March-April 2020

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JENICE CONTRERAS

Executive Director, The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development Brittany Foster, Founder, Polizhed Natural Nail Studio & Product Line

How To Thrive Financially Living The Second-hand Life

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Beletu (Belé) Wondwossen Founder / Publisher Shelley M. Shockley Managing Editor Writers Shelley M. Shockley Marsha Walker Eastwood Brittany Garrett Nirvana St. Cyr

Creative Belé Wondwossen Jason Garrett

Cover Story: Shelley M. Shockley Photo: Jason Garrett Contributing Writers Rhonda Crowder Michelle Phillips Fay Marianna Marron Letitia Nall Stephanie Phelps Kimberly Smith-Woodford

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Publication Date 03/20

From the Editor: Shelley M. Shockley Together, we will get through this I have struggled with this column for a few days.

Initially, I planned to title it 'COVID-19 and you.'

I nixed that idea, believing we have the information and updates we need.

I couldn't abandon the topic because I have learned some things about myself during this interruption in life, and maybe it will assist someone else reading this.

At the onslaught of this epidemic, I walked in a world of denial. This virus, ravishing China, was a problem for that nation, not me. Even as it spread to Italy and Spain, I only offered surface interest. This level of disregard and indifference is not my norm, and I'm not sure why I only gave the situation a cursory view. What I do know is I must do better, and so must a majority of Americans.

We must widen our peripheral vision, and know that we are not on this planet alone. What happens in the United States is not the only space that matters. We must be real global citizens who know other countries, cultures, and races. With greater awareness, we understand our brothers and sisters better, but we also learn from their challenges.

The next thing I learned hits very close to home and is personal. I must start living as though tomorrow is a given. I am now committed to ensuring the strength and health of not only my physical being but my emotional and financial health too.

Of those three, physical, emotional, and financial, it is the latter that I must make a priority. In each issue, our financial columnist, Marsha Walker Eastwood, offers sage advice on ways to improve our bottom line. I read these intently not only for any grammatical errors, or structural problems but for the information. Each time I say, 'I'm going to implement that,' but sadly, I haven't.

This epidemic turned pandemic has highlighted the need for me to cut the procrastination and take this area of my life seriously. I am transparent today in telling you that I'm unprepared for this pandemic, and it is only by God's grace and mercy that I will get through this crisis. Saying that does not bring fear or concern, instead, my faith is and has sustained me. I choose to share this because I pray that the number of you in a similar situation is small.

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Additionally, I hope that each of you in similar straits will join me in taking this time to make a change for the future.

One thing I know is that life, as we knew it a month ago, is now history and we will not return to that way of life. While things are moving a little slower, think about your experience and seek out measures you can alter to prepare when the next crisis arises.

Emotionally, I'm fine. I believe, “this too shall pass,� and I have a great group of family and friends working to make sure we all come through this and that we focus on the good, not the bad. Today, I took a moment to go outside and hear the chirping of the birds and the early signs of spring. Seeing this brought a smile to my face and reinforced my belief that we will come out on the other side of COVID-19, more resilient and focused on a global view of our lives.

In this edition, we introduce you to Jenice Contreras, Executive director for the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development (NEOHCED). Jenice leads this organizational powerhouse advocating on behalf of the Cleveland's Latino community and the Clark-Fulton neighborhood. She succeeded in placing her organization and the community not only at the table, but in an impactful role. Be sure to check out her remarkable story.

Our financial columnist, Marsha Eastwood gives some sound advice on saving by changing our shopping habits. I am pleased to say that this is an area of financial responsibility I have embraced. Not all shopping, but I do incorporate Resale Shops in my search for various items. I encourage you to read her column, which offers tips and a history lesson on the birth of this industry.

For those of you seeking a new career or a second job, check out our feature on Brittany Foster, founder and owner of Polizhed Natural Nail Studio. Brittany is an example of a woman who followed her dream and has put in the hard work to make it a reality. As we encourage you in each issue, you, too, can develop your ideas and find happiness in your profession.

In closing, I pray you and your families are safe, happy, and healthy during this unprecedented time in our lives. If all is well with you and you are able, please reach out and help those in need. To help slow the spread, remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, and wash them frequently.

Be safe, be a light, and I'll see you soon.

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COVER STORY 04 06

FROM THE EDITOR

JENICE CONTRERAS

Shelley M. Shockley

HOW TO THRIVE FINANCIALLY LIVING THE SECOND-HAND LIFE Marsha Walker Eastwood

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As the sun sets on a beautiful spring day in Puerto Rico, residents relax with the view of a beautiful sky filled with hues of red, orange and yellow while listening to the melodic, powerful call of the coqui frog.

The coqui is a tiny amphibian measuring about one to two inches in length. Small in stature, yet mighty, much like Jenice Contreras and the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development (NEOHCED).

MAIN FEATURE BRITTANY FOSTER

COVID-19 SAFETY TIPS INSIDE PAGE 10

A flourishing entrepreneur, has a simple message to those who wish to follow in her footsteps, “Chase your passion and the money will follow.” A philosophy to which she has adhered following a career with major corporations and now as a successful business owner.

DELICIOUS RECIPES PAGE 22

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How to thrive financially living the second-hand life "Being frugal does not mean being cheap!

It means being economical and avoiding waste."

