Soar Magazine - March | Spring 2016, Issue 4

SOAR HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

Issue 4/Spring 2015 Edition

GAME CHANGING FEMALES

POWER OF

GOD’S GRACE AT

Women Who Left and Are Leaving Their Mark on This World

WORK

HEALTHY WOMAN Are you Changing Your Game?

SOAR TESTIMONY

by Neredia Rosario

Game Changer SOARING

IN THE KITCHEN

A Look At Some Books SOAR will be recommending books in every issue from well known and new authors you may not have heard of. Here are this issue’s recommendations.

All these books will help you become the woman God created you to be.

And don’t forget that you can order our Publisher’s Ebook for $3 on Amazon

FIND INSIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS

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34

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SOAR TESTIMONY NEREDIA ROSARIO

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PUBLISHER’S NOTES WELCOME TO SOAR!

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GAME CHANGING FEMALES WOMEN WHO LEFT THEIR MARK ON NYC

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A GAME CHANGING WOMAN IS...

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VOICE IT! LET’S FACE IT

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TEN GAME CHANGING WOMEN AROUND WORLD

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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OUR FOUNDER HONORED MORE AT WEDOEVENTS.NET

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ORGANIZING GAME CHANGER THE NIGHT ROUTINE

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TODAY’S GAME CHANGERS, HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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GAME CHANGERS DR. TONI G. ALVARADO

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ARE YOU CHANGING YOUR HEALTH GAME?

31

SO YOU WANT TO BE A GAME CHANGER?

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TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE

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GAME CHANGING MAKE UP TIPS TO COLOR YOUR WORLD

05

LISTING OF OFFICERS, MISSION STATEMENT

06

SOARING IN THE KITCHEN

A publication of the Center for Emerging Female Leadership. Visit us at www.cefl.org or on Facebook Soar is a member of

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

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LISTING OF OFFICERS SOAR EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Rev. Dr. Toni G. Alvarado Rev. Enid Rios Rivera Grace Church International, CoExecutive Pastor, Primitive Pastor, My Sister’s Keeper Foundation Christian Church, CEFL Advisory for Women, CEO, Targeted Living Board Member Coaching & Consulting, President www.primitivechurch.org www.drtonialvarado.com

Shae Brynes Passionate Storyteller, Teacher, Activator, and Co-Founder of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur.

Dr. Sheila Cornea Dean, International Institute of Mentoring and Founder, Gusty Grace Resources

SOAR TEAM

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth D. Rios, SOAR Publisher, CEFL Founder

Sandra Almonte Contributing Writer

MISSION

Rosalind Humphreys Perez, Contributing Writer

Candace Sheppard Contributing Writer

Maria Gonzalez Contributing Writer

Nereida Rosario Guest Contributor Jennifer Gottesfeld Guest Contributor

Soar Magazine is a digital publication of the Center for Emerging Female Leadership, Inc (CEFL). The mission of CEFL is to help develop leaders of excellence and integrity through education, scholarship, service and networking for personal and professional growth. It seeks to partner with organizations to help identify and develop leadership worth following and help individuals become leaders others want to follow. Soar Magazine targets women influencing others in society be in home, church, government or marketplace who want to lead from a Christian world-view.

Soar equips women to recognize, utilize and maximize their unique calling for such a time as this. Soar Magazine is published four times a year and our vision is to help women’s dreams take flight.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE UNLEASH THE GAME CHANGER IN YOU

In this issue, we want to empower you to move forward despite the battles you face in your workplace, home, and even in your health.

SOAR Magazine is about and for women, just like you, who believe that God has more for them. If an article touched your heart or ministered to you (or didn’t), if there is something you’d like for SOAR to cover in the future, please let me know at drlizrios@gmail.com

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

Hey there, my beautiful sister! I am so excited to once again begin the publication of SOAR Magazine. This theme was something I was working on with the SOAR team way back in 2012 before we stopped publication. What had triggered this theme in me was an important study by Christian Silva and Herminia Ibarra published in the Harvard Business Review, that noted that women get few “game changing roles” handed to them usually because they get stuck in a role and in a development phrase until someone (usually a male) thinks it is time for them to lead. Now, that was in the marketplace. In ministry depending on what denomination you are a part of or if non-denominational, the theology of your pastor, you may never get an opportunity to lead in the role you were wired for if it happens to have any authority or teaching over men. Now that is a predicament! SOAR is doing this issue on Game Changing Women because we believe wholeheartedly that what you have deposited within you is important. Important enough for you to perhaps break some rules create your own rules and change the game if you have to, to fulfill it.

Many women don’t go forward in fulfilling their purpose because as mentioned in the study, they didn’t get acknowledged as ready or the permission to do so. Others don’t have the resources or the encouragement from others. Sometimes as women we limit ourselves because we believe that game changing has to be on a grand scale. No! You can change the game of your life, your family, your community right where you are with what you have! So my hope with this issue is that you will be encouraged to believe that something God deposited in you needs to be felt, heard or touched by the outside world. Every woman has her own definition of what it means to change the game and to achieve your Godgiven purpose. But there are certain traits that most women share that helps then attain what they were wired to do. So I am also hoping that you will change your mindset.

Whether in the marketplace, education or ministry, here are 6 things I’ve learned that game changing women do differently: 1. They are deeply passionate about what they do.

Without passion, all the skill in the world won’t lift you above craft. If you don’t love what you do, you’re probably not going

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to be motivated to go above and beyond, to innovate and to stand out in the workplace. But if you’re passionate about your vocation (ministry or marketplace), it will make putting time and effort into it pleasurable, not a chore.

2. They don’t expect perfection -­‐-­‐ of themselves or those around them.

Research has shown that wasting time and energy trying to be “perfect” only leads to unhappiness.

Game changing women know that that they can’t do everything well all the time. Beating yourself up for your perceived flaws will only dampen your abilities at work, not to mention your mental health.

“We each, if we’re lucky, will have our chance to leave a mark on the world, but we are trying too hard to be perfect,” wrote Barnard president Debora Spar in an op-­‐ed for Glamour magazine.

3. Often, they become the boss.

Many game changing women have figured out that if you’re the boss, you can set your own rules.

As editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan Joanna Coles said: “The higher you go in a corporation, the easier it is ... The truth is you get more control.” And when you’re in control, you have the ability to create a more sane, happy and balanced environment for yourself and those who work with you or for you. We are seeing more women start businesses, churches, and even lead denominations! Sometimes in order to change the rules, you have to run the game and no matter where a woman finds herself, courage is needed to charter new territory in a world that is still very much …a man’s world.

4. They’re not afraid to take risks.

Sheryl Sandberg says that all women should ask themselves the question: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” Affecting change -- in whatever you find yourself doing -- requires the ability to stop playing it safe every once in awhile. Game changing women don’t make reckless decisions, but they do know how to take a calculated risk soaked in prayer.

Sandberg herself took her own advice, and wrote the bestseller, Lean In. Game changers realize not guts no glory. They also realized that nothing changes, if nothing changes.

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

5. They know that failure is part of the game changing process.

Game changing women know that you can’t excel all the time, and that an inevitable part of taking leaps in your life is falling down sometimes. For example, 12 publishers rejected J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter book. But that didn’t stop her from continuing to send it out. Lucille Ball who if you didn’t know was the first woman to run a major television studio made a few film flops before she achieved success as the star of “I Love Lucy” and go on to change the game for women in the entertainment industry. Oprah experienced demotions in earlier jobs, suffered through set back after setback when launching the Oprah Winfrey Network but she kept going forward until it became wildly successful.

Aimee Semple McPherson, founder of the Four Square movement and Kathryn Kuhlman all known as powerful generals in God’s kingdom but all experienced failure.

6. They never forget who helped along the way and express gratitude to them.

Women can’t change the game alone. No woman’s success happens in a vacuum. Women who are trying or have been successful in changing the game value and appreciate those who help them do what they do--- both in their home lives and in their vocation. And that graciousness not only makes them better people, but fosters loyalty from their tribe. I remember reading how Oprah understood the value of appreciating her employees. A few years ago, she took her entire staff and their families on a Mediterranean cruise. Now, all game changers can’t do that but they can certainly do something.

