The Brief: Why Aren’t More Women Biking to Work?

100,000 is a Mighty Fine Number

…especially when it has to do with new jobs. A coalition of major companies including Starbucks, CVS, Hilton, Target, and Microsoft have just pledged to hire 100,000 young, minority Americans by 2018. Called the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is leading the charge to give full- and part-time jobs, as well as apprenticeships and internships, to disadvantaged youth who are looking to find work. Read more about it here.

Not Spinning Their Wheels

It seems like more people than ever are biking to work, but The New York Times pointed out a major gender gap when it comes to bike-sharing services in major cities, from NYC to London. Why aren’t the ladies loving the bikes? It’s not because they’re worried about messing up their hair or outfits, but rather because women are more risk averse and see the potential danger. And then there’s the whole issue that women may not have time for a bike ride because they’re still doing the majority of the childcare (and balancing a baby on your handlebars is looked down upon). But cities are working on trying to woo women onto their seats. Citi Bikes is launching initiatives to make biking seem more stylish (think SoulCycle, but the bike actually goes somewhere) and highlighting the importance of biking when it comes to women’s independence (the suffragettes were all about the bikes). (Related: The Beginner’s Guide to Biking to Work)

And Now She Cooks…

Move over Gwyneth Paltrow, everyone’s favorite reality star turned entrepreneur/author/fashion designer is now entering the food world! Yes, we’re talking about Lauren Conrad here. Her latest book, Lauren Conrad Celebrate (set for an April 2016 release) will focus on cooking, entertaining, and crafts/hobbies, according to Harper Collins. We’re not sure what the recipes will be, as the “rest is still unwritten,” but we know they’ll definitely make for great pics on Instagram. We also figure it will probably be a best-seller, since everything this girl touches turns to gold (just like her perfectly tousled hair). We’re hoping she gives us a few lunch tips for work! (Related: By the Numbers, Jessica Simpson)

Levo #POTD (Profile of the Day)

Talk about an energized elevator pitch! Leadership and career development mentorJacqueline Twillie makes it her mission to inspire people to be the “grandest versions of themselves.”

Levo Loves…

Serena Williams! Though you were probably too busy looking at all the pictures from the Taylor Swift concert, you may have heard that Serena Williams won Wimbledon! Beating 21-year-old Garbine Muguruza of Spain, Williams took home her 21st Grand Slam title. If she wins the U.S. Open in September, she will be the first player to nab all four majors in one season. The last person to do this was Steffi Graf in 1988.

from http://monalisaofblogging.com/the-brief-why-arent-more-women-biking-to-work