Zyanya Dickey, Krupp Housing Authority Club Leader Testimonial

As for my experience, it was amazing. To be honest, I think I got just as much out of leading this club as (I hope) the girls did. To be able to interact with such bright girls, who were already confident and be able to encourage that confidence and intelligence was so cool. I looked forward to seeing them each week, because no matter how stressful my own week had been, seeing them laugh and talk as they did their work or played with the cameras, I would learn and have fun too. One of my favorite activities was the shoe photography lesson because they were able to really express themselves and think about not only the photos, but also the concepts of the activity: where are we going? where have we been? where do we want to go? They got very into the whole thing which was so much fun; I hardly had to coach them at the pictures taking, they were such naturals!

I can’t wait to continue with Latinitas and the HACEP club after graduation because of the girls’ enthusiasm and dedication. I couldn’t have asked for a better group. In short, I had a blast and I think the girls did too.

5 Ways to Boost Your Self Esteem

1. Volunteer
Why volunteer?  Well, it makes you feel good AND it makes you look good.  Have you ever done a good deed that made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?  When you volunteer, someone is counting on you for something.  It makes us feel good when we are needed and when we make a difference.  On the plus side, volunteering is a great way to build your resume!  In the future ,when you apply for college or a job, you will have valuable “real life” experience.  According to ChildTrendsDataBank.org, youth who plan to complete college are much more likely to volunteer at least once a month compared with other youth.

2. Work Your Body
According to the Center for Disease Control, regular physical activity increases self-esteem, among several other benefits.  So bllast your favorite song and dance like no one’s watching, take your dog for a walk around your neighborhood, go to that Zumba class you’ve secretly been wanting to try out, or go to the park and play on the monkey bars!  The goal is to get up, get out and move your body!  It’s the best and most instant pick-me-up there is!

3. Read a Book & Be a Smarty Pants
A good book is a great way to escape your world and enter someone else’s and it’s a bittersweet feeling when you reach the end of a story.  You don’t want it to end, but it feels good to turn that last page and close the book.  The National Endowment for the Arts says that on average, Americans ages 15 to 24 spend almost two hours a day watching TV, and only seven minutes of their daily leisure time on reading.  Being a couch potato does nothing for your self esteem, but being well read gives you confidence because you speak and write better.  It gives you a whole new perspective on the world and you may find yourself joining a conversation on a bestseller or connecting with another person on a classic.

4. Celebrate You
A girl’s self esteem peaks at 9 years old according to Heartofleadership.com.  More than 90 percent of girls  between the ages of 15 to 17 years want to change at least one aspect of their physical appearance, with body weight ranking the highest.  Nothing good will ever come from putting yourself down.  You determine how others will perceive you with your very own words and actions. Think and speak positive words about you.  Take out a pen and paper and write down what you like about yourself.  Leave a sticky note on your mirror that greets you with kind words.  Keep reminding yourself about how wonderful you are and you will feel better about yourself.

5. Inspire yourself
Make a “boost book” that celebrates your ambitions.  Decorate it and keep track of inspiring quotes.  Collect favorite pictures and mementos in it.  Then, you can refer back to it on those days when you’re feeling a little insecure.  It will remind you that your best days are still ahead of you and dreaming big will keep you excited and eager for the future!

Book Review: Marcelo in the Real World

Marcelo-in-the-Real-WorldBook Review By Alexis Garcia

What is the title of the book you are reviewing? Marcelo in the Real World

Who is the author of the book? Francisco X. Stork

What would you rate the book? 5 stars: Excellent book!

What is this book about?

Well in this book, it centers around a 17 year old Mexican boy named Marcelo with autism spectrum disorder. In this book, he is forced to work at his overbearing father’s law firm because his father wants him to adapt to the “Real World” instead of working with ponies like Marcelo wanted to. A lot of crazy things happens in this story. A lot of the characters belittle Marcelo because they find him stupid even though he is actually smart. Marcelo soon faces many obstacles and becomes close friends with a woman named Jasmine who shares a love of music like he does. Marcelo has a special way of hearing music.

