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WELCOME TO LATISM‘12, MI GENTE!.........................................................4 SPONSOR AND PARTNERS.............................................................................6 HOUSTON: A SNAPSHOT OF THE MULTICULTURAL AMERICA............................................................................8 LATINA MOMS LEADING THEIR FAMILIES TO THE VOTING BOOTH...............................................................................................10 EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH CYBERSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.......................................................12 NOMINATIONS.................................................................................................14 RMHC HELPS CHILDREN REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.....................................................16 THE ADELANTE MOVEMENT.......................................................................17 PANEL DESCRIPTIONS....................................................................................18 AGENDA..............................................................................................................26 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS.......................................................................................36 CONFERENCE SPEAKERS..............................................................................38
INDEX
EDITORIAL ELIANNE RAMOS
Welcome to LATISM‘12, mi gente! As we walk into our second LATISM magazine issue, we find ourselves in the midst of a rapidly changing landscape. Latinos, already a major force in America, are suddenly at the center of the conversation. Yes, my friends, this is no longer about a couple of tweets here and there or some silly social media contest to see who has the highest Klout or the larger number of followers on a ‘hypothetical, virtual landscape.’ Social Media is enabling our community, at long last, to demand a place at the table, to take things into our own hands, to take tangible steps in dealing with the real-world issues that can actually SHAPE the future of American history. Our fully bilingual conference, the eighth one (!!) in our relatively short existence, is slowly but surely reaching critical mass, as more and more of us out there recognize the need for our community to have a voice, to discuss the things that matter, to come together to change the narrative for ALL Latinos in this country.
Every topic, every panel, every workshop session we have put together this year, speaks to a clear need in the community to dig a little deeper into the major things that directly affect Latinos’ livelihood, survival and ultimately success in these shifting times.
As one of the most critical areas to address in our community, our Education track’s panels and workshops will cover everything from policy advocacy to the innovative instructional and learning strategies that have proven successful in increasing our youth’s academic performance.
Our Business Track will touch upon the increasing access to new technologies, resources, and business opportunities driving Latino entrepreneurship in today’s economy. Our panelists, all consummate professionals, will discuss and point the way to master the space, redefine established thought and set a course for success.
We hope you embrace the content, the learning and most of all, the relationships that will undoubtedly sprout from your very presence at this conference. This magazine, just like every single one of our events and initiatives, is a product of the blood, sweat and tears of so many people who, like you, woke up one day and told themselves: “Hey, I don’t have to wait for the world to change! I can BE the change!”
The Technology track will present the pathways to leveraging the power of new media while laying out the skill sets, professional development and networking opportunities our attendees need to become tech leaders in the current global environment. The Health track will highlight the top researchers, health practitioners and organizations exploring the key health issues faced by our community, and point to the key focus areas for health advocacy, policy and communications.
What an absolutely novel idea. I hope you join all of us as we step up to the plate, open our arms and embrace it con todo el corazón.
As always, abrazos… and WEPA! ~Elianne Ramos AKA @Ergeekgoddess
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“Our online engagement only makes sense if it turns into concrete actions that transform real lives. Everything else equates to sterile conversations and a waste of time.” ~AnaRC
special thanks to
Our LATISM Directors
Elma Placeres Dieppa
Salvador Merndoza
Alejandra Suarez
Elianne Ramos
Sylvia Aguilera
Tony Vargas
Ernesto Sosa
Byrdie Franco-Rocha
Special thanks to our Houston team
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Anjelica Cazares
Frida Villalobos
Rolando Guajardo
Jihane Rodriguez
Juan Alanis
Leticia Manzano
Jackie Gil
Sandra Fernandez
Thanks To our Sponsors and Partners who trusted us
CONEXION PRIMARY LOGO FULL COLOR
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HOUSTON a snapshot of the
NEW MULTICULTURAL AMERICA ¡Bienvenidos a Houston! By: Elias Kamal Jabbe (@Elias213) Founding Editor of MulticulturalMatters.org
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f your first time traveling to the fourth-largest city in the United States is now, in late October 2012, you literally couldn’t have picked a better time. Not just because outsiders from the media celebrated the city on a national scale this year - Forbes Magazine just named it America’s coolest city in July and Huffington Post Latino Voices pointed out in March how it surpassed New York City and Los Angeles to become the country’s most diverse metropolitan area. Houstonians will tell you that October is one of the best times to come enjoy a taste of their city because it is right around the time when the cool fall weather replaces the intense heat and humidity of the summer. As you prepare to listen to knowledgeable and entertaining speakers, participate in workshops, and of course share an early morning cafecito with LATISM community members you spent many Thursday evenings interacting with online during Twitter Parties over the past year(s), remember that the city you will be enjoying during LATISM ’12 is an epitome of the growth of Latino culture, entrepreneurship and civic engagement in the United States.
HOUSTON’S HISTORIA Our country is becoming more diverse than it ever has been, and a microcosm of this development is seen when analyzing Houston’s story in recent times. As the US slowly approaches 2050, the year when it is expected to become a majority-minority nation with Latinos comprising 1/3 of its population, an example of Latino growth is already present in Houston decades in advance. Researchers from the Hobby Center for the Study of Texas and Houstonbased Rice University compared US Census Bureau data from 1990, 2000 and 2010 and pointed out in March 2012 that Houston’s Latino population grew to 35.5% of the city’s entire population in 2010. The fact that Latinos, who are now 1.5 million strong and the second largest ethnic group in the Houston metro area, increased drastically from being 20.8% of Houstonians in 1990 illustrates just how much demographics are shifting.
The city also features one of the nation’s most culturally diverse campuses with 126 countries represented (University of Houston), and as the Greater Houston Partnership points out, is home to 94 foreign consulate offices. The increased Latino population growth in Houston has helped create a stronger Latino presence in the city’s private and public sector, decades after a period when Latinos weren’t given the opportunity to integrate fully into a society that was clinging to its pre-Civil Rights Texas-era legacy.
OPENING DOORS The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC) is literally a model for the rest of the nation. According to an April 2012 HispanicBusiness.com story written by Rob Kuznia (Incredible Journey: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 35 Years), the chamber trails only the national US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C. when it comes to size. True to the old Texan cliché “Everything is bigger in Texas,” the HHCC’s membership base includes over 5,000 Latino small-business owners and representatives of larger corporations combined. But the President and CEO of HHCC, Dr. Laura G. Murillo, explained at the USHCC Convention in Los Angeles in September 2012 that the future is important when it comes to her organization achieving a sense of true accomplishment. “Our Emerging Leadership Institute takes place over four weeks and trains college juniors and seniors and college graduates with less than ten years of work experience, while helping them find mentors and career opportunities. We flew the participants to the USHCC Convention in LA so that they could have the full national experience while attending workshops and networking,” said Murillo, who was raised by immigrant parents in Houston’s East End barrio and exemplified si se puede throughout her successful career in the media and nonprofit sectors while winning countless awards. “We hope that this is a legacy for Houston: we are focused on not just bringing our established chamber members (to this convention), but also inspiring this new generation.”
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One of those future leaders that participated in the institute’s inaugural edition in 2012 is Agustin Canales. The University of Houston senior, who is pursuing one major in Finance and another in Marketing, said the HHCC’s impact on his life has been multifaceted. “Before graduating in July 2012 from the Emerging Leaders Institute, I actually started as an intern with the HHCC. The institute helped me improve my networking skills and it was through the HHCC that I met my future managers at the Federal Reserve, where I had a chance to intern. I’m blessed and so grateful for these opportunities,” said Canales, who added that the University Of Houston Bauer College Of Business has provided him with an excellent education. Murillo explained that while the institute primarily trains young professionals of Latino origin, it is also open to non-Latinos who are interested. This philosophy that encourages cross-cultural collaboration suits an era of US history where the nation is more multicultural than ever. HHCC Emerging Leaders
COLABORACIÓN CULTURAL Less than a mile from the Hyatt Regency where the LATISM familia will enjoy the 2012 Conference lies an example of how Latino culture is being embraced in Houston, a city where a large Mexican-American population that has been a significant part of Texan history for centuries is supplemented by thriving Salvadoran, Cuban, Venezuelan and Colombian communities. Chef Hicham Nafaa, who moved at age 18 to the United States from his native Morocco (where Spanish is spoken in northern cities like Tangiers) with just a few dollars in his pocket and a goal of perfecting his culinary skills, said his interest in Latino cuisine and language has only increased since moving to Houston. “I was introduced at an early age to Moroccan, French and Spanish cuisine due to the proximity to Spain, and the similar ingredients. Being in Texas is what got me more exposed to the Hispanic community, a community I feel very comfortable with due to the similarity with Morocco in regards to culture and food,” said Nafaa, who didn’t grow up speaking Spanish fluently in his native city Rabat and was able to become fluent in Houston thanks to speaking with friends and colleagues. “I first opened a Mexican Bistro in downtown on Main St. that I named Cielo and more recently a Spanish Tapas Bistro called Majorca on Gray St. I am always working on ways to create new styles of Spanish cooking that appeal to Houston’s multicultural community.”
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Hicham and team at Majorca Whether you are enjoying a meal at Majorca (winner of the 2012 Best Tapas award from the Houston Press) or other fine restaurants in downtown or enjoying a walk in Discovery Green Park just a few minutes from the Hyatt, remember that what you are seeing in Houston is likely a preview of how the rest of our country will be going forward. ¡Bienvenidos y que lo disfruten mucho!
Dynamic, multicultural and exciting!
Latina Moms Leading Their Families to the
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eresa Rey is one of the millions of mothers across the nation who carefully watched the first presidential debate of 2012. It is fair to say that Rey felt frustrated with the moderator’s lack of questions around family economic-security issues.
Association of Latino Elected Officials. Moreover, the size of the Latino constituency specifically in states expected to be very competitive in 2012 — such as Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Virginia — means that the Latino vote is critical to choosing our next president.
Questions about unfair wages for mothers, the high price of childcare and the lack of paid leave to care for children and the elderly were left off the table. The moderator also failed to ask the candidates about the contributions of immigrant families to the overall economy of our country. For Rey, who lives in Tampa, paying close attention to the candidates’ position on issues such as these is vital to ensuring that our communities thrive.
The Latina mom voter is especially a force to be contended with. According to the polling firm Latino Decisions, Latinas, like women overall, have voted at higher rates than their male counterparts for the past three decades, and this pattern is expected to play out again in 2012.
“Making a living wage is a big deal for us,”said Rey.“I was out of work. That’s rough. Even now, what I am making is a lot less than what I was making before, and I don’t have work benefits like healthcare. I also don’t have paid sick days, so if I or my daughters get sick, that’s a problem.” Rey will be among an estimated 12 million Latinas and Latinos expected to cast ballots this year, up from 10 million in 2008, according to the National
By: Mary Olivella
Photograph: ©istock.com/fstop123
VOTING BOOTH
At MomsRising, a national grassroots organization working to increase family economic security, we see how Latina moms from coast to coast are promoting the issues that we care about in order to protect and advance our families, and are committing to using our voting power in November. Moreover, the Latina mom’s influence on the outcome of elections will extend well beyond the power of her own vote. As often seen in Latino communities, it is the mother who makes sure that other members of the family are registered to vote. So when mamá votes, the family votes. P. 10
As the second presidential debate approaches, moms and families throughout the country expect the moderator to pose questions on issues that affect us all on a daily basis — affordable healthcare and women’s reproductive health, childcare costs and investments in our nation’s children, pay equity for women, paid sick days and paid family leave and fair treatment for immigrant families. When the moderator raises these critical family economic security issues, we will have the opportunity to hear each candidate’s plans for linking the well-being of our families to the economic security of our country overall. And when we’ve heard their plans, Rey, like other Latina mothers, and mothers throughout the country will be able to assess which candidate is best prepared to be the next President of the United States. And then head to the voting booth.
Mary Olivella is chief strategy officer and director of Diversity and Inclusion Campaign Initiatives for SECOND EDITION 2012 IMomsRising. LATISM’12 CONFERENCE
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TECHNOLOGY TRACK
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH
CYBERSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
By: Dania Santana
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s Latinos we are constantly living in two worlds, enjoying both cultures and languages.That way of life allows us to have insight knowledge of realities that many may only connect to issues in Africa.We know how the Latin American countries are lacking and experiencing the challenges of living in extreme poverty.
