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."

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.