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INTERVIEW #24: FEATURING EVELYN INDYKA ZAPATA
You can’t underestimate the power of self-motivation. Often, I think about my grandmother. In the moments before she decided to board the bus to the “March on Washington” with Martin Luther King jr. What motivated her? I am often asked what motivated me. I close my eyes and sometimes I hear them laughing around me (even the adults laughed at me when I told them I wanted to be a lawyer). The most operative question is not really what motivates me today. Concisely speaking, “I have no choice.” Where I come from, we’re still fighting. We are still fighting for representation for visibility and acknowledgment — and our Evelyn Indyka Zapata is leading the fight. Talking motivational talk to an 8-year-old me is nothing to play with. I had it rough, old school. “Your mom’s white, you don’t belong to us”, rough! “Go back to your country” – rough; “Sweetheart, it doesn’t matter you can read in Spanish”, rough”. 8-year-old me didn’t know how to read.
I didn’t know I was dyslexic back then, the school was racist, the children around me hated me, and they told or reminded me every day. My family was working overtime as Evelyn’s mom did. I didn’t even have new clothes on account that my parents were working their blue-collar asses off to send and keep me in the racist school system. I remember walking to school in the pants I got from Amvets on Elmwood thinking, “I’m going to succeed.” Looking back, I was worn out, at least for a kid, hyper vigilant, code-switching, culture-shifting, jumping from one area to the next, where, if you looked rich you were a target to the next area, and where if you looked poor, you were called last for everything. That girl, I want to hug her so bad. The rough little thing I was, maybe about 70 lbs. and all swinging at life with my softball bat. I call her forward when I need to be braced. Brave like Evelyn Zapata, who is one of the bravest civil rights advocates I know. Civil rights have defined the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality. Thus, our right to equitably participate in the repeal of marijuana prohibition is predominately expressed in our rights relative to administrative law, but also the shaping of general social public opinion. I think it’s likely 8 yr. old Evelyn, she was not taking any shit either, a Manhattan girl with a bright mind and a fast tongue. The sound of a self-motivated person’s voice sounds different, and when I heard Evelyn’s voice, I knew. She was the master of her destiny. She started one of the most valuable platforms IG has ever seen, the “New York Cannabis Times” with 20k plus followers. Her role? Lead us, share information with us, decipher the world of cannabis and cannabis regulation for us, represent us to the outside world of cannabis “us”- the Latino community oh and publicly appear and advocate in person.
Evelyn’s greatest inspiration was her mother, she worked hard to provide for her as a factory worker and that impacted her view on economics. Evelyn knows one thing, the women, the Latinas, we will be growing the cannabis, we will be cutting it, doing the hard labor, and we need a fair turn at the mic when they call for voices and we won’t get one. That’s an economic fact. But it’s A LOT harder to ignore the opinions of our Latina advocates who, like Evelyn, are fighting for all the Latinas who were disproportionately impacted by the prohibition of cannabis, predominately by holding our government leaders accountable. Evelyn is like my grandmother, she’s like every other civil rights activist who personally knows the socio-emotional, and cultural impact it has on mass incarceration or has had on our people as the result of cannabis prohibition. And at every turn of the page of the 240 plus regulation, she will be reminding them. And for that reason, I personally, with a law degree and all, have more hope. Take the time to follow Evelyn and COMMENT on the regulation. Comments on the proposed regulations should be directed to: regulations@ocm.ny.gov or mailed to New York State Office of Cannabis Management PO Box 2071 Albany, NY 12220
The Interview with Evelyn Zapata
Where were you born? I was born in the United States. I am of Dominican Descent; my mother was naturalized, and my stepdad was as well.
What was your experience like as a student? My experience was, as a student, difficult. I was an A student, but I have ASD- the borderline between ADD – Like 3% Autistic. I had to read things about three times to understand them.
When did you decide you wanted to start a business? I have decided I wanted to start a business since I was a little girl. My grandmother owned a supermarket in DR (Dominican Republic) so we were inclined to do business. My mother had her cosmetology license, and she would work in salons she had her clientele so she would go from house to house. But her first job was working in a factory out of Brooklyn, my first job was working at one of my mom’s factories out of Brooklyn for the summer, and my second job was working also in a factory for the following summer. The second one was on Ohio Street, near 207 and Nagel, there was a factory there. Again, I was born in NYC in 1970. I always worked a day job and had a second job as well.
What was your favorite job? I worked all over Manhattan Hospital, riverside cab service, paratransit, and black car services, I was a legal secretary, but my favorite job was selling weed. From the age of 19 to the age of 37 I supported the weed industry in the heights. We were at risk of becoming homeless. My mom was always the drive behind my business whether she liked it or not.
What is your theory on human potential? My theory on human potential is basically if you can see it – you can have it if you believe it, you can have it, if you think it thoroughly you can have it. I learned that from the thugs on the corner, they helped me keep invisible, and I was not arrested, only for smoking weed in front of my mom’s building. When the creator knows what’s in your heart you will be protected- no matter what you think you are doing wrong. Because he knows what’s in your heart. I didn’t look at weed like drugs, so I never got arrested for it.
Why did you start your business? I started the NY Cannabis Times in 2001 it was a “DBA” it was supposed to be a website about the cannabis movement in the heights. It was under the core name of the G Times, then I reincorporated as “the New York Cannabis Times” and I have been online since.