What did you like about the book?

I like how the book was told from Marcelo’s perspective. He describes how he sees things and the fact that he speaks in the third person. I also like the closeness between him and Jasmine. She is almost overprotective of him. I like how Marcelo changes and grows throughout the story and learns how to stand up for himself and make his own decisions.

Who was your favorite character in the book and why?

Automatically, I liked Marcelo. I also liked Jasmine. She was rude, stubborn and kept to herself mostly in the beginning. Throughout the story, Marcelo grew on her and she began to open up to him. She even took him camping and I just believed that they were extremely cute together. I like how she tried to make him feel as comfortable as possible.

What didn’t you like about the story or the writing style?

Well, I can’t say what I didn’t like about the book because then it would reveal part of the ending.

What other books would you recommend?

I would also recommend “The Boy Who Couldn’t Die” by William Sleator.

Eric C. Rodriguez

School UTEP

Employer/ Job Title

What is your volunteer position? Graphic Design

What volunteer projects have you helped with?  As a previous graphic design intern at another organization I would help design fliers, and handouts for the clubs and girls.

How long have you’ve been volunteering with Latinitas? I have been Latinitas for s shot time… i believe 5 months

How did you become interested in volunteering for Latinitas? I was looking for a internship were i could get experience in the field i wish to enter after school and it was my sister who showed me flier for Latinitas and i thought it was very interesting and I decided to help…

What has been your most rewarding experience as a volunteer? The friend ships i have made

What do you like most about being a volunteer for Latinitas? I have enjoy my time as a volunteer because of the  experience I have gained helping with designing fliers, and hand out and along with the friendships I have built have come to call the other volunteer good friends. 

Why do you think an organization like Latinitas is important?    The organizations like Latinitas are important because they give the girl a way to express them self with media, and art. It also shows them new ideas along with new experiences they gained from the class and camps. And the most important thing is the friendships they have made; I have seen few of the girls become good friends witch may not have happen without the organization because they come different parts of the city.

Describe your other volunteer experiences and/or civic involvement: outside of Latinitas I don’t have much time for other volunteer work, but i have help out at my old high school (san Elizario high school) when I can.

La toma de posesión de Austin (Occuppy Austin): Desde la perspectiva de una Latina

Escrito por Andrea Zarate
Traducido por Josefa de la Mora

El jueves 6 de Octubre del 2011 la comunidad de Austin se juntó en alianza con la Protesta Occupy Wall Street de Nueva York. Los organizadores le llamaron la protesta en el ayuntamiento, la toma de posesión de Austin (Occuppy Austin), la cual reunió  a un gran número de personas sin pedir intervención por parte de la policía.

¿Sobre qué era la protesta, que esta sucediendo en Wall Street, y de que modo nos relacionamos con estos eventos nacionales? La toma de posesión de Wall Street comenzó hace tres semanas para demostrar el disgusto de la gente americana y su frustración debido a la escases de oportunidades de trabajo y el aumento de desempleo. Para decirlo de una manera simple, el grupo consiste de diversos grupos de ciudadanos activistas que protestan en contra de la avaricia en nuestro país y como ésto afecta a la clase media, la clase trabajadora, y pobre, básicamente, todos aquellos que no pertenecen a una corporación poderosa CEO, gente de negocios. Lo que protestan es que nuestro gobierno otorga demasiada oportunidad para hacer dinero a los grandes negocios, mientras existen personas sufriendo la recesión económica por la que estamos pasando.

Por todo el país hay ciudades que están cayendo en los pasos de Nueva York. A través del uso de redes y organizaciones sociales, hechas la mayoría por estudiantes de la Universidad, jóvenes de Austin, se han unido para manifestarse en el ayuntamiento. En ésta toma de posesión de Austin los manifestantes proclamaron la caída de impuestos de los ricos, así como cambios sociales, económicos y políticos.

Como Latina, que viene de una familia de clase trabajadora, ésta es una causa que apoyo. Yo quiero que el gobierno preste atención a las necesidades de la gente pobre y deje de enfocarse tan solo en el dinero. La avaricia provoca muchos problemas, como es una gama bastante amplia entre los ricos y los pobres, recortes en la educación, fianzas corporativas que los ciudadanos tienen que pagar. ¿Porqué no cambiar esto?