There are many charities that cater to Latin America that are doing groundwork and helping with basic needs, but we ask ourselves, once a person is not hungry, what’s next? Latism response is simple, engaging and it works: Sustainable Development. “Our online engagement only makes sense if it turns into concrete actions that transform real lives. Everything else equates to sterile conversations and a waste of time,” has said Ana Roca Castro, founder of Latism, and that’s the goal of this kind of project, making our activity online translate into action offline. The bracelets were beautiful, yet practical with handy USB drives. Great for bloggers and social media enthusiasts!
The first Cyber-Sustainable Project held by LATISM in the Haitian-border town of Montecristi, Dominican Republic, has empowered local artisans that are now able to sell their products online and engage with a broader audience. During Latism’ Social Fiesta at BlogHer12 this year, attendees were given handcrafted bracelets brought from Montecristi that were instantly a hit; telling the artisan’s story at the BlogHer stage proved the offline power of Social Media.
BlogHer12 attendees trying on the bracelets during the Social Fiesta.
SUSTAINABLE PROJECT 2012
Patacancha, Perú
This time around we are going South of the Americas in a journey that promises to be so amazing and fulfilling for all of our volunteers that we really need to rollup our sleeves and make it worth it for the community that it’s opening its arms to us. We hope to bring sustainable development, and in return, we know we’ll come back transform is so many ways! We introduce to you Patacancha, Perú! Patacancha is one of 17 rural communities located at the Sacred Valley of The Incas, which preserves its customs, rituals, cultural identity and traditional lifestyle. It is the home of farmers, artisans and weavers and it offers home stays in which guests can learn about the community and its livelihood. More than fifty families of this community have the capability to offer accommodations and an insight look into their lifestyle. Latism chose to develop the sustainability project here because of the importance and heritage its people preserve and the need they have to grow financially by selling their products outside of Perú.
After learning about Patacancha, its people, traditions and seeing the amazing pictures, we couldn’t help but fall in love. Did you? P. 12
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BEST PARENTING BLOGGER
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Ryby Wright - Growing Up Blackxican Ana Flores & Roxana Soto - Spanglish Baby Monica Villa - The Online Mom
BEST LIFESTYLE BLOGGER
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Ana Lydia Monaco - Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Monique Frausto - Curves & Chaos Nora Diaz - Casa Latina
BEST LATIN@ BUSINESS BLOGGER
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Juan Tornoe - Hispanic Trending Julie Diaz Asper - Gigcoin Michelle Ruiz
BEST LATIN@ TECH BLOGGER
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Gustavo Franceschini - The IOS Post Ariel Coro - Tu Tecnologia Andres Barreto - Pulso Social
BEST BILINGUAL BLOGGER
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Rori - Mama Contemporanea Creciendo Con Todas Las Abilidades - Eliana Tardio Javier Y Leslie - Los Rodriguez Life
BEST LATIN@ HEALTH BLOGGER
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Laura Tellado - Holding Out For A Hero Jessica Sofia Del Valle - Bloggers Of Health Lisa Quinones - Autism Wonderland
BEST LATIN@ EDUCATION BLOGGER
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Eileen Campos - Mommy Teaches Monica Olivera - Mommy Maestra Jose Vilson
BEST LATIN@ POLITICAL BLOGGER
• • •
Viviana Hurtado - The Wise Latina Club Lili Gil - XL Alliance Adriana Maestas - Politic 365
BEST LATIN@ ACTIVIST BLOGGER
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Julio Valera - Latino Rebels
BEST LATIN@ INSPIRATIONAL BLOGGER
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Lisann Valentin - Her Deep Thoughts Vicky Rios - Kindness And Kisses Eliana Tardio - Creciendo Con Todas Las Abilidades
BEST LATIN@ FASHION BLOGGER
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Mercedez - Be Chic Magazine Carmen Ordonez - Viva Fashion Blog Yvonne - Spoiled Latina
BEST LATIN@ FOOD BLOGGER
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Vianey Rodriguez - Sweet Life Bakes Nichole Presley - Presley Pantry Bren Herera - Flanboyant Eats Yvette - Muy Bueno Cook Book Jeannette Quinones - Sazon Boricua
BEST LATIN@ FRUGAL BLOGGER
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Denise Icasa - Ahorros Para Mama Yolanda Mason - Cuponeando Myrah - Coupon Mamacita
BEST LATIN@ MICRO-BLOGGER
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Julito Valera Elianne Ramos George Torres
BEST LATIN@ VLOGGER
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Denise Icaza - Ahorros Para Mama Chef Laura - Sol y Pimienta Mike Robles Best Latin@ Art Blogger Rachel Matos - The Art Muse Letty - Bella Vida Letty Cathy Cano - Crafty Chica
BEST LATINO(A) SOCIAL NETWORK LEADER
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Being Latino - #BeLatino Latina Mom Bloggers - #Latinamoms Latina Bloggers Connect - #LatinaBloggers Latina Lifestyle Bloggers - #LLblog
Veronica Aereola - Viva La Feminista Ray - Angry Latino P. 14
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NOMINEES! YOU MADE IT TO THE TOP AMONG HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF NOMINATIONS. YOU ARE ALREADY A WINNER.
BEST MARKETING/PR FIRM USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO REACH LATINO(A)S
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Fleishman Hillard Lopez Negrete VPE Public Relations
BEST COMPANY USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO TARGET LATINO(A)S
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P&G - Orgullosa McDonald - Me Encanta McDonald - Me Encanta
Centers For Disease Control And Prevention - CDC March Of Dime - Nacer Sano
Univision - Es El Momento New Futuro National Center For Family Literacy
BEST NON-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO REACH LATINO(A)S
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LULAC Voto Latino
Macys - Believe - With Make A Wish Foundation Johnson & Johnson - Text4Baby with National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
BEST LATIN@ JOURNALIST COVERING LATINO ISSUES IN SOCIAL MEDIA Soledad O’Brien Jorge Ramos Maria Elena Salinas
BEST DIGITAL NEWS COVERING LATINO ISSUES
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Fox News Latino VOXXI News NBC Latino
Senator Marco Rubio Mayor Julian Castro Assemblywoman Lucy Flores
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BEST LATINO TECH ENTREPRENEUR
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Eduardo Gonzalez Loumiet - Uber Operations Brian Martinez - Tioki Andres Barreto - Onswipe Alex Torrenegra - Voice Bunny
BEST INCUBATOR ADVANCING THE LATINO TECHSTARTUPS
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Dream It Ventures New Me Accelerator Nuevo Labs
BEST ORGANIZATION SUPPORTING THE LATINO TECHSTARTUPS
NALEO
BEST POLITICIAN USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO REACH LATINO(A)S
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Chipote Mexican Grill - Can Tell A Story
Let’s Move - Mi Plato
BEST EDUCATION ADVOCATE HELPING LATINO(A)S THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
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• • •
• • •
General Mills - Que Rica Vida
BEST HEALTH ADVOCATE REACHING LATINO(A)S THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
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BEST MULTICULTURAL MOBILE CAMPAIGN
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Comcast Google Jaila Ventures
RMHC
EDUCATION TRACK
HELPS CHILDREN REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Financial Aid Available Now For Graduating High School Seniors Aspiring to Attend College Nelson Mandela once said that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Ronald McDonald’s House Charities® (RMHC®) shares that principle and believes change starts with improving the life of one child which in turns affects a family, a community and ultimately the world. Through its U.S. Scholarship Program, RMHC strives to improve children’s lives by opening the door to higher education. Starting today, high school students in the U.S. who demonstrate academic excellence, show a commitment to helping others and aspire to attend college can apply online for a scholarship through the RMHC U.S. Scholarship Program. To help ease the financial burden of families and give eligible students an opportunity to reach their full potential, RMHC and its network of U.S. Chapters offer applicants the option to apply to one of four scholarship programs: RMHC®/ASIA (Asian Students Increasing Achievement), RMHC®/African American Future Achievers, RMHC®/HACER® (Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources) and RMHC® Scholars. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the Fall of 2012 a record 21.6 million students are expected to attend American colleges and universities, an increase of about 6.2 million since the Fall of 2000. While this is tremendous progress, the financial burden of attending college can be a barrier for many families. When you add the average annual tuition of $35,000 plus other living expenses at a private, four-year institution, higher education is often beyond reach. Since 1985, the Charity has awarded more than $44 million in scholarships to students who are exceptional role models. “Through the scholarship program, RMHC makes a long-standing commitment to education while investing in future leaders,” said Jennifer Blanchard Smith, senior director RMHC. “We encourage graduating high school seniors who face limited access to achieve their educational goals to apply today.”
THE SELECTION CRITERIA FOR AN RMHC SCHOLARSHIP INCLUDE: • The applicants must be younger than 21 years of age. • Must carry a minimum 2.7 GPA. • B e eligible to attend a two or four-year College, university of technical school with a full time course of study following their high school graduation. • Reside in a participating local Chapter’s geographic area.
Additional information and instructions on how to apply can be found at http://rmhc.org/what-we-do/rmhc-u-s-scholarships/. The deadline for the 2013 RMHC Scholarship program year is December 20, 2012, and all mailed back-up documents must be postmarked by the same date. The U.S. scholarship program is one way in which RMHC provides stability and vital resources to more than 4.5 million children and families every year around the world. Through its 318 Ronald McDonald Houses, 167 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and 48 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles, the Charity plays an active role in ensuring that families have the resources they need to keep their child healthy and happy. About Ronald McDonald House Charities Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 57 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children’s programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, visit www.rmhc. org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHC) or like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/ RMHC Global).
For more information on RMHC: www.rmhc.org The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
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BUSINESS TRACK
By: Nely Galan
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here is an adverb in Spanish that I absolutely love but can never accurately translate in English. The word is realizada, which begs the question: what does it mean to be fully realizada?
For lack of exact translation, let us say that it means to be actualized. To be whole on your own. To take personal responsibility. To be the master of your own decisions, and most critically—to make your own money. This is exactly what my former employer meant when he said to me:“go get your own chips—these are my chips.” It is no mystery that entrepreneurship drives this country’s economy—it is its heart and soul. So who are entrepreneurs? They are seekers, people who take risks and people who want a better life. They are futurists, innovators and risk-takers. They are not followers, but instead doers who complete and execute. They are active, they are on it, and they are never short on stamina. But you have to begin with a dream, and to dream genuinely—to really see the prospect of wealth and success for your family—you have to consciously let go of the notion that money is the root of all evil. In fact, right now it is quite the contrary for us: as Latinas, we are currently the emerging economic market in the country. And guess what that makes us? Powerful and empowered. It makes us poised to redefine our financial reality—on our terms. If you are employed, it’s time to get creative about how to bring more money into the family, so that we can grow into old age with less anxiety and more peace. It’s time to think on a parallel track—one that combines your life mission with your ongoing financial growth, so that you are always keeping the big picture in mind. My dream is that you will learn how to think like an entrepreneur even as an employee; that you will bring both inspired and tangible opportunities to your family by taking action. With this in mind, The Adelante Movement was created to not only encourage and inspire Latina women towards economic success and empowerment—but to literally hand you the tools and resources to make both happen. The Adelante Movement will bring Latinas like you information on jobs, government contracts, start-up funding for businesses and franchise opportunities. As the largest economic emerging market in the world, it is time we get the economic power we deserve.
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You are now being given the opportunity to join forces, support one another, to look at your fears square in the face, and transform them into personal and collective success. But to do this, you will need equal parts ganas, creativity and every drop of your courage. Remember: this is not an easy road. It’s a long distance run that requires energy, perseverance, and the love of obstacles. I encourage you to make fear and failure as your best friends, and use them as actual tools to propel you to the next level of your potential—a subject I’ll get into more in my next blog entry! It’s really very simple: if you take action, you will connect with money, develop wealth and leave a legacy. So, what are you waiting for? Join the Tour. Now. Here. Go. Adelante!
TRANSFORMING EDUCATION Our education track will explore the adoption of strategies and channels that embrace the principles of openness and reusability in new and transmedia within the context of educational institutions. Top educators will discuss the need for policy advocacy to ensure high standards and quality in our public education system and highlight innovative instructional and learning strategies that have proven successful in motivating Latino youth and increasing academic performance in critical learning areas.