So beautiful, with this in mind, I call out the game changer in you. Unleash her today!

Cheering You On,

Aside from Soar Publisher/CEFL Founder Dr. Liz co-pastors Passion Christian Church in Hollywood, FL and serves as Academic Dean at a Colombian-based University in Sunrise, FL. Learn more about her at www.lizrios.com.

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VOICE IT! Let’s face it, today’s Christian women are not only turning to their Bibles, but they are also watching Oprah, learning how to find the perfect pair of jeans; reading Suze Orman for financial advice, and listening to the oldies. As Christian women, we are called to be a light while being just as knowledgeable and discerning about the world we live in. This is why, from time to time, you may see some secular material in our publication that falls in line with our theme. We believe that this decision will help meet the needs of our ever growing readership who are confronted on a daily basis with the struggle of living in a secular world while maintaining a holy lifestyle.

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

Let us know what you think, let us know what you want to read about and tell us your stories when we post our themes. We want you to use your voice.

YOU CAN FIND SOAR IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES: Facebook Soar Magazine CEFL.ORG

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OUR FOUNDER HONORED In 2014, we were honored to have our Founder recognized as 1 of 12 Hispanic Women of Distinction in South Florida at an event sponsored by Latina Style and Bank of America. Our Board members were there to celebrate with Dr. Rios. Money raised from this event goes to support Light of the World Clinic, a nonprofit that provides medical care for the needy. This year’s event will take place Friday, August 14, 2015 at the Signature Grand. Find out more at WeDoEvents.net

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Today’s Game Changers

I came across a health and wellness video and was captivated by the woman who shared her story; so much so, I contacted her. Susan Goudeau is your typical gal whose life consisted of caring for family, aging parents, meeting work deadlines while trying to keep a marriage as a priority. In this mix was the care of her daughter who was terminally ill. As the years progressed, she did what most women do. She put her health last. A few years after her daughter’s death, she emerged from what she called a time of darkness into light and began to make a conscientious effort to prioritize her health in her daily routine. What caught my attention was that she would set small goals each day.

Susan would begin her day by telling herself, “today I’m going to run one mile, today I’m going to bike for 20 minutes”, etc. These small goals built up to large ones and lead her to the accomplishment of a triathlon. Today she continues to challenge herself and supports various organizations like Race for Cure, Cystic Fibrosis and Wheels to Succeed.

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

“These causes”, she says, “keep you committed to yourself and to a cause, and always benefit someone out there who needs it”. Susan has learned that for her, exercising is real living. Even in the pain, whether it’s muscular, joints, or a heart break, reminds her that she’s still living and that’s what life is about living.

She reminded us in the video that laughter is also good medicine and tells us it’s a requirement in her home. Susan is a game changer through her reminder to prioritize our commitment to our health, ourselves and to others. A few years back she was given the privilege of having her story highlighted by her corporation as an example of health and wellness.

by Rosalind Humphreys

Jade Trini Goring is one of those rare gems that are uncovered when you listen. Her voice is distinct and the woman can ‘sinnngg’. Jade began to perform at the age of 5 and pursued a career in the Performing Arts. She landed roles in musicals like “Dream Girls” and “The Wiz” where she toured but in 1997 her life turned around by

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an important decision she made.

She opted to let Jesus be the center of her life instead of her career. This choice took her out of the pursuit of the performance lime light and gave her the thrust to invest her talent and self into others. Over the years she has provided settings within her community that has highlighted young performers and given them to opportunity to explore their gifting. Her ventures include The Bridge Christian Creative Art Center, which is a state of the art facility that “bridges” individuals to their creative destiny. It houses a full dance studio, martial arts, fit- ness, and recording studio in New Milford, CT. She also is a partner of Couffe Music with the motto of “What we record today will change tomorrow.” Jade constantly looks for opportunities to partner with other organizations with the goal to enrich others through their gifting. I once I had the pleasure of listening to her share part of her life story at a women’s gathering.

She explained that when she first discovered her gift, she could not understand why she made people cry when she sang. Over the years she understood the power behind music and how it reaches the core

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

of every being. Music can reach places where nothing else can and, words to music, furthers the impact.

Jade is a game changer through her talent and gifting. She took it a step further by honing it, sharing it and teaching others to do the same.

When I began to think of the different women I knew that had made a difference in my life, I also thought of Liz Rios. She didn’t ask me to include her but in looking back years ago (I won’t say how many), I wouldn’t have thought she would have become the woman she is today. I do not say this as an insult but with deep admiration. Liz Rios is one of those gals who have been faced with daunting challenges in her life and has overcome and, continues to do so. She has defied the odds in a lot of areas where society’s statistics would have dictated otherwise. We both grew up in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and were faced with the opportunity to choose better and to take advantage of any positive thrust that came our way. We went our separate ways as we grew older and I watched and heard how Liz began to bloom in many areas.

She had never made it a secret that she has an opinion (although it may not be agreeable at times – I say that with a smile) but she’s always positions herself to help others. Her vision and love of education helped her found The Center for Emerging Female Leadership where she provided a forum for every woman who joined to find her destiny or call in life. The organization provides women from all walks of life an opportunity to discover, develop, gives voice and visibility to any woman in leadership or those being groomed for leadership. This is one of Liz’ many passions and inclusive to the mosh posh of what we all called married and family life and her responsibilities within her church, she wrote a book that encourages and gives practical tips to women to get back up after life has knocked them down. She continues to wear many hats and you can read more about Liz at your leisure. I couldn’t possibly justify all her accomplishments in this small article and her life is worth reading up about. Liz is a game changer through encouragement and never ceases to see the potential in any woman she encounters.

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n a m o W y h t Heal

ARE YOU CHANGING YOUR HEALTH GAME?

by Sandra Almonte

Maria always took proactive steps to stay fit and healthy.

She made time for exercise, was mindful of what she ate, and regularly took “me” time. Something happened along the way. Maria found herself feeling tired all the time. She couldn’t even gather enough energy to do the activities she loved. She caught herself eating whatever was in front of her “just because”. And the clothes in her closet made it impossible to ignore the weight gain. This

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

rude awakening was the turning point for Maria. She decided to take charge of her health and fitness for good.

She decided to change her game.

Have you found yourself wondering how you could either take back your health or start on a healthy and fit lifestyle? There are three simple steps you can take to get you on your way.

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The first step is to ask “Am I ready and willing to improve my lifestyle? This is a critical step because game changers are not quitters and they don’t make excuses. They’re not perfect but when the going gets tough they stick to what they set out to do. If they fall, they get up, dust themselves off, and keep moving forward. Are you ready?

The second step is to identify what your motivators, strengths, and challenges are. In Maria’s case, her motivators were to prevent heart disease and diabetes which ran in the family. One of her strengths was that she always did what she said she was going to do. And her challenges were easy access to unhealthy foods and frequent demand of her time by others. Once Maria identified her challenges, she made plans to overcome them ahead of time. One example is she kept fruits and vegetables on hand for those “gotta have a snack” times.

She also invested in professional help to get her started.

What are your motivators, strengths, and challenges?

The third step is to tell people who can support you in your goals. Maria had a friend she could talk to when she felt like she was slipping. Her husband was also a good encourager. And although she no longer had a need to meet regu- larly with a fitness trainer, she kept in touch for occasional sessions to revamp her routines. Who can be a support to you?

Today, Maria is more confident in herself and has lots of energy. Her doctor exams show that her efforts are successful. Her closet is no lon- ger a source of stress and anxiety. Even her family has adopted some of her healthy habits. What’s great about being a game changer is that anyone can do it. If you’ve answered “yes” to the first step, you can start by investing in a certified fitness trainer for exercise routine tailored to you; a nutritionist or di- etitian if you need a laid out eating plan; or a wellness coach if you know what exercises to do and what to eat but need help getting started.

Are you

Changing Your Game?