What are your plans? It should be a bi-weekly circular going through newsstands in a couple of weeks and it should also be a monthly or quarterly magazine.
What do you do on hard days? Well, my mom died, my dad died in august of 2021 and my mom died in May. I just try to keep my mind busy; they have all been bad days since my mom died but again, I keep my mind busy.
How do you define a businessperson? A businessperson should know the fine line between friendship and business, should know the fine line between personal and business, and should know the fine line between what is counterproductive when it comes to business.
INTERVIEW #23: FEATURING SANDRA MAYORAL
Sports Clothing Line LAGIRLstyle Fashion…
SANDRA MAYORAL: This month I turn 33 years old. I hardly know what I’m doing in life, but this month I feel like I know a little more about what I’m doing. I call that success. All because of something I knew all along. One of my most famous lines is the following:
“To change something. You need one person inside the city hall, one person outside the city hall protesting, and one person who wants to write about it.”
If you have that trifecta, you have an old fashion New York fighting chance.
Throughout my life, I have rotated between those three positions (within the city council), and (outside the city council). I gave my speech at the women’s march right in front of city hall, it’s on YouTube y’all. Now I am (the most underrated) of them all: the person who writes about it. Because (the other half of my line). “Because if nobody writes about it, nobody knows about it, and if nobody knows about it, they can’t care.”
That’s a Talia original. For the record.
Empathy is what I want to write about. It is defined as the first step towards a compassionate response and/or the ability to identify and understand other people’s emotions.
The world lacks empathy for my people or for all the people who suffer. The whole lack of empathy for a few, it’s a problem discussed in philosophy classes, including mine at St John Fisher College. I believe that the lack of empathy in human beings is the root of evil. You recover your spirit from envy when you are proud of others.
I couldn’t be prouder of Sandra Mayoral, born thousands of miles away in San Salvador, El Salvador. She tells stories of her grandmother, Paula, brushing her beautiful long hair and telling her to close her eyes and imagine the United States. MILLIONS HAVE THAT DREAM BUT PLOT TWIST: she made it, she made it out of the “mud”, as my people would say. Her aunt raised her and taught at the only university in El Salvador. Sandra is truly a movement, everyone around her instantly becomes more positive and is engulfed in the power of positive thinking. Science says that positive thinking encompasses the mental attitude of optimism. That’s Sandra, she is optimism embodied in a beautiful being with perfect hair and the most feminine voice you’ve ever heard from a CFO. And that I love (on and off my radio show where she joined me. She owns three businesses and several real estate investments, has a son who is in a very prestigious university, and an adoring husband who could have mentioned her a thousand times the first time he and I had lunch.
To be loved, I think is what we all seek. So many people love Sandra; if you were to make a map around that girl who is brushing her hair and add all the people she helped or allowed, along the way, there would be thousands of people in so many places on her map. The journey to CFO was not easy, she came to the United States with expectations: to excel. She earned her excellent Bachelor of Business Administration and an MPA in Public Administration.
New to Buffalo, she is from Los Angeles, a place almost a world away. A place of beaches and privilege, but she brings with her the best of California, the sun, and the determination of a young girl who wanted something she hadn’t seen yet. When I sat next to her, I felt capable. Sandra Mayoral runs several companies. LAGER STYLE on Instagram is an expression of her style and the community she wants to build for women, where all girls and women feel empowered and beautiful. We will talk about it all month on our social networks. Sandra makes women feel energized, loved, and safe and that’s why she’s our #latinaherstory for November.
THE INTERVIEW WITH SANDRA MAYORAL:
Where were you born? I was born in San Salvador, El Salvador. I was raised by my grandmother Paula and my educated by my Auntie Isaura Catalina. The main top five values I learned from them were the following: § Working hard for success § Education is a must not an option § Treat others as you would like to be treated § Pay it forward § Work hard and play hard.
what was your experience as a student? As a child, I didn’t necessarily enjoy school. I will rather be outside playing with my friends. Until the age of 10, I lived with my Auntie Isaura Catalina who was a professor at the UCA-only University in El Salvador. Where she noticed my deficiencies and instilled the skills necessary to become an outstanding student. Once I left home to come to the US the skills, she taught me were never forgotten. I developed a joy for studies and achieved my BS in Business Management, Minor in Human Resources and finally my MPA emphasis in Public Administration which was quite helpful during my 23-tenure working as an accountant for LAUSD in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles the Business district and focusing on a $35M monthly/budget.
When did you realize that you were a Leader? I do not necessarily think that I am a Leader, I am a humble servant of the General public and enjoy helping others, whether that is via encouragement 2 or guiding them and sharing my story of an immigrant girl who achieved the American Dream.
What is your favorite part of yourself? My positive outlook in life. I enjoy being who I am and my Life. I think that Life is too short to let it pass you by. I encourage everyone to travel the world, meet other cultures submerge themselves into a world that is so small yet so big.
Why? Fitness and fashion combined are my passion.
What/Who inspired you? Two women shaped my life and developed success early on in my life. My inspirations are my Grandmother Pali and my Dear Auntie Isaura Catalina Duran
If there is a specific person you could work with who would it be? John F. Kennedy was the youngest President to ever be elected president of the United States. His work and love for the country and abroad made an impression on my life. As a child, I recall my grandmother describing him as being one of the best. As he supported aid to El Salvador during its political turbulent times. One of his famous quotes is one of my favorites “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate”. This is something I carried throughout my Business career in college and real life.
