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Cierra Ramirez: Girl In Progress

May 18, 2012 By lauradonnelly Leave a Comment

Breaking new ground in American film, again, director Patricia Riggen, known for critically-acclaimed La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon, 2007), starring Kate Del Castillo and America Ferrara, brings another a heart-warming story to screen.  This time, Riggen spotlights the timeless and complex mother-daughter dynamic.

An original and thoughtful rite of passage story Girl in Progress (Pantelion Films), depicts the ups and down of parent-daughter relationships.  Girl in Progress shows some genuine challenges of American “Latinidad” including teen and single parenthood. It addresses that experience in later years, where mother, played by Eva Mendes, is providing, flourishing and independent. While still growing up herself, she ultimately wants her daughter to feel loved and provided for.

The true focus of “Girl” is break-out youth actress Cierra Ramirez who plays Mendes’ daughter, “Ansiedad” (Anxiety) and her clever pursuit of a rite of passage as dictated by American literature.  Though, she gets in over her head in what begins as a game, Ansiedad is smart, cynical and mocks the typical American “geek to chic” story.

She’s a brainy Latina and Latinitas knows this will resonate with the hundreds of thousands of Latina girls in the U.S. starved for this kind of character in their entertainment.

Latinitas caught up with Ramirez about her role in Girl in Progress:

Where are you from and how did you get started in acting?

I’m originally from Houston, Texas, which is how I got my start! I had always loved to perform and after competing in many local singing competitions, I got the opportunity to compete in one located in LA. Which led to landing my agent and later booking this role.

What characters did you watch in TV and film growing up that inspired you? Were any Latina?

I really admire Angelina Jolie’s career. Not only does she take on the type of roles that one day I’d love to have the opportunity to do, but she’s a great person. She’s always willing to help others, and I think that’s important.

How do you describe your role in Girl In Progress to others?

I play Ansiedad, a 13-year old girl who feels neglected by her mother and seeks a rite of passage as a way to enter adulthood and leave her childhood behind, along with her mother.

What was your favorite part working on this film?

I really loved the learning experience. Everyone was so fun and easy to work with and I’ve made friends and
memories that will last a lifetime!

What did you know about your fellow cast members such as Eugenia Derbez, who is hugely popular in Mexico, before you started the film?

I was already familiar with Eugenio Derbez before filming Girl In Progress. Not only did my dad grow up watching him on Univision, I watched him in the film La Misma Luna in my Spanish class every year! The film was directed by the director of Girl In Progress, Patricia Riggen- which I thought was super cool!

What do you recommend to young Latinas out there navigating media and all the messages thrown at them about “what is Hispanic/Latina?

I would recommend to stay true to yourself and never forget where you come from. If it’s what you want, go out and get it, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.

What is one crazy wish that you have?

If I told you, it wouldn’t come true :)

Filed Under: Featured

Latinitas Dia de Las Madres Contest Winners

May 14, 2012 By lauradonnelly Leave a Comment

We were especially touched this year by the quality of entries to Latinitas’ 2012 Dia de las Madres writing/video/art contest.  Winners of this regional contest were awarded free passes to Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, TX) and Schlitterbahn water park.  Applicants were as young as 9 years old and as old as high school.  Girls presented “great mothers” in their lives through writing, video or illustration.  A marketing team from Texas State University’s communications department created the contest parameters, reached out to schools for submissions and vetted entries for the following winners…