Some website to visit:

Finding A Personal Fitness Trainer: women.webmd.com Dietician Vs. Nutritionist: ehow.com Wellness Coaching: The Latest Trend in Fitness: webmd.com

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TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE Here is Dr. Liz’s friend Alexandra McWilliams who went from 190 to 115 and still going!

Dr. Liz has gone from 187 to 172 and still going!

HEALTH IS YOUR FIRST WEALTH. YOU CAN’T BE A GAME CHANGER IF YOU AREN’T HEALTHY! JOIN THE GAME CHANGERS CHALLENGE! HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

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Soar Testimony

By Nereida Rosario

“IN EVERYTHING WE WOULD GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY.” The first Wednesday of the year in 2011, I was standing with my brothers and sisters in church and our worship minister was leading us into our next song...

“Love Came Down and Rescued Me, Love Came Down and Set me Free, Now, I am Yours, I’m Forever Yours, Mountains high or valley low, I sing out, remind my soul, that I am Yours, I am forever Yours.” Before long, I was weeping. It’s been four years since crisis came knocking at my family’s door. It came so unexpected, so sudden, it literally weakened me at the knees, losing my bearings upon hearing the prognosis. The weeping in church was not a sudden, single occurrence but something that has happened quite frequently in the last few years as things started to fall into what I call “a new normal” and as I processed all that has happened. With the event behind us but with emotions so raw and so close to the surface, it doesn’t take much these days to go into a “weep fest.”

It comes suddenly, flooding my soul like a tsunami wave, overcome with songs of thanksgiving, praises and prayers before my God. On Thursday, September 30, 2011, while I was in choir rehearsal; I got a call from my husband, Edwin. He was with our girls and he didn’t sound well. He told me that he was feeling very dizzy and his vision was flashing. I got home and we drove him to an urgent care facility and they informed us that we needed to take him to an emergency room. While in the ER he started to feel a strong headache and a CT scan was performed. Close to midnight the ER doctor came to our room. Grabbing Edwin by one hand and grabbing my hand with his other we formed a circle in that tiny ER room. He informed us that Edwin would be staying at the hospital for a few days. He told us that the

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scan revealed a tumor on the rear lower right side of his brain. The worst-case scenario, we were informed, could be cancer. It felt like a sucker punch to my abdomen and I started gasping for quick gulps of air. I grabbed and held on to the bed Edwin laid on, because I could not stand on my own. I told the doctor that he must be mistaken and that this could not be.

In my mind I was thinking, it was September 30, and in one week on October 9, Edwin and I would be celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary. It was on my mind that in 1998, after battling with a diagnosis and long illness, my first husband died one week after our 11th wedding anniversary. This could not be happening, this could not be so! I began to weep and to ponder: Are you kidding me? Oh the many questions!

Immediately the calls, emails and texts for prayers were sent out. People all around the US, even as far as Australia, joined the Rosario Family as we lifted Edwin to our God in prayer and fasting. The next morning as I explained to our two girls that their daddy was in the hospital, I told them that we had some trouble and we would be tested like a bible story we had just done on the 3 Jewish boys in the Bible: Shadrach, Mischak and Abdengo. Maya who was 7 at the time immediately quoted me Psalms 91...”He who dwells in the shelter of the most high God will rest in the shadow of the Almighty, I will say of the Lord He is my refuge my fortress my God in Him will I trust.” Sofia,

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then four year old reminded me that even though the 3 Jewish boys were in the fire, they were not alone because God was in the fire with them and He saved them and not even their hairs were burned.

The prayers, the calls, the love from our extended family, our friends and our church family, continued without ceasing. Edwin and I were both in agreement that if we were going to go through this moment, we would make sure that “In everything we would give God all the glory.”

As I prepared to visit Edwin at the hospital on Saturday morning, October 2 and I prayed looking out my kitchen window, I was suddenly aware that I was hearing, with my spiritual ears, what sounded like fervent prayers and intercessions. I could hear the cries and the clamor so intense that I put the coffee mug I was holding down on the counter in humble, weeping submission before God, realizing that I was listening to the prayers of the mighty army of God on behalf of Edwin and his family. His peace filled me. His promises surrounded me.

During this whole time, God used places, people and moments to demonstrate His presence in our midst. A brother from my church came to me with a prophetic word that God had a different outcome this time around and that I should not be afraid....I would trust Him! The company Edwin worked for, as a computer programmer did not provide short term disability; only long term should he require it after 90 days of absence.

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This meant that for the two months that he would need before and after surgery, we would not have income coming into our home. I was and still am a stay at home mom and the reality of this situation was overwhelming.

But God’s promises and provision prevailed for love came down and rescued us. Love came in the form of family members who stepped in and provided every single thing we needed to make ends meet in our home.

Love came down when my sister-in-law showed up and took over as “mommy” while we worked through all the tests and paperwork that needed attention. Love came down, like Jesus with skin on, as family members and friends showed up and did not leave our side. Food provisions were an almost daily occurrence during these two months as friends and my choir family made sure we had everything we needed. On October 18, 2011 he underwent brain surgery with the understanding that they were going to go in and remove it if they could or if necessary, they would leave it to be treated with radiation and chemo.

Everyone prayed in agreement that this tumor be removed completely. Four and half hours later, his brain surgeon, informed us that he had successfully removed 99% of the tumor. If I were to include every single

instance where we encountered and are still seeing God at work, this would be a much longer read. Yes, there were moments we felt afraid, and we felt unsure.

Yes, there were moments we felt uncertain about the outcome and our future. But there was one thing we know for sure! WE WERE NEVER ALONE. God was in the midst of every single turn in this journey, we clearly see evidence of how He and His people are present.

Still in recovery, Edwin returned to work the Monday before Thanksgiving of that year. Still unable to drive himself, our next door neighbor unexpectedly offers to drive him to and from work. Edwin expected to take an anti-seizure medication for 90 days after surgery was removed from the medication one month earlier than expected. His left peripheral vision which has been compromised because of the tumor in the rear lower right side is being restored day by day. Our Christmas celebrations were a bit deliberate and vocal that year and every year since as we recognized the gifts we had been given. We didn’t anticipate the many presents but again our beautiful family and friends made our children’s Christmas a beautiful one to remember. Most importantly for me, God kept His word and the outcome was definitely a different one. As I ponder on all of this, I reflect and still proclaim the lyrics of this song:

“I wanna make my life All about Your glory I wanna spend my days Tellin’ the world Your story In everything I do In everything I say Following after You Giving You thanks and praise” HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

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Game Changer

Game Changing females DR. ELIZABETH D. RIOS

WOMEN WHO LEFT THEIR MARK ON NYC This is an excerpt from the chapter The Ladies Are Warriors: Latina Pentecostalism and Faith-Based Activism in New York City in the book Latinos in Civic Activism in the United States edited by Gaston Espinosa, Virgillo Elizondo and Jesse Miranda. Book available on Amazon.

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Today, while still not nearly enough, there are Latina preachers, pastors, seminarians, college professors, theologians, chaplains, faith-based nonprofit CEOs, and powerfully creative lay leaders in the church.

The Latinas who have remained active in ministry in New York City all attribute their longevity to faith, prayer, patience, and, more than anything else, their undying belief that as Pentecostals their work is a mandate of God. These women warriors have shown the world how God manifests His power through earthly vessels regardless of gender. These Latina women were “warriors” yes, game changers in a world dominated by males and they stood up simply because God gave them their directives, and they did not let anything stand in their way of fulfilling their divine mandates. They used the tools of faith, prayer, and patience even while not receiving the full support of others in the community of faith. As Progressive Pentecostals, these Latinas have demonstrated that the church’s mission includes engaging in power encounters with the sinful structures of society. They have sought as their life’s work to respond to both the vertical and horizontal elements of life, which then becomes holistic in nature and thus breaks the “chains of injustice” and introduces a “chain of change” to transform their urban communities. They are defined as warriors because, as far as they are concerned, they are doing what many others are still discussing.