What is your plan for growth? My plan for growth is steady, fun, and simple
What is one thing you want people to know about you/your brand. I was born in El Salvador. But the United Stated of America educated me and prepared me for the real world of success and reaching the American Dream. The LAGIRLstyle is trendy fun and comfortable for that woman who wants to conquer the world one workout at a time.
INTERVIEW #22: FEATURING AHRIEL DELGADO
AHRIEL DELGADO is not currently living in El Bronx (home to my Tio Noelle and a lot of other people’s tips) but she was born there. Instead, every ounce of her Taina stature and perfectly sculptured Spanish cheekbones, have been gracing (though I suspect they are not worthy) the picturesque Pocono Mountains. I am not currently living in Manhattan, though my father was born there, instead I am living in Picturesque Buffalo, New York, and the story of what AhRiel Delgado means to me is profound.
When I began this project in Dec of 2019, I started by writing about women in education. A shift came when I started “looking” for women to write about, that for whatever reason, “needed” to be recognized and written about. AhRiel Delgado is one of those women. She believes in herself enough to know the power of small-town girls with dreams. Who cares where you are from? How many people are in your town, or how small or dark your future may look from the outside? Who cares how small your chance is, the only reason you got one is because you think you do!
GO FOR IT. That is what her life displays or models.
Positive affirmations are phrases that you say to yourself to affirm and build yourself up, specifically when your body is under stress. I wasn’t taught coping skills and self-esteem building, rather my greatest insecurities were turned into nicknames. AhRiel has the eyes of someone who believes in themselves. 23 years old, young, but wise enough to know her talents, which sometimes take people a lifetime to discover. Naturally, her entire family’s culture is built on music. Rightfully, those who walk the journey before us enlighten our steps. Her great-grandfather was a writer (Spanish), she told me, he wrote a book of poems to her great-grandmother, who was Taina, to convince her to marry him, or so the story goes.
Is it possible that when the pen hit the paper generations ago, the universe knew about AhRiel? Knew that this man and this woman’s union and lineage would lead to a soul who would change my life? AhRiell made me brave enough to write about artists, and since I wanted to be one, even writing about them makes me feel revolutionary. It’s like starting over after three years-AhRiel Delgado- artist and businesswoman, number one.
What’s an artist? An artist is a soul that knows its gifts. They put their emphasis on building up that gift so they can share it with the world; that is the most important part. The person receiving your gift can mean so much about how you feel. That is why I write, to my invisible audience, my readers whom I can’t see but know. I know you are there, and I want to share it with you. Look for her in print in the Latino papers in your local Latino businesses. If your hometown isn’t getting a delivery but you are reading this and you want a paper – reach out to me. This entire project is based on people giving other people hope.
Join AhRiel”s audience, follow her, listen to her, comment on her, like her statuses, message her, “engage” as they would say, with someone who knows the power of positive thought. See yourself in her, the part of yourself that wanted to do or be something different than you are or do now.
I created Latinaherstory to celebrate the life of my grandmother. As I was writing I recalled my Abuela was a singer, she loved to sing “En mi Viejo San Juan.” Telling my aunts, she used to “sing” when she was younger for the farm workers.
I see my grandmother in AhRiel. When the pen hit the paper for AhRiel”s first song, did God know she would remind me, three years after my grandmother’s passing, about one of my grandmother’s most private aspirations — to sing, to be an artist as well?
INTERVIEW WITH AHRIEL DELGADO
What is the name of your business/artistry? I decided to go with AhRiel in 2019. I needed something new and adding an H to my name seems to be all I needed.
Why? Even though I only added one letter to my original name, I decided I liked the pronunciation better. My real name is supposed to be pronounced ah-riel, but many people associate my name with the little mermaid. Even though it is one of my favorite Disney movies, I would like for people to associate my name with me.
Where were you born and what values were taught in your home? I was born in Queens NY and lived there till I was about 6. My home was always full of music and family. My parents always taught me about the importance of being kind and keeping my imagination alive. I learned to value family and those who care for me. Family or not.
What was your experience like as a student? I liked school and learning a lot. I still do. It was a little harder for me to understand things taught in class, but I had amazing teachers that spent extra time with me to make sure I finally understood anything I was having an issue with. Growing up with dyslexia also made it hard for me because I was constantly thrown off. I always pushed through and I’m grateful I did because I may not like learning anything new if I didn’t have to, as I got older.
How do you define an artist? – An artist is someone who shares their passion with others. No matter what it is or whom it’s shared with. Someone who pours themselves into something they love doing or making.
How do you define a businessperson? I’ve always seen a businessperson as someone who pays attention to the small details of the analytics of anything and understands why they are important. Someone who can separate what is important for themselves and someone else and what is not. Understanding there is a meaning for everything that’s done and what action or plan is necessary to reach whatever goal or goals they have.
Where do you see the intersection between both? Understanding that both are necessary to grow. They are both important to each other is the biggest intersection for me. Sometimes you need one or the other and there are times that you need both. To understand how to grow and what needs to be done. Being an artist and businessperson becomes very important to one’s success in anything.
What is your theory on human potential? Potential lies in the belief in oneself. I feel that most people overthink this and feel that the only way to have potential is to meet the criteria in someone else’s eyes. If you know there is always more to learn and unlearn, your potential is limitless. No matter what you do.