Catherine Pulsifer

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n the song, SecondHand Rose, Fanny Brice feels abused By: Marsha Walker Eastwood, since her father owns a B.S.Ed, MSHSV second-hand store and PWM Contributing Writer everything in their house, and indeed even her entire wardrobe is second-hand. To her, this was a form of intolerable abuse. Written as the country emerged from the Great Depression of 1920-21, it was a time of extreme deprivation. However, just a month after its release, the country once again became a consumerdriven society. Post-war money flowed like water from an open spigot, and material spending was at an all-time high. Chic was the word of the day, and limits on money to maintain status didn't exist. At the end of the decade, it was clear Americans had not learned from the past. The country soon plunged into the Great Depression.

Between the end of World War 1 and the present, there has been one Depression, one Great Depression, thirteen recessions, and one Great Recession. With each economic downturn, there were significant financial and material losses, and each recovery was usually due to post-war consumerism. However, with each recovery, there were those consumers who became warier of extravagant spending for material items. Frugality became the wiser way to manage money, for some second-hand stores presented a shopping alternative, thanks to those who considered clothing and even some outdated, but still useful furniture disposable. In many cases, these donations allowed those who had lost everything to get back on their feet.

The history of second-hand stores dates back to the Elizabethan era, and although they have existed in The United States since the early 1900s.

Religious organizations such as The Salvation Army saw secondhand stores as ways to fund their social programs, which included food and shelter. Philanthropy proved to be a motivator for those who had items to donate and donate generously.

The overwhelming stigma associated with anything second-hand had a significant impact on the business model. According to historian Jennifer Le Zotte, “By the 1920s, thrift stores were as organized as department stores. Goodwill, for instance, had a fleet of trucks collecting clothing and housewares from more than 1,000 households. The terminology had changed too: Once considered “junk shops,” the word “thrift” reflected a marketing appeal that allowed middle-class housewives to “feel virtuous about buying something new because they can give something back.”

In their ever-evolving marketing plan to attract newer customers and dispel the myth that they (the stores) were still junk stores, shopped only by poor people, 6 ▒ MARCH - APRIL 2020

organizations began to create tasteful displays of used clothing in their windows. Thrift stores weren't the only opportunities for second-hand shopping.

Pawnshops provided a no-frills retail environment for those searching for different types of personal items such as heirloom jewelry, engagement and wedding rings, watches, tools, and musical instruments.

Unlike most thrift store purchases, pawnshops frequently offered items that come with a multi generational history makes for perfect keepsakes.

Thrift stores and pawnshops were precursors to the multitude of other second-hand savings opportunities. In the 1950s, many public and parochial schools held rummage sales, a derivation of rummage sales held on shipyard docks in the 1800's where the public purchased unclaimed cargo at a discount. School rummage sales usually included items donated by parents and others in the community to generate money for a program or programs at the school. At this same time, more and more individuals began hosting personal rummage sales in the form of yard and garage sales. These new types of venues offered buyers an opportunity to peruse a variety of gently worn clothes and gently used and new items that seemed to be a good idea at the time. Most of the items were from the seller's collection.

Now that you have a little background on how the opportunities began, we can look at real time opportunities and how they can impact your bottom line.

Offline thrift store opportunities include The Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Savers (the for-profit arm of The Easter Seals), St. Vincent DePaul, Value World, and Habitat for Humanity to name a few. The Goodwill, Salvation Army and Savers are designed like department stores with each area labeled. The number one item sold is clothing.

Savers is also set up like a department store, and while clothing occupies most of the store, there is usually a wonderful supply of dinnerware, flatware, and seasonal decorative items. For book lovers, the stores feature a deal on the purchase of multiple books. St. Vincent DePaul has more high quality, mid-range priced furniture.

Habitat for Humanity originally sold excess building supplies. Still their offerings now include low-cost furniture, a variety of garden tools, as well as work tools, and prices are often negotiable. Savvy shoppers should also consider local independently owned resale shops that specialize in certain areas such as baby clothing, children's clothing, plus-size clothing, and bridal attire.

Now that you have an idea of where to look for secondhand bargains, you need to know the do's and don'ts. Do make a calendar that includes locations, hours of operation, discount days, coupon days, and special events.

Do visit websites to look for coupons for additional savings. Do sign up for free newsletters and

memberships. Do create a stick-to-it budget. Do create a list of needs, wants and gift-giving.

Remember, everything in these stores isn't used. Don't buy anything for future use unless the “future” is 60 days or less. Don't engage in impulse buying. Do remember that location matters. Stores in more affluent locations often have better quality items, and the same discounts apply. If time permits, visit your favorite store at least twice a week. Replenishing stock on the floors is a regular occurrence. If there is an item that catches your eye and you are in the store the day before the “deep” discount day buy it anyway. Your member discount may offset the deeper markdown, and you will have the item. Do be picky. If you need a green sweater to wear to the office or a party on St. Patrick's Day, don't buy something you wouldn't be caught dead in wearing again. Check tags on comforters for proof of sanitization.When shopping for others, do take their pant measurements. Do take neck and sleeve length for any male you may shop for and do take a tape measure on your shopping trips. Do have transportation and help lined up when shopping for furniture. Do check out return policies, Flea market stores are another source of great used bargains, as well as outside venues, estate sales, police auctions, and storage locker sales.