Damascus Christian Churches: Rev. Leoncia Rosado Rousseau, Angel to the Outcasts

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Born on April 11, 1912, Rev. Leoncia Rosado Rousseau or “Mama Leo,” as she is affectionately called by many, came to New York City by boat on September 22, 1935. Although when I met her, she was ninety years old and suffering from the beginning stages of a progressive, neurodegenerative disease, Mama Leo could still recall her dramatic beginnings in ministry. From the seedy corridors of some of New York City’s worst barrios, her ministry to “the outcasts” of society— the drug addicts, gang members, prostitutes, and alcoholics— has birthed some of today’s greatest preachers, pastors, and evangelists like Nicky Cruz, who went on to establish a worldwide evangelistic ministry; Jim Jimenez, who pastors the Rock Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Bishop Jerry Kaufman, now deceased, who was a Jewish drug addict and went on to become a well-known figure in New York City after leaving John 3:16 to establish Love Gospel Assembly in the Bronx, to name just a few. “It was in the mountains,” she says “of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, when God spoke to me and told me I had to go to New York City.”21 After having a huge argument with her mother about this “voice,” she arrived in New York, where she met Rev. Francisco Olaza´bal, who she credits for opening many doors of ministry for her. “I would go to services with him where he would be the invited speaker and out of nowhere he would say, ‘I feel from the Lord to have Leoncia speak,’ ” she recalls.

“You could see the disapproval of all the male ministers on the pulpit” but “I walked through every door God opened,” she said.

A great opportunity for city government sponsorship of her program came when Nelson A. Rockefeller was governor. “She actually said no to $12 million dollars!” said Sonia Gamboa, Mama Leo’s personal assistant for the last eleven years and a frequent participant of the Center for Emerging Female Leadership.

“The New York Times actually wrote about her for this situation.

Rockefeller offered her $12 million in state assistance to help fund the program she developed for drug addicts and prostitutes of the street but there was a catch, she had to take out the name of Christ in her programming.” Sonia believes that the exact statement Mama Leo told them was “you can keep your $12 million, I will keep my Christ.”

When asked about the discouragements and struggles she faced as a Latina in ministry, she said, “I was rejected by many.”

Sonia, her assistant, explained: “Cops didn’t like [Mama Leo] because she was working with these really bad people who already had records in the police department. Ministers didn’t like her because she was a women “doing a man’s work.” It would have been easier to deal with” said Sonia, “if Mama Leo had other Latina sisters to talk to, but at that time not many of them were doing what she was doing. She was isolated.”

Another struggle she faced was money for operating costs. It was difficult to meet some basic needs for her program participants,

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although she says, “God always provided.” Today, while the drug and alcohol rehabilitation program no longer exists, she says it does live on through the legacies of the people she touched. However, Damascus Christian Church still operates success- fully and has a Latina woman heading its operations as bishop. Mama Leo still attends the church she started in the 1970s, “Iglesia Cristiana de Jamaica,” which currently has a membership roster of about 150 people. Mama Leo went to the toughest neighborhoods, talked and ministered to some of our society’s less desirables, because she knew without a shadow of a doubt that God had called her.

Perhaps that is what is missing in some of our emerging Latinas, a sense of divine purpose. Leo summed up her life with the quip, “if my life inspires other Latinas to get to know God then that is a good thing.”

Way Out Ministries: Rev. Ana Villafañe, Friend of the Addicted Born on April 6, 1934, in Brooklyn Heights, New York, and growing up in the early to mid-1960s, a Puerto Rican young woman named Ana Villafañe was about to embark on a life-changing journey in her life. It was during the 1960s while in her thirties that she first got involved in dealing with the heroin epidemic that devastated the New York City Puerto Rican community. As a graduate of Mama Leo’s alcoholic rehab program, she felt an earnest desire to make a difference in

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

people’s lives. However, before the establishment of Way Out Ministries, she was involved with the Community Progress Corporation (CPC), which was a program funded by the City of New York. CPC ran a rehabilitation station for many in the city, in addition to other programs that they operated for housing and medical treatment. This was a time when “the Bronx looked like an atomic bomb had hit it”22 and “there were no programs really deal- ing with drug addicts that were faith-based other than Teen Chal- lenge and Mama Leo’s Christian Youth Crusade, which was part of the Damascus Christian Church. Although new secular programs like Day Top, Phoenix House, and Inwood House were being established,” CPC had locations in the Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn, in Queens, and in Hunts Point of the Bronx. After about ten years and a series of events at CPC, she left to become a senior counselor with the Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program.

It was at this time that she and her husband, Eddie Villafañe, began Way Out Ministries. Members of the Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, and Reformed Churches were most helpful to Rev. Villafañe at the beginning of Way Out; for three years, she received monetary support from these churches. The City of New York became aware of her program and gave her $1 million for three years from tax levy monies. Today, however, Way Out exists entirely on private individual donations.

For the last twentyseven years the organization has been operating

purely on the faith of its founder.

“Very few churches, you won’t believe it, support us,” says Rev. Ana Villafañe. Although this program mostly services a Latino population, little support actually comes from Latino Pentecostal churches. “I do have a few Pentecostal churches, but not as much as I know I can be supported by. The Hispanic Pentecostal Concilios should be doing more to help, but they are not.”

The operating costs and funding issues that she has encountered have been very discouraging, but she still maintains a positive attitude.She said, “you have no idea what I have gone through, but I am here because God has me here and because I am unrelenting.” She went on to say, “I know what God has started he will finish.” Interestingly, the majority of her employees are women, and only two of them (her part-time bookkeeper and her secretary) actually receive a stipend for their work. All others are volunteers who she personally had to educate in the area of volunteerism. However, while Rev. Villafañe holds on to her unrelenting faith, the future of Way Out is literally in the hands of its community, and she is hoping they come through for her. Currently, she is undertaking a $2 million fundraising campaign to build a new residence in the East 148th Street area where her program now resides. This is the first time in their history that she has embarked on such a challenge to raise support. “It not because

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of pride, but because I was happy with the way things were.”

Unfor- tunately, she has had a tough time, as people have not fulfilled their pledges of support from her radiocampaigns and fundraising dinners.

Way Out has as its goal to minister to substance and alcohol abusers, individuals with AIDS, the homeless, the needy and afflicted individuals in order to help them break out of their destructive lifestyles and prepare them to accept responsibilities. Throughout the past thirty-three years, many people have been drug free and law- abiding citizens. Some have even chosen to help others by becoming directors of residences, shelters, soup kitchens, and pantry programs.

Crossroad Tabernacle: Aimee Garcıa Cortese Aimee Garcı´a Cortese, now in her late seventies, is pastor emeritus and founder of the Crossroads Tabernacle in the Bronx, New York. Her thirtyfouryear- old son, Pastor Joseph Henry Cortese, took over at Crossroads in January 2002 from his mother, who founded the church in 1983. Pastor Garcı´a Cortese has been written about in Pentecostal literature and has even appeared in various articles on women in ministry.23 While the church is still part of the Assemblies of God (AG) denomination, its mission and ministry are unique and quite unlike any other AG church in New York City. When asked how

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she feels she is affecting her community through her church, she stated, “Our impact is the obedience to proclaim the gospel to all people.”24 The doctrine of Crossroads is based on “Bible truth as found in the scriptures and I make no apology for its truth because in it I find the mind of God.” The legacy of Pastor Garcı´a Cortese and the church she founded continues as the Reverend Joseph Henry Cortese, or “Pastor Joe,” as he is called, has transitioned into the role of senior pastor. Pastor Joe is known in the city as the “Hip-Hop Evangelist” because of his use of drama and music to reach the teen culture.

He was born in the East Bronx in 1967 and is the youngest of four children. Currently, he is supervising the church’s $3 million renovation, slated for completion in 2002. The project is transforming a 1939 movie house into one of the largest and most sophisticated theaters and recording studios in the Bronx borough.

The building, at 1320 Castle Hill Avenue, has been transformed into the Boden Center for the Performing Arts, which features concerts and plays, as well as teach dance, music, and drama to neighborhood kids. The church has already completed the Studio on the Hill, a state-of-the-art audio and video recording studio.

