Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Tiara Tuesday - July 26

Join us for the ultimate ladies' night out for a good cause on Tuesday, July 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Mesa Street Bar & Grill (2525 N. Mesa Street). Mesa Street Bar & Grill is hosting a benefit night supporting Latinitas.  Bring your gal pals for martinis and manicures. A $10.00 donation at the door covers a Tiara Tuesday specialty drink and a manicure by the talented nail technicians from Tri-State Cosmetology Institute. For more information, contact us at 219.8554, email latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com or visit www.LatinitasMagazine.org.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Upcoming Events - July 2011

What: Alliance for Latinitas Officer Planning Meeting
When: June 11, 2011
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Where: Latinitas Office (1359 Lomaland #502)
What: Latinitas Saturday Camp
When: July 9, 2011
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Where: Judge Marquez Public Library (610 N. Yarbrough)
Grades 4th-8th
What: Chicas Advancing in Media Project (Teen Multimedia Workshops)
When: July 9, 2011 & July 16
Time: 11:00-1:00 pm
Where: EPCC Valle Verde Campus (Room 2518)
Grades: 8th-12th
What: Latinitas Multimedia Arts Summer Camp
When: July 11 -15, 2011
Time: 9:00-5:00 pm
Where: Latinitas Office (1359 Lomaland #502)
Grades: 4th-8th 
What: Latinitas Saturday Camp
When: July 23, 2011
Time: 10:30-12:30 pm
Where: Westside Public Library (125 Belvidere)
Grades 4th-8th
What: Latinitas Teen Media Academy
When: July 25-29, 2011
Time: 9:00-5:00 pm
Where: Latinitas Office (1359 Lomaland #502)
Grades: 8th-12th
To register, contact us at 915.219.8554 or email latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com. 
What: Tiara Tuesday Benefit
When: July 26, 2011
Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: Mesa Street Bar & Grill (2525 N. Mesa)

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Upcoming Events - June 2011

What: Latinitas Power Conference
When: June 4, 2011
Time: 10:00-3:30 pm
Where: UTEP Union East
Grades: 6th-12th

What: Alliance for Latinitas Officer Planning Meeting
When: June 6, 2011
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Where: Latinitas Office (1359 Lomaland #502

What: Latinitas Saturday Camp
When: June 11, 2011 & July 9, 2011
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Where: Judge Marquez Public Library (610 N. Yarbrough)
Grades 4th-8th



What: Latinitas Saturday Camp
When: June 11, 2011 & July 9, 2011
Time: 10:30-12:30 pm
Where: Burges Public Library (9600 Dyer)
Grades 4th-8th




What: Chicas Advancing in Media Project (Teen Multimedia Workshops)
When: June 11,  June 18 &  July 2, 2011
Time: 11:00-1:00 pm
Where: EPCC Valle Verde Campus (Room 2518)
Grades: 8th-12th

What: Latinitas Saturday Camp
When: June 25, 2011 & July 23, 2011
Time: 10:30-12:30 pm
Where: Westside Public Library (125 Belvidere)
Grades 4th-8th

What: Latinitas Multimedia Arts Summer Camp
When: July 11 -15, 2011
Time: 9:00-5:00 pm
Where: Latinitas Office (1359 Lomaland #502)
Grades: 4th-8th 

What: Latinitas Teen Media Academy
When: July 25-29, 2011
Time: 12:00-5:00 pm
Where: Latinitas Office (1359 Lomaland #502)
Grades: 8th-12th

To register, contact us at 915.219.8554 or email latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Latinitas in El Paso Times

Latinitas was featured in the El Paso Times this past Saturday where volunteer models worked on last minute preparations for the Fashionistas Inspiring Girls Fashion Show. The girls had their pictures taken while practicing their runway walk in Latinitas headquarters. Featured in the article, Latinitas Editorial Intern, Sonia Rangel explained how this fashion show is different  from the rest and how it's unique,  "It's more than fashion, it's more about culture, why we're proud to be women, why we're proud to be Latinas." El Dorado High School senior Elizabeth Gonzalez was also featured in the article as one of the real-life teen models who volunteered to participate in this charity event benefiting the scholarship funds for Latinitas. Latinitas' executive director, Alicia Rascon, was also interviewed for the El Paso Times article. She described how this event is meant to celebrate the true beauty of being a Latina girl,  "The event gives girls the chance to embrace their inner and outer beauty, girls of all shapes and sizes, to celebrate the diversity of what it means to be a Latina and reflect what Latina beauty really means."