In recent years the internet has provided a variety of opportunities for online resale shopping. Some of the more popular ones include ThredUp, the largest online consignment and, thrift store, always offers additional

discounts and if you went ahead and bought that green sweater, this is a place to list it for sale. If you are into stylized shopping Poshmark, might be the ticket. Sellers on the site curate styles to help facilitate a more seamless shopping experience. If you are looking for a soup-to-nuts online shopping experience in or near your zip code, then letgo.com is the site for you.Swap.com offers additional savings on a variety of family attire, toys, and other items.

They also offer a membership program for additional savings. For those individuals with more upscale tastes looking to save money, sites like The Real Real, Tradesy, and Rebag and Collector's Square and The Luxury Closet may be just the place to shop online.

Just as with offline shopping, there are do's and don'ts. Do research the site thoroughly. Do they offer free shipping?

Are all sales final? How are disputes handled? Do look for reviews from real buyers. Check out Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites for these reviews. Do always remember caveat emptor.

The face of resale shopping has changed dramatically over the years as has the shopper. There is no longer a stigma attached to purchasing and wearing second-hand merchandise, and finding many real treasures for pennies on the dollar is possible. While we all can't be as lucky as Zach Norris, who according to MoneyWise, purchased a couple of watches from a Goodwill in Phoenix for $5.99 each. After authentication, he realized one was worth almost $35,000 and the other one worth $4,000, we can find things we will treasure living the second-hand life. www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 7

Smart Saving Strategies M

oney management and building long-term financial health is a careful balancing act between long- and short-term financial needs, and now is a perfect opportunity to re-examine your goals. People sometimes focus on short-term needs, making sure they can cover routine bills and living essentials. However, many Americans do not have the resources to cover an unexpected expense, much less save for the future.

Data from the U.S. Financial Health Pulse shows that Americans are savings-constrained, over-indebted and underinsured. In fact, despite it being the longest period of economic expansion in modern times, 79% of Americans are not financially healthy, and many live paycheck to paycheck just to cover bills, rent and basic living expenses.

As a result, 60% of households are unprepared for a financial shock, with 41% unable to cover an unexpected $400 expense without borrowing money or selling a personal item. This makes saving incredibly challenging, especially for many low-income households.

“The data makes it quite clear that a significant segment of America is struggling to create a meaningful savings account, whether it's intended as an emergency fund or a means of attaining a goal without incurring debt,” said Deborah Winshel, global head of social impact at BlackRock.

Last year, the firm launched Initiative, a program designed low incomes gain access to, savings strategies and tools to safety nets.

its Emergency Savings to help people living on and increase usage of, help establish important

As with any financial matter, there's no one “right” way to save. Individual circumstances require a customized approach to determine the best method to fit needs. In addition to traditional saving methods, Common Cents Lab, Commonwealth and the Financial Health Network are working with financial institutions and other enterprises on an initiative to create new and experimental programs that address the challenges many consumers face when it comes to saving money.

If you're not sure where to start, consider these options and consult with your credit union, employer or financial institution to learn more about the options available to fit your unique lifestyle and savings goals.

Automated Savings Often offered as an option through employer payroll, this approach allows you to designate a portion of your 8 ▒ MARCH - APRIL 2020

paycheck to be deposited in a savings account. Whether you choose to make it a flat amount or percentage of your income, it's an easy method that allows you to consistently funnel money into savings with a one-time setup process.

Round Up Some financial institutions offer programs in which every transaction you make on your account, or perhaps just those made using your debit card, are rounded up to the nearest whole dollar. The difference between that whole dollar amount and your actual purchase amount is then directed into your savings account.

Prize-Linked Savings Marrying the fun of winning prizes and a savings account, this type of program incentivizes personal saving by offering an on-going, risk-free chance to win a prize, such as additional cash, by making savings account deposits.

Promising both security and opportunity (and perhaps some fun), the amount deposited by the account holder is never at risk, unlike lotteries and games of chance.

Windfall Moments When you receive a substantial amount of money from a source like a tax refund or a work bonus, it can be tempting to splurge on immediate needs or something fun, like a vacation. Allowing yourself to enjoy a portion of the money isn't a bad idea, but you can also take advantage of the unplanned income as an opportunity to launch, or grow, your savings account.

Collective Savings Accountability is a common barrier to better saving habits, but when others are counting on you to contribute your share, there's a greater level of responsibility at play. A collective savings account may be a good solution for a shared goal like a trip, special project or funding a special event for a loved one.

To learn more about the savings problem and some of the work being done to help employees, customers, gig workers and students take essential steps toward longterm financial well-being, visit savingsproject.org.

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Brittany Foster Founder, Polizhed Natural Nail Studio & Product Line Brittany Foster, a flourishing entrepreneur, has a simple message to those who wish to follow in her footsteps, “Chase your passion and the money will follow.” A philosophy to which she has adhered following a career with major corporations and now as a successful business owner.

Brittany navigated through several careers before becoming an entrepreneur. She worked in industries including banking, insurance, and retail, gaining invaluable experience along the way. She noted, “these exposures enabled me to shape and mold many of my customer service and leadership skills.” While she enjoyed working for these organizations, her dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur was something that woke her up at night.

Armed with a degree in small business management and a strong passion for entrepreneurship, Brittany set her sights on the beauty industry, particularly on manicures and pedicures.

Manicure and pedicure treatments have several benefits.

In addition to creating a relaxing experience, the treatments help in improving blood circulation, which is vital for our health. Brittany understood these benefits early on, put her creative mind to work, and coupled with a strong desire to separate herself from the crowd, established an 'all NATURAL nail product line and studio.'