What is your remedy for a long day? I love a warm bath with salts and bubbles. Taking care of my body by applying the lotion head to toe with a lotion that smells cozy and natural. A face mask and skincare routine after, then falling asleep to nature sounds. Sometimes meditation before I fall asleep.
What are your values? My values are still the same as what I was taught when I was little. I’ve also learned about the value of self-love and self-care. They are just as important as anything else. The world is taught to care for others and put others first, but I’ve learned I can’t give someone my best if I’m not giving it to myself first. If I’m not taking care of myself mentally, physically, and emotionally, I can’t efficiently help anyone else figure out how to do that for themselves.
What is your favorite thing about yourself? I’m always excited to try and learn new things, but I do not have a problem saying no if doing something is not good for me, but maybe for someone else. I finally care enough about making myself comfortable first. I loved that I’ve learned that it’s okay to say no and that the actions of others have less to do with me and more with themselves. Because of my want for learning new things, I’ve learned that and so much more.
INTERVIEW #21: FEATURING AMBER MARTINEZ
What is culture? – To me – a shared set of experiences and the values-driven from those experiences. What’s it worth? Whelp – mostly usually oppression lol factually speaking of course. The fun parts are- lots of times- food, shared music, song, and art, some interesting stories, unique yet athletic or sports-like games, and then there’s government and religion – aforementioned.
Latinos, who are we? What is our culture? How many of us are there? & who “Counts? We are but one people separated by constructed privileges, a couple of oceans and rivers, and connected by technology and we all love el Conejo malo (I don’t care what you say).
Further, our Latino culture is shared by people whose experiences span such polarized degrees of privilege- that it blows my mind. How much keen injustice exists within the culture I wonder?
Factually injustice in this country and (others) is so, that I can have the very same name, the very same everything as another woman but if by a randomized act of God, she is born outside of the United States, and our lives are measured differently. Same name kept I am a citizen and she’s not two different social realities – that’s undeniable.
There is a girl whose last name is Rodriguez (same as mine) sitting in a cell somewhere because she was born on the WRONG side of an invisible line or the tracks and had the common sense to run for it. Is that fair?
Is it my culture to accept that? It’s the way the numbers work that I’m on the outside and she’s on the inside. The scary thing of all is – we might even have the same dreams. Maybe even agree on religion and like the same food. But because it benefits some folx- they try to make it seem like me and her – we don’t have the same culture and trick me into wanting to lock her up. Nope. Not I. When I close my eyes the days, I feel the worst for myself I close my eyes and think about that girl.
I won’t support “culture” that doesn’t count such women and me in the same deck. Just cus I’m half white and born in the United States doesn’t make me more deserving of liberty – the way that I see it. You’ve got to believe in liberty to be brave – because if not- what are you fighting for?
Who are brave people in a culture?
Brave people ask themselves that too. And the bravest of all, answer their question in the worst way- in a way that causes them to have to act. Amber Martinez is brave and complicated. She is a leader because she creates community (whose foundation is coalition building) – which itself is a challenging enterprise. Why do some build communities? Answering for myself – because they know the feeling of being alone.
Anyone who can make It is the small-town USA and the city has got my respect. You’ve got to two have two different types of Moxy – on call- for both the country and the city in New York State, Amber’s got them. The type of “gotem” that made her a welcome guest in Croatia -finding herself making friends she could keep for a lifetime, a million miles away from home and impromptu ambassador for the Latino community. After 20 years or so in Buffalo she calls her home.
What is her business? She is one of the co-curators of the brand La Kultura in her words “we chose that name for what it means: The Culture”. Explaining: “We are one and we will be the ones to set the tone for what creating unity looks like.”
Amber Martinez- Her role? to unify communities around spaces centered around freedom of identity. Freedom of identity, the freedom to shed your culture born or not and or to assume another, to leave freer than before, if you so choose.
THE INTERVIEW:
Read Amber’s Interview, follow her brand, and accept we are all in constant states of transformation and growth and that’s part of our culture too.
Where were you born and what values were taught in your home? Well, I was born in a small town in NY with my mother and brother. Some of the values that stick out at a young age are respect, discipline, and responsibility.
What was your experience like as a student? My college experience was interesting. When I first went to college, my first semester was a realization that I was not ready or prepared for what college had in store. By my second semester, I dropped out and started my first full-time job at DD. It took 4 years to find my way back into college. I started back up at ECC and graduated with my associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. By this time, I took a year off to focus on a sales position. After the year, I decided to sign back up for school and started my journey to receive my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. It was a little hard connecting with other students at that time because I was 5 – 6 years older than the students in my class. I decided before I graduated, that I wanted to do an abroad program to meet people with the same interests. At first, I was denied for abroad programs. Then I took an International Marketing class, and the professor was promoting an abroad Spring break trip to Croatia. I wasn’t convinced but signed up anyway. I ended up being accepted into the program during my last semester in college. Long story short, it was a life-changing experience and that opportunity helped me develop relationships with the students on that trip whom I still speak to, even in today’s light of life.
What was your first job? My first job out of high school was with Dunkin Donuts (DD). Working in a fast-food environment is not easy but I was determined to do the best I could in the position as an employee. My work paid off and within 6 months I was offered a shift supervisor position running my shifts. I did the same thing with the shift supervisor position and within a year, I was offered my store to manage. Throughout my time at DD, I ran 4 different stores. It was at DD I gained more interest in the business.