In thinking about the philosophy of ministry found at Crossroads, Rev. Garcı´a says, “Jesus’ ministry

met all human needs. First and foremost, knowing. He knew who he was, and where he came from.”

From Pastor Aimee’s perspective, a community needs to understand its identity. “He cared about hunger in his community,” she goes on to say; “therefore it is fitting for churches to feed the hungry—spiritually and physically.” 27 Coming from what she calls a legalistic “raja-tabla” Pentecostal background, 28 Pastor Aimee has gone through many metamorphic stages due to her treatment within the Pentecostal community. She mentions how she was asked to leave “Spanish Assemblies of God” many times, only to return. Reflecting on her struggles, she says that she came to the following conclusion: “I know who I am—actually God knows who I am.” In her times of ministerial meˆle´es, she says, “I cried out to God—I’m yours, Lord. Do what you please with me; place me at your service, and I will follow and not turn back.”

Although her church is meeting the needs of their community as Jesus modeled in His day, Pastor Aimee would not necessarily use the term “wholistic” because as she says, she is “still dealing or, better yet, struggling, with the concept.” Yet, with over fifty years in ministry, Pastor Aimee Garcı´a states, “if being wholistic and impacting our community means reaching out, meeting needs, touching the sick, helping them receive medical assistance, seeking betterment for our children by advocating for better schools and health plans, then we are very much wholistic!”

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TEN GAME CHANGING WOMEN FROM AROUND THE WORLD This has long been a topic that excites me, especially women taking charge in their communities and doing incredible things. I believe that a significant part of the real change made in communities around the world is organic and comes from within, not without, something I struggle with constantly as someone working in aid abroad.

A few years ago I put together a TV series, which I pitched to the Oprah Network, called “Game Changing Women.” The premise of the show was to highlight the incredible women around the world taking things into their own hands. While the show was not picked up (thanks Oprah!), I’d love to use this space to celebrate just a few of these incredible women and share their stories. Each of these women is a local champion and they are game changers in their world.

Portions of this article originally appeared in Jennifer Gottesfeld’s blog and used here with permission.

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1. Amanda Espinoza realized that in Nicaragua, in order for women to compete in a man’s world, women needed to know how to do a man’s job.

She started Mujeres Constructoras to teach poor Nicaraguan women construction skills. The women are taught carpentry, welding, plumbing and electrical work and can make everything from furniture to buildings. The program has taught

hundreds of women who are now hired for well paying jobs and able to develop financial independence.

2. Shilpa Merchant worked to prevent the spread of HIV in the sex workers of Mumbai.India. She soon realized that nothing would change for the sex workers unless they had a monetary buffer, which would make them less vulnerable. Since traditional banks in India would not provide sex workers accounts because of their trade, Merchant started the Sangini Women’s Co-operative Bank. The bank provides savings accounts and loans and now has over 2,000 accounts, empowering women to change their lives.

3. Susan Burton is the founding Executive Director of A New Way of Life Re-Entry Project, which operates homes and programs in South Los Angeles, for women recently released from prison to enable them to stay sober, get jobs and obtain life skills.

Burton herself overcame a personal history of decades of incarceration and struggled with re-entry. After her release, she earned enough money working as a home health aide to purchase a modest home in 1997, which she shared with her first clients. Today ANWOL operates three residences and has helped hundreds of women start new lives.

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4. Selenge Tserendash was tired of the high unemployment and alcohol abuse in her country of Mongolia. Her solution to this problem was to start New Way Life Mongolian Center to help women economically and socially by teaching them quilting. Quilting was a new activity in Mongolia so Tser¬endash recruited quilting teachers from the U.S. to come to Mongolia and teach the women.

Quilting changed these women’s lives and gives them a steady income where they can work together to make quilts that are sold in their store and online.

5. When Betty Makoni was a secondary school teacher in Zimbabwe, she discovered that many of her students were victims of sexual abuse. In 1999, Makoni started the Girl Child Network to confront sexual abuse in the rural areas of Zimbabwe. The organization works closely with abused girls and offers them the support needed to keep the girls in school and safe.

6. When Naima Zitan learned that 60% of Moroccan women are illiterate, she decided to write plays in order to teach them about women’s issues and their rights.

Zitan started Théâtre Aquarium an

organization that performs these informative plays in rural areas, souks, markets, mosques, prisons, hospitals, factories, orphanages and theatres. She found this medium of communica¬tion to be effective in teaching women about the laws of their country and how to use them to protect themselves.

for Peace, which grew to be a political force against the government and violence in the country. Gibowee led women in demonstrations and strikes, including a sex strike against husbands. The actions of the women finally led to the end of the civil war and led to the election of the first fe¬male president of Liberia.

7. The violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo has made it unsafe for women to commute even short distances. Adeline Nsimire recognized that these dangers prevent women from getting access to critical information and education. She started Radio Bubusa, a community radio station run by rural women in DRC, to ensure that rural women are empowered by access to information, training, and communication in a country that has seen a great deal of violence in the last years. By having a local radio station run by women, women are empowered by hearing important information that they can use to improve their lives.

9. Lucky, Dickey and Nickey Chherti, three Nepalese sisters, taught themselves to be trekking guides in the Himalayas. Trekking is typically a man’s profession, but the sisters saw that empowering women to move into this field would improve their lives. They started Empowering Women of Nepal, which trains women to be trekking guides in the Himalayas.

8. During the bloody Liberian civil war, Leymah Gibowee, a trauma counselor, realized that if any changes were to be made in her society, they would have to be made by mothers. In 2002, she organized the Women of Liberia Mass Action

10. After becoming a victim of sexual violence, Sunitha Krishnam decided to devote her life to working with the exploited women in India. She started Prajwala to fight the sex trade in India and assist trafficked women and girls.

She is responsible for recuing more than 3,000 girls from sex traffickers.

Prajwala has more than 17 centers and provides sex trafficking victims shelter and employment programs in carpentry, welding, printing, masonry and housekeeping so that they can start new lives.

*Jennifer Gottesfeld is a Global Health Corps fellow with Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative in Malawi, where she works as a health promotion officer. She was chosen to be a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and will receive a Master’s degree in gender-aware economics at Makerere University in Uganda in 2012-2013. In the past, Jennifer created a health center in Kala Refugee Camp in Zambia as project facilitator for the NGO FORGE under the UNHRC, participated in a year of service with AmeriCorps, worked in resource development at International Medical Corps and had a brief stint as an accountant and producer in the movie industry

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ORGANIZING GAME CHANGER THE NIGHT ROUTINE

By Maria Gonzalez The word “routine” already sounds a little daunting. I mean, do you really need to commit to another to-do list, another task? I have worked inside and outside the home and I know that creating a routine is challenging and getting the family onboard is even more so. However, if I commit to completing simple tasks in the morning and in the evening, my day goes by so much smoother and I accomplish more. Of course, there are checklists that point out to clean doorknobs and behind the stove (and I am all about that too) but that isn’t feasible to do all the time. However, I can commit to a basic housekeeping night routine to make my days at home smooth, or at the very least, manageable.

Do I do this routine daily? Um… no. I certainly try to, but there are days that I have to leave the house and the beds are not made, the sink isn’t clear, it’s life. I just notice that on the days that I have or make the time to complete these tasks, I am so grateful that I did.

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ARRANGE THE COUCH PILLOWS. This is a pet peeve of mine. These couches are 10 years old and let me tell ya, they have not been babied! In the weekends, we may take naps on these couches, we lie down to watch tv, my boys jump on these couches, they are USED. Basically, the pillows are usually a mess or they fall on the floor. I am always picking them up and threatening that I am going to get rid of them FOREVER. I quickly learned that this threat doesn’t evoke any reactions when you live with men. They are like “cool, more room to play”.

LOAD THE DISHWASHER.