Today, her Polizhed Natural Nail Studio & Product Line provides Manicure, Pedicure, Gel Polish and Nail Art services. It is also the first all-natural Nail Studio & Product Line in Cleveland. A testament to her unique services, Brittany continues to be overwhelmed with requests for her services as her books fill six months to a year in advance.

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For as much as Brittany loves being an entrepreneur, the experience has not been without its fair share of challenges. Operating a business is almost always associated with difficulties. According to Brittany, her primary challenge at the moment is matching supply and demand. Thanks to her excellent services, she has been overwhelmed with requests from customers who wish to gain a fantastic experience. She said, “my books fill six months to a year in advance, which limits room to onboard new clients. I currently have an active waiting list of 50+ clients who desire to have a Polizhed experience. Still, I don't have any openings to accommodate their request because I am the only person working in my studio.”

While the number of businesses owned by women and minority groups has increased, Brittany believes that support is necessary for these underprivileged groups to expand their businesses. In this regard, she said, “I believe the qualification requirement(s) and process for women-owned small businesses should be more practical. We should not have to be measured by the same standards as big companies or franchises.” She a l s o e n c o u ra g e s c o n d u c t i n g m o r e c a p a c i t y building/training programs for these groups to run their businesses efficiently.

In this regard, Brittany not only talks the talk but walks the talk. To enhance the skills and know-how of others

Brittany Foster holding class

interested in the service sector of the beauty industry, Brittany launched the Natural Nail Academy. The Academy hosts monthly classes for nail technicians to help boost their skill set.

Family support has been instrumental in enabling Brittany to reach where she is today. She is particularly grateful to her Mom and Grandmother, who shaped her whole life and contributed to her work ethic, character, ambition, and faith. She said, “Had it not been for these two ladies plus my family, I would not be half the woman I am today.”

Brittany allocates time to supporting her community. An advocate and an avid supporter of her community, she has mentored many entrepreneurs to help them take their businesses and brand from surviving to thriving!

As a further commitment to her community that is close to her heart, Brittany established a non-profit organization to help fulfill her mission. She explained, “I started a non-profit called, 'Be A Blessing.' It is not a 501-c yet, but it's currently run solely by myself.” She continued, “each month I pick a person or organization to ‘be a blessing’ to by

doing a random act of kindness through monetary donations, volunteering time and or services, or whatever they may be in need of.” She has been leading this exemplary service since 2009 and plans to expand it to reach as many community members as possible.

Brittany's hard work and significant contributions have not been left unnoticed. Her company has been nominated as Cleveland's Hot List for Best Manicure and Pedicure 2014-2018, has won Natural Nail Tech of the year in 2019 from Hair and The Blog, and was featured in Nails Magazine for Product Spotlight.

Brittany is currently working on on-boarding more natural nail technicians to aid in the overflow, in addition to doing more coaching/teaching. To women and the community, she cited a quote from the renowned poet Allex Elle. “Be you, love you, all ways, always.”

For more information: visit Polizhed Natural Nail Studio & Product Line at 23980 Chagrin Blvd Suite 103, Beachwood, OH 44122

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America's nurses are on the front lines of the fight against coronavirus, providing safe, quality, compassionate and nondiscriminatory care to those they serve, many of whom are doing so at significant risk to their own well-being.

The American Nurses Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association, created the Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses to provide direct financial assistance, mental health support and science- and data-based information to nurses serving on the front lines.

"Nurses always answer the call to serve their patients, communities and country during times of crisis," said American Nurses Foundation Chair Tim Porter-O'Grady, DM, EdD, ScD (h), APRN, FAAN, FACCWS. "As we confront the new and emerging challenges of this pandemic, nurses are and will continue serving on the front lines in extraordinary ways."

To show your support during this uncertain time, consider taking part in these four key actions: 1. Text THANKS to 20222 to donate $10.

One of the easiest ways to directly support nurses is to donate $10 to the Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses, spread the word to others using the hashtag #ThanksNurses, and visit: ThanksNurses.org.

2. Stay home. Only leave home for essentials and maintain a safe distance from other people.

3. Wash your hands. Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing. It is also important to wash your hands after going out in public and touching items that others may have come in contact with such as doors, shopping carts or credit card readers.

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

4 Ways to Help Nurses During the Coronavirus Pandemic 4. Follow local guidelines. Seek guidance from local public health officials, such as those at your county health department.

Nurses are reliable and proven responders during infectious disease emergencies, providing essential care where it is needed most. Following simple steps like these can go a long way toward keeping people healthy.

Donations will help provide direct financial assistance, mental health support and science- and data-based information to benefit nurses. Visit ThanksNurses.org to learn more.

About the Support Fund The American Nurses Foundation's Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses is a nationwide effort to provide direct financial assistance, mental health support and science- and data-based resources to benefit nurses. The Johnson & Johnson company and its TYLENOL brand made a $1.5 million commitment to launch this fund.

A portion of the donations will help support Nurses House, Inc., a national fund for registered nurses in need. The American Nurses Foundation is partnering with this organization to help nurses affected by COVID-19. Nurses who are unable to work due to COVID-19 infection, are caring for a family member with COVID-19 or are under mandatory quarantine can submit an application for assistance.

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5 Innovations that are Making the World a Better Place With new technologies and innovations improving many aspects of daily life, humanitarian work should be no different.