How do you define a businessperson? A business person to me is someone who doesn’t conform to the norm. Business-minded individuals see outside of the box and strive to make changes. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, with the challenges and the consistently changing world we live in is an important part of being a successful businessperson.
Why did you decide to open your business? I’ve lived in Buffalo for over 2 decades. Since I’ve been here, the well-known businesses in Buffalo that are Latin-based do not work together. The way I see it if the community sees businesses within the community working together, they set the tone for the community on what it means to be united and support one another. We’re here to do just that.
What is your theory on human potential? Human potential is limitless. If one is willing to put in the work and heal and be present, one can do and be anything one wants to be.
What is the most important thing you have learned along the way? Life has taught me the only way to get to the success you want is to believe in yourself and to put yourself first in anything and everything you do.
What is your remedy after a hard day? When a hard day arises, I like to put on soothing music, run a bath, eat my favorite foods, and smoke a joint.
What are your business values? Our business values are surrounded by passion, community development, and collaboration. We’re passionate about helping unite our community once again. Finding new innovative ways to help rebuild. Creating more opportunities for our people through community development and showing our community when we collaborate with other businesses thriving to make our community better, will show others what working together can achieve.
What is the name of your business and why? Our brand name is La Kultura. We chose that name for
INTERVIEW #20: FEATURING LUCITA MATOS
Introduction: Some of us don’t have the luxury to be scared. Have you ever been too poor, or too tired, or too sad, or too something to be scared? Like when everyone else (who’s right-minded) would be scared you are not and, you step forward because you are already getting beat down, what’s another one? A fighter’s halfway through the fight you know.
What is it to live a personal hell so severe that state troopers, shotguns, white supremacists, and German Shepherds –look like a walk in the park? I’m not saying she wasn’t scared the trip to DC was the only time she ever got away from my Abuelo. The bus, charted by (Gilberto Valentin the most important Puerto Rican you ever heard about) was yellow-stepping on the stairs with my 5-year-old father in hand – a civil rights advocate and domestic violence victim- Simultaneously. Right now, as Latinas, we are too poor to be scared. It’s go time. It’s stand-up for your sister because “if you’re going to talk to her like that, you’re going to talk to me like that time”, it’s “what would your mother say” time, it’s time to call it out. We need to celebrate gentlemen-Don’t roll your eyes at me at you read this and text your toxic-ex — we all have them, girls. It’s time to free our sons of toxic patriarchy- no sweat (for me that comes in between baseball and chicken nuggets) nevertheless.
The work though, it’s serious and needs motivation; for my grandmother, it came from her belief in the transformational power of the love of Jesus Christ and I honor that. Lucita is the founder of the first “Walk Against Domestic Violence” here in Rochester NY. She preaches love and Christ. When they call the leaders (just like my grandmother), she steps forward. Confidently in every step, there’s a brown leather sandal of Jesus, it’s inside their shoe print they walk so close to him. Owner of “Taina Soy”, a faith leader who has expanded her ministry to business. She creates jewelry that celebrates and preserves our unique Puerto Rican culture – specifically our indigenous heritage. She smiles like the sun, it’s hard to explain until you see her beaming back at you pumping all the positive energy of Christ’s forgiveness into the atmosphere
“Christian” is an action word. She knows it. Plus, Lucila means light. Christian light, holding the hope in the dark, Lucila Matos. Quantum Physics teaches that nothing is fixed, that there are no limitations, and that everything is vibrating Energy, and that everything is in a state of potential. You, we, are in a state of potential, as the largest group of female workers in the United States we are the potential.
Lucila Matos’s ministry builds community, she has the power to join people in spirit, to convene, to bring forth a group of God’s children in action, and to guide that action to improve the lives of others and that is what will fuel her business success. Lucila’s continued success is evidence there is a distinct space for businesspeople whose mission and purpose are motivated by their faith. She also happens to be the founder of the first “Walk Against Domestic Violence.”
Rochester has ever held. August 20th, 11 days before what would have been my grandmother’s 99th birthday and three years since my grandmother’s passing, meet me and Lucila in Rochester to continue to make LatinaHerStory. Love to Dona… And if you can’t join us in person, be sure to join us digitally. TAG US! Set your route, WEAR PINK, check-in, and we will share you and your message! We are together even when we are far away.
INTERVIEW:
Where were you born and what were the values in your home? I was born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Ponce is a beautiful town in the south of Puerto Rico. I was raised with good Christian values, values of respect and kindness, and love for others.
What was your experience like as a student? My experience as a student was good. A student is always inclined to the arts. My favorite class was social studies I had my struggles like a lot of teenagers, but my parents were always there for me.
What was your first or favorite job? This is a hard question, I think I am a natural caregiver, any job where I’m able to give, always will be my favorite. A job where I am a source of help or hope that is a job for me. My first job was I work for the Airline Delta it’s fun
What advice do you have for other Latinas and people who want their voices to be heard? My best advice to other Latinas out there is to be focused, organized, and consistent. Find another woman with similar goals and be supportive. Encourage other women, to work together and work hard. But consistency is the real key, never give up! keep trying until you see results.
What is your theory on human potential? My theory about human potential is that all people are different with different goals values and abilities. we all have the potential to fight and meet our goals, grow, and improve. Therefore, it is a quality whose training and results are very subjective. We can’t base our success on other people’s success or compare our processes.
How do you define a businessperson? A businessperson for me is a visionary, a person with the ability to work hard to make a dream come true. A person that doesn’t give up any matter if your network is millions of dollars or a hundred dollars is a person that sees an opportunity and goes for it.