My Mom by Celie Contreras

My mom is special to me because she cares about me in every way. My mom supports me in everything I do, like sports and school. I love my mom in lots of many ways. My mom is a hard working woman that a lot of people like. My mom tells me that she loves me and when she tells me that… I cherish those moments and say, “I love you too mom!” Sometimes my mom and I fight and argue but right after that minute we love each other again.  My mom adores me and I adore my mom more.  My mom buys me a lot of clothes, food to eat and water to drink and most of all she loves me! My mom spends a lot of time with me, so in the future when my sibling leave my mom and I can spend even more time together when I’m an only child.  Every day I wake up she says, “I love you little one,” and when she says that I smile big, so my mom knows I’m happy! When my mom looks at me I always think she’s going to say something about my eyes, but she says, “Celie you need to clean your glasses again,” after she says that I give her my glasses to clean. When I put on my glasses … now she says, Celie your eyes are beautiful!”  Then night time comes, she tucks me in and puts the blankets over me and gives me a goodnight kiss. In the morning she wakes me up and turns the light on and says, “Get dressed for school…” all I think about is ahh I love when my mom says those words! When it comes to the dinner table she always tells Carlie, Daniel, my dad and I to use our manners properly! She always says, “Are you saving that for later?” That is only if we have food on our face or clothes that we didn’t know about! While we eat dinner we always talk about how our day was and what we did today. When we talk we laugh and giggle about the one funny thing that happened. Even though you think parents can be embarrassing my mom is actually kind of cool to be around when my friends are over. That’s why I love my mother with all of my heart!!!!

My Mother by Marisa Flores

My mom has been an influence in my life by …Teaching me and telling me I’m good at sports, school, and art. She tells me to go to college in order to get a good job. My mom supports me in school and sports .My mom cares about me, and tells
me that she loves me .My mom helps me with everything . My mom helps me practice, takes me to practice, and goes to all of my games. My mom takes me shopping and buys stuff for my bed room, and school, summer and outdoor clothes.
My mom tells me I’m pretty.  My mom tells me never to do any drugs that it will mess your whole life up. Sometimes my mom and I may argue but I know she still loves me.  My mom tells me to listen to my teachers and my elders.  My mom tells me I should never give up or quit something I’ve already started.  My mom always encourages me to save my money. My mom tells me don’t change for anyone .My mom tells me don’t ever quit dreaming .My mom tells me that I am beautiful no matter what anyone says. My mom says everything is possible. I have the best mom ever even though we fight.  My mom tells me goodnight every night. My mom buys mom buys me everything I want for Christmas.  My mom understands all my problems.  My mom takes me to the dentist, pays my phone bill, and bought me a DS.  My mom let’s me have my own room.  My mom can trust me.  My mom is nice to all my friends. My mom loves all my ideas. My mom helps me through everything.  My mom always takes me out for dinner. My mom always cares for me if I’m sick. My mom always agrees with me.  Even though my mom and I have been through a lot of ups and downs … I still love her.

My Amazing Sister by Emerald Espino

My sister, Vanessa Marie Espino, is my role model.  Why? She is the strongest, prettiest, bravest, caring, person that I know.  She is strong because she has bills to pay, food to buy and cook, clean the house, and she has to care my brothers and me and her own kids.  She is very strong and I don’t know how she does it. She’s amazing!  She always tells me that we have our ups and downs and that we just have to be strong and wish for the best. She is like so strong and I love her and I feel like she doesn’t know that and I feel like I don’t do enough. She is also pretty. She is pretty with or without  makeup or dressing up and doing her hair. She is herself. She is also the bravest person I know because she is not afraid of making sacrifices to make our lives better. All she wants is for us to behappy. And last but not least she is caring. She is caring because right away when she knows that we have received our child support check, she takes care of our needs first.  She doesn’t say, “Well no let me go do this first for myself or her family.” No she goes right ahead and puts us first and let’s us get what we need.  When we don’t have our child support she gives us money so we can have what we need.  She gave my brother and me money for my fieldtrip when we didn’t have any money.  And another thing is that she is taking care of my brothers and me because nobody else wants to.   She lets us live in her house for free.  She is taking care of us when my mom and dad should be doing this.  She is like a mom to me.  She takes care of me, my brothers, her kids, her boyfriend, and herself. That is a lot and I don’t know how she does it.  I really appreciate what she has done for us.  I hope that when I grow up I will be just like her.  These are all the reasons why my sister is my role model and a great mom.

