El Paso June 2013 NEWSLETTER
Upcoming Events
SUMMER PROGRAMS – NOW ENROLLING
To register, call 915.219.8554, email latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com or register online at: http://laslatinitas.com/programs/registration.
TEEN MEDIA ACADEMY
July 1-3 from 1-4pm at 10935 Ben Crenshaw #207
August 5-7 from 1-4pm at 10935 Ben Crenshaw #207
Local teens 13 and up are invited to discover how they can change the world through multimedia arts & technology. Girls will engage in video making, blogging, photography, podcasting and other activities to get their media message out to the world. Aside from these fun activities, professional women in various media industries will be presenting a career panel to empower teens. With presentations from local media makers as well as hands-on media production, teens will discover their voice and build leadership skills as they produce multimedia arts projects about issues they care about to make a difference. The camp runs Monday-Wednesday from 1:00-4:00pm and each week costs $20. A limited number of partial scholarships are available on a needed-basis.
CAMPS FOR PRE-TEENS
FASHION STAR CAMP: July 8-11
HOLLYWOOD – CINEMA CHICA CAMP: July 15-18
MULTIMEDIA ARTS CAMP: July 22-25
HEALTHY CHICA – WELLNESS & SPA CAMP: July 29-August 1 Latinitas will inspire girls ages 9-14 to find their creative expression outlet by producing original multimedia arts projects during this day camp program. Campers will learn how to create original photographs, poems, arts & crafts, audio pieces, essays, designs and short movies. Each camp has a different theme from fashion to wellness. In the Fashion Star Camp, girls will have fun with designing fashion accessories, fashion writing, modeling, photography and videos while creating their own fashion magazine! In the Hollywood Camp, cinema chicas will go on an audio-visual adventure by writing a script, acting, filming, video editing and make a video debut. In the Multimedia Arts Camp, girls will meet local multimedia artists and practice a wide array of visual arts such as painting, drawing, photography, pottery, sculpture and more. Girls will relax & rejuvenate with the Healthy Chica camp and enjoy spa treatments, yoga, fitness as well as other fun self-expression and self-care activities. The camp runs Monday-Thursday from 10:00am-5:00pm at 10935 Ben Crenshaw #207 and each week costs $75 and covers all supplies and equipment. Space is limited. A limited number of partial scholarships are available on a needed-basis.
CHICAS ADVANCING IN MEDIA PROJECT
June 8 & June 22 11:30am-1pm at 10935 Ben Crenshaw #207
For Girls Ages 13-19
Chicas Advancing in Media Project is a multimedia training program for teen girls with a focus on helping girls build confidence through multimedia expression. With bi-weekly meetings, teens will have an opportunity to get tips from the pros and learn about self-expression through writing, photography, audio production, poetry and film-making. The program includes hands-on media projects, publishing opportunities in our magazine and field trips to local media stations and community events.
CREATIVE CHICAS SATURDAY CLASSES
Photography Series: June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29
Video Series: July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27
Art Series: August 3, August 10, August 17, August 24
Classes Held from 10:00-11:30am at 10935 Ben Crenshaw #207
In these digital arts workshops, girls gain skills related to photography, film and multimedia arts as they boost their self-esteem and express themselves creatively. Girls in grades 4-8 will come home with a project as unique as she is – and the confidence to effectively apply her new skills. Using images, words, video, photos and art girls will learn important communication skills, tell their story and gain self-confidence. Each course series is $15 and covers 4 consecutive classes.
Program Spotlight: Club Latinitas
This semester, we had a vibrant group of Club Leaders and Club Mentors leading and assisting with after-school multimedia enrichment camps at 15 local public libraries and Housing Authorities. The girl empowerment clubs help girls foster a positive self-esteem, enhance their voice in a positive atmosphere, build confidence and gain cultural pride through creative multimedia expression. The girls learned about photography, healthy relationships, body image, college prep, Día de las Madres, Latino artists, and the importance of staying active. From creating fotonovelas to PSAs, girls learned the basics about photography and video production. Club members also participated in a Women’s History Month Celebration and Global Youth Service Day.