THE EVOLUTION OF EDUCATION: NEW CHANNELS, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
CREATIVE USES OF TECHNOLOGY FOR EDUCATION MODERATOR:
MODERATOR:
Monica Olivera, Mamá Maestra
Jackie Gil
PANELISTS:
PANELISTS:
Estibaliz Arriaga, Houston Independent School District
José Castro, President / Innova College
Jesse Bisceglia, Plaza Familia
Mariela Dabbah, Author / President Latinos in College
Laura Donnelly, LasLatinitas.com / Founder
Lorraine Ladish, Mamiverse Jason Resendez, LULAC National Educational Service Centers DATE:
DATE: Friday, 10/26 a at 11:30 am
Friday, 10/26 at 9:45 am DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION:
The creative use of technology to enhance education
Over the past years the educational system in the Unit-
can be a key enabler to rethink education as a whole
ed States has seen many fundamental changes. Gain
and fully engage students in more effective and instruc-
a sense of perspective regarding the past, present and
tive learning experiences. Join this session to explore new
future of education in America by exploring the impact
concepts, fresh ideas, unique experiences and innova-
of technology on today’s public and private education,
tive tools used to promote knowledge acquisition, shar-
and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead
ing, and collaboration in classrooms.
with the use of new learning channels.
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PANEL DESCRIPTIONS LATINOS IN COLLEGE: REALITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
STEM: THE FOUNDATIONS TO CREATE A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL
MODERATOR
MODERATOR:
Carlos Macias, Por Colombia
Alberto Sardiñas, Univisión
PANELISTS
PANELISTS
Angela Garcia, College Board
Emily Kirkpatrick, NCFL
Reinaldo Padua, Coca Cola
Alberto Roca, MinorityPostDoc.org
Julio Suarez, Darden Group
Monica Vila, LaMamaOnline Jesse Martínez, Latino Tech Startup Alliance
DATE: DATE:
Friday, 10/26 at 2:00pm
Friday, 10/26 at 3:30pm
DESCRIPTION:
DESCRIPTION:
With the growth of the Latino population expected to
The United States needs a strong science and tech-
be close to 36 percent by the year 2020, according to
nology work force to maintain global leadership,
the U.S. Census Bureau, the challenges for Latino families
sustained economic stability and competitiveness.
trying to send their children to college are also on the
Science, technology, engineering and mathemat-
rise. This session will explore that reality and highlight the
ics are the engines of innovation and play a key role
opportunities currently available to Hispanics pursuing
in economic growth. This session will examine the
higher education.
importance of STEM education as a national priority and how current programs are supporting STEMfocused initiatives.
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EDUCATION TRACK PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
CREATING A NEW EDUCATION CULTURE AMONG HISPANICS
PRESERVING LATINO CULTURE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
MODERATOR:
MODERATOR:
Blanca Stella Mejía, Vizred / Latism
Jessica Tejada, Houston ISD
PANELISTS: Viviana Vethencourt, Building Abilities Foundation
PANELISTS:
Carolina Valencia, Es el momento (Univision)
Midy Aponte, American Latino Heritage Fund
Monica Vila, The Online Mom
Estuardo Rodriguez, The Raben Group
Maria de los Angeles Corral, College Board
Frederick Goodall, Mocha Dad
DATE: Saturday, 10/27 at 9:45 am
DESCRIPTION: The future of the United States is inextricably linked to the future of the Hispanic community according to President Obama. Yet many Hispanic students still face persistent obstacles to educational attainment and do not acknowledge the importance of education to win a better future. Understanding how the educational system works, learning to identify ones strengths to develop career paths and strengthening parent involvement to guide and support their children from an
DATE: Saturday, 10/27 at 11:30 am
DESCRIPTION: Latinos in the U.S. have contributed to every aspect of American history and culture for years. We have learned to celebrate the diversity of a multi-generational community known for its colorful experiences and legacies inherited from ancestral cultures. Preserving and passing those rich cultural traditions, languages and cultures to future generations is a permanent challenge. Learn from leading Hispanic organizations what is being done to preserve our roots and how you can get involved.
early age, is not only critical but needed to change this concerning reality. Join a panel of experts to analyze the facts and explore solutions to change the Hispanic mindset towards education.
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THE DREAM ACT AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU
SUPPORTING NEXT GENERATION HISPANIC LEADERS THROUGH EDUCATION
MODERATOR: Ray Ruiz, Director, El Gato Media Network
PANELISTS: Javier Moreno, Multicultural Marketing, Toyota
PANELISTS:
Ed Gonzalez, Councilman and Mayor, CIty of Houson
Estuardo Rodriguez, The Raben Group Teresita Pedrosa, HNBA / Natl Vice President of Memberships José Luis Zelaya, DREAMER
Jazmin Torres, 1st Vice Chair, NYSABE Odette Diane Duggan, Executive Director, College Board
DATE: Saturday, 10/27 at 3:30 pm
DATE: Saturday, 10/27 at 2:00 pm
DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION:
Identifying and developing the next generation of Hispanic
The controversial DREAM (Development, Relief and Educa-
Leaders carries a profound responsibility and a lot of chal-
tion for Alien Minors) legislative proposal could become the
lenges. How well current Hispanic leaders do this important
key to successfully address many critical issues affecting the
task, will ultimately determine how others will successfully
illegal immigrant community. By resolving their immigration
gain access to positions of power and influence in the
status, giving them access to education, which then pro-
future, to work towards achieving key goals for the national
vides the U. S. a pool of highly qualified professionals and
Hispanic community. Join this interesting session with a group
tax payers that contribute to the economy. Learn the key
of experts to discuss how to start developing and ensure suc-
components of the proposal and why it important for you.
cessful leadership transitions from an early age.
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SECOND EDITION 2012
BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT With the increasing access to new technologies, resources, and ideas, business opportunities are flourishing for Latino entrepreneurs now more than ever. On this track, Top Latino executives will share marketplace best practices and culturally relevant approaches for supporting small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.
THE STATE OF HISPANIC BUSINESS
UNDERSTANDING THE NEW HISPANIC CONSUMER
PANELISTS:
MODERATOR:
Alex Lopez Negrete, Lopez Negrete
Monica Villa, The Online Mom
DATE:
PANELISTS:
Friday, 10/26 at 8:30 am
Olga Romero, Director Southwest Airline Paola Gonzalez
DESCRIPTION: Latinos are leading the growth of small business in the
Claudia Deschamps, Deschamps Communications Melissa Salas Blair Jonathan Barrera, Latino Branding Power
U.S. and small business is leading the recovery of the U.S. economy.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, latino
DATE:
businesses revenue grew over 55 percent between 2005
Friday, 10/26 at 9:45 am
and 2011. In states with large Latino populations more
DESCRIPTION:
than 20 percent of all businesses are Latino-owned and
Recent statistics clearly show the growing influence of
are expected to increase their total revenue contribution
Hispanics on American culture, fueling the growth of
to the economy by 8 percent annually by 2015. Join us
population, Internet usage and technology sales, among
and take a closer look at the State of Hispanic Business,
others, by pumping more than $1 trillion of spending
learn about the positive impact Latino businesses are
power into the economy. Learning how to effectively
creating on the economic recovery, and the opportuni-
connect and serve the largest minority in the U.S. is now a
ties and challenges that lie ahead.
must for any business that wants to succeed. Join an interesting, insightful panel of experts to discuss ‘The Hispanic Consumer’ and the key issues businesses must remember to create effective strategies to reach them.
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PANEL DESCRIPTIONS THE NEW LATINO MEDIA: DIGITAL JOURNALISM CON SABOR
THE LATINO ENTREPRENEUR TOOLBOX: KEY TOPICS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO SUCCEED (FINANCING, LEGAL, MARKETING + )
MODERATOR: MODERATOR:
Lynn Ponder, WebCity Girls
Karla Fernandez, K. Fernandez & Associates PANELISTS: Adrian Carrasquillo, NBC Latino
PANELISTS:
Vanessa Smith, Impacto
Luis de la Hoz, The Intersect Fund
Isaac Vazquez, Impremedia
Stefano Zullian, Araya Artisan Chocolate Roberto de Mosier, Gonzalez & Mosier Law Luis Gonzalez, OCI Group
DATE: Friday, 10/26 at 11:30 am
DATE: Friday, 10/26 at 2:00 pm
DESCRIPTION: With web and social technologies constantly evolving, online journalism has experienced an extraordinary progress in recent years. Social Media has become more tightly integrated to the profession demanding new tools and skills that new latino media has fully embraced. Learn from a group of top latino journalists the new trends shaping the industry, how news reporting has been redefined and what it takes to successfully leverage the power of social to provide content in a real-time, social world. .
DESCRIPTION: Latino-owned businesses in the United States are growing at a blistering pace, a positive trend that can benefit the entire national economy and help the country start growing again. Yet many latino-entrepreneurs face important challenges in terms of access to working capital, proper technology, legal advice, marketing knowledge, among others, to move ahead and find economic success. Join a team of multidisciplinary experts to discuss the key topics any latinoentrepreneur needs to know to successfully launch and grow a business venture.
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PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
SUCCESSFUL HISPANIC SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS: LESSONS LEARNED MODERATOR: Hilda Ramirez, LATISM SF PANELISTS: Amy Olivieri, Constant Contact Pili Montilla, TV Personality Hugo Pérez, Zócalo Group Beatriz Acevedo, MITA Network
DATE: Friday, 10/26 at 3:30 pm
DESCRIPTION: Learn the ‘behind-the-scenes’ from successful Hispanic Social Media campaigns directly told by the creators. Unlock the key secrets that made all the difference to effectively connect, engage and deliver memorable brand experiences to Hispanic consumers. A must attend panel for anyone looking to improve its brand social media marketing efforts.
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BUSINESS TRACK PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
BLOGGING STRATEGIES THAT WORK: THE LATINA MOM EXPERIENCE
BILINGUAL CONTENT MARKETING: BEST PRACTICES FOR BUSINESSES MODERATOR: Melanie Mendez, LATISM / San Antonio Chapter Co-Director
MODERATOR: Natascha Otero, LATISM
PANELISTS: Jacqueline Jimenez, Marketing Consultant
PANELISTS:
Giussepina Russo, Mercatto Media
Helena Osorio, Pink Guayoyo
Ivonne Kinser, iFashion, Inc
Kathy Murillo Craftychica
Dania Santana, Cool Communications, LLC
Denise Icaza, Ahorros para Mama
Julio Fernandez, SocialShelfSpace.com
Jeannette Kaplun, HispanaGlobal
DATE:
DATE:
Saturday, 10/27 at 19:45 am
Saturday, 10/27 at 11:30 am
DESCRIPTION: New research shows business blogging is here to stay. Learn through the rise of the Latina Mommy Blogger experience the latest stats on professional blogging and proven blogging tactics that work to give your brand a powerful online voice, build credibility and influence buying decisions through relevant content. Useful, powerful advice shared by known, seasoned Latina Mommy Bloggers will provide you real-world, practical knowledge leverage blogging as part of your digital marketing mix.
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SECOND EDITION 2012
DESCRIPTION: Delivering relevant, engaging brand content to bilingual audiences is not only a challenge but an art. Join a team of seasoned experts sharing best practices and experiences on how to successfully create and manage bilingual content marketing strategies. From personalization tactics to content management, learn the critical topics you need to know when undertaking a bilingual content marketing initiative.
Ball Room
Time
Health Room
Education Room
Business Room
THURSDAY, October 25 6:00 pm Registration Opens 6:30 pm B ienveninda Party
2:00 pm Leadership Summit
5:00 pm Speakers Workshop
(LATISM Chapter Directors)
FRIDAY, October 26 8:30 am Trendsetters Breakfast The Evolution of Education: New Channels, Opportunities and Challenges
9:45 am
Creative Uses of Technology for Education
11:30 am
The Role of Bloggers in Health Education
Understanding the new Hispanic Consumer
Educating Communities on Health Issues through Mobile Technologies
The New Latino Media: Digital Journalism con Sabor
Johnson & Johnson 12:40 pm Lunch Latinos in College: Realities Connecting Healthcare and Opportunities through Technology and Innovation
2:00 pm
(Financing, Legal, Marketing + )
3:30 pm
STEM:The Foundations to Eat healthy, live longer Create a Better Future and better for All
7:00 pm
The Latino Entrepreneur Toolbox: Key Topics you Need to Know to Succeed Successful Hispanic Social Media Campaigns: Lessons Learned
LATISM Awards Gala
SATURDAY, October 27 8:30 am
Education Breakfast
9:45 am
Creating a New Education Culture among Hispanics
Let’s talk Health Care Reform
Blogging Strategies that Work in Business:The Latina Mom Experience
Preserving Latino Culture For Future Generations
Healthy Latinos Needed: Preventive Medicine and Education
Bilingual Content Marketing: Best Practices for Businesses
11:30 am
12:40 pm Coca Cola Lunch 2:00 pm 3:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 9:30 pm
Closing Keynote Despedida Party Pijama Party
The Dream Act and why it is important for YOU
Adelante Movement
Supporting next Generation Hispanic Leaders through Education
Adelante Movement
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Technology Room
Hands-On Newbies Hands-On Adelantados Hands-On Gurus
Latinovation: Latino Techpreneurs that are Creating a Better World
Twitter for Newbies
Become a Certified Minority-Owned Business
Lights,Video,Action: Vlogging
The Hispanic Mobile Consumer
The Power of Google +
Creating a Killer Pitch that will make your investor beg you
Advanced Twitter Strategies for Business
Bridging the Hispanic Digital Divide
Blogging 101
Leveraging LinkedIn for Business
Getting Published A journey for successful Latino(a) Authors
Visuals are the new black! Photography Pro*
How to build a YouTube Network in 1 Year
Social Media-powered Politics: Facebook for Business 101 How Social Media is redefining the political game as we know it
Social Media is about Relationships
Let’s pin! Learn to use Pinterest for Business
Sharing the Power of your Story - Captivating Writing
Time to make me some money with Google Ads
Is your Business having SOLOMO? (Social/Local/Mobile)
Rocking your Video Interviews
Google Metrics What Really Counts
Advance Wordpress Blogging
Leveraging Technology to solve Latino Problems Access to Venture Capital for Hispanic Tech Startups LATISM’12 CONFERENCE
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AGENDA //
HEALTH INNOVATION Information and resource-sharing can undoubtedly make an impact in the health and quality of people’s lives within our community. This track will feature top researchers, health practitioners and organizations who will explore the key health issues faced by our community, the individual and community barriers to health education, the need for advocacy in health policy and the path to equity in health communication.