Mi Madre by Maria Isabel Gonzalez-Segura

Yo   tengo a  alguien  que siempre  estará  en mi  corazón  y ella  es  mi hermana  Elizabeth.  Ella es  fuerte  y lucha  por  mí. Es la  mejor  hermana que  he  querido. Es fuerte  hace  un esfuerzo  por  sus  4 hijos  y mas a mi. También le ayudo con  sus  niño pero  yo  estoy chiquita y  dice  que no  me preocupe. también mi  hermana es  inteligente  porque me  ayuda  con
mi  tarea  y con  mis  problemas. Me hace  pensar  porque si  hace  mucho por  mi  yo la  quiero  mucho y  se  siente como   que  ella era mi  mama. Gracias  a ella  mi  vida es  feliz.  Mi hermana  es  valiente porque cuando  yo  estoy
enferma  ella  me dice  hermanita  ponte los zapatos  vamos  ir al  hospital  y en  esos  momentos me  hace  llorar porque
si  me  quiere y quiere que yo este  sana. Para que siempre  este  feliz. Lo mejor  de  mi hermana  es  que ES  LA  MEJOR  EN  EL  MUNDO. Ella era  la primera  en  bañarme  yo  la  amo y  siempre  la  voy a  querer   mi hermana es  mi  mejor  hermana  y  mejor amiga  Te quiero mi  hermanita chula.

 

Filed Under: True Stories for Girls Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Latinitas Applauds Screening of “Girl in Progress” with Eva Mendes (Austin, TX)

April 20, 2012 By lauradonnelly Leave a Comment

AUSTIN, TX  -   According to mainstream press, the “sleeping giant,” Latinos, are awakening, inspiring the first Time magazine cover in Spanish. But, despite such validating nods, mainstream television and film are slow to inclusivity.   Desperate Housewives’ creator Marc Cherry was asked to adapt a telenovela for American television and disregarding decades of Latinas being pigeonholed into roles of servitude in film and TV, Cherry chose “Devious Maids,” as his vehicle, without irony.

So, when Lionsgate Films asked Latinitas if they’d like to participate in a free /special
screening of Girl in Progress starring Eva Mendes on Sat., April 28, 11am at Cinemark Tinseltown 17, the non-profit focused on empowering young Latinas using media and technology jumped at the opportunity to screen a smart and genuine rite of passage story about a young Latina.  Director Patricia Riggen and Austin’s own Spy Kids franchisee Elizabeth Avellón will be present for a
Q&A after the film.

Girl in Progress depicts some genuine challenges  of American “Latinidad” including teen and single parenthood, but addresses it in the later years, where mother is providing, flourishing and independent and while still growing up herself, ultimately wants her daughter to feel loved and provided for.  The true focus of the film is daughter, Ansiedad’s, clever pursuit of a rite of passage as dictated by American
literature.  Though, she gets in over her head in what begins as a game, Ansiedad is smart, cynical and mocks the typical American “geek to chic” ” rite of passage story.  She’s a brainy Latina and Latinitas knows this will resonate with the hundreds of girls in Latinitas’ clubs and the thousands who read Latinitasmagazine.org.

“Frankly, it’s so rare to see Latinas as the heroes/leads in movies and to have a young female driving the film’s plot, who is book-smart, ambitious and beautiful is tremendous and extremely meaningful to tens of thousands of Latina and other girls who do not see their identity, culture and face reflected in cinema.” Said Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Latinitas Co-Founder and COO. “Young Latinas are
these fastest growing youth population, yet Hollywood continues to insist a monolithic representation of teen youth in film – usually White.”

Latinitas, (www.latinitasmagazine.org) the first digital magazine made for and by young Latinas with programming focused on empowering Hispanic girls and teens, has been a long-time proponent of not
only publishing and broadcasting positive and more accurate portrayals of Latinas in its publications and social media platforms, but is also busy cultivating these voices in clubs, camps and workshops that have served over 20,000 girls and teens in Central and West Texas, as well as New Mexico.

Latinitas’ club members educated  in media, cultural and technology literacy, will  blog, vlog and write articles about Girl in Progress for Latinitasmagazine.org and its own social media platform: MyLatinitas.com after the screening.  Girl in Progress officially releases on May 12.