Throughout the day, I load the dishwasher without running it until I get in all the dinner dishes. I set it to run at night and I unload it in the morning and start again. You are more likely to load the dishes at night if there is space for them in the dishwasher. If you are already exhausted (and we usually are at night) and you have to unload the dishwasher before reloading it, you may just skip it all together and leave it for the morning.

I feel like when the pillows are a mess, the whole room looks messy. So at night I like to prop them up again and I wake up to a neat couch and pretend I live in a world where people care about couch pillows.

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WIPE DOWN THE SINK AND STAINLESS STEEL FRIDGE. I LOVE waking up to a welcoming kitchen! After putting away the dishes in the the dishwasher, clean and wipe down the sink. Also, stainless steel refrigerators are great but they are also a magnet for little hands. Go ahead and wipe it down with your kitchen towel before your throw it in the hamper. A little bit of extra work but you will be thankful you did this in the morning.

SET OUT A NEW KITCHEN TOWEL. We rarely use paper towels, so our kitchen towels get dirty fast. Every night, I place the used one in the hamper.

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WIPE DOWN COUNTERS AND KITCHEN TABLE. Sitting down in a clean, cleared-out table is more enjoyable for the whole family.

My husband makes our coffee every morning, but you may also want to grind the coffee ahead of time, or set some time aside to go over your agenda for the next day. You can certainly add items to this list, but the point is to make your home a place that welcomes you, in a manageable way that isn’t overwhelming. If I add too many tasks to my daily routine, I fall behind and get overwhelmed.

Adding a simple organizing routine to your evening is an absolute game changer that will bring more order and peace to your life!

Night Night, Maria Gonzalez is a blogger and organization consultant. Find out more at gracefulorder.com

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GAME CHANGERS

By Dr. Toni G. Alvarado

EXCERPTS FROM “THE EMPOWERMENT TRADITION OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN PREACHERS” ~ DR. ANTOINETTE G. ALVARADO

Traditionally the Month of March is National Women’s History Month. The 2015 National Theme, Weaving The Stories of Women’s Lives presents a unique opportunity to discuss how the African American female preacher has impacted her community. A survey conducted by Delores C. Carpenter in her book, A Time for Honor, reveals the essence of ministry that is practiced among African American clergywomen.

While preaching is a primary function of the work, the diversity of our roles is key and essential to the development and health of our congregants and churches.

The list of ministerial tasks listed in the survey ranged from preaching, teaching, visitation, administration, social services, and fellowship, counseling and prayer.

Although there appears to be pride of place given to the preaching ministry, in many cases preaching and teaching are viewed as synonymous. There is also an element of leadership development found in the words of many black sermons. Preaching ranks among the most enjoyed ministry practice because

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of the elements of coaching, counseling and teaching that are often hidden in the preaching style of many black clergywomen.

One key ingredient to the empowerment nature of African American women’s preaching tradition can be found in the texts and themes from which they preach. Many preach stories of women in the Bible from both the Old and New Testament. It is in the lifting of these stories that black women preachers connect with the women in their congregation. This is largely due to the fact that African American women have endured stereotypes, institutional injustices, racism and social stigmas related to the color of their skin, texture of their hair and sometimes the size and shape of their bodies.

They often find in the biblical text and preach from a gamut of themes ranging from special occasions to current world events. The black clergywomen surveyed by Teresa Fry Brown reported such preaching passions and themes

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as love, forgiveness, faith, overcoming obstacles, hope, praise and worship, sin, women’s issues, social issues, marriage, singleness, family dynamics, restoration, financial stewardship, tithing, healing, favor, deliverance, death as a process of life, emotional, psychological and spiritual liberation.

The narrative form of the texts preached by African American clergywomen complements both their creative preaching styles and content.

So often the texts chosen allow them to tell their stories in a manner that give them poetic license as they place themselves and their listeners’ into the biblical drama. The main characters of the texts chosen are often women or leaders who are being delivered or being used to deliver their people from oppressive systems and situations.

Their gender has a significant purpose to the empowering affect of the African American women’s preaching tradition.

Teresa Fry Brown notes, “Women understand women’s issues best because of their social location”. In other words, African American women express a need to have someone who can relate to them and black clergywomen tend to be more open and expressive in relating their stories. The transparency of black clergywomen is also another point of relation to the African American female.

Their openness and willingness to share their successes and failures, victories and defeats engenders this type of connection.

These women are not preaching from a vacuum. Whether it’s Sojourner Truth

declaring Ain’t I a Woman, Jarena Lee defending her Call to Preach the Gospel, Susie Owens’ dramatic and energetic presentation of the Word pushing us to Go Further Than This, to Vashti McKenzie’s admonishing us to Participate in Our Own Rescue, these preaching women and sermons teach us lessons and wisdom that if applied will empower our lives.

It is not that men, especially black male preachers, cannot speak to our issues, it is that the black clergywoman’s story is every black woman’s story. The African American women’s preaching tradition is an empowerment tradition that is confirmed by her proclamation of triumph and victory and modeled through the social activism and leadership that she provides to her church and community.

The empowerment motif that is so evident in the lives, sermons and service of many African-American female preachers whose stories are not often told and celebrated. We celebrate these women who from antiquity to our contemporary society have made great strides amid personal struggles and obstacles that were placed in their path. To overcome such obstacles these women exhibited character, courage and an undying commitment to blaze a trail that we are afforded to walk through today. Many of these women are our unsung heroes yet their history is our history and our remembering of them makes their stories come alive today. They have been game changers for their generation and for generations to come.

DR. TONI G. ALVARADO Dr. Toni G. Alvarado wears many hats as many of us do. She is Co-Pastor at Grace Church International, CEO of My Sister’s Keeper Foundation for Women and President of Targeted Living Coaching & Consulting. Find out more about her at www.drtonialvarado.com

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So You Want to be a Game Changer?

By Dr. Sheila Cornea

So, you want to be a game changer?

Hopefully, a hearty, “Yes!” arose in you in answer to this question. But even if your answer was more of an unsure, “Yes?” be assured that you, yes you, have what it takes to be a game changer. Being a game changer simply means that you are living out God’s creative plan for you with every bit of boldness you can muster. Even if you aren’t quite sure if you yet qualify as a game changer, you can strengthen your game by honing your skills in these attributes of a game changer:

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

INFLUENCE. Realize you have the power to affect your world. Even if you aren’t the final decisionmaker in your family, ministry, or work, you have the power to encourage others, build bridges, and create change. As the wise mom taught her daughter in the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding, “The man may be the head of the household. But the woman is the neck, and she can turn the head whichever way she pleases.” Whether you use a subtle suggestion or an overt opinion, you can use your voice of influence

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to bring a positive effect in your circles at home, community, and career.

INTUITION. When you tune in to your surroundings, you have the uncanny ability to read the nuances in situations that are often intangible and ‘felt’ rather than seen. You’ve probably experienced these feelings before when something with your child just doesn’t seem right, or when another woman seems to have an unwelcome interest in your husband that just doesn’t set right with you, those times when something feels off but you just can’t put your finger on it. Yes, that’s your intuition at work. You can tap into that same intuitive gift to discern opportunities, identify positive people in a room, and connect with those with whom you just ‘click’. Embrace your intuition and let it work for you in every area of your life.

INTENTION. If you want to be a game changer, then you have to be intentional and purposeful in the daily decisions of your life. In other words, you live your life; your life doesn’t live you. You cannot live haphazardly and expect to be a game changer.

You must take control of your choices and your actions every single day. You make a plan for success and work your plan with purpose, action, tenacity, and determination. Set your face like flint to accomplish your dreams and calling no matter what obstacles or opportunities cross your path.

Begin each day by asking God for His guidance on what you should accomplish in the day.

INITIATIVE. A true game changer is the first out of the gate as an influencer. Whether it’s extending your hand and introducing yourself in a meeting, or it’s taking a risk to be the first to change the template of how something is done, taking the initiative places you to be a leader in the game of

life. When you take on a proactive mindset and realize your value in the world, it becomes easy to take initiative. Know that you have something valuable to offer others…your skill, sensibility, and sensitivity will be a blessing to others when you initiate with them.