Saving and protecting children for decades, UNICEF, the United Nations children's agency, has been implementing new ways to reach families more quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. In honor of World Creativity and Innovation Day, meet five innovations that are making 2020 the start of a decade of good: 5. A cryptocurrency fund for game-changing ideas Blockchain increases transparency, security and efficiency, as transactions are publicly visible and do not have to be converted into other currencies for immediate use. A first for the United Nations, the UNICEF Cryptocurrency Fund is able to receive, hold and distribute donations in ether and bitcoin. The fund is helping accelerate and grow social good projects such as Prescrypto, Atix Labs, Utopixar and GIGA, which work in the areas of prescription tracking, investor-matching, community engagement tokens and bringing internet connectivity to schools around the world.

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4. An inclusive period tracking app There are more than 200 period-tracking apps; most are targeted to Western adult women and provide information that can be gender-stereotyping or fertilityfocused. Founded by UNICEF's Asia branch, Oky is the world's first period tracking app co-created with girls, for girls. Packed with information vetted by global health experts, the app is tailored to Indonesian and Mongolian cultures and available in local dialects. To support further advancements in this sector, the app is open source, digitally inclusive and available even in areas where online access is limited. In its next phase, the organization plans to scale and adapt the app for use in East Africa.

3. Schools made from recycled plastic waste There are three significant problems facing children in Côte d'Ivoire: There are not enough schools, there are not enough employment opportunities for adults and there is an overabundance of trash. Daily, the Abidjan metropolitan area produces 288 tons of plastic waste.

Tackling all three issues, UNICEF works with Conceptos Plásticos to employ women to recycle plastic into bricks to build classrooms. The bricks, which will be used to

build more than 500 classrooms across the country this year, are 100% non-toxic plastic, fire- and wind-resistant, waterproof, insulated and lighter and quicker to assemble than regular bricks.

2. Drones that cut transport times from hours to minutes Drones help reduce carbon emissions and cut transport times from 1.5 hours driving to 25 minutes flying. Leveraging technology, UNICEF works with drones to deliver crucial medical supplies to the hardest-to-reach areas. The African Drone and Data Academy in Malawi, a first-of-its-kind program, trains and certifies young students across the continent on building, operating and maintaining the drones, building a pipeline of future experts in the field.

1. A warehouse that can send lifesaving supplies to anywhere in the world With the world's largest humanitarian supply warehouse, the UNICEF Supply Division is able to deliver necessities anywhere in the world as quickly as 48-72 hours. The size of four football fields, the Copenhagen, Denmark warehouse is equipped with enough health kits, vaccines, rescue gear and more to support 200,000 people at any given time. The warehouse is also home to an innovation lab that tests, designs and produces new and improved products needed in the field. In 2018, the supply network procured nearly $3.5 billion of goods and services for children in 175 countries and territories. In 2020, UNICEF expects to respond to around 300 emergencies and assist 95 million people with support.

To learn more about and unicefusa.org/decadeofgood.

support

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lifesaving

innovations,

visit

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PHOTOS: JASON GARRETT 16 â–’ MARCH - APRIL 2020

With passion and commitment, JENICE CONTRERAS leads the NEOHCED

By Shelley Shockley PWM Managing Editor As the sun sets on a beautiful spring day in Puerto Rico, residents relax with the view of a beautiful sky filled with hues of red, orange and yellow while listening to the melodic, powerful call of the coqui frog. The coqui is a tiny amphibian measuring about one to two inches in length.

Small in stature, yet mighty, much like Jenice Contreras and the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development (NEOHCED).

Contreras leads the NEOHCED, an organizational powerhouse advocating on behalf of Cleveland's Latino community, and the Clark-Fulton neighborhood. The densely populated community rests on the near west side of Cleveland nestled among Ohio City, Tremont, and the Detroit-Shoreway communities.

The executive director says the community she has called home the majority of her life “has the largest density of Latino residents in the state of Ohio.” While she wasn't born in the neighborhood, Contreras's roots are steeped in Cleveland's Latino community.

When she sat down with Phenomenal Woman, she described the Cleveland-Puerto Rico connection in her family. Her mom was born in Cleveland after Contreras's grandparents migrated to the city in the 1940s. She explained, “In the 1940s, Cleveland steel mills were recruiting men from Puerto Rico to work in the mills.” Her grandfather and her maternal great uncle heeded the call.

When her grandmother turned eighteen, she joined her brother in Cleveland and met her future husband. They settled down and began a family. Jenice's mother was one of those children born in Cleveland. Unfortunately, the relocation would be short-lived. Her grandfather died at a young age so her grandmother, now a young widow returned to the island.

Contreras's mom gave birth to her in Puerto Rico, where they lived for her first 12 years of life. As a pre-teen, she came to Cleveland and was raised in the W. 30th & Clark neighborhood that she now advocates for.

Growing up in the Clark-Fulton community, Contreras graduated from Lincoln-West High School before continuing her education at Cleveland State University.

While in college, she took a break to care for her two young children. She finished her undergraduate work at Capital University and received her executive master's in business administration from The Ohio State University.

Throughout her life, Contreras had a penchant for civic involvement and community engagement beginning with leadership roles in her church youth group and participating in community organizations. She served as the president of the Young Latino network as a teen, was an AmeriCorps volunteer in college and worked with Head Start. The position that began her professional trajectory was work at Case Western Reserve University where she

worked on a research study looking at Latina women and severe mental illnesses and the prevalence of HIV. This led to a career on the public health track and the Care Alliance Health Center.