 

Filed Under: Austin News, News Room

Latinitas are V.I.P.s During SXSW: Spring Camp (Austin, TX)

February 16, 2012 By lauradonnelly Leave a Comment

Backstage and VIP passes to shows, exclusive interviews with musicians, producing a music talk show, planning a Flash Mob and making music videos will be just a few activities on Latinitas Spring Break Camp roster: appropriately titled: Get Your Backstage Pass! during the week of SXSW.

Any girl in grades 4-8 can register for Latinitas’ annual Spring Break camp held at their headquarters off of South Lamar. (1107 S. 8th St. Austin, TX 78704).  Latinitas (latinitasmagazine.org) is the first digital magazine made for and by young Latinas and also provides outreach programs such as clubs, camps and workshops in Austin and El Paso focused on digital media education and cultural literacy.

Capitalizing on all the free music happening around town, festivities at the Convention Center, visiting Latino and other bands and wonderful promotion partners like Dart Music International and Bravo Entertainment, Latinitas continually hosts local and international talent at this camp and girls are able to put their digital media skills to work conducting interviews, producing shows and developing their own music blogs and magazines.

“In past years, visiting bands included international acts such as Colombia’s Afro-Hip hop group: Las Profetas, as well as local favorites Patricia Vonne, Maneja Beto and Tish Hinojosa, who not only let the girls interview and film them, but provided intimate acoustic and sometimes interactive performances,” said Latinitas Founder Laura Donnelly Gonzalez.

Latinitas Get Your Backstage Pass! Spring Break Camp lays out the nuts and bolts of music journalism using writing, photography, video, radio, graph and web design lessons.  Camp costs $200 for the week, goes March 12-16, 10am to 4pm and scholarships are available.  Call 512.447.4440 x137 or email latinitascamps@yahoo.com for scholarship info. Register online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/221326.

Filed Under: News Room

Q & A with Telemundo Anchor Karla Leal

January 31, 2012 By lauradonnelly Leave a Comment

Describe your current job now and what you like about it:

I have the blessing of being the main anchor and reporter for Telemundo Austin. We cover the central Texas area providing local, national and international news in Spanish during our 5pm and 10pm noticieros on cable channel 75, and digital channel 42.2

I love being at the service of the community of central Texas. My favorite part of my job is that, when I work on a story (TV Report), I become a path for people to share their world.

What kind of training was needed to do the work you do?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism, but before I completed my undergraduate degree I had some training that helped me feel more comfortable on camera.

I have an Associate’s Degree in Theatre Arts from the Centro de Artes Escenicas del Noroeste in Tijuana, Mexico.

I also studied Radio Announcing & TV Performance at the San Diego School of Broadcasting.

I believe education can always help you improve and advance in your career, so I go to conventions, and apply for fellowships and journalism seminars regularly.

Currently I have a scholarship from the International Center for Journalists, and I am receiving training on multimedia journalism from this organization.

How is your culture reflected in the work you do and the perspective you have?

The Latino culture is everywhere in our Noticiero Telemundo Austin. We deliver the news in Spanish, and the majority of the news content is local and/or Latino related. We are committed to proving news in a non-biased way, so we don’t include our perspective in the stories of our shows.

However, as a reporter, I am always fascinated by how each person can tell a story (report) in so many different ways. That’s where our interpretation of events & anecdotes comes in.

Is there a story you’ve covered that still affects you? What was it and why?

There are many stories that have a special place in my heart. It’s hard to choose a favorite. I’ve been able to travel Mexico, and some parts of the U.S. to report on issues that have local impact. I’ve also interviewed many people with unique perspectives and experiences to share.

Two ladies who I will never forget are Adriana Macias and Alicia Anaya. Macias is a motivational speaker who was born with no arms. She uses her feet to do what her arms would. Just being around her is empowering. Telling her story made me realize we shouldn’t take things for granted.

Anaya is one of the children who motivated the Mendez vs. Westminster federal court case in 1946.  The case challenged racial segregation in southern California schools, and it set precedent for other movements of this type in other parts of the country.  This case was filled by Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez—Anaya’s tios—after they tried to enroll their daughter and niece in a school, and they were denied entrance because the children were of Mexican descent. The girls had to go to an all Mexican school, and the Mendez decided to take action to end this type of discrimination. Anaya treasures so many valuable parts of history; I was captured by her anecdotes. She grew up in a society were speaking Spanish was punishable, and Latinos in general seeing as second class citizens. It was an honor to interview someone that left a positive mark in history.

