closing the Gap: Upskilling and Reskilling in an AI Era, many are eager to build new skills but don’t always have the tools or time to do so. The report found: * Two-thirds of workers (67%) are open to alternative credentials to advance their careers * 42% of employers admit they’re unsure how to train employees on AI-related skills * Only about half of eligible employees (55%) participate in upskilling programs when offered MThis growing gap between the desire to learn and access to learning has sparked renewed interest in flexible, independent, career-aligned education.

Enter DeVryPro: Designed for today’s learners.

DeVryPro was created to help close the skills gap.

Whether someone is looking to deepen their expertise, shift careers or keep pace with emerging technologies, DeVryPro helps them do it on their own terms.

Key features include: AI learning coaches: Real-time assistants that offer personalized support, answer questions and prompt deeper thinking to help learners stay engaged and build confidence as they progress 8

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Essential disciplines: Each course reflects real-world challenges and delivers skills professionals can apply immediately Digital credentials: Learners earn a certificate of completion, including a digital badge to verify and showcase new skills Flexible format: Courses are 100% online and selfpaced, with access for a full year after enrollment Goal-oriented paths: Progress tracking and milestone tools help learners stay motivated and focused on their goals “We see a growing need to rethink aging learning models that prioritize institutional schedules over individual needs,” said Richard Korczyk, chief experience officer at DeVry University. “DeVryPro is designed for the pace of real life. It’s tech-forward and built to support the personal and professional growth that modern learners are seeking - without the added stress of navigating rigid timelines or competing obligations.

Built with industry, backed by insight. DeVryPro’s curriculum doesn’t just keep up - it looks ahead.

Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, the platform includes courses in high-impact areas like artificial intelligence, data analytics and leadership development, with updates added regularly based on market shifts. This intentional design helps learners not only understand the material but apply it in their roles, teams and industries.

Moreover, it offers custom training solutions for organizations, allowing employers to upskill their workforce with curated programs aligned to business goals. This dual impact - on individuals and the organizations they serve - makes DeVryPro a compelling tool for workforce development in a digital-first economy.

Supporting the future of work. From business to technology, this innovative platform offers a forward-looking path to meaningful skill development.

Its focus on flexibility, recognition and real-world relevance reflects the university’s broader mission: to equip learners with the tools they need to grow, contribute and lead in a changing world.

“At its core, DeVryPro is about unlocking potential,” added Korczyk. “It helps learners build not just skills but momentum.”

To explore what is possible, visit DeVryPro.—

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New Caregiving App for Alzheimer’s: Elevmi Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Nearly 70% of family caregivers say that coordinating care is stressful, and two-thirds struggle to find information to support their loved one’s needs according to a recent report from the Alzheimer’s Association. These challenges, combined with the emotional and physical toll of caregiving, make the journey especially difficult.

To help, a new AI-powered app, Elevmi, offers immediate, personalized support to caregivers. Elevmi can help caregivers find answers related to Alzheimer’s caregiving at a moment’s notice, record observations, prepare for doctors’ visits, and more.

Elevmi: Free personalized AI support for caregivers, by caregivers Caregivers often become the go-to resource for their loved ones. Now, they have an assistant on their journey: “Elle”, the app’s conversational AI. Elle answers Alzheimer’s care-related questions, provides information about managing symptoms, preparing for doctors’ visits and more, and offers reminders, all based on trusted sources like the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Developed with input from over 300 caregivers, Elle’s features are designed to deliver meaningful, practical support to help users manage their loved one’s condition and their own well-being.

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“Caregivers are often the backbone of Alzheimer’s care, balancing an immense load of responsibilities with little support,” said Sanket Shah, President of Otsuka Precision Health, Inc., the app developer.

“With Elevmi, we wanted to provide caregivers with a helpful, easy-to-use resource to help manage being a caregiver, including access to accurate, up-to-date information on the condition.”

Information and resources for Alzheimer’s care Alzheimer’s is a complex and multifaceted condition - with Elevmi, caregivers can stay up to date with knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease. Elevmi helps caregivers understand disease progression, symptom management, and care tips that can make a meaningful difference in their daily routines.