INNOVATION. You are made in the image of the Creator, and you are like Him. You have it in you to be creative… to make something from nothing and to breathe new life into old things. Being an innovator means that you bring something new into the atmosphere. You have the ability to bring a new perspective, a new attitude, a new creativity, a new anointing into your atmosphere. Game changers are master innovators, because the change the landscape in their arena.

INSPIRATION. True inspiration is more than bringing hope and encouragement to others, although those are substantive traits of a game changer. MerriamWebster defines inspiration as “a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation.” You must rely on the inspiration from the One who has created you “for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) As a game changer, you must trust God to give you the inspiration you need to accomplish your dreams and plans.

When you continually ask Him to guide you, He will direct your steps. (Proverbs 16:9) Upping your game in all of these areas will definitely leverage you as a game changer, especially when you realize the key to being a game changer is understanding your identity in Christ. Everything you need to be a game changer is found in Him, because He is the ultimate game changer that created you to be a world influencer.

DR. SHEILA CORNEA Dr. Sheila Cornea is a coach for ladies who lead. As an author and speaker, her mission is to empower ladies to thrive in leadership with ease and enjoyment. Sheila offers practical wisdom for life and leadership through her Gutsy Grace Resources blog at www.gutsygrace.com HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

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GAME CHANGING MAKE UP TIPS TO COLOR YOUR WORLD If you want to change the game, start by switching up the rules...

There are a lot of hard and fast rules about beauty and style especially as a new season approaches. Every year the same routine... Give up your favorite deep shades for pink, coral and peach.

Boring. Why not work at setting yourself apart? Both Inside & Out. Make the most of who you are and what Christ has made you to stand for. Yourself.

Now the fun part... once spring approaches instead of opting out of wearing your beautiful burgundy colors and rich reds switch it up and change the way you use them.

Use a finger to swatch one of your beautiful dark lipsticks and blend on your lips to customize a jewel tone lip stain. Still too much? Mix them with your gloss for a statement making power pout.

If bold is the name of the game for you, a plethora of beautiful red shades are springing up everywhere.

See what I did there? SPRINGing up.

But I digress. Without a doubt, there is a perfect red out there waiting for you. Not sure how to choose? Start with a color that compliments your skin tone. Too bold? Opt for a red based brown shade. Tried everything and you are still unsure? Look for a

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blue based red. MAC’s Ruby Woo is the most flattering red on everyone.

Anyone, I mean anyone can wear it, no matter how fair or how dark your complexion. Should you feel the need to dial the color down, use a darker liner to adjust the color. FYI, lip liner is not dated, just using it like a 90s super model is.

If you are not a lipstick girl, I have something up my sleeve for you my pretty. Around this time is when our skin is looking lackluster and winter worn. Many are not quite ready for bold shimmer and bronzers.

However, you can still benefit from a little bit of glow. This tip is a gem cause you give your skin added moisture and a lit from within radiance. Take one of your powder bronzers from last season and grind a portion of it down. Mix it in with your favorite moisturizer and a pea sized amount of concealer for light coverage. Apply the mixture and voila... you have a subtle glow that peeks through and says you are here for Spring while getting ready for Summer.

Last but not least, a little tip for those tangled in the whirlwinds of highlighting and contouring. It is easy to get lost. Always start with yourself. You have all you need in your beautiful skin to help you

choose the contour shade that is best. Skip the dark bronzers that leave you looking like an oompa loopa in the chocolate factory. Just shoot straight for your favorite foundation. Foundations are color calibrated with less warm tones so you will find it is much easier to choose a shade, close to your own, that will be foolproof to use.

Use your base as a guide to help you find an additional foundation, 2 shades darker, that you can use as a contour color. The easiest texture to contour with is powder, hands down. Or up should I say.

We are contouring our face. Start with a fluffy small angled brush to buff your product in using circular motions and you will be amazed.

Just remember to build slowly, you can always add but you can not take away.

Football season is over but your season is now. Make the game your own.

Kisses, Candace S. Candace Sheppard Makeup Artist|LifeStylist 786. 281. 0464 www.modelmisfit.com modelmisfits@gmail.com

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Soaring in the kitchen

GINGER ALE WITH FROZEN GRAPES SERVES 4: Ginger is one of your best friends during chemo, both for its flavor, which can spark even the most jaded taste buds, and for its tummy-soothing properties.

A lot of people think store-bought ginger ale will do the trick, but the actual ginger content in most commerical varieties is minimal. Plus, you often get a whole host of other garbage (can you say high fructose corn syrup?) that you’d be better off without. Enter this recipe, which uses straight-up ginger syrup so you can control the amount of zing in your tonic. The frozen grapes serve the same purpose as your basic ice cubes, but also sneak a

• 4 cups water • 2 cups sliced unpeeled fresh ginger • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons honey • Frozen seedless grapes Sparkling water • Mint sprigs, for garnish HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

bunch of healthy minerals and phytochemicals into the brew. Makes about 2 cups syrup Rebecca’s Notes You can also use this ginger syrup to make a hot beverage. Just stir 3 tablespoons of the syrup into 1 cup of hot water, then add more honey or lemon if you like.

Bring the water and ginger to a boil in a saucepan, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Uncover and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

Strain the infusion through cheesecloth and discard the ginger. Stir in the lemon juice and honey and let cool to room temperature. For each serving, add 1/4 cup of the ginger syrup to a glass with frozen grapes, then fill the glass with sparkling water and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Storage: Store the ginger syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 days. Store the grapes in a resealable plastic bag in the freezer for 3 months.

Per Serving: Calories: 50; Total Fat: 0.2 g (0.1 g saturated, 0 g monounsaturated); Carbohydrates: 12 g; Protein: 0 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 5 mg.

ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2015 EDITION | PAGE 34

LEMON MUSTARD SALMON SALAD SERVES 2: All salmon are not created equal. This recipe features wild Alaskan sockeye. It’s the “wild” part that’s really important. Wild salmon are far higher in omega-3s than their farm-raised brethren, and omega-3s have been linked to a whole host of cancer-fighting benefits.

The nice thing is, you don’t have to go fishing or even handle a salmon fillet to make this dish; there are great brands of wild sockeye that come in cans. That said, of course you can also make this with an equal amount of leftover home-cooked salmon. Either way, this salad is easy to prepare: All it takes is a quick stir with a few choice ingredients, and there you go—a nice, filling dish that’s rich in protein, yummy, and versatile. Serve it in a pita, wrap it in a tortilla, or mound it atop salad greens.

• 71/2-ounce can boneless, skinless, sockeye salmon, drained 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard • teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 teaspoons extra-virgin • olive oil • Pinch of cayenne Pinch of sea salt • tablespoons finely chopped celery • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

Put the salmon in a bowl and break it into small pieces with a fork. Stir in the mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, cayenne, salt, celery, and parsley, then do a FASS check. If needed, adjust the flavors with lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

Variations: Add capers or chopped radishes to this dish— they will not disappoint!

Or combine just the salmon and celery with 2 tablespoons of the Basil Lemon Drizzle or 1 tablespoon of the Moroccan Pesto; both are great dressings to try with this salmon recipe.

Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: Not applicable Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days.

Per Serving: Calories: 180; Total Fat: 8.5 g (0.7 g saturated, 3.4 g monounsatu- rated); Carbohydrates: 1 g; Protein: 27 g; Fiber: 0 g; Sodium: 670 mg

ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2015 EDITION | PAGE 35

ORANGE GINGER ROASTED CHICKEN SERVES 6: Roasted chicken is such a staple for many people that I wanted to provide a zippy recipe that would avoid the all-too-frequent pitfall of bland, dry results. Here, I’ve replaced the common rosemary-thyme rub with ginger, orange zest, and cinnamon, which are also appetite stimulants. Rubbing the spices under the skin, filling the cavity with more aromatics and orange juice, and then roasting the whole shebang makes for one moist, tasty bird!