To read more about the article click on the link: http://www.elpasotimes.com/living/ci_18059397

Monday, May 16, 2011

Teen Media Academy

 May 28, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
EPCC Valle Verde Campus, Room A2158
For Girls in Grades 9-12


The Teen Media Academy is a full-day multimedia training for high school girls with intensive instruction led by local media producers. The media academy will take place on May 28th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the El Paso Community College Valle Verde Campus (Room A2158) hosted by Latinitas Magazine. Teens will have an opportunity to get tips from the pros and meet a magazine editor, newspaper reporter, photojournalist, radio DJ and TV news anchor. The media training is designed to encourage girls to build confidence and learn how to express themselves creatively through media. With hands-on media workshops, girls will learn about self-expression through writing, photography, audio production, poetry and film-making. During the workshop, teens will also complete an article, photo essay, audio podcast and a video broadcast. Participants will also learn how they can become writers for LatinitasMagazine.org, a digital magazine by and for local Latina youth. Space is limited, so registration is required. The event costs $5 and covers lunch. To register, contact 915.219.8554 or latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www.LatinitasMagazine.org. 

Latina Power Conference

June 4
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
UTEP Union
To promote girl power, Latinitas is organizing the Latina Power Conference for local middle and high school girls. This event is geared toward encouraging girls to build confidence, discover their voice, express themselves and make wise decisions. The event will feature informative and inspirational workshops, guest speakers, panelists, and multimedia presentations led by local female leaders on topics such as body image, confidence, peer pressure, media literacy, leadership, healthy relationships, cultural identity and bullying. Girls will discuss the challenges facing girls today and explore positive ways to deal with stress through hands-on creative expression activities revolving around poetry, acting, photography, art and song. Girls will also enjoy dance performances and music entertainment. The event is open to girls ages 12-18. Admission is $5 and covers lunch. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required. A few needs-based scholarships are available.  The conference is organized by the Latinitas Teen Leadership Institute members.  Latinitas is a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of Latina youth through media, art, culture and technology.  To register, call 219.8554 or email latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com. Visit www.LatinitasMagazine.org for more information.  

Monday, April 11, 2011

Fashionistas Inspiring Girls Fashion Show May 14



Fashionistas Inspiring Girls Fashion Show  May 14
Benefiting Latinitas
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
EPCC Administrative Services Center
(9050 Viscount)
Buy Your Tickets Now
Fashionistas are teaming together to host a charity girl empowerment fashion show featuring clothing for girls, teens and women on May 14th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the EPCC Administrative Services Center (9050 Viscount). Guests will enjoy a fashion show, listen to live music, watch a video screening, view an exhibit of youth artwork, enjoy dance performances, hear an inspirational guest speaker, and have the opportunity to shop from local boutiques and shops. This family-friendly fashion show is designed to showcase female talent in El Paso and to benefit local girl empowerment programs aimed at helping girls build confidence to succeed. Tickets are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/171168.  Tickets cost $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Vendor space is also available. Proceeds from this charity event support the scholarship fund for Latinitas, a nonprofit dedicated to the empowerment and advancement of local Latina youth. For more information, call 915.219.8554, email latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com, or visit www.LatinitasMagazine.org

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

WEEKLY EVENTS

Club Latinitas (for Girls Grades 4-8) 
Armijo Public Library every Tuesday, 3:30-5:30pm 
Housing Authority every Wednesday, 4:30-6:30pm 
Desert View Middle School every other Wednesday, 3:30-5:30pm 
Ysleta Public Library every Thursday, 4:00-6:00pm
Memorial Public Library every Friday, 3:30-5:30pm 
Judge Marquez Public Library every Friday, 3:30-5:30pm
Irving Schwartz Public Library every Friday, 3:30-5:30pm 

Teen Writers Invited to Meet with Latinitas Editors:Latinitas Office every Wednesday, 4:00-5:45pm (1359 Lomaland #502)
For more information:  
Horizon Middle School Library every Friday, 3:30-4:30pm

INTERN SPOTLIGHT

Janette Lujan is a senior at UTEP studying Marketing.  As the public relations and event planning intern with Latinitas this past winter, she assisted with organizing and promoting the Chica Power Fest and the Winter Wonderland Fashion Show.  She also helped develop fundraising projects as well as publicize the numerous programs Latinitas offers.  "I never had this when I was growing up and I know I would've enjoyed it a lot," shared Janette about her motivation to join Latinitas.  "I would definitely recommend it to others."  Janette also does community service and is a part of professional groups such as the American Marketing Association, and Society of Human Resources Management.  Her future goal is to pursue an MBA. "Always stay active in doing the things you love to do and most importantly never give up. Follow your dream!" 