THE STATE OF HISPANIC HEALTH
UNDERSTANDING THE NEW HISPANIC CONSUMER
PANELISTS: Richard Carmona, Ex General Surgeon DATE: Friday, 10/26 at 8:30 am
MODERATOR: Jessica Sofia Valle, LATISM PANELISTS: Laurita Tellado Jessica Olivarez
DESCRIPTION: Many Latinos have less access to health insurance and
Helen Troncoso, Reinventing You, LLC Alexandra Morbitzer
half of Latinos don’t have a regular doctor. Because of this unequal access to health care, troubling health disparities have emerged that have become a problem since many don’t have the minimum conditions for full participation in most dimensions of life. In addition, the economic, social, and psychological burdens imposed by poor health on populations that are already disadvantaged can be particularly devastating. Join an insightful conversation on the state of Hispanic health in the United States, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and what needs to be done to grow a healthy national Hispanic community.
DATE: Friday, 10/26 at 9:45 am DESCRIPTION: Blogging about a hobby or personal experience is one thing, but blogging about health requires expertise. Search Engine Optimization can bring many eyes to our content and when it comes to something as important as health we need to insure that the information we are sharing is both, factual and accurate. Bloggers can play an invaluable roll in creating and curating great content, but it comes with a high level of responsibility. Come and learn how to build an audience and find advocates and resources to help promote health education online.
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PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
EDUCATING COMMUNITIES ON HEALTH ISSUES THROUGH MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES
CONNECTING HEALTHCARE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
MODERATOR:
MODERATOR:
Javier von Westfalen, LATISM
Eduardo Gonzalez Loumiet, Über Operations IT Consulting
PANELISTS:
Services
Susan Can, J&J
PANELISTS:
Gloria del Castillo, Health Communication Specialist - Univision
Derrick Taveras, Tactical Management Luis Belen, Medic Success Jose Ivan Delgado, Infinity Success Rafael Maldonado
DATE: Friday, 10/26 a at 11:30 am
DATE:
DESCRIPTION: Reaching low income, remote communities with limited or no access to the Internet and telecommunications, has been a challenge for years for government agencies and private health care providers. The lack of infrastructure and limited local government budgets to address the problem, among other things, have made the situation even more difficult, leaving an important part of the population disconnected and uneducated on health matters. But with the rise of mobile technologies and the exponential adoption of mobile, health care providers and agencies are now
Friday, 10/26 at 2:00 pm DESCRIPTION: Over the last 4 years, the CDC and the Association of Public Health Labs have been developing and now growing a state-of-the-art national health information exchange hub. The mission is to save more lives and better the health of residents and visitors of the United States by leveraging timely, accurate, standardized information across all agencies and health organizations. How can technology can
enabling direct communication channels with members of
save lives? What are the key issues to keep data sharing
the community promoting prevention and health educa-
secure and private? What does it takes to work in health IT?
tion around important topics. Learn from the experience
Where is the future of health IT headed? These are some of
of successful organizations that are leveraging the power
the questions that will be answered during this conversation
of mobile how to use cellphones to keep citizens informed
with a team of experts where healthcare, technology and
and educated.
innovation creatively blend.
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PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
EAT HEALTHY, LIVE LONGER AND BETTER
LET’S TALK HEATH CARE REFORM PANELISTS:
MODERATOR:
Elisa Batista, MomsRising.org
Stephan Chavez, Latino Foodie
Laura Tellado, Journalist, Activist Helen Troncoso, Reinventing You, LLC
PANELISTS:
Alexandra Morbitzer
Laura Fuentes, MOMables Claudia Kolker, Author/Winning Journalist
DATE:
Deborah Deras, International Speaker, Synergy Unlimited, LLC
Saturday, 10/27 at 9:45 am
Vianney Rodriguez, Sweetlifebake.com
DATE: Friday, 10/26 at 3:30 pm
DESCRIPTION: The Supreme Court ruled months ago that the Affordable Care Act is constitutional, yet many insured and unin-
DESCRIPTION: A key to living a longer and stronger life begins with proper nutrition. Come and join the experts in a very interesting conversation on how to can integrate changes to your diet to improve the overall quality of your health. Latinos face many challenges through inherit disease such as Diabetes, Hypertension and Obesity. Learn to shop, cook and eat for a healthier, longer and better YOU! Start making smart choices and changes
sured Americans still don’t know what it means for their own financial well-being. Will healthcare costs go down now? What will change in my current insurance? What happens if I don’t have insurance? What about Medicare coverage? And my taxes? These are only some of the many questions people ask themselves trying to understand this new law. Join a 1to1 session with experts to find the answers to key questions on this important topic that affects you and your family.
today that will break these cycles and improve the quality of your existence and that of your future generations. P. 30
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HEALTH TRACK
HEALTHY LATINOS NEEDED: PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND EDUCATION MODERATOR: Natasha Pongonis, Social Media Spanish PANELISTS: Catarina Rivera, Healthy Kids in the Heights Lisa Valadez, Key Public Relations Janette Hughes, United Community Center
DATE: Saturday, 10/27 at 11:30 am
DESCRIPTION: One important issue for Hispanic Americans is staying healthyin order to actively participate in most dimensions of American life, including the ability to work and be steadily employed, to consistently attend school and to learn, to socialize and engage in one’s community, and to participate fully in activities and relationships that create a sense of wholeness and well-being. Preventive care and education has emerged as an alternative to prevent diseases and injuries, rather than curing them or reactively treating symptoms. Learn directly from the experts how preventive medicine can help you stay healthy, while improving your quality of life.
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TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP This track is about social-change: as Latinos continue to make strides in developing new and cutting edge technologies, it is essential to prepare ourselves with the skill sets, professional development and networking opportunities to become technology leaders in the current global competitive environment.
SOCIAL MEDIA-POWERED POLITICS: HOW SOCIAL MEDIA IS REDEFINING THE POLITICAL GAME AS WE KNOW IT
LATINOVATION: LATINO TECHPRENEURS THAT ARE CREATING A BETTER WORLD MODERATOR:
MODERATOR:
Julie Diaz-Asper, Gigcoin
Adriana Maestas, Politics 365
PANELISTS: PANELISTS:
Victor Landa, News Taco
Lili Gil, Xl Alliance
Juan Hernandez, Nuevo Labs Summary
Monica Talan, Univision
Oscar Torres, Zenplaya
Lucy Flores, State of Nevada
Edgar Mejía, Conexion
Giovanni Rodriguez, SocialxDesign
DATE: DATE:
Friday, 10/26 at 9:45 am
Friday, 10/26 at 3:30 pm DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION:
Technology and entrepreneurial skills are driving many
With the emergence of social media, a new set of voices
economies around the world to prosperity. Known
have emerged. These voices are loud, young, strong and
Technopreneurs such as Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Jobs
proud. No longer can politicians prepare their rhetoric
(Apple), Sergei Brin and Larry Page (Google) dared to be
discourses without engaging with their audience every
different and took unexplored paths to ultimately redefine
hour of the day. This panel will explore how this new phe-
and create a better world for us all through the creative
nomenon is re-shaping the political game. The benefits
use of technology. Let’s explore the world of Latino Inno-
and challenges it brings and interesting case studies that
vation through the experiences of a group of passionate,
show the best use of these engagement tools
latino techpreneurs that are making a difference today.
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THE HISPANIC MOBILE CONSUMER
BRIDGING THE HISPANIC DIGITAL DIVIDE MODERATOR: Jason Lorenz, HTTP
MODERATOR:
PANELISTS:
Ernesto Sosa, LATISM/SOWEB/HSMI
Noreli García, ATT
PANELISTS:
Oscar Torres, Zenplaya
Gio Rodriguez, SocialxDesign/LATISM
Emily Kirkpatrick, National Center for Family Literacy
Computer: Matthieu Riegler, Wikimedia Commons, ipod touch: Mr. TI. Wikimedia Commons; ipad: istock©alexsl
Gustavo Razzetti, Lápiz USA
DATE:
DATE:
Friday, 10/26 at 2:00 pm
Friday, 10/26 at 11:30 am
DESCRIPTION:
DESCRIPTION: The statistics don’t lie. Hispanics will not only spend $17.6B on Mobile Devices this year, but are the most active user group of mobile technology in the U.S. . The question among marketers and brands is no longer ‘Why should I invest in mobile to reach Hispanic consumers?’ … The question is now ‘How should I do it?’. Learn how to connect with the Hispanic Mobile User, a new kind of consumer with different consumption patterns that is reshaping the world as we know it.
Despite overcoming the lack of Internet access and slow connections with impressive mobile technology adoption and use rates, Hispanics now face a new digital divide that is emerging by more, rather than less, access to technology. Younger generations are now confronted with the challenges that come with mobile hardware limitations, mobile content and the lack of quality engagement. This session will examine the advances in terms of Hispanic Web access and the challenges in an emerging multi-screen world.
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PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
SOCIAL MEDIA IS ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS MODERATOR:
IS YOUR BUSINESS HAVING SOLOMO (SOCIAL/LOCAL/MOBILE)?
Elianne Ramos, LATISM MODERATOR: PANELISTS:
Abe Delgado, LATISM
Ted Rubin, Collective Bias Melissa Fernandez, US Interactive Media
PANELISTS:
Doug Mitchell, NPR Consultant
Gabriela Natale, AGANAR Media
Maricela Cueva, VPE Public Affairs
Andrés Suarez, A Ganar Media Alcides Aguavivas, Pix-l Graphx, Inc.
DATE:
Sandra Sroka, Poter Novelli
Saturday, 10/27 at 9:45 am DATE: DESCRIPTION:
Saturday, 10/27 at 11:30 am
As the world becomes more social, businesses are finally starting to realize the strategic importance of making social
DESCRIPTION:
media a key component of their marketing efforts. Despite
Imagine reaching your customers based on their social
a growing massive adoption, still too many organizations
habits and local relevance. Now add to the mix the
use social media as another broadcasting channel to “get
massive adoption of mobile among latinos and you get
the message out”, missing the real opportunity that social
a social, local, mobile revolution that is taking over the
media entices. Learn how smart companies are leverag-
marketing world, offering great opportunities for busi-
ing the power of social media to build trustworthy, ‘win-win’
nesses, large and small. Learn from seasoned experts how
relationships with customers beyond ‘likes’ and ‘followers’ by
you can integrate SOLOMO to your marketing mix and
enabling conversations that benefit the customer, business
connect with the new Hispanic Mobile Consumer taping
and brand.
into the intelligence of smartphones.