• 1 41/2- to 5-pound organic chicken 1 teaspoon paprika • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 11/2 teaspoons sea salt • 1 orange, zested and juiced, rind reserved • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, plus 1 finger-length piece of unpeeled fresh ginger, halved lengthwise • 3 cloves garlic • 2 cinnamon sticks

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Stir the paprika, coriander, and cinnamon together, then divide the mixture in half and stir 1 teaspoon of the salt into half.

Rub the salted spice mixture all over the outside of the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt inside the chicken.

With your palm facing downward, use your first three fingers to gently lift the skin on both sides of the breast to loosen it from the meat. Rub the remaining spicemixture, the orange zest, and grated ginger under the skin of each breast, massaging them lightly into the meat. Place the garlic, cinnamon sticks, ginger pieces, and orange rind inside the cavity along with half of the orange juice.

Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a glass or ceramic baking dish, breast side up. Roast until a meat thermometer reads 160°F when inserted in the thigh and the juice from the meat runs clear, about 1 hour.

Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. Just before serving, pour the remaining orange juice over the chicken.

Use disposable kitchen gloves to handle the bird more easily and keep things sanitary. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2015 EDITION | PAGE 36

A Game Changing Woman Is...

SOAR asked the Facebook world a question and here are a few of the answers we received.

Participate in our Facebook poll for every issue and your voice might be in the next issue.

Stacey M. Garced-Serrano A woman who sees challenges as an opportunities. She see’s what other cannot. She does what others think is impossible. Her drive and determination cannot be broken. She is a warrior.

Carmen Lydia Acosta A woman who is a game changer is optimistic, assertive, a dreamer and one who doesn’t compromise her values because her integrity matters. Fame is irrelevant to her because she doesn’t seek followers; instead she is accompanied by faithful supporters who capture her vision and enrich her process throughout her journey.

Lezette C. Rivera A woman who understand the game. Can’t change the rules if you don’t know how to play and win!

Carmen Lydia Acosta A woman who is a game changer is optimistic, assertive, a dreamer and one who doesn’t compromise her values because her integrity matters. Fame is irrelevant to

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

her because she doesn’t seek followers; instead she is accompanied by faithful supporters who capture her vision and enrich her process throughout her journey.

Gladys Lamboy-Rios A game changer is someone who can see what others can’t and can make decisions and changes without compromise and in a positive manner for the betterment of people, places and/or things.

Carmen Cruz Quintero A game changing woman is not just about playing the game but about changing the game. She’s selfaware, self-sufficient but also holistically sensitive to others’ (as she acknowledges the importance of allies on her team). She reads, she listens, she applies good counsel, she dreams but is also realistic about the possibilities of having to revert to ‘plan B or plan C’ ... because such is the game. And ultimately she’s blessed because she understands that her gifting, which includes her raw intelligence to be that game changer, ONLY comes from God.

ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2015 EDITION | PAGE 37

We can’t re-introduce SOAR magazine without introducing another division of CEFL birthed in 2014, Latinas of Legacy. In 2014, we were interviewed for a Spotlight on newlatina.net what follows is a portion of the interview to help our readers learn more about this new division.

What inspired you to establish Latinas of Legacy?

Having worked with many women we felt that there are many organizations that were non apologetic about their target audience which were either Black or White. The ones that were “catch all” usually didn’t have a Latina as a speaker and didn’t speak from a perspective that fit us. The ones that catered to Latinas where all Spanish and we felt that the Latina in America is bilingual bicultural. We wanted to focus on Legacy because we wanted Latinas to remember that everything they do in life will live on and we wanted them to be intentional about what “their life speaks”.

What is Latinas of Legacy’s overall mission?

Our Vision is to help Latinas mark their world and leave a positive, long-lasting legacy for their family and community.

Our Mission is to be an illustrious sisterhood of Latina women who have united in purpose to make a difference in society by intentionally letting their life speak in the areas of faith, family and finances.

Why is Latinas of Legacy important for the Latino/a community?

Latinas of Legacy will help strengthen the family and will help women plan for the future of their families as we will also focus on helping women leave a legacy by leaving wills and financial stability.

Find out more about Latinas of Legacy by visiting their website at www.latinasoflegacy.com and if you are local in South Florida, get involved with the Board or on the team ask us how at info@latinasoflegacy.com

HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

How has your identity as a Latina enhanced or impacted the work that you do?

To be honest, I have always been very aware of my Latina-ness because many of my old bosses were Latino (Puerto Rican) and made sure I knew my history. Focusing on the issues impacting Latinas now helps us stay

connected to the struggle of many Latinos who unlike Puerto Ricans have to work very hard to become citizens.

My background (Liz) growing up with a PR single mom in the Lower East Side of the NY and my own journey of racism, labels, etc. helps me to remember that every day a Latina succeeds in graduating HS, College, reaching a high level in business, etc all victories to be celebrated.

My background (Silvia) was growing up in Passaic New Jersey as an immigrant 6 year old with immigrant parents struggling to make their dreams come true in the USA. I struggled with the culture, the language and with the assimilation process. I have a heart for the new Latinas that step foot on the grounds of the US and the real-life struggles that are faced on a daily basis. I am also well aware “que si se puede” to live out your dreams here.

In what ways do you hope to see Latinas of Legacy impact others?

We want LoL to impact Latinas by helping young women start believing that they CAN make it to the highest heights of any field, We want to see Latinas plan for their families with wills and life insurance so that the next generation will have a better start than they did.

What is your vision for U.S. Latinas? What do you hope to see them do or be recognized for?

We would love to see U.S. Latinas be more supportive of each other and the ventures they undertake, we would love to see them involved in giving back to other Latinas in need of mentorship and marketplace sponsorship. We want to see Latinas do and be whatever they set their minds to do. We don’t want them to think of limits or boundaries. We want them to take over the world.

ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2015 EDITION | PAGE 38

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Monday, April 20, 2015 7 PM Game Changers Challenge, Healthy Happy Hour with Dr. Liz Email her at drlizrios@gmail.com to RSVP or more info.

More info about event at www.willowcreak. com/summit CEFL Team Registration at www.cefl.org includes Tshirt to wear that day showcasing you as a Leading Lady!

Saturday, May 30, 2015 10 am – 2 pm Location: TBD CEFL’s Leading Through Writing Seminar: Getting Your Book To the World from Concept to Creation Learning from people who have done it without a book agent!!

Investment: $60

Friday, August 14, 2015 Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity Awards Luncheon, 11 am – 2 pm Get to know the women of Latinas of Legacy at a great charity event by buying a ticket to sit at our table. Location will be Davie’s Signature Grand. Tickets are $80 per person. Follow us on Facebook to learn more.

Thursday, June 25, 2015 Latinas Learning Together Seminar 6:30 PM Topic: Can We Really Do It All? (A Work Life Balance discussion) Memorial Hospital Miramar Guest Speaker: Josi Gago To find out more visit our site at www.latinasoflegacy.com or follow us on Facebook August 6-7, 2015 CEFL Leading Ladies Group Outing to Global Leadership Summit at Christ Journey Church in Miami Group of 10+ $149, Individual $189

Save the Date for these Fall Events!

Friday & Saturday September 11-12, 2015 Join Us at the LEAD 2015!

Special Guest Speaker Dr. Toni Alvarado.

Theme: Shift Happens! Making and Managing Your Next Step! A retreat for your voice, soul, spirit and body!

The Ritz Carlton, Naples FL More info to follow at www.cefl.org.

Saturday, October 10, 2015 Latinas of Legacy - Legacy Luncheon Location: TBD

Next Soar Issue Theme: Friendships: Vital or Fatal – June 2015 If you’d like to write for SOAR let us know Email drlizrios@gmail.com HELPING WOMEN’S DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2015 EDITION | PAGE 39

JOIN DR. LIZ IN A TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE FOR 2015.

As a gift toward your transformation, Dr. Liz is giving away 25 $50 coupons toward your first cleanse purchase.

Visit www.mypurium.com/healthypassion and redeem our gift card with the code “healthy passion”

Visit Us At www.cefl.org