ALLIANCE FOR LATINITAS

This group was created to advance the mission of Latinitas by marketing the organization and increasing name visibility in El Paso. There is much untapped potential within the young female professional community in El Paso and we hope to get involved more women in our efforts to empower local girls.  Through this group, we hope to increase networking opportunities and fundraising activities to engage our supporters.  We also plan to organize a focused speaker series that highlights how Latinas are navigating workplace challenges and making smart, informed career moves. Our next meeting is May 2nd at the Percolator at 6:00 p.m. For more information, contact us at 915.219.8554 or latinitasmari@yahoo.com.

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Ana Luz Hernandez & Gracie Cain The Latinitas Board of Directors help further Latinitas' mission of empowering Latina youth by assisting with strategic planning, marketing, program development and fundraising. We are proud to welcome two new board members. Ana Luz Hernandez works for the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce facilitating partnerships between the public and private sector and developing the organization's legislative agenda for issues specific to public and higher education. Gracie Cain is the President of Grace Advertising, a full-service marketing and advertising firm. She is a native El Pasoan with experience in business consulting, marketing, event planning, media and sales.

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

This Spring, girls enrolled in our after-school programs learned valuable lessons ranging from the importance of the civil rights movement to understanding the magnitude of loving yourself both physically and mentally. The girls learned how to express their feelings through poetry and art activities.The clubs encouraged the girls to reflect on MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech and helped the girls create a poem of their own that highlights their own dreams and aspirations. To celebrate Valentine's day, the girls embraced the idea of accepting and appreciating themselves by creating "I Love Me" wreaths with eight reasons why they love themselves. For National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, our girls discussed unhealthy relationships and the importance of respect as they wrote a poem named "Love is & Love is Not." They also wrote advice columns to each other and created posters about respect. Our members discovered the meaning of a healthy body image and how unrealistic images in the media may influence us. The girls engaged in a magazine critique where they realized that most of the images they see in TV and in magazines are digitally altered. They also created a "Love Your Flaws" photography and poster campaign to embrace what makes them unique and special.  Through the rest of the school year, we plan provide even more life-enriching, girl-empowering activities that can make a strong impact in the lives of many young Latinas in our clubs.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Ytzel McDaniel is a high school senior and teen reporter intern for Latinitas Magazine. As an intern, she writes articles for the magazine, creates blogs and produces multimedia projects for our website. She volunteers at the local animal shelter, the El Paso Zoo and community clean-ups. She is also involved with Skills USA, DECA and Key Club. After graduating from high school, she plans to continue her education to receive a masters degree and become a reporter.

Why did you join Latinitas? A good friend of mine interned with Latinitas. She enjoyed it so much and she encouraged me to give it a try. I truly enjoy the friendly atmosphere in the office and how welcoming Marisol and the girls have been.

Why is a program like Latinitas important? Growing up is hard especially with television and magazines feeding young girls 'what they should be.' An organization that promotes self confidence is incredibly important. I hope to gain experience mainly as well as find out if journalism is the correct major for me when I go to college.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Klothes Lime Benefit - March 19

Shop for a Good Cause Klothes Lime Buy-Sell-Trade Fashion is hosting a charity benefit for Latinitas Shop for clothing, 50% of proceeds will be donated to support Latinitas' girl empowerment programs. We will also host a yard sale outside of the Klothes Lime parking lot starting at 7:00 am. Have fun shopping, buy stylish clothes and make a difference in a girls' life. For more information, call (915)256-5942 to learn more about Latinitas, call (915)239-5051, email Latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Upcoming Events

What: Volunteer Meeting
When: March 7, 2011
Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: Rulis International Kitchen (2900 North Mesa Street)

What: Latinitas Saturday Camp
When: March 12, 2011
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Where: Judge Marquez Public Library (610 N. Yarbrough)
Grades 4th-8th

What: Photography Class for Teens
When: March 12, 2011
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm
Where: Judge Marquez Public Library (610 N. Yarbrough)
Grades: 7-12
 
What: Latinitas Multimedia Arts Spring Break Camp
When: March 14 -16, 2011
Time: 9:00-5:00 pm
Where: Latinitas Office (1359 Lomaland #502)
Grades: 4th-8th 
 
What: Latinitas Teen Media Academy
When: March 17 &18, 2011
Time: 9:00-5:00 pm
Where: Latinitas Office (1359 Lomaland #502)
Grades: 8th-12th
 