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TECHNOLOGY TRACK
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY TO SOLVE LATINO PROBLEMS
ACCESS TO VENTURE CAPITAL FOR HISPANIC TECH STARTUPS
MODERATOR:
MODERATOR:
Eric Diaz, LATISM
Sandra Fernandez, LATISM/ Houston Public Library PR Manager
PANELISTS: Natasha Pongonis, DK Web Consulting
PANELISTS:
Laquitta DeMercha, FuzionApps Inc
Jesse Martinez, Latino Starup Alliance
Jazmin Chavez, Latino Justice
Jason Lorenz, HTTP
Emilio Sanchez, VOXXI
Juan Hernandez, Nuevo Labs
DATE: DATE:
Saturday, 10/27 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, 10/26 at 3:30 pm DESCRIPTION: The power of leveraging technology and disruptive inno-
DESCRIPTION:
vation to creatively solve problems and challenges opens
Early stage Hispanic Tech Startups typically look for
a new world of possibilities for the Hispanic community.
financing with banks, friends and family, and per-
Meet exciting people that have launched innovative
sonal credit cards. But the growth of Hispanic busi-
projects and concepts that changed the lifes of many
nesses and buying power is drawing the attention
through an inspiration, ideation and implementation
of venture-capital and private-equity companies
process to create solutions.
nationwide that are seeking to fund Hispanic ventures. Learn how to get your business idea funded by venture capital through the advice and experiences of techpreneurs and venture capitalists.
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KEYNOTE
SPEAKERS Nely Galan Latina media dynamo and women’s empowerment advocate Nely Galán, dubbed the “Tropical Tycoon” by The New York Times Magazine, is one of the entertainment industry’s savviest firebrand talents. A first-generation immigrant and self-made media mogul, Galan was the first Latina president of a U.S. television network (Telemundo). She is an Emmy Award-winning producer of over 600 episodes of television in Spanish and English, including the Fox reality hit series The Swan, and the first Latina to appear on The Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump on NBC. She regularly electrifies audiences with her experiences as one of the first Latina producers in Hollywood and her rise to become a successful media and real estate entrepreneur as well as an inspirational speaker and passionate advocate for the empowerment of Latina’s everywhere. Galan has owned and operated her own media company, Galan Entertainment, since 1994, launching 10 groundbreaking television channels in Latin America, and producing a staggering 600 episodes of programming spanning all genres— from reality to sitcoms, telenovelas to talk shows, in both English and Spanish. In her role as public speaker, Galan routinely draws rave reviews for her mesmerizing presentations on the Latino market, entrepreneurship and female empowerment.
Nell Merlino
Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence Nell Merlino is Founder and President of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, the leading national not-forprofit provider of resources for women to grown their businesses. Merlino is the creative force behind Take Our Daughters to Work Day and the author of “Stepping Out of Line: Lessons for Women Who Want it Their Way in Life, Love and at Work.” Merlino’s mantra is: “Before you grow your business, you need to grow yourself.” Throughout her career, Merlino has been inspiring million to focus on building financial strength and discovering what they really want. Throughout her career, Nell Merlino has been inspiring millions of people to take action. Her Take Our Daughters to Work Day moved more than 71 million Americans to participate in a day dedicated to giving girls the opportunity to dream bigger about their future. http://www.makemineamillion.org/. Nell is also the founder and President of Strategy Communication Action, Ltd. (SCA) in New York City, a firm specializing in the creation of public education campaigns that motivate people to act. She is a member of the U.S. Department of State Advisory Committee on International Policy (ACIEP), and was appointed a Pathways Envoy by the U.S. State Department to promote women’s business growth through South and North America.
Sandra Cisneros,
Novelist, poet, educator and Latina advocate Sandra Cisneros is an acclaimed novelist, poet, educator and Latina advocate who has been awarded the MacArthur Genius Award. Her critically acclaimed novel “The House on Mango Street” has sold over five million copies in the U.S. and won her numerous awards. Sandra’s new project “Have You Seen Marie?” is an illustrated book for adults, with illustrations by Ester Hernández. The book will be published in October 2013 and will include a 15-city tour. Sandra’s new children’s book, “Bravo, Bruno,” with illustrations by Leslie Greene, will be published in Italy next year. She is also writing several projects, including a book of essays as autobiography, a collection of short stories, a book about writing and a new book of poems, among others. Sandra’s books include a book of poetry, “Bad Boys” (Mango Press 1980); two full-length poetry books, “My Wicked Wicked Ways” (Third Woman 1987, Random House 1992) and “Loose Woman” (Alfred A. Knopf 1994); a collection of stories, “Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories” (Random House 1991); a children’s book, “Hairs/Pelitos” (Alfred A. Knopf 1994) and two novels, “The House on Mango Street” (Vintage 1991) and “Caramelo” (Knopf 2002), “Vintage Cisneros”, published in 2003, is a compilation of selections from her works.
Ramon De Leon, Social Media Expert
Ramon De Leon’s story is one of those that always inspire you, even if you already heard it before. The fact that we, as a community, may aim higher and higher and get our place even beyond our dreams definitely, motivates to work hard and excel. In a nutshell, and as his Twitter description goes, Ramon De Leon is a Social Media Visionary, a Global Keynote Speaker and the Marketing [master] mind of Six Domino’s Pizza stores in Chicago. His story, like taken out of a Hollywood script or Latin American telenovela, started as a pizza delivery driver back in 1986. With a very clear concept of relationship building, one he learned from his mother, he started taking the opportunities that came to him and shining as a leader from the very first position as a shift manager. From there it was moving up the ladder and becoming the Social Media expert he is today. In his second appearance as a LATISM keynote speaker, De Leon will once again share his work ethic, knowledge of Social Media, Marketing and outstanding personality. P. 36 SECOND EDITION 2012 I LATISM’12 CONFERENCE
Awards Gala Speaker Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez Council Member, District H Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez was first elected to serve on Houston City Council in 2009. A life-long resident of the City of Houston, Ed is dedicated to making his hometown the leading global city of the 21st century. Council Member Gonzalez is committed to public safety and served the Houston Police Department for 18 years. While at the Houston Police Department, Gonzalez was promoted to Sergeant, served on the elite hostage negotiation team and was a homicide investigator. He has used his extensive law enforcement experience to help craft innovative and effective solutions to modern-day crime issues. Ed has been a public servant for most of his adult-life and knows what it means to be “on call” at all times to serve the constituents of the City of Houston.
Maria Celeste is the host and managing editor of “Al Rojo Vivo con María Celeste”, the most talked about newsmagazine in Hispanic television, produced by Telemundo/NBC. “Al Rojo Vivo con María Celeste” airs nationwide in the U.S. and in 15 Latin American countries. She’s a guest co-host of NBC’s “Today” show. According to The New York Times “Ms. Arrarás’s high-profile sally into national network television, in the spot previously occupied by Ms. Couric no less, was groundbreaking for a Spanish-accented broadcaster.” (July 23, 2006) She received an Emmy Award in 2005 for her career achievements. Her latest twitcam chat (November, 2010) reached 11 million people, according to Twitteranalyzer.com. People en Español chose her for its cover dedicated to “The 25 Most Powerful Women of 2009 and 2010”. She was named “Queen of the Internet” in 2001 after her first cyber chat surpassed the record ‘amount of participants in a chat’, set by Ricky Martin. In the annual “Hot Celebrity Poll” conducted by People en Español, readers across the nation chose her as the “most popular and credible television personality.” “Al Rojo Vivo con María Celeste” is a news and entertainment magazine that takes you around the world in an hour. Its unique format has been described as “paella style” because it combines live interviews with news of the day, special investigations, celebrity news, amazing videos, health, consumer issues and the latest in technology. The show airs in the U.S. Mon-Fri at 5pm East/Pacific, 4pm Central.
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Julie Hamp is Chief Communications Officer for Toyota Motor North America, Inc. In this role, she has primary responsibility for coordinating Toyota’s public relations efforts in the region while leading the company’s cross-affiliate communications team. Prior to joining Toyota, Hamp was most recently Senior Vice President, Consumer Relations and Chief Communications Officer for PepsiCo. Before joining PepsiCo, she was Vice President, Communications for General Motors’ European region, among other roles. A native of Queens, NY, Hamp holds a B.S. in Communications from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan and her post-graduate studies include participation in the GM-Harvard Business School’s Executive Development Program with an emphasis on Asian studies.
Maria Celeste
Celebrity Guest
LATISM’12 CONFERENCE
Julie A. Hamp Chief Communications Officer Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
SECOND EDITION 2012
SPEAKERS Lorraine Ladish Mamiverse
Jose A. Castro Innova College
Lorraine C. Ladish is Editor-in-Chief of Mamiverse.com. The mother of two young girls, Lorraine is fully bilingual and bicultural. She has authored 15 books of non-fiction on the subject of women’s issues and empowerment. In addition, she has written and published two novels. She has contributed to People en Español, Redbook and Mamiverse and was most recently the managing editor of VOXXI Mujer, an online news site for Englishspeaking Hispanics. She lives in Sarasota, Florida, with her blended family.
Jose A. Castro was born in Santiago Chile. Mr. Castro has more than 15 years of experience in Higher Education Sector as a professor, executive administrator, and consultant. Currently, since the middle of 2009, he is living in Miami and serving as President / CEO of Innova College. He is the CEO of the College and, as such, is responsible for the overall strategic planning for and the sustained performance of the College.
Jason Resendez, LULAC National Educational Services Centers, Inc. Jason Resendez is the Director of Corporate Relations & Development at LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC), the education arm of LULAC, the nation’s largest and oldest Latino civil rights organization. At LNESC, Jason oversees the strategy development, fundraising, and communications efforts of one the nation’s largest Hispanic education organizations. Through its 14 education and technology centers, LNESC delivers innovative academic programing that changes the lives of students in high-need communities. Since 1973, LNESC has served over 500,000 students, sent 150,00 students on to college, and awarded nearly $20 million in scholarships.
Elma Placeres Dieppa, LATISM Moderator
Mariela Dabbah Latinos in College For the last eighteen years Mariela has devoted her enormous energy to helping young Latino students,women and professionals succeed in their quest of education and successful careers in the United States. In 2009 Mariela created Latinos in College, the first online/offline all encompassing platform to help Latino students succeed in college. The non-profit organization’s website www.latinosincollege.com offers resources, tools and connections for Latino students and their families to find, pay and graduate from college. A national, sought-after speaker, goto expert for the press and web personality.
She has an experience of over sixteen years of progressive business in both entrepreneurial and corporate settings; with particular skills in planning, marketing, budgeting, pricing, contract negotiations and efficiency. Currently she is a Marketing Consultant in Chicago, Il. where she has worked for for Sojourn Day Spa, Vida’s Market, Catalonia Hotels, Marival Resort and Suites, Carlas Prince Gilbert (realtor), Green Envee and as a personal assistant for a prominent internationally known art curator.
Laura Donnelly, Latinitas Inc Laura Donnelly was a book publicist for eight years in New York City, working with authors like Michael Crichton, Erica Jong and Maya Angelou, until she realized she wanted to generate her own media. In graduate school at UT Austin she co-founded Latinitas, the first digital magazine made for and by young Latinas with programming focused on empowering Hispanic girls using media and technology. As Chief Operating Officer, Laura manages the production of Latinitas magazine, program outreach and resource development for Latinitas.
Alberto Roca, MinorityPostDoc.org
Teresita Pedrosa, HNBA / Natl Vice President of Memberships
Julissa Bonfante, VOXXI
Ana Maria Leon, PhD P. 38 SECOND EDITION 2012 I LATISM’12 CONFERENCE Building Abilities Foundation
Moderator
EDUCATION Javier Moreno Assistant Manager Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
Frederick Goodall Goodall Creative Services Frederick J. Goodall is a writer, a speaker, and a father. He is the Chief Creative Officer of Goodall Creative Services (www.goodallcreativeservices. com), a communications and media company that helps business connect with their customers through storytelling. In 2008, he started the popular fatherhood blog, Mocha Dad (www.mochadad.com) to chronicle his life as a dad and to counter the negative stereotypes regarding black fatherhood. He wanted to give readers a first-hand account of a black father who is intimately involved in his children’s lives. Now he uses the blog to not only capture his experiences, but also to help motivate other men to be more actively engaged and involved with their children, families, and communities.
Estuardo V. Rodriguez, jr., The Raben Group
Javier Moreno is Assistant Manager of Corporate Communications at Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMA), the holding company for Toyota’s North American sales, engineering and manufacturing operating units. In this role, Moreno serves as a national spokesperson for the company, develops and manages Toyota’s philanthropic & multicultural PR strategies for North America and implements social media tactics on various platforms. Since joining Toyota in 2005, Moreno has held various positions in media relations, marketing, market research, government affairs and community relations at Toyota’s affiliates in Kentucky, California and New York. Prior to joining Toyota, Moreno served as national president of FFA, a national organization of more than 500,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. Moreno was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and currently resides in New York City with his wife. He graduated from The Pennsylvania State University and also earned a minor from Moscow State Agricultural Engineering University in Russia.