While serving as Director of Development and HIV Services for Care Alliance, the focus of Contreras was rooted in fund development. In this role she specialized in grant writing, event planning and running a capital campaign. This work and training set the groundwork for her future pursuits.

While in graduate school, she worked as a Public Health Consultant, and at all junctures she stayed connected to the Latino community serving with many community organizations and also on the board of the NEOHCED. Prior to taking on the role of executive director, she had more than fifteen years of involvement with the organization.

While in grad school that commitment was solidified. She recalls, “When I went to grad school, I chose to pick one organization that I would still commit to. For me, when I looked at the Latino community in Cleveland and where my interests and passion lie as well as an organization that I felt could turn outcomes around for our community, it was economic development and the Chamber of Commerce and Business Center.” This passion led her to drop off of the other boards and concentrate on being of service to NEOHCED. During this time, changes were taking place in the city of Cleveland with new developments and growth in the surrounding communities of Tremont, Ohio City and Detroit-Shoreway. While development was happening around them, the NEOHCED was experiencing leadership issues and finding it hard to recruit directors for the nonprofit. The problem Contreras said, “You need to know a little about everything and then the pay and benefits might not be the most enticing for a young professional.” Just when they thought they had found the candidate to lead them, the selected candidate left after about one year.

This departure left the board wondering how they would keep the small organization afloat.

Her fellow board members approached Contreras about taking the position, something she put off as long as she could, but on April 1, 2013 she relented and became the executive director. Of the move she said, “It's been an incredible ride and there's nowhere else I would rather be, doing the work that I'm currently doing in my neighborhood, in my community and hopefully creating great impact.”

If taking on a position you weren't seeking wasn't a challenge, turning around a small non-profit with one and a half employees and a $200,000 budget was a hurdle she would have to navigate while conversations were going on to rejuvenate her neighborhood. The key with the latter statement is the community was not a part of that conversation.

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Jenice Contreras Leading Discussions

Taking on this daunting task she said, “My initial assessment was I'll come in and get us a couple of grants, build up programming, and maybe I'll be here five years.”

That changed quickly. She's been in the position for almost seven years and said, “I feel like I just started yesterday. I feel like I have a lot of work to do and plan to stay until the day it's time for someone else to come in.”

Some of the challenges she faced early on included rebuilding the image, reprioritizing the focus and resolving the situation with a Chamber of Commerce that wasn't active. She said of that period of time, and how they got through it, “Boy was it hard. It took a lot of clean up and public relations, as well as conversations and meetings. Little by little things began to change.”

As for the Chamber of Commerce, she and the board of directors worked out a plan that led to a management agreement and adding the Chamber to her organization.

Simultaneously she said, “The interesting part was that when I came on as the executive director to run our business programs and the work that we were doing, there was a lot of talk about this neighborhood and what was about to happen to this neighborhood, but we weren't a part of the conversation.” The executive director of another Latino organization enlightened Contreras on the situation explaining that the neighborhood would be redeveloped with or without their input.

This is when the coqui comparison rang truest. You had a small non-profit projecting a loud call for involvement of the community in these redevelopment conversations.

Contreras sang loudly placing her organization and the community not only at the table, but in an impactful role.

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Her first step was asking the question. “I met with Joel Ratner at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and asked why we weren't at the table, do you know that this is our neighborhood, this is our community. He was very open and honest and said it was an oversight. We injected ourselves into that process and participated in the planning and went from not being at the table to being the note of priority when the Transit Oriented Plan was published for W. 25th in 2016 as La Villa Hispania.”

One of the most important components of being at the table was ensuring the Latino community was not only heard but owned a stake in their community. Contreras explained, “For over three decades, maybe four decades, the Latino community has been trying to put their stake in the ground in Cleveland and create a presence. That's where the name La Villa Hispania or Hispanic Village comes from.” She explained it's an old conversation and included a residential development project with a strip mall. The project never came to fruition and this was their opportunity to change that dynamic.

The first step was getting the Transit Oriented Study to recognize La Villa Hispania and Clark & 25th as that node, before moving to the next of what that really means. To achieve this, they created a five year action plan to decide how they would redevelop the neighborhood, what were the priorities and what were the things we could actually achieve in five years. To achieve success, she said the first priority was “this needed to be a project by the community for the community.”

The history associated with this need can be seen in the neighboring communities of Tremont, Ohio City, Detroit Shoreway where we've seen development, but that

development has not been for everyone. While ClarkFulton has the largest density of Latino residents, Contreras said, “it's not because it was the dream neighborhood. People did not say, 'Oh, I want to live in Clark and W. 30th when I grow up.' We've been here as a result of the development that has already occurred in these neighborhoods.” She continued, “One thing we know is that Cleveland has not gotten it right when it comes to redevelopment having to equate to displacement and gentrification. We can't seem to solve that problem, but we also knew that we can't sit here and let it happen again and again, which is what has been happening. La Villa is very much an effort to counter that.

To say hey our neighborhood is worthy of development and it's worthy of investment, but no you can't just push people away and no you can't just decide this is going to be another neighborhood as has been done.” So one of her roles is to advocate for the community and that's what she has done.