Desiraie Murillo, Club Leader at the Johnson Housing Authority, says “I think the club greatly benefited the girls, it not only taught them social skills, but also that people care about them and want to help them… They learned how to better handle sticky situations, how to control their anger, and how to better talk to people about what they feel.”
Club Leader at Alvarez, Laura Werthmann, shares:”Staying active was my favorite activity because the girls already new so much about their health and we held a long discussion about the importance of health. We also choreographed a music video to understand the many ways one can exercise. Aside from video production, club members expressed that favorite lessons within the club dealt with arts and crafts. These chicas unleashed their creativity by creating body image posters, artwork, and gifts for Día de las Madres. Club Latinitas not only boosts confidence, it fosters friendships.”
“We became friends, they shared their experiences from their school with me, and I say they become more confident as every week passed by. The girls learned the importance of embracing their Latina culture. I think that the club benefits the girls by meeting other girls that share their same culture and they feel accepted. I am happy that I influenced these girls’ lives in a positive way and hopefully they will do the same in the future,” states Jessica Salcedo, Club Leader at Irving Schwartz Library.
Donor Spotlight: State Farm Agent Elizabeth Lopez
Elizabeth was born in Cd. Delicias, Chih and was raised in El Paso. She completed her first degree in Travel & Tourism, began an exciting career in the travel industry and quickly started management training. After ten years in the travel industry, she went back to school and completed her degree in Business Management. Within ten years, she climbed the corporate ladder up to the Director of Operations for a large consumer services organization.
“After 20 years of working for major organizations, I decided to look for opportunities to own my own business. About a year ago, I was selected to join the State Farm Agency Intern program to begin my training and preparation to own and operate my own State Farm Agency. This has been one of the most remarkable experiences of my life. I am grateful every day that my life hasn’t always been easy – it has prepared me well for this challenge,” expressed Elizabeth.
To be part of an organization that not only promotes Latinas, but also prepares young Latinas through education, technology, and developing leadership skills is what motivates Elizabeth to have a strong presence within the organization. “I have been very blessed to have great examples of strength and integrity in my life – and consider it my responsibility to give back to my community (particularly our Latinas),” she adds.
Elizabeth has been a partner/volunteer with Latinitas for about 5 years and served as a Board Member for the last two years. As a Latinitas volunteer, Elizabeth has helped with coordinating the fashion show and Tiara Tuesday, organizing photography and art exhibit, sponsoring the Butterfly Effect Benefit, and sponsoring camp attendees.
Her advice to girls is: “ABOVE all things – stay true to yourself! Dream big …..all things are possible!”
Event Recap: Butterfly Effect
Thank you to all the wonderful supporters who helped make the Butterfly Effect a great success in May. The Butterfly Event Fundraiser showcased local women leaders and female talent in El Paso at the Double Tree Hotel. A day of relaxation for a great cause, charismatic keynote speaker, Erika Castillo, and Lady Leslie, the event’s Emcee, encouraged attendees to relax and pamper themselves as they bid on silent action items and visited local vendor booths. Attendees were pampered with spa day booths offering manicures and facials from Milan Institute of Cosmetology and Milan Salon and Spa, as Avon Representative Alecia McKinney and Mary Kay Representative Irene Aguilar enhanced the attendee’s natural beauty with makeovers. The highlight of the event was the fashion show where teens from the Latinitas programs modeled clothes from local retailers Lakadore, Ragazza Bazaar and Klothes Lime. Special thanks to all the wonderful event sponsors including: Double Tree Hotel, State Farm Agent Elizabeth Lopez, Ben Bridge Jewelers, OSP Group, Wise Latinas International, Telemundo KTDO, Nuestra Comunidad, 104.3 HITFM, Association of Women In Science and Emajj.
Partner Spotlight: Media Youth Camp
Latinitas co-hosted a Media Smart Youth Camp in partnership with the YWCA in March at Baird and Hart Housing Authorities. Lily Gonzalez and Daniela Lagunes coordinated this hands-on multimedia enrichment camp. Lily led a nutrition panel where girls enhanced their nutritional knowledge and created healthy recipes. Girls discussed health and wellness topics and created multimedia projects about healthy lifestyles such as a health tips video public service announcement and newsletter. The focus of the camp was to teach local girls to lead an active lifestyle while learning how to make healthy food choices. Participants participated in a mini-flash mob, learned how to do yoga and made healthy snacks.