Elevmi provides caregivers with information that may help them: * Anticipate changes in behavior, such as increased agitation during the evening (sundowning), difficulty with daily routines, or changes in communication abilities. * Understand medical recommendations by explaining the purpose of cognitive assessments, the potential implications of medication adjustments, or the importance of physical and occupational therapies. * Prepare for upcoming doctor visits by allowing

caregivers to track observations of their loved one over time, craft effective, meaningful questions for healthcare providers on condition management, and conduct structured check-ins to provide helpful updates on a loved one’s needs. * Access resources with information on how to manage symptoms like wandering, difficulty sleeping and changes in appetite, all tailored to their loved one’s unique condition based on the questions a caregiver asks. * Help support their own mental health with features such as stress management techniques, mindfulness exercises, and reminders to take breaks and care for themselves.

Elevmi helps the individual receiving care but also prioritizes the mental and emotional health of caregivers. “You need a support system. You need to take care of yourself. It’s a long difficult journey at times,”

saidDeanna, a primary caregiver and member of the Elevmi design committee.

Get started with Elevmi. Elevmi is designed to be easy to use and accessible for Alzheimer’s disease caregivers. Here’s how you can get started for free: * Download the app: Elevmi is available on iOS® and Androidâ„¢ devices. Simply visit the App Store or Google Play and search for Elevmi. * Create an account: Set up an account by entering your email address and creating a secure password. * Explore the features: Once logged in, use Elevmi’s conversational AI, Elle, to ask questions, get personalized care tips, and prepare for doctor visits. * Stay informed: Access expert-backed resources about Alzheimer’s disease including information on symptom management and care strategies.

To download and learn more, visit www.elevmi. com.—

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Paint your garden with color: Stunning plants offer effortless beauty Spring is here, making it the perfect time to dream up your vibrant garden. This year, think of your garden as a personal masterpiece, where colors blend and nature takes center stage. Just like a painter, you can make your colors pop by pairing bold, warm tones - yellows, pinks, reds and oranges - against cool blues and greens to express yourself through gorgeous, living art.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, there’s a whole community ready to welcome you, plus garden stores and online resources brimming with inspiration. To help you get growing, the experts at Ball Horticultural Company are sharing their top plant picks to bring your garden to life with color.

1. A pollinator’s paradise. If you love the idea 12

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of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds fluttering through your yard, try these long-lasting, pollinator-friendly blooms: * Foxglove Arctic Foxâ„¢ Lemon Cream - Tall stems of light yellow flowers call to hummingbirds and bees who just love to feed in the tubular florets.

An easy way to keep things cheerful and buzzing in the garden. * Ageratum Monarch Magic - Monarch butterflies can’t resist these fluffy purple beauties, perfect for hanging baskets or ground cover. * Zinnia Elegant Hot Mixture - Bursting with pink, orange, scarlet and rose hues, these colorful zinnias add warmth to any garden bed or container.

2. Gardens that smell as good as they look. For those who enjoy the sweet aromas of flowers, these

fragrant varieties will delight your senses with their natural perfumes: * Dianthus DiaDeurâ„¢ - These full, double-bloomed carnations bring fresh bursts of pink, white and red to your garden, with a delicate fragrance to match. They thrive both indoors and outdoors and make a thoughtful hostess gift! * Agastache Summerlong - Not only beautiful, but also fragrant! These mid-size, sorbet-inspired blooms stand atop minty-scented foliage that attracts both people and pollinators. * Lavender ‘SuperBlue’ - With deep blue blooms and a classic calming scent, this long-lasting English lavender is a must-have for any aromatic garden.

3. Moody and elegant blooms. Dare to be different and go for deep, rich hues that add a touch of drama and stand out in your landscape or containers: * Angelonia AngelFlareâ„¢ Black - The darkest Angelonia on the market, this flared variety adds an air of mystery to your flower beds and containers.

M* Petunia Easy Wave® Navy Velour - These rich navy blooms create a stunning contrast when paired with silvery foliage. * Coleus FlameThrower™ Adobo Pink - A strik-

ing pink-hued foliage plant that adds texture and intrigue to any garden or container.

4. Vegetables that wow. Why not add color to both your garden and your plate! These unique veggies and herbs are as delicious as they are beautiful: * Kitchen Minis Bonsai Basil - A countertop-friendly basil plant with small, flavorful leaves no chopping required! * Tomato WonderStar Red - A large, bright red beefsteak tomato that’s as juicy as it is eye-catching. * Squash Green Lightning (AAS Award Winner) This early-ripening patty pan squash features striking green stripes and a tender, delicious flavor - perfect for roasting or soups.