What: Through Her Eyes Photography Exhibit
When: Through March 31
Where: El Paso City Hall Community Gallery (2 Civic Center Plaza) 

What: Latinitas Go To College Day
When: April 9, 2011
Time: 10:00-3:00 pm
Where: UTEP Union
Grades: 6th-12th
 
To register, contact us at 915.219.8554 or email latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Intern Spotlight: Alyssa Romero


Alyssa Romero is a recent college graduate from UTEP with a degree in psychology. She serves as an educational outreach intern and assists Latinitas in developing girl empowerment activities for our after-school programs. Her desire to make an impact in the lives of local youth motivated her to intern with Latinitas. “It is a way for young girls to learn not only about their culture, but helps them to acquire skills that they can use later on in life.” “I think it is important to have a place that young girls feel they can turn to when they need help. I also find it important because it allows girls to express themselves in multiple ways and teaches them that it is okay to be themselves.” In her spare time, Alyssa serves as a youth leader at her church and teaches a confirmation class. Her long-term goals are to get a masters in counseling and to counsel youth.

Member Spotlight: Ytzel McDaniel


Ytzel McDaniel is a high school senior and teen reporter for Latinitas Magazine. She decided to become a teen reporter for the magazine after the encouragement of a friend. “A good friend of mine interned with Latinitas. She enjoyed it so much and she encouraged me to give it a try. I truly enjoy the friendly atmosphere in the office and how welcoming Marisol and the girls have been.” Ytzel feels that an organization like Latinitas is important because it counteracts negative media images. “Growing up is hard especially with television and magazines feeding young girls 'what they should be.' An organization that promotes self confidence is incredibly important. I hope to gain experience mainly as well as find out if journalism is the correct major for me when I go to college.” In addition to her involvement with Latinitas, Ytzel also volunteers at the local animal shelter, the El Paso Zoo and community clean-ups. She is also active on her school campus with groups such as Skills USA, DECA and Key Club. Her future goals include graduating from high school, continuing her education to get a masters degree and becoming a reporter.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jackie Gallinar

Jackie Gallinar is currently working as a Saturday Camp Leader and hosting monthly creative expression workshops for girls. Jackie is a social work junior at UTEP and started volunteering with Latinitas a year ago.  Since then, she has helped serve as a leader in our after-school clubs and summer camps.   Jackie's passion for making a difference is evident when she's working with the girls. Jackie has become a positive role model and mentors for Latinitas.   Her favorite part of volunteering is "to see the girls grow as people."  She supports Latinitas' mission because she is dedicated to helping girls "build their confidence and to give the girls a sense of belonging."

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Upcoming Events

UPCOMING EVENTS


What: Latinitas Teen Leadership Institute
When: January 29, 2011
Time: 10:00-4:00 pm
Where: Main Public Library (501 N. Oregon)
Grades: 9th-12th

What: Alliance for Latinitas Meeting-Volunteer Orientation
When: February 7, 2011
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Where: Latinitas El Paso Headquarters (1359 Lomaland)

What: Latinitas Teen Photography Workshop
When: February 12, 2011
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm
Where: Judge Marquez Public Library (610 N. Yarbrough)
Grades: 9th-12th

What: Latinitas Saturday Camp
When: February 12, 2011
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Where: Judge Marquez Public Library (610 N. Yarbrough)
Grades 4th-8th

What: Photography Class for Teens
When: February 19, 2011
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Where: Main Public Library (501 N. Oregon)
Grades: 8-12

What: Volunteer Mixer
When: February 24, 2011
Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: Mesa Street Grill (2525 North Mesa Street)

Festival Promotes Chica Power

What does chica power mean?  Girls from Latinitas multiple after-school clubs gathered to promote chica power during the Chica Power Fest on December 4th from 10am to 4pm at the Main Public Libray.  Girls described chica power as "young teenage girl who has self-confidence and who has the ability to make smart decisions."  Middle school girls built confidence and developed their voice all while having fun at the fest organized by high school girls in the Latinitas Teen Leadership Instititute. The event highlighted panelists, multimedia trainers, and local female leaders. This event was free and  intended to help girls in grades 4-8 to become teens who are knowledgeable in subjects that are currently challenging teens.