Helen of Troy Charity Benefit
Mark your calendar for the”Helen of Troy Charity Benefit” on June 23, 2013 from 10:00am to 6:00pm at the Helen of Troy Outlet Store
(1 Helen of Troy Plaza; 1-10 Exit 9 at Redd Road).
Shop great products and deals for a great cause! Helen of Troy will generously donate 10% of all sale made during the event to Latinitas. Proceeds made during the Helen of Troy’s Charity Sunday Benefit will support Latinitas’ mission of empowering local girls through confidence-building programs. You will find tons of great deals on a selection of hair, facial, kitchen, cooking and organizational products from Revlon, OXO, Braun, Vidal, Sassoon, Honey well, Dr. Scholls, Brut, Hot Tools, Infusium 23 and more!
Volunteer Spotlight: Alliance for Latinitas
The group of professional women in Alliance for Latinitas is the heart of the Latinitas fundraising committee. These fundraising gurus help raise community awareness and fund to support the Latinitas mission of empowering Latina youth. Members assist with event planning, fundraising, marketing, public relations, community affairs and volunteer recruitment. Special thanks to some of our most dedicated team members who played an essential role in planning the Butterfly Effect Benefit: Ginger Raya, Angela Sustaita, Maria Morales, Elizabeth Lopez, Joey C., Gracie Cain, Cynthia Landavazo, Sara Aragon, Miriam Gonzalez, Francis Yzaguirre, Amanda Duran, Desiraie Murrillo, and Jissel Reyes. Alliance members recruited beauty professionals for the spa day booths, coordinated entertainment, obtained silent auction and door prize donations and organized décor. In the past, the Alliance members have coordinated the logistics of the Fashion Shows, Back to School Supply Drive and Girl Power Fest. The group meets every other Monday and is recruiting new members interested in contributing to Latinitas’ girl empowerment programs.
For more information on how to join the Alliance for Latinitas, contact us at latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com or call us at 915.219.8554.
Call for Volunteers
VOLUNTEER MEETINGS
Community members interested in helping empower local girls are invited to join us for our Latinitas volunteer information session. As a volunteer-driven organization, Latinitas is recruiting volunteers to help mentor girls, serve as guest speakers, plan special events, organize fundraisers and more. Volunteers are invited to attend our planning meetings to find out about our upcoming volunteer opportunities. To get started, complete our online volunteer application:
http://laslatinitas.com/volunteer/volunteerapplication For more information, email latinitasrossie@yahoo.com or call 219.8554.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED: SUMMER CAMP
Latinitas will host a hands-on multimedia arts camp for middle school girls (4th – 8th grade) during summer vacation. Volunteers are needed that week to help set up, serve as a guest speakers, mentor the girls, lead group creative expression activities, take photos and clean up. You can serve as a positive role model to encourage, motive and educate local youth.
If you are interested in helping, please email latinitasrossie@yahoo.com or call and leave a message at 915.219.8554.
Support Latinitas
Latinitas Scholarship Campaign:
The Latinitas Scholarship Fund was started to help young Latina college students reach their academic goals. Latinitas is dedicated to empowering the next generation of young Latina leaders to reach their fullest potential. We’ve met thousands of young Latinas in our multimedia enrichment programs and in the production of our digital magazine and our team has been struck by the daunting challenges many young Latinas face. As the nation’s largest minority and fastest growing youth population, it is vital for us to help these young women reach their full potential. The Latinitas Scholarship Fund was started to help young Latinas reach their goals by providing leadership and scholarship opportunities for Latina college students. Make an investment in our future and support Latinitas scholarship fund to assist Latina college students in reaching their higher education goals.
Donate Now: http://www.active.com/donate/latinitasscholarship
Contact Us
Contact Information
phone: (915)219-8554 or (915)282-5639
latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com
www.LatinitasMagazine.org
1359 Lomaland Suite 502
El Paso TX, 79935
Join our mailing list!