No matter what your gardening style or experience level, these stunning plants make it easy to create a space filled with color, fragrance and life. So grab your gloves, dig in, and let your garden bloom with color and joy.—

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Five effective ways to maximize your workout routines Whether you’re new to the workout world or a lifelong athlete, you need the right fuel to power your workouts. Proper nutrition before and after exercise is critical to performing well, recovering quickly and making strides in your physical fitness journey.

This National Nutrition Month, Sports Dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner wants to help you take your workouts to the next level. Check out her five expert fitness and nutrition strategies that can take your exercise from good to great.

1. Have a pre-workout snack. Don’t work out on an empty stomach! Blatner recommends starting strong with a pre-workout snack 30-60 minutes before a workout. Choose a light snack - like a piece of fruit with nuts, string cheese or a hard-boiled egg - to fuel your effort without weighing you down.

2. Hydration is key. Did you know your body loses water overnight? To combat dehydration, kick off your morning with a glass of water. Having a glass of water right after you wake up can help you start the day feeling more energized.

Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon for a bit of flavor and Vitamin C. 3. Pilates is a must-try. Pilates is a popular form of exercise and for good reason. Because it’s a low-impact workout, it’s great for those who may have limitations when it comes to cardio and weights. But don’t be fooled - Pilates can have a high impact on your fitness. If you want to strengthen your core, improve flexibility and support total-body endurance, sign up for a Pilates class like Club Pilates and see how you like it!

4. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods.

Post-workout soreness is very common, but you can combat it. Blatner says you should incorporate anti-inflammatory foods to help your body recover, reduce soreness and keep you feeling strong.

Add options like eggs for high-quality protein and nutrients, berries and leafy greens for antioxidants, fish for healthy fats, and green or turmeric tea for their natural inflammation-fighting benefits.

5. Don’t forget about post-workout recovery.

Eating after a workout is just as important as fueling up beforehand. When you get home from the gym, try this single-serve Social Media Famous Tortilla Quiche as a quick, balanced and filling meal. Each 16

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quiche has about 20 grams of carbs to replenish energy and almost 30 grams of protein to support muscle repair.

The quiche is made with high-quality ingredients, including Eggland’s Best eggs, which contain more than double the Omega-3’s compared to ordinary eggs, to help reduce muscle soreness and aid in recovery after strenuous exercise. Eggland’s Best eggs also have more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, providing a natural energy boost and keeping you energized throughout the day.

Social Media Famous Tortilla Quiche. Prep time: 5 minutes; Cook time: 12 minutes; Yield: 1 serving Ingredients 2 Eggland’s Best Eggs, large 1/4 cup cottage cheese 1 whole-grain tortilla (a little bigger than the cake pan you’ll use) 1/2 cup chopped baby spinach (or your favorite veggie) 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese Instructions 1. Preheat air-fryer to 325°F. 2. Whisk together Eggland’s Best eggs and cottage cheese.

3. Place tortilla in a round cake pan, so it makes a little bowl shape. Pour in egg mixture and top with spinach and cheddar cheese.

4. Cook for 12 minutes, until the egg is set and cheese is melted.

Pro Tips: 1. If you have a smaller air-fryer, use a six-inch cake pan instead of a traditional nine-inch pan.

2. No air-fryer, no problem! Bake quiche in oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

3. Eat immediately or store covered in the fridge for up to three days. Warm in microwave or air-fryer.

To find more recipes to fuel your fitness, visit EgglandsBest.com.—

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The Science of Scent: Understanding Smell Disorders

Your sense of smell is more important than you think. It does more than just let you enjoy the aromas of your favorite foods or flowers. It can also serve as a warning system-alerting you to dangers such as a gas leak, spoiled food, or a fire.

Many adults experience changes to their sense of smell. Twelve to 13 percent of Americans over age 40-about 13.3 million people-have problems with their ability to smell. These problems-known as “smell disorders”-are more common in men than women. The risk of having a smell disorder also increases with age; nearly 25 percent of men ages 60 to 69 have a smell disorder.

