E Newsletter

April 2006 E-Newsletter

Fotos de mi Alma Auction at Copa

Latinitas is hosting Fotos de Mi Alma, a benefit auction featuring an exhibition of donations from professional and amateur photographers. Held at the Copa Bar and Restaurant (217 Congress), April 19 - 6 to 9 pm, Fotos is open to the public (kids included) and all proceeds will benefit Latinitas outreach programming.

Fotos de Mi Alma will feature donated photos from professionals, Latinitas' volunteers and girls in Latinitas' programs. Photographers are asked to submit pieces that reflect Latino life and culture. Donations will be acknowledged on Latinitas website.

"Capturing the Latino essence through the lens of a camera integrates the art of local photographers with community support of Latinitas outreach." explains Event Chair and Latinitas Board Member Agustina Politti.

Youth photography for as low as $15 will be featured in addition to the professional art available. Come for an evening of Latino art, food, music, community and Copa’s $5 salsa lessons. To register a piece go to Latinitas website or call Laura at 512.322.9947.

in this issue

1. Make Your Own Ezine Workshop in April
2. Dia de los Madres Writing Contest
3. Call for 5K Runners to Support Latinitas
4. Volunteer Spotlight - Fern Ramirez
5. Latinitas Welcomes Spring Interns

Latinitas will host a free workshop for girls Saturday, April 22nd from 10am-noon at the St. Johns Public Library (7500 Blessing). The workshop will teach girls how to become a magazine editor through a fun, interactive lesson. It is free of charge, and open to all girls grades 4-8. To confirm a spot contact Marcela Evans at editor@latinitasmagazine.org or call 512.322.9947.

Mentor, hero, friend, protector, provider, and most importantly, mother. These are a few of the many hats our mothers wear. What better way to thank them for everything they have done than by entering the Latinitas Día de las Madres contest?

Girls are invited to submit an essay, photo or art work reflecting on their relationship for their mother.

Latinitas invites all Hispanic girls in middle and high school to submit their work online via email to latinitasawards@yahoo.com or by mail to PO Box 4284, Austin, TX 78765. Latinitas will be selecting a group of winners and prizes will be awarded at a special reception downtown.

Thanks to a generous grant from Shoes for Austin, a non-profit organization that gives new athletic shoes and socks to youth and adults who strive to improve their lives, Latinitas will be awarding shoes again as incentives in its after school programming and amongst its team of college volunteers. A contingency of the grant is that five Latinitas volunteers participate in the Shoes for Austin race on May 6th, three as runners and two helping with registration.

Last year's runners Alex Benitez, Mari Gonzales and Laura Donnelly and our registration volunteers Marcela Evans and Javier Osorio had a great time with this short run. Volunteers interested in just being at the event should contact Laura at 512.322.9947 or by email laura@latinitasmagazine.org. Runners can click here to register. When filling out the form, don't forget to write Latinitas in the agency field!

Fern is Latinitas' top photographer and is such a wonderful woman. She was born in Washington, D.C. and has lived in different places all over the world until her father retired from the Navy. Her family settled here in Austin where she majored in Spanish at The University of Texas.

As a world traveler, she has been to Mexico, Argentina, Spain and Guatemala. It was also during this time where she lived in California with her husband and son and earned a degree in Computer Science from San Diego State University.

"I have been impressed with the Latinitas mission to help young girls grow and develop their full potential and with the way the Latinitas leaders have been accomplishing these goals," said Ramirez.

Fern has the gift of capturing art through a lens. She has documented the Club Latinitas program for over the past two years. Although she has been contributing photos and brief stories, she enjoys the person-to-person interaction much more.

Latinitas is eternally grateful for all Fern’s hard work and commitment. Her photo essays have made Latinitas magazine a visual delight!

With over three years of continuing growth, Latinitas welcomes it largest group of interns ever to the family. A total of eight new interns are dedicating their time and talent. Each brings an ingenious uniqueness that will inevitably benefit Latinitas.

Marketing

Monique Contreras - The passion Monique illustrates in Latinitas originates from her roots. As a Latina, she can relate to the readers and is a firm believer of Latina empowerment. The experience Monique brings to the table is two-fold, in marketing and business administration. Latinitas is grateful for all the great work Monique has contributed.

Graphic Design

Emmy Mckee - Born in Houston and raised in southern Texas, Emmy understands the meaning of family. From the young age of 12, those closest to her continuously supported her love for art. Emmy is currently pursuing a degree in graphic design.

"I love art and it really opened up my eyes and creativity side," said Emmy. Although anxiously awaiting her graduation, she plans to continue supporting Latinitas after she graduates.

Advertising

Victor Jaramillo - Victor is an international graduate student from Mexico and is currently earning his masters degree from Texas State University. He is enrolled in the Mass Communication program with a concentration in advertising.

"I think it (Latinitas) is huge project intended to help young Latinitas in this country," said Victor. His in-depth knowledge and experience in the field makes him an important asset to Latinitas.

Angela Sandoval - Angela’s passion is in the political sector. Double majoring in government and corporate communications, she has much to offer Latinitas.

"As a successful Latina, I feel it is important to pass on my knowledge to other young Latinas to help them succeed," said Angela. All of her work and dedication will surely help Latinitas achieve their goals.

Outreach/Editorial

Sarah K. Rodriguez - Sarah’s frustration by minority and female representation in the media is the reason she was drawn to Latinitas. She is a firm believer in Latinitas’ mission to help young Hispanic girls succeed.

She is currently attending The University of Texas at Austin studying Photojournalism and Anthropology with a concentration in Latino Media Studies. Sarah has a gift of creatively capturing moments that serve a larger purpose.

Public Relations

Valeria Arias is a proud Nicaraguesa who was raised in Texax's Rio Grande Valley. She is excited about graduating in May to explore a career in music management and event planning. Val is enjoying the opportunity to marry her Latina-ness with her professional goals as a Latinitas intern. She is expertly publicizing Latinitas Fotos de mi Alma event this month.

Vanessa Caballero - Vanessa is eagerly waiting for her graduation from The University of Texas this May. She will be receiving her diploma in Public Relations with a concentration in Business. A writer, Vanessa has been contributing her ideas for a new PR strategy and is handling all promotion of Latinitas' new Saturday camps for girls.

Erika Ramirez - With a love for social interaction and writing, Erika is perfect Public Relations practitioner. Erika joined Latinitas in order to inspire young Latinas. As a Hispanic woman, she is a strong believer in Latina empowerment. Erika is researching and contacting national Hispanic media for Latinitas. In the future Erika plans on opening her own PR agency to serve her community.

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Latinitas, Inc. is an Austin-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Hispanic girls in media and technology. We accomplish this by publishing a bilingual webzine for Hispanic girls, hosting innovative media workshops in the community, and facilitating an after-school program for junior reporters.