Recently I reported on a project called “31-thousand portraits for peace,” and on the “Tejano Monument” coming to the Texas State Capitol next year. Both stories are also in my favorite files.

What do you do in your free time?

Austin has helped me discover I love the outdoors. I got here, and I became a marathon runner. That’s why I love jogging around Town Lake, downtown and many other areas of our city. I also go to Lady Bird Lake to practice Stand-up paddling. I enjoy reading, so I volunteer reading with second graders through the academic school year as part of a program called “Compañeros de Lectura.”

I like to cook for my family and friends. My favorite rhythms to dance to are samba, salsa and anything from Colectivo Nortec (my favorite band). I enjoy listening to live music. The Austin Symphony Orchestra is among my local favorites. I like going to the museums and festivals in town. I also relax watching plays, going to the opera, dance performances, etc.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

The sky is the limit. My goal is to become an established journalist. I want to continue acquiring skills that will help me evolve in the industry I currently work for.  I want to evolve and have the opportunity to take on leadership roles to empower future generations of professionals interested in the communications industry.

I currently share my successes and struggles with my parents and sister, but in the future, I know I will find the path to have a family of my own to love, nurture and empower too.

Filed Under: Careers for Girls

First U.S. Digital Magazine For Young Latinas Celebrates 10 Year Mark by Honoring 20 Under 20

January 23, 2012 By lauradonnelly Leave a Comment

AUSTIN/EL PASO, TX  – Jan. 23, 2012 – Still the only magazine made for and by young Latinas, LatinitasMagazine.org celebrates 10 years of publishing and programs by honoring 20 Under 20 Outstanding Young Latinas.

Started in a college class, Latinitas has published over 2000 articles since its inception, reaches 30,000 readers a month and is also a non-profit agency that has empowered 20,000 girls and teens using media and technology through clubs, camps, workshops and conferences since its inception in 2002.

Latinitas’ programs are located in Central and West Texas and, recently, New Mexico, but its readership is international, yielding hits as far as Australia, Spain and Chile and as nearby as Middle America.  Girls and teens enrolled in Latinitas’ bilingual and bicultural programs learn multimedia journalism, with a strong focus on culture and media literacy. 

Why make media for young Latinas?  Founders Laura Donnelly Gonzalez and Alicia Rascon explain, “Young Latinas are consistently misrepresented in media.  The images are negative, over-sexualized or are not there at all.” said Donnelly Gonzalez.  Rascon added, “We are putting the power of media in the girls’ hands so they can debunk the stereotypes and create a more accurate portrayal of being Latina in the U.S.”

To celebrate 10 years of programs and publishing, Latinitas launched its first annual 20 Under 20 Awards for young Latinas engaged in their communities creating impact.

 “20 Under 20” awardees were chosen from a national nomination process.   Winners came from Washington DC,  Salt Lake City, UT, Phoenix, AZ and Texas cities like San Antonio, El Paso, Austin and Lubbock.

Starting on Latinitas’ official 10th birthday: Jan 30, the magazine will feature a 20 Under 20 spotlight for 20 days in Latinitasmagazine.org as a way to honor and recognize these young women who give to their community daily.

“Experiencing homelessness at an early age did not get in the way for teenager, Nancy Martinez, from accomplishing her goals and helping her community. She was able to overcome hardships and kept herself busy in the numerous organizations.” said her 20 Under 20 nominator, Noraine Buttar.

“Her participation in the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA), Project  Sticker Shock¸ counselor aid, mentor, and Latina Youth for Excellence (LYFE), where she serves as president¸ she has demonstrated that there’s no goal you can’t reach.” Buttar added. “Young Latinas look up to Nancy. They see how much she has accomplished both in school and in the community through her volunteer efforts, and they want to emulate her behavior and successes.”