Blanca Stella Mejia, Co-Director LATISM South Florida Moderator Blanca Stella Mejia is a Social Media Consultant and Digital Community Builder for corporate executives, small business and individuals. Blanca started blogging in 2008 which led to a reinvention of a new career as a Social Media Consultant when clients sought out her services. In 2009, Blanca launched a bilingual blog, MiCaminar, through which she was awarded a scholarship by Latism.org to attend Blogher in 2010 and is the co-director for Latism South Florida.
Estuardo V. Rodriguez, jr. is a Principal and Counsel on Media and Communications at The Raben Group, where he brings years of experience with media and message development in addition to extensive experience with government affairs and specialized marketing to Hispanic communities. Mr. Rodriguez splits his portfolio between a number of non-profit organizations, which include the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and corporate clients including Time Warner Cable and the Property Casualty Insurance Association of America (PCIAA).
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SECOND EDITION 2012
Midy Aponte American Latino Heritage Fund of the National Park Foundation Midy Aponte was appointed as the founding Executive Director of the American Latino Heritage Fund of the National Park Foundation in the Fall of 2011. Since then, Midy has spearheaded the Fund’s strategic direction and overseen management of programs and development during the initial phase to establish the Fund’s national presence. As a bicultural and bilingual communications and business strategist, Midy is a seasoned tactician in conceptualizing multi-faceted programs entailing advocacy, organizational and coalition-building efforts for private and public sector entities. Midy also founded The Sánchez Ricardo Agency, a Hispanic Communications and Digital Media Consultancy in Washington, D.C., which combined high-level strategic communications with bottom-up social media strategies to raise awareness, spark genuine interest and generate engaged action from target audiences.
SPEAKERS
Eduardo González Über Operations IT Consulting Services
Helen Troncoso Reinventing You, LLC
Moderator Eduardo is an award-winning information technology expert, mentor, recognized speaker, and Managing Director of Uber Operations, a leading health care technology company. Eduardo plays a critical role in the continued development of the company’s strategic growth, including partnership and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility and growth in response to an increasingly demanding marketplace. Since joining Uber Operations, Eduardo has grown the business into a multi-million dollar company with over 20 clients in public and private health care.
Dr. Helen Troncoso received her Bachelors Degree from Rutgers University and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. Always a beauty (and brain) queen, she is the current Ms. New York America 2012, and was Ms. New York Belleza Latina 2011, where she placed as 1st runner-up in the Ms. Belleza Latina International 2012 competition. She is currently in private practice, as Founder & CEO of Reinventing You, LLC, designing individual and corporate wellness programs. An advocate for women’s health, she is especially passionate about bringing awareness to cervical cancer, serving as the 1st Vice President of the New York chapter of Tamika & Friends, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness on cervical cancer and it’s link to the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Claudia Kolker
Laura Tellado Journalist, Social Media Consultant, Activist Laura “Laurita” Tellado is a writer and health blogger. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies. She’s passionate about raising awareness about Spina Bifida, and quality of life issues, particularly through her blog, Holdin’ Out for a Hero. She also blogs bilingually at Espresso con Leche. Laurita directs the Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) Central Florida chapter, and won the “Best Latina Health Blogger” Award at the LATISM 2011 Awards. She serves on the board of the Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida, and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. She credits God and her parents with inspiring her in everything she does.
Chef Laura Miami native, Chef Laura started to cook as a child, mostly because her mom didn’t know how-to. She learned how to cook traditional Spanish and Cuban food from her great aunts who came over dominos and coffee everyday. She started a YouTube channel because friends and family always wanted her to share her recipes after eating her food. 125,000 views later, she has an active following on YouTube and her blog. Her recipes are simple and delicious. She loves to bake and wishes that sugar and butter were health foods. Visit her at http://www. youtube.com/user/solypimientavideos.
Alexandra Morbitzer
Laura Fuentes MOMables™
Derrick Taveras, Tactical Management
Laura Fuentes is the Founder/CEO of MOMables™, the first meal-planning service for healthy and fresh school lunches. Born in Spain and raised on Tapas, she currently resides in what she calls “Southern Suburbia” along with her husband and 3 children.
Luis Belen Medic Success
Laura’s background is in Global Economics and has an MBA in International Business Development; but her passions are family, good food and living a love-filled life. In her personal blog, SuperGlueMom.com, she writes about motherhood, good family food, managing deadlines and keeping her cool, even when her kids super-glued her hair.
HEALTH
Claudia Kolker is an award-winning reporter and the author of The Immigrant Advantage: What We Can Learn From Newcomers to America About Health, Happiness and Hope (Free Press/Simon and Schuster, 2011). In her adopted hometown of Houston, she has worked as a Los Angeles Times Houston bureau chief, member of the Houston Chronicle editorial board, and deputy director of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Health Leaders. She is currently a contributing editor for the editorial page of the Houston Chronicle, where she first created the immigrant affairs beat as a city desk reporter in 1997.
Jose Ivan Delgado Infinity Success Rafael Maldonado P. 40
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Jessica Sofia Valle Bloggers of Health Moderator
Jessica Sofia Valle is the Chief Executive Officer at Bloggers of Health, a Media Company set for a community for people who write about health in their blogs and were all come together with one major focus: Health. CEO of 13Feet13Inches, a an entrepreneurial, multi-disciplined networking and development company strategically focused on enhancing and being culturally responsive in small and large-scale business (for both non and for profit) development. With 13×13, she picks 3 CEOs a year to work with in helping enhance their personal and company development. Jes is also Director of LATISM LA Chapter.
Jessica Olivarez-Mazone Tejana Made Jessica Olivarez-Mazone is a freelance writer and lifestyle Blogger at Tejana Made. She attended the University of Texas-Pan American where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in English and is currently obtaining her Master’s Degree in Reading and Diagnosis from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi. TejanaMade is an ecclectic blog that covers topics from DIY Jewelry and Crafts to chronicling her struggles with maintain a healthy weight and being a Type 2 Diabetic
She is Founder and President at Turning Leaves Foundation, a foundation that helps educate children and families on coping with their chronic illness. She has chronic pain and neuropathy.
Vianney Rodriguez Sweetlifebake.com
Javier von Westphalen Latism
Vianney Rodriguez is the founder and recipe developer for Sweet Life. Her blog name Sweet Life refers to living a Sweet Life enriched with the spice of two diverse worlds enveloped with the memories of growing up in a Mexican household. Her love and cultural ties to Mexico with the appreciation of being raised in Texas combine to create original recipes featured on Sweet Life. She spends her days in the kitchen blending the flavors of both worlds along with her two children and husband. Vianney shares her love for authentic Mexican food, Tex-Mex and Texas plates. Happy to be noted as one of NBC Latino food blogs we love and Mama Latina’s 12 Best Latin Food Blogs. In her blog, Sweet Life, she celebrates life, la cocina, la familia and her flavorful heritage.
Moderator
Javier von Westphalen is a marketing, business consultant, and coach, with passion for consumer insight, innovation, and creativity. He is Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications and Strategy for HMA Associates, a multicultural marketing firm that helps clients engage the Hispanic, African American, Asian, and Native American communities. With more than 15 years of strategic and marketing, on the agency and client sides, Javier has extensive experience planning, developing, launching, and managing compelling advertising, PR, and social marketing campaigns for recognized brands.
Deborah Deras Synergy Unlimited LLC Deborah Deras is the Principal of Synergy Unlimited LLC, a professional training and development company providing motivationals speakers, trainers and life coaches to organizations and Universities. Deborah is committed to empowering Latinos to develop leadership skills to thrive in their careers, live on purpose and be powerful contributors in their communities. She is sought after international speaker, author and leadership trainer. Her book, Confessions of an Adrenaline Addict has transformed lives worldwide to empower, Type A personality types to achieve success the ease and grace way.
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SECOND EDITION 2012
Vicky Barrios, Vicky Barrios, MSW is your good relationships activist, promoting loving kindness, empowered dating, growing wiser and second chances. Vicky has over 12 years experience as a Therapist with a focus on adolescent development and family life. She received her MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work and currently is completing her PhD in Psychology. She shares her expertise via consulting, writing, teaching and personal development coaching. . She enjoys working on Social Media projects and blogs about love, relationships, education and life lessons at http://www.KindnessandKisses.com
HEALTH
Natasha Pongonis, Co-Founder of Social Media Spanish Moderator Natasha Pongonis is the Co-Founder of Social Media Spanish and Social Media Director at DK Web Consulting. Natasha is a social media and business communications expert with extensive international marketing experience. She has developed key content to engage diverse Hispanic audiences through her understanding of communication between cultures, traditions, and regional variations of Spanish. Natasha started her Architectural studies while living in Belgium, and continued her degree at the Catholic University of Cordoba, Argentina. She concluded her thesis studies at the University of Venice, Italy where she found her passion for multilingual marketing communication solutions while working for a European firm in Padova, Italy. Being fluent in four languages – English, Spanish, French & Italian – enables her to reach out and connect with a diverse digital audience across the globe
Gloria del Castillo Injury Prevention Coordinator Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Gloria Del Castillo is National Coordinator for Buckle Up for Life. Working closely with Toyota and trauma specialists, she helped create the program seven years ago at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where she works as an injury prevention coordinator. She is an expert on child passenger safety and a leader in the effort to keep kids safe. In creating Buckle Up for Life, she brought with her years of experience as a child educator, program developer, published author, Hispanic advocate, and vigilant mother. Under her guidance, Buckle Up for Life has grown from a local safety initiative to a national program with a presence in major cities across the country. Gloria is passionate about her work and, despite Buckle Up for Life’s success thus far, won’t be satisfied until every family is provided with the education and necessary resources to keep their children safe.
Jannette Hughes United Community Center
Catarina Rivera Healthy Kids in the Heights In 2011, Catarina founded Healthy Kids in the Heights, a non-profit program whose mission is to fight obesity and empower families to live healthier lives. She has designed and implemented two successful programs improving the health of families in Washington Heights. She recruited and managed over 30 volunteers and also completed a successful crowdfunding campaign on RocketHub. Healthy Kids in the Heights secured over $17,000 in funding during its first year. In 2012, she became a Health Coordinator at Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ), a non-profit organization serving over 17,000 children. HCZ recently launched a comprehensive Healthy Living Initiative addressing the obesity epidemic. She is also the COO of United Latino Professionals, a social networking organization with over 2,000 members.
Jannette Hughes is an inspiring and compelling communicator and presenter who passionately advocates for the Latino-Hispanic community at large, as well as Latino-Hispanic women to pursue health, happiness, education and fulfillment. She consults with organizations and educational institutions to effectively market and engage the Latino-Hispanic community through both traditional and digital social mediums. For eleven years, Jannette devoted her career to academia, where as a bilingual educator she was a tireless advocator for equal respect to different cultures. She championed education by promoting and supporting programs with emphasizes in celebrating cultural diversity. Today, Jannette is the Health Research Coordinator at the United Community Center a Non-Profit Organization in Milwaukee, WI. She is responsible for and actively involved in the activities and programs that promote and deliver physical, mental and emotional well-being for members of the UCC community.
Lisa Valadez, Key Public Relations A native Houstonian and activist, Lisa Valadez is well-known within her community for her tireless commitment to community service and various help-outreach initiatives. Lisa works with the Alief school district as an Attendance Interventionist, a field in which she has garnered annual recognition for her work in effectively cutting school truancy numbers within the district. She also serves in the capacity of Outreach Coordinator in partnership with the Children’s Defense
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Fund to help identify uninsured and underinsured children in Alief ISD. Knowledgeable about federal programs and protocol, Lisa makes it a priority to educate parents and children about the importance of good health and its direct correlation with school achievement. As such, she assists parents with the CHIP/Medicaid application process, and she has spear-headed efforts to organize health fairs within the district to provide free health screenings and informational seminars on the CHIP/ Medicaid program and other alternative assistance programs.
SECOND EDITION 2012
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BUSINESS
Mónica Talán Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Relations Univision Communications Inc. Mónica Talán is senior vice president of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Univision Communications Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America. In this position, she is responsible for overseeing corporate and internal communications, programming public relations, social media and corporate events.
Carolina V. Valencia Director, Social Media Univision Carolina V. Valencia is director of social media for Univision Communications. In this role, she is part of the team that leads the social media strategy for the company including integrations, business development and community management, as well as strategic efforts around special programming and initiatives. She has been at Univision since mid 2010, working in Corporate Communications managing and executing social media and media relations strategies as well as internal communications for several of the company’s divisions including News, Community Relations, Networks, Interactive and Local.