While that has been a challenge, she said in the beginning she was not the only organization advocating for the Latino community. Joining her efforts were the Hispanic Alliance, MetroHealth and Metro West. They represented the Steering Committee for La Villa, and along with Neighborhood Progress and the City were part of the development of the five-year plan. She said, “We definitely had a broad array of stakeholders at the table with these four pillar entities that were driving the process. That has been a challenge because everybody that was on that steering committee driving that process are no longer there, so I'm like the lone man standing.”

The transitions in the seven years have complicated the process, but they were able to develop a planning process that was presented to the City of Cleveland's Planning Commission and adopted by the City as part of City Planning so that also helped. As an organization she said, “We really leveraged using the tools of the city to try and align and do that. A lot of times you get caught up in advocacy and social justice issues, but how do you safeguard and ensure that it's done in a strategic way and that it has legs and that it outlives me and outlives others.

That was our challenge.” The final plan included community engagement and economic development. It addressed how they were looking at their corridors, addressing neighborhood needs like access to food and the fact that 20 percent of people in this neighborhood don't own a car. Finally, incorporating all of that into an economic development strategy, and adding arts and culture.

She said those were the three areas in which they felt they were going to do the work of La Villa and where they were stronger suited. One of the first projects associated with the plan was the development of LaPlacita, an open-air market affording vendors the opportunity to sell their products to the community and also to create a cultural festival for the community. The festival started small, and Contreras said they had no idea what they were getting into, but it has blossomed into a major event hosting 8500 visitors last year.

She explained, “So we created much success five years later. The second thing was where am I going to put new businesses? We get folks that come in here all the time and if they say I wanted to open a little food business, or a jewelry store there is no space in this neighborhood.”

From a real estate perspective, the neighborhood is Clark Avenue which is saturated with fast food, dollar stores and auto parts stores. However, at the same time assessments were taking place of W. 25th, which has an abundance of

“Sometimes we are sold on this idea that you have to be somewhere else to dream big or that dreaming big means that you have to be out of your environment. You don’t have to go very far to live out your dream or your passion. It can happen and I have the honor and the privilege to live my dream right here where it all started.”

warehouse buildings that were vacant and dilapidated. On the surface there is no potential for small businesses to rehabilitate the structures and run their businesses.

Contreras would find the answer to her dilemma during a conference in Minneapolis.

While in Minneapolis she participated in a tour of public markets, particularly a Latino Market - Mercado Central which housed a Mexican bakery, food stalls, a small bodega and a food court on the ground level. The secondfloor housed accounting, money wiring and legal services.

She learned the owners were a group of immigrant business owners that were looking for an opportunity. For Contreras this was an aha moment and she came back with the vision of a Latino Market.

Last year that project moved closer to reality with the acquisition of two acres of land on W. 25th, nearly a onemillion-dollar transaction. The project is Centro Villa 25 and will provide an outdoor plaza area, an indoor open space to host community activities, and 20 micro retailers and an anchor restaurant.

More features will include a commercial kitchen to aid in the growth of the many food-based businesses in the community so that they are able to grow. It will also house the NEOHCED and the new office to Metro West CDC. The executive director said the biggest hurdle for this approximately $10 million project was getting, and owning the property. She said, “It's the first time our community owns anything. Now we can say we have a stake in this neighborhood. The reality around redevelopment is if you don't own it, you don't control it.”

She further said she believes that's the challenge for a lot of communities of color, that you can have great programming, and great advocacy and, but if you don't own the land, anybody else can come and take it over and as soon as it becomes a good thing, you can best believe somebody's going to take it over.”

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Centro Villa 25 is on track to put shovels in the ground by the end of summer, with a 12-15-month construction schedule. They are currently working to secure all of the funding, hopefully completing fundraising mid-spring.

This is all behind the scenes work, to ensure the plan is viable an incubator has been established on W. 25th & Seymour in a small bodega with strong roots in the community. Contreras explained, “We took over a little store, a bodega because I needed to incubate. I'm building a space for 20 but I can't build it and say 'if I build it, they will come,' I needed to test it and so there's a little corner store on Seymour and W. 25th and that little store is very significant to Puerto Ricans in this community.”

She said in the1960s, the owner was a savior to many in the community, serving as an early day payday lender, giving good on credit, and providing a hangout spot. On the weekends, she remembers Puerto Rican men would sit there with their guitars and down shots of rum while reminiscing about being in Puerto Rico. It was a cultural experience.

In 2017, the owner died and his death hit the community hard. So, when she was looking for a space she reached out to his daughters to find out what they were planning for the property and pitched her idea.

The family liked the idea and she said they have become true partners in the project, “they rehabbed the entire place for us, and right now we're running three businesses out of the space.” It is now a community space housing a bakery, a breakfast and lunch sandwich shop as well as a printing and production company. All of the businesses are operating successfully out of the space.

She said, “It was very much about creating a place and getting out of their way. It's happening in the incubator, it's happening in the neighborhood and it's happening everywhere we go. It's just amazing when you give people the opportunity to do what they do, how things blossom. I think that's what's going to make the difference in what happens with Clark-Fulton and La Villa Hispania versus other efforts in the community.”

Her greatest joy she said is, “From the site I can look at the apartment that my Mom and I rented when I lived on W. 30th and went to high school. We lived on the second floor with a really big porch. I see that porch everytime I go there and I remember sitting on that porch as a kid having big dreams. I never, never thought I would be standing in front of what would probably be in my first biggest leadership legacy.”

So what would she tell that young girl and others coming after her, “You don't have to go very far to live out your dream or your passion. I always thought I would be in another state, another place.