Intern Spotlight: Yuritzy Ramos


Yuritzy Ramos is a TV/Radio Broadcasting student at El Paso Community College. She is currently working as an Event Planning & Promotions Intern for Latinitas. She is currently helping coordinate a photography exhibit featuring the creative works of Latinitas members.  Yuritzy is involved with her community. She has gone to hospitals in Juarez to care of the sick and she has also helped the poor in Chihuahua. Yuritzy decided to intern for Latinitas because she wants to gain experience in the workforce while making a difference and sharing her ideas with others. She thinks that Latinitas is important because it "helps girls to succeed, to become more confident of themselves, to share ideas and to learn more about the right thing to do." Yuritzy's future goals are to graduate and then get her master's degree. She eventually wants to move to Miami to work for a television station like Univision.

Teens Invited to Discover the Leadership Potential

      Latinitas will be starting the Teen Leadership Institute on January 29. The institute will run from January to May, ending with a graduation ceremony. Hispanic girls in high school are invited to join. The cost of the program is $20 and there are a limited number of scholarships available. The institute will help the teens to develop their leadership skills while meeting new friends, connecting with mentors and role models, and completing community service projects. During the monthly workshops, the girls will learn about leadership methods, decision making skills, goal setting, public speaking, civic engagement, and volunteering.
      The requirements for this program include organizing 2 community service projects, completing a minimum of 20 volunteer hours, participating in a training retreat (January 29), participating in fundraising projects, and committing to attend monthly meetings.
      "The Teen Leadership Institute is a great opportunity for Hispanic girls to actively involve themselves with the community while learning valuable leadership skills," says Marcela Aguirre, Public Relations Intern for Latinitas. Latinitas will accept applications for the Teen Leadership Institute until January 24:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/623JRWT

For more information about being a part of the Teen Leadership Institute, call  239-5051 or email at latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com.

Donor Spotlight: Jennifer Sanchez - Publisher Su Voz Latina Magazine

We interviewed Jennifer Sanchez, creator of Su Voz Latina, to see what she has to say about supporting Latinitas.  Here's what Jennifer has to say:

1. What made you decide to become a supporter for Latinitas?We strongly believe in their mission to help empower and encourage young Latinas.  We held a fund raiser for them. 

2. What do you like the most about Latinitas?
Their mission.  I also appreciate their quarterly Latinitas fests. I was honored to be the main speaker at the last one held at the public Library & experienced first hand the great impact they have on the girls. At these meetings, the girls have the opportunity to relate to and empower one another. 
 
3. Why do you think it is important for our community to have an organization like Latinitas?
Many people focus on the empowerment of adults and fail to recognize the importance of developing strong, independent, confident future leaders.

Teen Latinitas Fest Helped Girls Become Picture Perfect

Latinitas helped girls ages 13 and up bring out their creative side with the Teen Latinitas Fest on Saturday, November 13 at KOI Studio Productions. This workshop provided hands-on training with photography, audio recording, graphic design, film making, and poetry.  Photographer Bianca Cervantes from KOI Studio Productions and Latinitas partnered to provide this free training workshop for young teens so that they could gain knowledge in digital technology. It also helped the girls develop their self-esteem and cultural pride while learning and having fun. This is the first year that Latinitas has partnered with KOI Studio Productions to provide this fun and engaging workshop for the community of young girls in El Paso.

Volunteer Spotlight: Gaby Marquez

Gaby Marquez is currently working with Latinitas as a Workshop Leader for the Latinitas Saturday Camps.  On a monthly basis, she helps lead our Saturday Camps by running creative expression activities for pre-teens. Gaby has previously served as a positive role model to girls as a Club Leader at our weekly after-school programs. Gaby was motivated to volunteer with Latinitas "to prevent and reduce the teen pregnancy rate in the Latino community...I enjoy serving my community and would like to mentor other Latinas.  I like working with other motivated young women.  It is a great experience as well as encourages young girls to succeed." 

Special Thanks to Su Voz Latina Magazine

On December 10, Su Voz Latina Magazine hosted the Winter Wonderland Fashion Show at the Camino Real as a fundraiser to help Latinitas' girl empowement programs and scholarships.  The event was a great success with over 150 guests enjoying a fashion show, motivational speaker Bruce Villarreal and delectable lunch from the chefs of Camio Real.  The fashion show featured clothing from Trend Society,  Bedazzled, Dillard's, and Agua modeled by Bazaar models. The event also consisted of shopping in which local vendors had booths with various items on sale. Among the vendors were Scentsy, Bedazzled, Agua, etc.

"The staff, volunteers, and girls at Latinitas would like to thank Su Voz Latina, especially Jennfier Sanchez, for organizing this fundraiser for Latinitas. Through this fundraiser, Latinitas will be able to continue empowering young girls through its various programs," says Marcela Aguirre, Public Relations Intern for Latinitas. Latinitas hopes to continue its partnership with Su Voz Latina.