Since joining Univision in 2008, Ms. Talán has been instrumental in helping drive coverage of Univision to enhance the Company’s visibility in the media landscape. She created the Corporate Communications department and has since effectively transformed the Company’s relations with key media, stakeholders and influencers. Her strategic approach and unique experience in media relations have helped further elevate the Univision brand.
Cecilia Ramírez Harris Health Reporter and TV Presenter Univision Network
Alberto Sardiñas Univision Alberto Sardiñas is the host of “Íntimo,” a leading syndicated radio show in the U.S. Hispanic market broadcasted by Univision Radio. Each night, Alberto receives phone calls from listeners looking to share their stories and receive a friendly opinion. Thousands of people listen to him nightly, and watch him as a contributor on network television shows such as “Despierta América” and “Tu Desayuno Alegre.” Most recently he was featured on Univision’s award-winning journalistic newsmagazine, “Aquí y Ahora”. Alberto actively participates as keynote speaker for various organizations in the U.S. and Latin America, presenting topics on personal and professional growth. As the author of “El Poder de TU Historia” (The Power of Your Story), published by Santillana U.S.A., he compiled 40 true, short stories portraying life lessons told to him by his listeners. Alberto shares weekly articles and videos on his blog and his columns are frequently published in leading magazines and blogs. Alberto holds a BA in Communications from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, and an MBA from the University of Miami.
Claudia Deschamps Deschamps Communications Former journalist and communication professional, Claudia Deschamps understands the power of public outreach how to positively shape and structure an organization’s media and communication strategy. For the past four years, as CEO and President of Deschamps Communications, Claudia has worked with various businesses and organizations – assisting them in putting together and implementing their communication strategy. During her 18-year career as a news anchor, reporter and producer for Spanish-language television networks Telemundo and Univision, Deschamps covered many history making events ranging from politics to natural disasters, in places such as Mexico, El Salvador, Peru and Bolivia to name a few.
Cecilia Ramírez Harris is the host of “Salud Es Vida” and health correspondent for Univision Communications, Inc. newsmagazine show, “Primer Impacto”. She began her career in journalism in Caracas, Venezuela, where she graduated from La Universidad Católica Andrés Bello as a licensed journalist. In Venezuela, she worked on several networks as a primetime anchorperson and had her own radio program in which she presented important issues that affected the community through news and interviews. Cecilia also regularly contributes stories to the local Univision Miami station. Throughout her career she has covered health topics that are important to the Latino community, such as AIDS, eating disorders, cancer treatments, diabetes care, diet drugs and cosmetic surgery, among others. Because of the many social issues affecting the Latino community, she has been committed to informing her viewers about holistic and alternative treatment options in order to broaden their horizons and access to care. She also writes and produces a weekly segment called “Nuestros Hijos,” which is dedicated to children’s health and social issues.
Adrian Carrasquillo NBC Latino Adrian Carrasquillo is a web producer and social media manager for NBC. Latino, a new national Hispanic news site in English from NBC News. He spent time at Fox local and Fox national in New York before moving to NBC News. Adrian sought to continue his work in Latino news because he believes there are stories out there asking to be told and a community that deserves a news site that reflects the nuance, richness and depth of the U.S. Latino experience. Now he’s a digital journalist with a love for (read: obsession with) social media and how it interacts with news.
Lynn Ponder, WebCity Girls (Moderator) Vanessa Smith, Impacto Isaac Vazquez, Impremedia
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SECOND EDITION 2012
Paola Gonzalez
BUSINESS
Joy Hamilton Marini Johnson & Johnson Joy Marini is Director for Corporate Contributions at Johnson & Johnson, a position she assumed in 2007, following 6 years with the Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute.
Mary Beth Powers Save the Children
Joy is responsible for Johnson & Johnson’s international programs on maternal and infant health, genderbased violence and gender inequality, and economic empowerment of women. She has been instrumental in developing sustainable partnership initiatives, most notably for her efforts on a Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) in China -- a 5-year collaboration between the Chinese Ministry of Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), several Chinese healthprofessional organizations, and Johnson & Johnson, which reduced neonatal mortality by 54% in over 300 measured hospitals. Joy has contributed to the development of publications for parents and health professionals, including the Compendium of Postpartum Care with the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nursing, and Eating Behaviors of the Young Child with the AAP. Joy earned her MS Physician Assistant from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1997. She received an MBA from Rider University.
Mary Beth Powers is Save the Children’s Newborn and Child Survival Campaign Chief. The campaign seeks to increase the understanding of and commitment of resources to address the problems of the 7 million children who die annually around the world from preventable or treatable causes. Ms. Powers has worked for 20 years to support maternal and child programs in more than 20 countries around the world. These programs address improved health practices and quality of care while engaging local community members in realizing their own role in ensuring healthy outcomes for mothers and children. Ms. Powers has an undergraduate degree in international politics from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in public health from the University of Michigan, and has lived and worked in Egypt, Pakistan and Thailand. In addition to her work with Save the Children, she has four children of her own that help her maintain a sense of humor.
Jeannette Kaplun HispanaGlobal An award-winning journalist and internationally recognized parenting expert, Jeannette Kaplun has over 17 years of experience on TV, radio, online media and as a published author. Currently she is busy launching her newest project for Hispanic women, HispanaGlobal. She is one of the hosts of the Spanish-language network TV show ¡Viva la Familia! de Todobebé, which airs on Univision. She is also the author of “Todobebé: Todo lo que necesitas saber para el primer año de tu bebé” (Rayo, 2006). and blogs for Babble Voices.
Giuseppina Russo Mercatto Media Giuseppina Russo is a successful Cross-Cultural Digital Strategist, author, blogger and speaker. She specializes in helping organizations align their digital media initiatives with their strategic vision to build authentic relationships with consumers, employees and other stakeholders. A graduate of the Executive MBA program at the Richard Ivey School of Business, Pina also holds a Bachelor of Business Management from the Universidad Catolica Andres Bello in Caracas and a Specialization in International Business from the Centro Studi Communicare L’Impresa in Italy. She created the Strategic Mentoring Program for International Executives in the Toronto area and the professional program, Cross-Cultural Creators.
Denisse Icaza Bloguera, “Ahorros para Mamá” Denisse Icaza is a freelance writer, translator, social media consultant. She is the founder and editor of the blog Ahorros para Mama, a pioneer in its kind that offers Spanish-speaking moms new ways to save whithout sacrificing quality or their favorite brand names. The idea for Ahorros para Mamá was born in 2009 when she started to notice there was no information in Spanish about great products and savings for Latina moms in the US and she felt the need to fill that void. Denisse has been featured on TV shows and on various online publications for her blog and social media involvement.
Vanessa Martinez, Desumama.com Moderator
Helena Osorio, Pink Guayoyo Kathy Cano, Craftychica Melanie Mendez, LATISM San Antonio Chapter Co-Director P. 44
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Berto Guerra Chairman & CEO Avanzar Interior Technologies, LLC.
Karla Fernandez K. Fernandez and Associates Moderator Karla Fernandez Parker is a multicultural advertising and marketing professional with over 20 years of proven sales results for her clients. Karla founded K. Fernandez and Associates back in 1996, and since inception it has served a base of national and regional clients including United Healthcare, McCormick & Company, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Wells Fargo Bank, La Costeña, Pearle Vision, H&R Block, Affirmative Insurance Group, The Scooter Store, and Americatel to name a few. She was recognized by Hispanic Trends Magazine as one of the Top 100 Hispanic Entrepreneur’s in the United States and mentors regularly on building and growing small businesses. Her firm was recently ranked a Top 50 U.S. Hispanic Agency by Ad Age.
Berto Guerra is Chairman – CEO of Avanzar Interior Technologies GP, LLC., an automotive interiors manufacturing company and Co-Owner of Toyota of Boerne. He retired as Vice President-Legislative and Constituency Affairs for SBC ( now AT&T). His responsibilities included oversight of legislative activity in SBC’s US region, PAC (Political Action Committee) solicitation and monitoring, and external education for elected officials, regulators and 3rd Party constituency groups. Guerra was Executive Vice President-National Constituency Relations overseeing minority, disabled, education, consumer and senior constituent groups. He also served as Executive Vice President-External Affairs for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, managing director-corporate development for SBC Communications Inc. and as President of Southwestern Bell International Development.
Luis G. González, J.D. OCI Group
Heradio Luces Dualis Corp.
He is currently a volunteer and consulting chief trainer for numerous leadership experiences implemented locally, nationally, and internationally by the San Antonio Community Leadership Council (SACLC) and the National Hispanic Institute (NHI). He has been awarded various awards and recognized by organizations for his commitment to leadership including being honored by the San Antonio Community Leadership Council. He also has a published poem entitled “Dream” that is archived in the National Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Luis became a founding Partner in González & Mosier Law Firm.
International Speaker. President of Dualis Corp. a Rational & Emotional business consulting firm based in Miami specialized in Small Business Owners and their relation with Corporations. President of Emprendt Latino organization created to inspire the business dreams of the US Hispanics. He is professor of MBA at Ana G Mendez University in Miramar Florida. He earned a MBA from C. Michigan University. He is also Counselor for SCORE a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide.
Luis De La Hoz Intersect Fund The Edison resident started out managing a medical center and several restaurants in his native Colombia. His marketing acumen led to increased sales, more employees and new locations. Success was sweet, but De La Hoz’s sights were set on America. In the early 2000s, De La Hoz moved to New Jersey and help family friends start a tax preparation and financial services firm called Mar Mar II Enterprises. The firm grew, and De La Hoz now manages its New Brunswick location. When he’s not preparing tax returns, De La Hoz works tirelessly to help fellow entrepreneurs. He runs a consultancy focusing on Latino small businesses and helps the local Small Business Development Center reach out to Hispanic clientele. De La Hoz also works as a loan officer for the Intersect Fund, a New Brunswick-based nonprofit that lends to local low-income entrepreneurs.
Melissa Salas Blair Research and Cross-Community Communications Maven Melissa Salas Blair is a research and cross-community communications maven. She is a proud Mom, Navy veteran, successful business owner and former teacher. She is President/CEO of Puentes Research and Communications and Founder of Texas Puentes Action a non-profit dedicated to the Latino electorate. Her commentary has been featured and quoted in stories for The Daily Caller, Univision, La Opinión and has been The Americano, VOXXI2012 and various other LATISM’12 CONFERENCEpublished SECOND EDITION I P. by45 publications ranging in a wide variety of subjects regarding Hispanic communities.
Roberto Rondero de Mosier, González & Mosier Law, PLLC Roberto “R.C.” Rondero de Mosier is a partner at González & Mosier Law, PLLC where he manages the Entertainment and Sports Law sections of the firm. R.C. regularly advises his clients on their contractual rights and intellectual property rights. He represents clients in Texas, California, Illinois and New York in sports, entertainment, trademark, copyright, licensing, business formation and transactional law related matters. Prior to entering the legal profession, R.C. graduated from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California where he majored in Communications. He took the knowledge he gained at school to enter into the booming start-up sector, where he helped develop a fledgling sports memorabilia company into a cross promotional events and sports marketing business. He later went on to recruit and develop sales managers across the United States for one of the largest business to business sales companies in the world.
Jonathan A. Barrera Latino Branding Power Jonathan A. Barrera Mikulich is the owner of Latino Branding Power, a consultancy dedicated to providing ideas, strategies, and insights that deliver cultural value within Hispanic marketing communications. Based out of West Michigan, he has close to twenty years experience in graphic design, marketing, brand management, advertising, and public relations.
SPEAKERS Beatriz Acevedo, HIP Entertainment Group
Beatriz is the founder and President of HIP Entertainment Group. She brings to MiTú over 20 years ofentertainment industry experience, having created, developedand produced over 1,000 half-hours of original, primetime programming in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Beatriz has also served as a creative executive and cultural consultant for several a major networks and studios, lending her expertise to such diverse clients as New Line Cinema, James L. Brooks’ Gracie Films and The Food Network. Previously, she helped launch digital networks in Latin America for Discovery and the BBC, as well as headed up theproduction division for TV Azteca’sChannel 7 in Mexico during it’s formative years, where she was responsible for creating 25 hours of original primetime programming each week.
Pili Montilla TV Personality TV host, actress, producer, columnist & social media expert, Pili Montilla, has made a name for herself as the “go to” host in the bilingual entertainment world. Her curiosity to explore the deeper side of people has earned her the opportunity to interview everyone from Sandra Bullock to Jenni Rivera. She has established herself as a social media expert. Thus big companies like Heineken and Pepsi have hired her to host their social media efforts for different campaigns. Most recently, MundoFOX hired Pili as their entertainment reporter for their official launch. She also helped developed and is part of the successful social media project #TweelebrityParty, where fans interact live on Twitter with their favorite celebrities. Pili is the entertainment reporter and producer for various shows including UNIVISION News and the award winning national shows ‘American Latino’ and ‘Latin Nation’. Other hosting credits include: MTV, LATV & E! Latino.