Mientras las masas se unían y entre mas veía y oía por parte de mis amigos sobre los mítines, mas cuestionaba las intenciones de algunos de los participantes. La mayoría de los manifestantes eran hombres blancos de clase media. Esto me hizo pensar que esta gente no se da cuenta que las minorías, Latinas/os, afroamericanos y Nativos Americanos, gente con discapacidades y los pobres han vivido con problemas económicos durante mucho tiempo. Los blancos de clase media se levantan y comienzan a hablar hasta que sienten esa avaricia corporativa.

Tienen que mirar a su público y pensar por qué no se les han unido otras minorías. En muchos sentidos, están excluyendo a personas afroamericanas y latinas, ésto esta muy mal pues están dejando al verdadero 99% hasta el fondo de la cadena. A mi me preocupa el conseguir trabajo al salir de la universidad. Pero no me dan ganas de levantarme y protestar cuando los protestantes proclaman que hablan por todos cuando realmente excluyen de su movimiento social a gente de color.

Por esta razón la gente de color no debe de apoyar esta propuesta. Y si alguna vez quieren hacer un verdadero cambio en nuestra sociedad, definitivamente necesitaran de nuestra ayuda y soporte .

Denisse Rauda, Volunteer Spotlight



Latinitas would like to recognize Denisse Rauda  for her outstanding efforts to help Latinitas promote our mission of girl empowerment. She is an active volunteer and  we would like to thank and recognize her for her hard work and dedication to the organization. Here is a little bit about Denisse.

Name - Denisse Rauda
School -  UTEP ’09
title –
El Paso Times / Web Editor

What volunteer projects have you helped with?
I have helped with media camps, Clubs in the Northeast and in Armijo library in South El Paso. Also, I have worked with Latinitas Teen Reporters.
How long have you’ve been volunteering with Latinitas?
I’ve been volunteering with Latinitas periodically for the past 2 years.
How did you become interested in volunteering for Latinitas?
While I was in UTEP, a few of my professors mentioned projects Latinitas needed help with, but since I worked two jobs I never had the time for any extracurriculars or service projects. When I graduated, I couldn’t find a job and decided that while I looked for one I would dedicate my extra time to volunteering. Due to my interest in journalism and both my educational and cultural background, Latinitas was the perfect fit.
What has been your most rewarding experience as a volunteer?
My most rewarding experience as a volunteer has not been just one, but every single time that I’ve worked with Latinitas, because I’ve literally been able to put every skill that I’ve learned in school, in internships, and in my professional life to teach by example. I have been able to apply everything I know to the projects I’ve collaborated in with Latinitas to help young girls like me write their own articles, take their own photographs, shoot and edit their own videos, tell their own stories, and to be active in their communities.
What do you like most about being a volunteer for Latinitas?I like that Latinitas is an non-profit that helps girls keep their identity and learn about using technology to express themselves. I like being a part of that and also that I can take that mission with me as well.
Why do you think an organization like Latinitas is important?Latinitas is important for the Latino community because it is a group set on nourishing and developing an often-ignored demographic: young Latina girls. It gives Latinitas a voice no matter was medium they choose to explore that voice with and in a world where not much opportunities  are given to us as women, that is important.
Describe your other volunteer experiences and/or civic involvement: I only volunteer, periodically, for Latinitas

December Volunteer Bulletin El Paso

volunteer bulletin header
DECEMBER 2011 Hello everyone! Please look over our Volunteer Bulletin for this upcoming  

month and let us know when and where you are available to help. Thank you

so much for your continued support! Happy Holidays.


UPCOMING EVENTS

Holiday Celebration Potluck

Friday, December 2, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Location: Latinitas

Headquarters (1359 Lomaland).  The Latinitas team would like to invite

you to our holiday celebration.

Join us for a festive potluck to celebrate our accomplishments over the year.