People with a smell disorder either have trouble smelling odors, or they experience odors differently than most people do. There are four types of smell disorders: * Hyposmia - you have trouble detecting odors * Anosmia - you can’t detect odors at all * Parosmia - the way you perceive odors changes; for example, something that normally smells pleasant now smells foul * Phantosmia - you perceive an odor that isn’t there Smell disorders have many causes besides aging.

Other causes are: * Viruses * Sinus inflammation and other upper-respiratory infections * Smoking * Head injuries 18

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* Hormonal disturbances * Dental problems * Some medications * Conditions that affect the nervous system Changes in a person’s sense of smell can be short or long-lasting. Some people regain their ability to smell when they recover from the illness that caused the change. Others recover their sense of smell spontaneously, for no obvious reason.

If you experience changes in your sense of smell, talk to a doctor. Smell disorders can be a sign of a serious underlying health condition and can have a negative effect on your quality of life. An otolaryngologist-a specialist in diseases of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck-can help identify the cause of a potential smell disorder and offer options for treatment.

If you’re experiencing changes in your sense of smell, talk to a doctor.

Curious about how your sense of smell works? Learn how smells travel from the source to your brain and the reasons behind changes in your sense of smell in this short video from the National Institutes of Health at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). You can find this video at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/ smell-video. For more information on your sense of smell and smell disorders, visit NIDCD at https:// www.nidcd.nih.gov.—

FREE TRAINING TO

IMPACT

YOUR COMMUNITY

HOSTED BY:

WHAT IS CONNECTIONS MATTER? Connections Matter is designed to engage community members in building caring connections to improve resiliency. The Connections Matter Georgia initiative is a collaboration with Prevent Child Abuse Georgia and the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND:

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

To better understand trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) brain development, resilience, and overall health and wellness.

To obtain resources on how to take action and make a difference in your community To learn strategies to strengthen personal and community resilience To learn how to better support those who have experienced trauma.

WHEN:

TRAINING DETAILS:

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 9:00 - 12:00pm WHERE:

Virtual Workshop (Register for Zoom details)

Parents Community Members Childcare/Family Support Professionals Non-Profit Professionals Medical/Direct Service Providers Faith Organizations Educators

Approved for 4 hours of CEUs: LPCs, LMFTs, LCSW, Law Enforcement, SCEIs, and Bright from the Start

REGISTER HERE!

Questions? Please contact: Cheryl Vinson, cheryl.vinson@unitedwayswga.org GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2025 19

Why ‘Mompreneurs’ are essential to their communities The number of business-savvy mothers blazing the trail as entrepreneurs is at a record high. “Mompreneurs” are transforming the business landscape, not just for themselves, but also for future generations. According to Wells Fargo, growth in the number of female business owners has outpaced the market in recent years, with women-owned companies representing 39% of all businesses.

What could be a driver of this shift? Legacy.

One-third of female business owners surveyed in recent Kiddie Academy® research cite their primary motivation for starting a business as a desire to leave a lasting impact for their children and grandchildren.

For these women, entrepreneurship isn’t just a path to work-life balance - it’s an act of generational empowerment that’s essential to their communities.

Mompreneurs fill unique gaps in the market because they often start businesses based on personal experiences. This results in the creation of products and services that effectively solve problems for families and local communities. They’re showing their children what’s possible when you take a personal passion or value and turn it into a business.

According to the same Kiddie Academy survey, 90% of respondents believe it’s important for children to see more female business owners in their communities. Female representation can change 20

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what children believe is achievable as they form ideas about their own potential.

Children raised in “mompreneurial” households grow up with firsthand exposure to the highs and lows of business, the dedication it takes to launch and grow an idea and the courage it takes to follow one’s dreams. For daughters, it can plant the seeds of self-confidence. For sons, it can shape respect for women as leaders and equals in the workforce.

“I know that when my children see me going to work each day, I’m making a profound impact on their perception of women business owners,” said Emily Zaghi, franchise owner of three Kiddie Academy locations in New York and mother of three young children. “Beyond the legacy I’m building for my family, I also have so much more freedom to be part of my children’s lives.”

Nearly 70% of mothers say flexibility to spend more time with family is a major reason for starting their business, according to Wells Fargo. With that, mompreneurs have created support ecosystems for themselves and each other, redefining what work-life balance looks like. More and more, moms are designing businesses that prioritize flexibility and purpose.

When a mother becomes an entrepreneur, she’s not just building a business, she’s building a legacy the ripple effects of which can last for generations.—

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