For more information contact the Latinitas press office at 512.447.4440 x137.

www.latinitasmagazine.org

www.mylatinitas.com

www.youtube.com/latinitasmagazine

www.twitter.com/latinitasmagazine

wwww.facebook.com/Latinitasmag

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Established in 2002, Latinitas (www.latinitasmagazine.org) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to empower young Latinas through media and technology. Latinitas has been a vital part of young Latinas’ lives through after-school programs, teen internships, Saturday and summer camps, special events, and the very first online e-zine for young Latinas—www.latinitasmagazine.org, which is read by over 30,000 a month.  Latinitas has served over 20,000 girls and teens with its program since its origin.

Filed Under: News Room

Blogger Sara Inés Calderón

December 20, 2011 By lauradonnelly Leave a Comment

Latina Bloguera What was the origin of NewsTaco.com? Why did you start it?

NewsTaco.com grew out of a frustration with not being able to either see ourselves or our communities reflected in the news, but also wanting to get a little bit more out of the news, namely a clue as to what was happening with Latinos across the country.

I and the other co-founders wanted to provide a platform for Latinos across the country to be informed, to meet each other, inform each other and share their unique perspectives.

What do you reference from middle and high school when generating and seeking content for News Taco?

Definitely one of the big drivers for me personally with regard to News Taco is the feeling I had when I was in eighth grade that I didn’t have anyone who was “like me” to look up to. Even in high school, when I was searching for Latino rock bands (this is before there was iTunes and Facebook, mind you) I felt like I wanted to be able to imagine myself in bigger and better spaces by seeing a role model who I could relate to. So there’s definitely that.

As far as high school, I had a great English teacher — Mr. Sullivan — who really taught me about the idea of writing as a science. The idea that the words could be constructed and manipulated, that writing didn’t just happen, really transformed my life at that point.  Of course, I didn’t truly grasp how much his class changed my life until much later, when I was a professional journalist, but these experiences when you are young do count for so much.

What is your overall mission with the site/blog?’

We brand ourselves as “The Latino Daily” because we want to be the go to place for news and information from a Latino perspective. The name News Taco has offended some people, but what we explain on our site (http://www.newstaco.com/about/) is that we chose the name because we wanted the website to be a taco for your mind, for your heart, in the sense that the tacos you eat for food nourish you in just the right way. For example, nothing makes me feel quite as at home and comforted and as happy as a taquito de frijole; we wanted to capture that magic with News Taco.

What has been the most rewarding part of creating your own media?

What’s truly surprised me with regard to News Taco is that my favorite part of the entire enterprise has been to promote other Latino writers and artists across the country. I thought I would enjoy writing and generating my own content, but what I’ve truly appreciated was being able to meet and work with Latina and Latino writers from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Arizona, Texas and everywhere in between.

There’s so much talent out there, and as I’ve begun working with all of these talented Latinos, I’ve realized that this is truly one of News Taco’s core values: to be a platform to promote Latinos across the country. Thus, the most rewarding part of generating my own media has been giving a voice to other Latinos who needed a platform and watching them grow as writers and in popularity.

What’s on the horizon for news taco? Audio? more video?

We’re definitely hoping to do more. More video would be great, more news, more writers, more perspective, more offerings. We’re hoping to be able to offer more networking opportunities for the News Taco community and then going into 2012 we’re planning on extensive coverage pertaining to Latino voters.

Where are you from? Name a few personal interests you have.
My family is from Eagle Pass, Texas, but I grew up mostly in LA. I then graduated high school in San Antonio, spent time professionally in Brownsville, Austin and again San Antonio, and am now back in LA.

I love lots of things, but work too much these days to pursue any of them, ha ha!  I like martial arts, reading novels, dangly earrings (I have an extensive collection), museums, action movies, good conversation and spending time with my loved ones. I come from a long line of homebodies. :0

Filed Under: Leading Latinas

Club Leader Feedback

September 30, 2011 By lauradonnelly Leave a Comment

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity of working for Latinitas. I have learned so much and am inspired to continue the Latinitas’ mission always.  Thank you again. I will never forget my experience with you all in Austin. I admire every in Latinitas so much. – Paloma Gonzalez, Club Leader 2010-2011.

Filed Under: Testimonials, Uncategorized