Don’t forget

to bring a potluck dish/dessert! To RSVP, contact us at latinitas.sonia@gmail.com or call

and leave a message at 915.219.8554

It’s Your World Change It

Saturday, December 3, 9:30am – 4:30pm Location: NSMU.

Latinitas is partnering with Girl Scouts to host a workshop as the part of the

“It’s Your World Change It” event.  The workshop will show girls how they can

use their creativity to make a difference.  The girls will work in teams guided

by Latinitas in making video public service announcements to bring awareness

to causes they are passionate about.  Volunteers are needed to assist girls as team

leaders as the girls develop skits and film their service announcement.  Volunteers

will also aid Latinitas by handing out informational materials at a booth fair.  The

event will be held at NMSU and volunteers will meet at the office to carpool to the

event from 9:30am to 4:30pm. If you are interested in helping or would like more

information, please email latinitas.sonia@gmail.com or call and leave a message at 915.219.8554

Viva La Voz CAMP Chicas Advancing in Media Project

Saturday, December 3 11:00pm – 1:00pm Location: Latinitas Headquarters

(1359 Lomaland). Latinitas invites teen girls (ages 14-18) to participate in writing & multimedia workshops. They will be writing journalistic type stories and producing

media projects to be published in our online magazine. Volunteers are needed to help

mentor the teen participants during the scheduled workshops, help with the planning

process, and serve as guest speakers with media related experience. If you are

interested in helping or would like more information about attending the workshop,

please email latinitas.sonia@gmail.com or call and leave a message 915.219.8554

El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mercado

Tuesday, December 13, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Location: EPCC Administrative

Building A (9050 Viscount Blvd). The El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

will be hosting a General Membership Mercado. Latinitas will have an information

booth at the upcoming event where we need volunteers to represent Latinitas and

give out information about our organization and promote the Latinitas’ mission. If

you are interested in helping or would like more information, please email

latinitas.sonia@gmail.com or call and leave a message at 915.219.8554

Latinitas Volunteer Orientation

Tuesday, December 6, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Latinitas Headquarters

(1359 Lomaland Suite 502). Latinitas will be providing a volunteer orientation to

any potential volunteers. The orientation will provide information about Latinitas

and how to become involved in helping Latinitas with the various projects including

girl empowerment programs, Alliance for Latinitas and the editorial and multimedia

team. Come join us and bring all your friends over to become part of Latinitas. To apply

to volunteer fill out a volunteer application. If you are interesting in helping or

attending, please email latinitas.sonia@gmail.com or call and leave a message

at 915.219.8554

ON-GOING OPPORTUNITIES

Teen Leadership Institute Planning Committee

Latinitas is looking volunteers interested in helping us plan for our next Teen

Leadership Institute where local teen girls interested in learning more about

leadership and volunteerism are encouraged to apply. Volunteers are needed

to help with planning the leadership workshops, promoting this opportunity

among teen girls, arranging guest speakers to speak at the kick off conference

and acquiring donations such money, door prizes, supplies or food. We are also

seeking Latina leaders to serve as guest speakers for our upcoming biweekly

workshops.If you are interested in helping or would like more information,

please email latinitas.sonia@gmail.com or call and leave a message at

915.219.8554

Editorial Team seeks Writers

Latinitas wants you to become part of our editorial team. We are looking

for writers, editors, photographers and multimedia journalists that would

like to add content to our girl empowering magazine. We have weekly

editorial meetings on Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm. At the meetings,

volunteers will be able to pitch story ideas, work on their articles, and help

copy edit content before publication. If you are interested in helping or would

like more information, please email latinitas.sonia@gmail.com or call and

leave a message at 915.219.8554.

Become a Latinitas Intern!

Latinitas is now looking for high school and college students who are interested

in becoming a part of our Spring Intern team! Latinitas offers exciting editorial,

marketing & public relations, fundraising, graphic design, event planning and

multimedia internships. We also offer Educational Outreach and Club Leader

Internships where interns lead girls and teens through creative multimedia

expression activities during our after-school programs, workshops and camps.

To apply for an internship, with Latinitas submit your resume to

latinitas.sonia@yahoo.com and fill out our internship application here.