Is there a businessperson and or mentor that you look up to and why? My mother will always be the person that I look up to and my mentor, Sonia Rodriguez always has been an example of a woman of God, a woman ………
What does success look like for you? Success for me is being able to accomplish your expectations without changing your essence as a person. Positively impact people and be an example of improvement and hope. Success is not about material stuff, for me success is about to go sleep every night satisfied and with a clear conscience.
INTERVIEW #19: FEATURING DIANELIX RIVERA
One of the best things about growing a community around #Latinaherstory and #latinasinbusinessNY is that I meet amazing women who continue to inspire me. They take risks and risk-taking is something that, I didn’t know I didn’t like. I’ve become a little bolder, drawing on the strength of their “formation” stories that we share at our events. We all get together after eating and talking and make deliberate space to share our stories. I used the word “deliberate space”, and I am going to come back to that. How do you build deliberate space? You respectfully show an individual that you are in whatever capacity that looks like to you. To us, it looks like sitting in a circle and giving each other eye contact and no phones. Organically sometimes Latinas build deliberate spaces to share like – Noche de damas – at church but most of the time we can’t economically afford the time it takes to build deliberate spaces. Because you must pause.
That needs to change, we need to embrace change and build deliberate space around the people and the ideas we support. And in those spaces with your colleagues or with your elders or sisters, give each other space to be flawed, to speak Spanglish, to not know, and most of all to be ambitious. Our community has a rich history in the United States and some of that history frames the ending of marijuana prohibition differently for us. As a result, we need to build deliberate spaces to learn about what this means for our community both from an economic perspective and social justice perspective. Marijuana prohibition impacted the lives of the children whose family members were prosecuted under its law. One such child has now grown into a beautiful strong Puerto Rican woman, and she has decided, properly, to use the end of marijuana prohibition in the United States to her economic benefit. If that’s not economic restorative justice I don’t know what is. She’s braved, her name is Dianelix Rivera and she is the CEO and owner of Loud Sirnez Cannabis Fashion Boutique. Why is this important? She is not looking to cut even for the impacts that marijuana prohibition marked on her family’s economy, she’s looking to overcome economically and form a new future.
Loud Sirnez Cannabis Fashion Boutique is loud proud and sharing information about the positive and medicinal effects of Cannabis. Resistance can be an outfit and Dianlex knows that. Restorative Justice is defined as Restorative justice is a response to wrongdoing that prioritizes repairing harm. It can be defined in three action terms: Encounter, Repair, and Transform. As a community, we know that persecuting someone for the possession of a plant that has been used for thousands of years as medicinal is wrong (encounter), we know the policies that were shaped to enforce marijuana prohibition were unjust in that they specifically targeted communities of color; we know that to reverse these racist policies we need people impacted by those racist policies at the table (repair), we know we need to transform our understanding of Marijuana.
Dianelix Rivera is a pioneer. She is less than thirty years old, a student of the world, the oldest of four children, and a Latina whose Puerto Rican heritage inspired her to be unafraid of the unknown. Maria upturned her life, and Covid impacted her, as a student she has had successes and gained perspective. At present, she is also enrolled in a program for small businesses at our SBA at SUNY Buffalo State College.
Ageism is defined as prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age. We must accept two things as a community (1) cannabis is now legal and a source of economic opportunity (2) young people will lead the way. Statistically, Latinas will grow the marijuana, but will not be afforded a seat at the table to discuss it.
INTERVIEW:
Where were you born and what were the values in your home? I was born and raised in Puerto Rico predominantly by my single mother of four (4). I was the oldest and our values consisted of family unity, humility, and hard work. My momma worked a lot and was an example of perseverance and taught me, in combination with my own experiences, to never give up. Her determination in raising a family with limited support through also pursuing a professional career as a pharmacy technician and studying to be a nurse while also providing was very inspiring and taught me lots of strength and gratitude.
What was your experience like as a student? I consider myself more a student of life than traditional schooling systems. Theoretical learning takes special discipline; however, I have found that in my experience, I have learned more through the mastery of following my path. My educational resources vary, I was in pursuit of my bachelor’s degree in Communications & Journalism at the University of Puerto Rico in Aguadilla, however, did not get the opportunity to finish the program due to my moving to Buffalo after losing everything in Hurricane Maria in 2017. When I moved to Buffalo, I came to continue my degree but through the paths of life, real-life factors, and financial needs, roads lead to a different pursuit. I can proudly say my approach to being a student has been of extreme value to me in my journey. I am currently participating in a program with the Small Business Center Development and Buffalo State College and am consistently looking to grow and expand my knowledge through workshops, mastermind alliances as well as mentors who have helped shape and guide my trajectory. I strongly believe learning from natural laws, art, and entrepreneurship in a combination with consistently reading books has made me a good student of life.
3 What was your first or favorite job? My favorite job before entrepreneurship was in the wireless and marketing industry, being part of the T-Mobile events and social media team. Hospitality was my least favorite. I started working at a very young age, I remember as early as 2008 selling toys, candy, and dinosaur figurines in elementary school, to bracelets and hair accessories as I expanded. Later, that translated to embroidery hats and tutoring programs in high school. All these different roles, fields, and experiences have helped shape my work ethic, ambition, and passion for solving problems through creative means such as beauty and loud self-expression in fashion.