Janette Mendoza:
Heather Marone: 
Through a partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso, Latinitas has been hosting after-school enrichment camps at 15 sites. HACEP serves the low-income residents of El Paso, Texas by providing low-cost housing. Latinitas provides a safe space for girls to gather weekly at Housing Authority sites on a weekly basis to explore girl empowerment themes through creative expression and media literacy lessons focused on promoting confidence. Sonia Legarretta, HACEP’s Resident Relations Specialist, has worked alongside Latinitas in providing these after-school enrichment programs. ”Latinitas has played a great role in improving the self-esteem of our girls, has helped them envision and set goals and has given them the confidence to reach them,” states Sonia. What she likes best about Club Latinitas is the “the simple but very effective way they interact with the girls, Latinitas asks so much of the girls but the girls are willing to give a lot more because of the fun and safe environment they are in.” Her main piece of advice to girls is “that they are able of achieving great things and need to believe in themselves.”
Dream of getting published? Latinitas is seeking motivated and talented young Latinas, ages 13-25, across the nation who want to get published, make an impact, and want to have their voice heard. Our Latina “word weavers” will get the experience they need as our future leaders of America by becoming involved with the Youth Editorial Advisory Board. Girls interested in expanding their writing, editing, multimedia and leadership skills are invited to apply to the Youth Editorial Advisory Board (YEAB). Program requires a semester long involvement (February through May 31st, 2013). Applications are being accepted for the Spring 2013 term, for more information visit: 
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) mission is to empower women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. By empowering women and girls in the community, and across the nation at over 1,000 local branches and 700 college and university partners, the AAUW organization is breaking education and economic barriers. The AAUW has been a tremendous partner for Latinitas in helping co-host the Aim High conference. They served as volunteers throughout the event to aid with set-up, registration, meal preparation and more. Some of their representatives also served as guest speakers and hosted an informational fair during our career fair to share their career experience. They also sponsored the event to help us provide this opportunity to local girls free of cost by providing food and goody bags for all our participants.
On November 17, Latinitas held their Aim High Conference at the El Paso Main Public Library. There was an incredible turnout as many of our wonderful young ladies participated and enjoyed a day of inspiring role models and workshops that encouraged them to stay in school and explore potential careers. From career charades to career Pictionary, participants learned about the different careers that are available to them, educational requirements, and salary for their future dream job. The American Association of University of Women (AAUW) sponsored and welcomed the girls to explore what the future has in store for them.
Latinitas hosted an Aim High Conference geared towards empowering girls to aim high and achieve their dreams. During the conference, a select group of inspirational leaders made up a career panel. The college panel was made up a diverse group of women named Marisol Hernandez, Ana Camargo, Claudia Santiago and Dana Renteria. The professional speakers included Joanna Martinez who is a financial planner with Ameriprise, Teresa Shobney who is an auditor with the FBI, Rosalinda Natividad who is a grant writer, Mireya Arriaga-Cevallos who is a State Farm agent, and Karla Silva who works with the IT department as the Associate Director for Clinic Support Systems. The conference finished up with Catalina Rosales from the Army inspiring the girls with her own personal story of life and her career as an Army Commander.
Alina Castro, a Graphic Design Intern, is studying Graphic Design at the University of Texas at El Paso, believes the only way to success and make a difference is by educating yourself. She loves to read and learn something new every day. Alina advises girls to not let intimidation scare or shy them away from their goals.
Bianca Castrejon, an Educational Outreach Intern, is pursing a degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at El Paso. She chose Social Work as because she would like to provide assistance and guidance to those going through a hard time. it easier to get through. Her words of wisdom to young girls is to not let intimidation scare or shy them away from their goals.
Marisol Hernandez, the guru behind Latinita’ (El Paso) bookkeeping, is an Accounting and Bookkeeping Intern. Marisol is a Senior at the University of Texas at El Paso and is pursuing a degree in Accounting and Finance. She would love to start a business with the help of her dad, one of her major role models in life. She advices girls to never let failure stop them and to seek their dreams; there are lessons of life to grown stronger and keep on going to their goals.
As the Latinita’s Marketing Intern, Melissa Rivas makes sure El Paso is kept current on every event hosted by Latinitas. She is pursuing a degree in Media Advertising and hopes to find a secure job in a respectable marketing company. Her advice to girls is to: “Never doubt yourself. Think of the future you want and strive to get it and achieve more.”
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