Club Leaders Wanted

Make a difference in a girl’s life as a club leader. Latinitas hosts media enrichment

clubs where girls can build confidence through creative expression. Latinitas

partners with local schools, nonprofits, libraries and community centers to offer

weekly after-school Latinitas clubs or monthly Saturday workshops. Our clubs

focus on encouraging girls to build confidence through creative multimedia

expression. Girls in our clubs will participate in hands-on activities such as

creative writing, photography, arts & crafts, skits and more. Our clubs connect

girls with positive role models and encourage girls to express themselves in a

safe and supportive environment.  As a club leader, you would guide small team

activities and motivate girls to foster a positive self-esteem. Club leader

internships are  available. Interns commit to 10 hours per week which

includes 2 clubs (4 hours) per week after school between 3:00-6:00pm.

Club Leader volunteers commit 2 hours per week after school between

3:00-6:00pm for at least 6 weeks, 4 months or 2 hours per month on Saturdays.

If you are interested, contact us at 219.8554 or latinitas.sonia@gmail.com.

Recruitment Street Team

The Spring semester of Club Latinitas will be approaching next year. We are

seeking volunteers for our Recruitment Street Team to distribute informational

posters and recruit girls for our after school programs. If you can commit 2

hours to help us post fliers at community centers, contact us at 219.8554 or latinitas.sonia@gmail.com.

Art Supply Drive

Latinitas is organizing a school supply drive to benefit deserving girls enrolled

in our after-school programs. Donations of binders, notebooks, paper, scissors,

paper, markers, pens, gluesticks, color pencils and other basic art supplies are

being collected at the Latinitas headquarters – 1359 Lomaland # 502. If you

are interested, contact us at 219.8554 or latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com.

Honoring Our Loved Ones

Our Latinitas share their memories about loved ones who have passed away.

My Tio Obie passed away a few months ago due to an illness. He was always in a party mood. They always had coca cola at parties because it was his favorite drink. Once when we were playing rock band, he started to pretend to play the guitar. -Mia

I remember that my grandpa used to tell me to dance with him, and he used to take me to a park named Julio Park before he passed away. I miss him because he was my papa. -Selena

I remember that my grandpa was always at our home on Saturdays. He would always come over and just stay. He would tell me to be good and listen to my parents. I remember he would always wear a blue cap and would drink and smoke. He died because he was drunk, but I know that he is with Jesus and the angels. I think now he protects me and my family. I still miss him, but I know he’s in a better place now. -Jenny

I remember when my grandmother passed away. She was 87 years old. I remember we gave her a lot of presents for her birthday. She was very happy. I love my grandmother. -Jennifer

My grandpa is one of my biggest role models. He took care of my four uncles and grandma by working day and night at the post office. My grandpa was in the Navy. He helped transport the soldiers to go fight. My grandpa was AMAZING at playing his guitar. I really loved him. He was so nice, and he disciplined me very well. He died when I was six-years-old. He will always be in my memories forever. -Danielle

My great grandpa Frank Serria was in World War 2. He got shot quite a lot of times, but still survived. Five years later, he passed away from a heart attack. My grandma was only fifteen when that happened. My great grandma had to raise eleven kids on her own. -Jasmin

Angela Sustaita, Board Member Spotlight

Latinitas would like to recognize Angela Sustaita, for her outstanding efforts to help Latinitas promote our mission of girl empowerment. She is a board member and an active member for the Alliance for Latinitas. We would like to thank and recognize her for her hard work and dedication to the organization. Here is a little bit about Angela.

Name: Angela Sustaita

What is your volunteer position? Board member

What volunteer projects have you helped with? I assisted with Shop for a cause at Klothes Lime and I am currently assisting with Fotos de Mi Alma.

How long have you’ve been volunteering with Latinitas? I joined the Board of Directors in September 2011.

How did you become interested in volunteering for Latinitas? My office used to be located next to the Latinitas-EP office.  I witnessed firsthand the dedication and the hard work that went into the organization.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a volunteer? Knowing that I am part of something that will impact the lives of many young Latinas.