What advice do you have for other Latinas people who want their voices to be heard in their community? If you want to be heard you need to speak loudly, Mija. What is your message? Once you find that, tell everyone. Tell the mail lady, the barista, and your dog; to make yourself heard safely, intentionally, and respectfully. To find the community you’re trying to serve and start giving what you once needed to see. We spend so much time thinking of when we just need to combine purpose with desire.
What is your theory on human potential? Every great human invention started with a thought. I believe we have the power of self-evolution, we can create, shape, and evolve into anything, as we possess endless potential. I think to reach that higher potential, you must open your mind to the idea of greatness. My theory is you can become anything as long as you’re clear with your message, intentions, and who you are trying to serve, it also serves to say my theory includes doing it with mindfulness, prayer, and establishing the right systems and habits that will boost accessing that higher potential.
What experience do you have as a businessperson? In addition to the prior experience described, I consider my experience characterized predominantly by entrepreneurship. A businessperson refers to those who offer products and services with existing ideas and an entrepreneur starts an enterprise with a new idea or concept and undertakes commercial activities.
How would you define a businessperson? To relay it with simplicity, my definition would be “one who successfully makes a living in the chosen path and can sustain, one who identifies a problem or need and finds a way to creatively solve it or deliver what is needed”.
By definition, a businessperson refers to someone involved in a particular undertaking of commercial and industrial activities to generate revenue.
8.. Is there a local businessperson you look up to? I admire and look up to both the businessperson and the entrepreneur who embraces a sustainable journey of success. Those who provide value to their community and serve with authenticity, kindness, and good intentions, those who are proactively solving problems. I’d say I have a special admiration for those that are parents and are still out there dreaming while taking care of their families. To me, that’s truly worth looking up to and it’s important to recognize. Even as I was making less, half the time doing more, while also possessing a unique skill set, including bilingual and translation services, I felt I was fortunate enough to even be there. Growing up with a lack of historical representation and knowledge, I perpetuated with ignorance the belief of inferiority, I wasn’t even aware of it through my youth and early adulthood.
How do you feel about the fact that Latinas are the most underpaid demographic in the US? It truly infuriates me how it takes us almost 22 months to catch up to what white non-Hispanic men are paid in just one year. My jaw dropped with anger, and I could not believe reading the National Women’s Law Center’s report on the fact that it would take us more than 400 years to earn what a white male earned in a normal 4-year career. That is beyond insane and irrational to me. I was very unaware of this phenomenon even while I was experiencing it. Even as I was making less, half the time doing more, while also possessing a unique skill set, including bilingual and translation services, I felt I was fortunate enough to even be there. Growing up with a lack of historical representation and knowledge, I perpetuated with ignorance the belief of inferiority, I wasn’t even aware of it through my youth and early adulthood. We not only owe it to those who have advocated for us in the past and have paved the way till today, but we must also give it to those who are coming after us, our daughters, neighbors, and communities. We are not done fighting for equal rights. We must continue to pave the way because we are not done fighting to close this racial pay gap. After reviewing the last report on this matter, I’ll loudly say they can keep their two cents we are coming for the full dollar.
INTERVIEW #18: FEATURING STEHANNIE ALCAZAR
I don’t think I ever fully believed in myself until I started writing this column. Honestly, I’ve spent most of my life scared of nothing. By writing, I have gotten to know myself and my dreams again. As I started to follow another plan of forming my LLC (Limited Liability Corporation), I reflected on the commonalities in my experience and the experiences shared by some of the Latina HerStory alumni. It seemed – like life- being in business was more complicated – just because I was Latina.
I remember searching for Latina-owned businesses to work with for Latina Herstory, and it was hard. I realized what I was looking for didn’t exist: (1). a centralized listing of Latina owned businesses (that was inclusive of a home or small niche business that are characteristic of our core economies of our community); and (2). a group of women that I shared common values and life experiences with that I could talk to about business. So late one night, on our Latina Herstory page, I added a tab that reads “Latina Business Directory.”
It turns out; It’s the only one in New York. It’s the only page exclusively dedicated to Latina businesses in New York, accompanied by an accessible private community. Its history, ironically, one month in or so, we had a gathering, we had 15 seats, sold 19 tickets, and we outsold. We started a community digitally, which has grown into 40 plus Latina women and our allies. One of the women in attendance’s name was Stephannie Alcazar (two n’s on purpose), a woman who brought the spirit of the city of lions (a nickname for Ponce) to the table.
Stephanie is the woman who will marry my two projects, who embodies the values that have propelled me forward, and a work ethic incomprehensible to even some of the most brutal moms I know. Thus, our Latina HerStory features will be businesswomen listed on our directory each month. Each month we will marry our column with a podcast broadcasted on Facebook that will bring our communities together and encourage others to learn about independent Latino-owned papers and local journalism. We will ultimately form a fund to build a giving circle and issue microloans to our members. Big dreams and I need big help, so again, Stephannie.
In 200 words or so, she dares to believe in people more than themselves. Ella de Ponce, Fuerte is elegant, intelligent, sensitive, and easily one of the most generous people I have ever met. Spoiler alert, there’s a lot more to this amazing woman who also happens to be the proud Latina owner of “Wonderland’s Soothing Creations.” She will be everywhere in May. Look for her interview in print in our papers. If you want to catch a glimpse of her life, join our Latina HerStory or LatinasinBusinessNY communities and view the first episode of our podcast.