I didn't have to go far, it was right in front of me.

Sometimes we are sold on this idea that you have to be somewhere else to dream big or that dreaming big means that you have to be out of your environment. It can happen and I have the honor and the privilege to live my dream right here where it all started.”

PHENOMENAL FACTS Master of Business Administration (MBA) Executive Program Ohio State University Bachelor of Arts, Political Science/Behavioral Health Concentrations Capital University Serves on the Board for the Center for Community Solutions and a member of the City of Cleveland's Near West Design Review Committee Served as Board member, Northeast Ohio Hispanic Business Center (HBC) Completed a fellowship through the Business Alliance for Living Local Economies (BALLE) Served as President, Young Latino Network, Inc Recognized as a Notable Woman in Real Estate and as a Woman of Note in Non-Profit Served as Women's Business Conference Chair, Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Served as the Faculty Chair for the National League of Cities Equitable Economic Development Fellowship Part of the steering committee of the Cleveland Innovation Project Awarded the 2018 YWCA Woman of Achievement Recognized as a Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan by the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission.

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Foundation is the key to a great makeup! It evens out your skin tone in case of blemishes or discoloration giving you a smooth flawless surface.

The best bang for your buck is the Maybelline Fit Me foundation. This product is great because it comes in 40 shades meaning it's one for you! It also has two different finishes, if you're naturally oily then the Matte and poreless is great for you, if you have dry skin the dewy and smooth is just what you need.

A great brow product is a must have. Brows frame your face and give you a more complete look even with minimal makeup. My go to brow product is Colourpop brow pencil. It is great if you really like natural brows and prefer control and perfection.

A good concealer will help you touch up blemishes and highlight and contour your face. A go to and affordable brand for beginners and pros is LA Girls Concealer.

An everyday full face is easily achievable, and for a reasonable price. The key is to establish a baseline group of products to create your look and then choose products that are affordable.

Being a mother and a wife while still trying to feed my makeup obsession I have to get the most out of every product and dollar. This article will help you build your everyday makeup kit all for under $50 with some money to spare on some bonus Items.

The Most expensive but most valuable item for your look is mascara. It opens your face and widens your eyes by giving your lashes color and fullness. A great everyday mascara is L'Oreal telescopic mascara in carbon black.

5.

Keep Your Eyes open for bonus tips on ways to save money and use the products in your beginners makeup kit.

The Perfect Finish to a makeup look is a color and gloss on the lip. It gives your lips moisture and is easy to reapply throughout the day. NYX butter glosses offer 34 shades ranging from nudes to your most bold colors.

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Congrats you have money leftover to spare. Now you can get a few more Bonus Buys! I suggest a setting powder, Bronzer, or a small Eyeshadow pallet. All these items can enhance your look.

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Nurture By Nature Beauty has some of the best skin care products for every skin type. I have dry skin and use their dry skin/sensitive skin cleansing system. Use code “Brittanyga” for 35% off your first purchase.

This month the state of Ohio and many other states went into a state of emergency. Schools, stores, restaurants are closed. Many other jobs are shut down and employees are urged to work from home.

During this time of quarantine there are some things you can do to stay beautiful! Not just on the outside but on the inside as well. Changing our diets and routines will help us in the future once things are back to normal. Even with nowhere to go it's always nice to get up, get dressed, and do your makeup. This is an opportunity to take your time and do all the things you've been waiting to do or learn the things you've wanted to learn.

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The best mascara I have ever used is the Benefit Cosmetics “Bad Gal Bang” mascara. It coats your lashes so well giving you length and volume. The small wand makes it even easier to apply to the bottom lashes making them even more visible.

Those who know me know my favorite concealer is the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer which I urge everyone to try at least once. It is on the higher end price wise so a good drugstore concealer that I recommend is the ELF camo 16 hr concealer. It has awesome coverage and the price is unbeatable.

In our busy life, sometimes it's hard to maintain a healthy diet. With this new state of emergency this is the best time to change your eating habits and eat smart. Your diet is another essential part of healthy body and skin, healthy skin helps your makeup look even more flawless and natural.

Health Professionals recommend drinking 8-10 cups of water a day. This amount of water helps to keep the body cleansed and pure. You will notice a huge difference in not only your skin but your hair and nails as well. Your skin will be smoother, clearer and less dry while your hair will appear shinier and stronger. Nails will become less brittle and grow longer.

This is the best time to create and implement a skin care routine. With most of us not working or even going out the house our skin/face is not being exposed to the usual elements. We are not getting exposed to as much pollution, sun or wind as we would on a normal basis. Having two months to start a proper skin care routine can have major results. Taking care of your skin allows for a more flawless makeup application.

During the hustle of daily life sometimes it's hard to carve out time to learn or perfect our makeup routines. This is the best time to create, learn, and practice an everyday makeup routine. I have gotten my “Everyday” makeup down to 20 minutes. Figure out the key products you always wear when wearing makeup and figure out how to get quicker in applying them. *My go-tos: Foundation, bronzer, brows, mascara, lipstick.

Whether you are a beginner or an avid makeup wearer, it's always great to have down time to learn more. There are a lot of industry professionals taking to the internet and social media to offer virtual classes. Some are offering beginner and one on one classes for those who would like to learn to do their own makeup. Others like Cleveland Beauty Academy are now offering virtual classes for their students looking to continue the journey of becoming a licensed makeup artist.

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