What do you like most about being a volunteer for Latinitas? It is great to be a part of an organization that focuses on our young Latinas.  There is a definite need in our community to provide positive outlets for our youth.

Why do you think an organization like Latinitas is important? As a teenager, I dealt with peer pressures and low self-esteem.  An organization like Latinitas, can guide our youth and most importantly build the confidence needed in our future leaders.

Describe your other volunteer experiences and/or civic involvement: I was previously the treasurer at Area Network for Disabilities and Aging.  Also, I was blessed to work in an organization that allowed me to assist numerous nonprofit organizations.

Tell us a little background on yourself. I love spending time with my family, I have a 3 year old son named Eli.  I am a small business owner, Klothes Lime buy-sell-trade fashion opened over a year ago.  I have worked in the areas of Nonprofit Accounting and Consulting Services.  I have an MBA from UTEP.  Thank you Latinitas for the spotlight!

Hazlo tu misma: Dale sabor a tu habitación!

El 23 de septiembre del 2011

Read this article in English here

Traducido por Vanesa Herrera

¿Quieres un modo creativo para expresarte? ¿Por qué no intentar de redecorar tu habitación? Aquí tienes algunos consejos para ayudar a transformar tu habitación del aspecto soso  a algo más llamativo esta temporada. Si sientes que tu habitación está algo aburrida, empieza de nuevo con un ’maquillaje’ para tu habitación. Agrégale algo de sabor a tu cuarto con un hazlo-tu-misma-diseño de interiores.  Aquí tienes algunos consejos simples para ayudar a llevar tu cuarto desde aburrida a algo más atrevido esta temporada.

Colores vivos

Colores vivos como el verde eléctrico, amarillo, naranja y rosa están de moda ahora. Habitaciones que parecen estar inspiradas por un ave tropical exótica pueden aumentar tu experiencia del cuarto. Intenta pintar con un nuevo color fuerte sobre una de las paredes de tu habitación y escoge sábanas y almohadas que le combinen.

Aromas frescos

Agregando un jarrón de flores frescas en una habitación conlleva resultados impresionantes. Flores naturales tienen el poder de alegrarle el día a cualquiera, y además huelen magníficamente! Como las expertas latinas en decoración de interiores en casalatina.com lo afirman, “No necesitas tener un jardín para traer flores frescas hacia el interior de tu casa.” Sin embargo, si las flores no te gustan tanto, las velas también ofrecen algunos aromas increíbles y también vienen en algunos colores muy lindos.

Arte inusual

Todas amamos un poster de nuestra banda favorita, o cualquier tipo de placer para los ojos. Pero los posters se rompen, se arrugan y  se doblan con el tiempo. En lugar, podrías escoger una pintura pequeña o alguna fotografía realizada por un artista local para colgarla en una de tus paredes. Si te estas sintiendo atrevida, intenta agregarle calcomanías a tus paredes o incluso algunas obras de arte hechas por ti!

Cortinas llamativas

En un luminoso domingo por la mañana, la luz del sol a lo mejor no sea tu mejor amiga. Sin embargo, las simples persianas o cortinas blancas que cubren tu ventana tampoco son tus mejores amigas! Cubre el sol con estilo, agregando cortinas con colores vibrantes y diseños que resalten, como la huella de un animal, rayas fuertes o flores de colores.

Iluminación fuerte

Esto es importante, ya que la iluminación establece el ambiente de toda la habitación. ¿No crees que ya es tiempo de deshacerte de ese simple ventilador de techo viejo? Sería mejor agregar algo de clase con unos focos o araña de luces. “Simplemente une toda la habitación remplazando el tono de la lámpara vieja con algo moderno y al día”, recomiendan las expertas en casalatina.com. Para crear un ambiente de fiesta, encadena algunos focos multicolores alrededor de tu habitación.

Redecorar tu habitación no es tan difícil como parece. Con estos consejos simples, transformar tu cuarto debería de ser pan comido. Un pan atrevido, vibrante, y de buen aroma, eso es! Feliz decoración!