Hugo Pérez Zócalo Group As Sr. Vice President/Group Account Director at Zócalo Group, Hugo serves as a lead social media/word of mouth strategist and client relationship manager, focusing on creating and executing groundbreaking programs. His broad marketing and communications experience, coupled with his ability to develop innovative creative approaches anchored in deep strategy, enables Zócalo Group to effectively help clients reach their chosen consumer audiences. Hugo’s extensive client-side experience and his unique points of view and creative skills are used to engage audiences of all types. His background includes work in private (Mars, Incorporated), public (NBC Network News), corporate (AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals), non- profit (American Heart Association) and various start-up environments. Throughout his career he has been tapped for his insights and experience with the Hispanic community and has weaved those efforts seamlessly into his general market approach. His background in social media marketing, integrated marketing communications, strategic business planning, B2B/B2C marketing and product branding is a great benefit to his clients.
Melissa Fernandez, US Interactive Media Melissa Fernandez is the Director of Business Development for US Interactive Media. Melissa works side-by-side clients and agency partners to leverage USIM strong media planning and buying resources to deepen engagement with online audiences across all platforms. She works with clients such as Chevy, Century 21 Stores, Check Into Cash, St. Francis Hospital, etc. Throughout her professional career Melissa has created a proven track record of helping clients take a multi-channel marketing approach for the best personalized experience for their target audience.
Dania Santana Dania Santana is the founder and CEO of Cool Communications, LLC a bilingual content creation and translation company that works with clients nationwide helping them reach Latinos in their own language. A communications professional with over 15 years of experience with a versatile and well-rounded background that includes Marketing & Advertising, Social Media, Journalism, Blogging, Editing and Translating. She has work with several national brands, such as: Sprint, The Home Depot, Heineken, J&J McNeil, Diageo, Nissan, JCPenney, Kraft in campaigns targeting the US Hispanic Market.
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Odette Duggan The College Board Odette Duggan is a born and bred New Yorker of Dominican heritage. Ms. Duggan is charged with leading Advanced Placement’s Equity and Access projects and initiatives which includes but is not limited to developing case studies that demonstrate what schools are doing across the country to tackle academic achievement gaps, directing the AP Fellows competitive grant which enables teachers to attend week long AP professional development. Ms Duggan works closely with several groups across the organization to coordinate and align Equity and Access programming. Prior to her work with the College Board Ms. Duggan was responsible for national multicultural outreach at the Girl Scouts of the USA.
Rosa Santana President & CEO Integrated Human Capital Rosa Santana is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Human Capital, headquartered in El Paso, Texas. In the course of a 30+ year career, Rosa has proven to be a strategic planner, visionary entrepreneur, and skillful expert in the staffing industry. In her current role, Rosa directs the sales and operations functions of Integrated Human Capital and her affiliated companies in the United States and Mexico. A tireless entrepreneur, Ms. Santana has formed several strategic alliances with majority and minority owned companies to offer services globally. Ms. Santana has been recognized nationally for her business achievements. Most recently, Hispanic Business Magazine ranked Integrated Human Capital as the 10th fastest growing Hispanic owned company and was ranked #177 on the Hispanic 500 list for 2011.
Leila Freedman, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships Pro Mujer International Leila Freedman is a senior executive with more than 15 years of experience across a variety of international development areas including microfinance, health and financial literacy in Latin America and South East Asia. At Pro Mujer she works with multinational corporations to support growth in the countries where Pro Mujer provides services to more than 250,000 poor women in Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Mexico and Peru. She has managed more than $25 million in grants from corporations, foundations and institutions such as Johnson & Johnson, MasterCard, Citi, JPMorgan, Microsoft, Anglo American, GlaxoSmithKline, Western Union, McGraw-Hill Companies, Whole Foods, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and many others. Leila is originally from Mexico and has a Master’s of Arts degree in International Affairs from the School of International and Publics Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University, a Degree from the International Institute of Public Administration (IIAP) in Paris and Bachelor Degree from the Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM) in Mexico.
Tony Vargas Chief Technology Rebelde for Latino Rebels, LLC Tony is a Technologist from the Midwest who has lived and worked in the US and Europe as an accomplished developer and project manager in the fields of: Telecommunications, Software Development, eCommerce, eBanking, Knowledge Management and Social Medias. As one of the founding members of Latino Rebels, LLC, the social media web familia created by Julio Ricardo Varela, he has had a front row seat in the marvelous ride of a journalism experience that embodies new media, independence, and mayhem. The Latino Rebels’ main web presence is complemented by highly engaging and loyal Facebook and Twitter communities that have experienced phenomenal growth. The site has an international reader base that is growing because they believe that the Rebels are removing the sugar and coating from the news and cultural issues that other outlets don’t report.
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Hilda Ramirez,LATISM SFSocialxDesignLATISM (Moderator)
Hilda Ramirez is a self made success working her way from the firm accountant to now holding the top job as President, following the acquisition of the firm in 1992 from its previous owner. This opportunity was extended to Ms. Ramirez and her business partner after working and providing dedicated service to the firm since 1986. Hilda holds the coveted Certified Exchange Specialist®, CES® Designation the only professional designation available to 1031 Exchange Practitioners. She is a Charter member of the Certification Council. With over two decades of experience in Education based Marketing Hilda became an early adopter of Social Media Networking and Social Media Marketing for Business. Got2BSocial was founded in 2009 to answer the demand of a growing industry. Hilda is a well recognized speaker on Social Media and has received many accolades.
Ivonne Kinser, iFashion Inc CEO/Founder @ iFashion Inc, and head of social media at Rocket Red advertising agency.Since earning a marketing and advertising degree in her home country of Venezuela, Ivonne’s almost two-decades career has been equally divided between both disciplines. In 2011 she went back to her “homebrand”, American Airlines, this time on the corporate side until she decided to become an entrepreneur and founded iFashion – a marketing company which mission is to position international fashion labels in the U.S. market. Ivonne is also the head of social media for an innovative and forward-thinking independent advertising agency in Dallas – Rocket Red.
TECHNOLOGY Ernesto Sosa Soweb Moderator Ernesto Sosa has devoted his professional career for almost two decades to helping startups, SMBs and large companies in LATAM and the US improve business and marketing performance through effective marketing, business development, public relations and business innovation programs, while bridging the gap between marketing, technology, information and innovation. He is president at SOWEB a leading marketing and interactive agency that helps businesses grow by connecting them with the new digital consumer. Ernesto also serves as Consulting Director at Asesoranet, a business consulting firm that specializes in international business development; Board Director at LATISM (Latinos in Technology, Innovation and Social Media) and Advisory Board Director at The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF).
Emily Kirkpatrick National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) Emily Kirkpatrick is vice president of the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL). In her current role, she passionately leads new initiatives and signature efforts and shepherds the organization’s continuous growth to address the learning needs of the 21st century family. She also establishes and develops NCFL’s strategic and longterm partnerships with individuals, corporations and foundations. Emily is devoted to expanding NCFL’s reach and impact. Notable recent achievements include the creation of Wonderopolis®, NCFL’s learning website and app for teachers, parents and children that was recently named one of TIME magazine’s best sites of 2011 and “Best Kids App” by Parenting magazine.
Sandra Fernandez LATISM/ Houston Public Library PR Manager
Gustavo Razzetti, Lapiz
Moderator
• Former Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer at
• 20+ years of experience in integrated marketing communications in US and Latin America. • Change agent with experience of transforming agencies into digital at the core shops. Grupo Gallegos and President of GlobalHue NY.
Sandra Fernandez is a communications professional with more than 15 years of experience with higher education, government, and non-profit organizations. She is currently the Manager of Public Relations for the Houston Public Library. Her strategic use of social media and online services to communicate with Library customers has made Houston Public Library an industry leader in social media implementation. She recently co-chaired the Mayor’s Social Media Task Force, a partnership project between the Houston Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators and the city of Houston. The Task Force created a program to teach neighborhood groups how to use social media to stay in touch in a crisis and to organize civic improvements.
Osmara Vindel Laquitta DeMercha, FuzionApps Inc
• Worked for Euro RSCG as CEO of its Latino (NY), Argentina and Puerto Rico offices. • Digital pioneer: founded WhyNet, one the leading digital shops in Argentina. • Public speaker on Latino marketing and social media marketing. • Columnist at ClickZ.com. • Co-author of “Latinosphere: Marketing with Latinos in the age of digital” ebook. • Has received many awards including Effies, Cannes Lions, Clios, FIAP, London among others.
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Gaby Natale, AGANAR Media Gaby Natale is the host and co-executive producer of SuperLatina, the two-time EMMY-nominated syndicated talk-show, as well as an Entertainment & Lifestyle blogger. As the President of AGANAR Media, Gaby Natale is one of the few women in the entertainment industry who owns not only the rights to her TV show but also a TV studio, a unique situation that allows her to combine her passion for television and her entrepreneurial spirit. In the digital world, Gaby has been a pioneer creating branded videos for Fortune 500 companies and developing her own online fan base with almost 6 million views on YouTube -and growing at half a million per month- and over 15,000 followers in Twitter. AGANAR Media has developed content for McDonald’s, Unilever, Ford, MetroPCS and Direct Energy, among other companies.
Julie Diaz Asper Founding Partner & CEO Social Lens Research Julie Diaz-Asper has spent more than two decades helping large organizations innovate and pursue new market opportunities. As a strategy consultant with Booz Allen and Coopers & Lybrand, she focused on leveraging new technologies to create new markets for telecom and media companies. She later worked with American Express finding innovative ways to use the Internet to reach, service, and engage its commercial card customer base. For AARP, She worked on developing the product marketing strategy for the launch of LifeTuner, a financial literacy 2.0 site that reaches 20 to 30 year olds leveraging community, interactive tools and social media to help better manage their finances. In 2009, she launched GigCoin, a influencer network with thousands of users. GigCoin is a technology platform that leverages social APIs to pull together a comprehensive social footprint for each influencer in our network. She has deep experience managing consumer research projects including usability labs, online surveys, private community facilitation and focus groups. She serves on the board of the OAS Art Museum of the Americas and serves as Chief Researcher for Latinos in Social Media #LATISM.
Jazmin Chavez LatinoJustice PRLDEF Jazmin Chavez is the Coordinator of Communications and New Media. She is a passionate Social Media Strategist living in New York City. A lawyer by trade, she focuses on social media and movement strategies for LatinoJustice PRLDEF. Born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, Jazmin has lived a trans-national and bi-cultural experience. As an immigrant herself, Jazmin’s identity and ideological foundation stems from the experience of comprehending and navigating the U.S. legal system. From this foundation she serves as a passionate advocate and strategist for civil rights and has dedicated her professional life to becoming an effective justice innovator and movement entrepreneur for communities in need.
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Olga Romero, Southwest Airlines Olga Romero serves Southwest Airlines as the main Spanish Spokesperson for the carrier and media relations point of contact for an additional 11 cities in the airline’s network. Additionally, Olga works closely with the Corporate Community Affairs and Grassroots and the Segment Marketing teams to develop effective and strategic communications plans targeted to the African American, Asian American Pacific Islander and Hispanic market internally and externally. As a corporate blogger, Olga is the voice of the Hispanic employees in the Company as well. Olga is also an active member of Southwest Airlines’ Diversity Council and winner of the 2010 PR News Corporate Responsibility Communications Award for best diversity communications. Olga was assigned by the Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar to advise the 21st Century Conservation Corps Advisory Board on Hispanic outreach. Fast Company magazine named Olga, one of the top Hispanic marketers to watch in April 2011.
Christine Ortega, Community Affairs & Grassroots, Communications & Strategic Outreach Southwest Airlines • E stablish national, and community partnerships which reflect the Company Spirit; to champion causes that matter most in the daily lives of our Customers. • E stablished Lánzate Premio Universitario de Southwest Airlines or the Take Off! Travel Award for higher education now in its 8th successful year. • C reate innovative community partnerships or support worthy existing activities in specific geographical areas: east coast; southeast; central; and southern U.S. • M aintain and grow national collaboratives with leading non-profit, education and advocacy organizations • B uild rapport between the Company and the community with industry leaders, community-based associations, and appointed or elected officials • D eliver motivational presentations on various themes: Customer service, servant leadership, marketing, promotion, media outreach, publicity, grassroots communications; strategic communications; team building, funding.
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