The reason I chose to write about Stephannie is not that she’s donating 40% of her profits to LatinasinBusinessNY and granting 10% off on her entire shop for the month of May for any purchases using the Promo Code: LIBNY716 or because she makes me feel like I can take over the world. When you open yourself up to God’s love in the form of people, it can be a mighty blessing.
Even her “formation story” (the story of why you started your business) is inspirational. Stephanie’s motivation to start her business centers on her love for her special needs son and his sensitivity to harsh indigents. She started making soap as a mom (her favorite job). One of her greatest assets (admittingly) is her partner in life and business, Joseph Santiago; he suggested they start a business after Stephannie lost her job during Covid, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Stephannie wakes at 5 am and makes a LatinaHerstory every day- support her like you do our column.
THE INTERVIEW
What advice do you have for other Latinx people who want their voices to be heard in their community? I would tell them not to give up fighting for what they want to achieve; it’s not about winning. It’s about not giving up
What is your theory on human potential? The limit is the sky, and people have already made it to the moon. I believe that everyone has potential, but to use that potential, they need to figure out what they want to do and what they want to achieve.
What experience do you have as a businessperson? As a businessperson, some of the best experiences I’ve had so far are that I’ve grown as a person, and I never stop learning. Also, now I make plans- I try to be more organized, and I get to be more creative at the same time. I’ve learned to be more open-minded, and I’ve learned to manage my time better.
How would you define a businessperson? I believe a businessperson must be committed, decided, and can create their path: a person willing to take the risk and the chance to achieve their goals.
5. Is there a local business person you look up to? I look up to those local businesses still standing even when they’ve struggled to stay up and run but didn’t give up. I look up to those business owners that day who fight hard for what they want and don’t give up, and if they fall, they get up and come back stronger even if I don’t know them personally; I know they are out there in this region.
INTERVIEW #17: FEATURING MARISOL HERNANDEZ
Sometimes God doesn’t give you what you want. He gives you what you need. Trials and tribulations, you later realize, are blessings. One such blessing – the ability to speak two languages at varying levels of confidence- unites me with so many of my readers. In a deep breath, I reflect -my life has been -linguistically fluid. In my mind, I see all my readers. Smiling, waving at me. Publications that I contribute to are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods — like the smell of sofrito and casas that start their day before the sun rises with ‘cafesito and una oracion de Dios.’ Readers with souls full of music and pain. Every time I write, It’s centered around one girl — a version of my inner child — Una “Nena”.
In her life, our papers are the most relevant and most identified affirming publication she has. She struggles to access digital material outside of school. She has a sharp tongue, too impulsive, a dreamer’s spirit in a gray town and in when she grabs our paper, and she sees herself in the stories. She’s less than ten but she knows she’s bigger than her hometown and her dreams stretch further than the highways that isolate her. It’s all for her – really.
I know she’s out there. If you know that little girl lift her up. If you are her grandmother, or if you are mother, or if you know a little girl (inside yourself) or in your community. Give her our paper. It’s a gift to give someone a reason to dream. I described that girl to Marisol when we first zoomed- she just smiled- she knew. I knew God sent Marisol to my life.
Marisol was waiting for me, before I met her. Her path aligned with mine as she also is a bright thinker, empathetic, a leader. A graduate of SUNY Empire State College’s – like me, a fighter- like me. Marisol’s spirit was created to light the torches of other women’s intellect across the world. 1,400 miles away from her homeland of Puerto Rico there is something wild about her refinement almost exotic about her deliberateness in speech. She is a woman with many different chapters inside her writer’s soul. All those chapters led up to the creation of the most humble and significant Puerto Rican literary minds in the state. Marisol- (the version of her I love the most- Marisol my editor).
The lead chief editor of CNY Latino publication with a circulation of 6,000 papers, she is the leading lady of public opinion for one of the fastest-growing Latino communities in our state.
Love independent papers, advertise in them, submit to them, blog about them, just love them. And know, when you talk papers in New York State, la Reina de todo esto es Marisol Hernandez, Senior Editor, and a great role model and mentor for our young generation.
THE INTERVIEW
Where were you raised, what were the values taught in your home? I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. When I was 12 years old, we moved to the tiny island of Vieques. That is when my parents divorced. I am the middle child of seven. For us, family comes first, even now as adults and living in different countries/states, my siblings and I are very close. Faith has always been a strong value in my family but also integrity, honesty, and humility. One thing that I also learn growing up is to have fun, enjoy life, and help others. When we were struggling, I remember my mother saying “has bien y no mires a quien, las cosas se hacen bien o no se hacen and mañana será otro día”. With that said, we as a family pray for others which is a habit, I have included in my daily prayer ritual.
What was your experience as a student? My first experience in kindergarten was not good and I struggled in school. I didn’t learn how to read and write until 3rd grade. I remember hearing my mom say “pobrecita Marisol, déjala tranquila, ella no puede dar más”. That made me feel bad about myself and my own abilities to do things. I was one of those students that pass thru school under the radar. I finished high school with low grades and entered college on a special program at the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico. When I move to the Bronx in 1984, I met my aunt’s “Comadre”. As the manager of a women’s clothing store, she hired me to do inventory, merchandise pricing, and to keep an eye on thieves. I didn’t know any English and I already had 2 years of college in Puerto Rico that was when I realized that if I didn’t learn English, I was not going to be successful in New York. She encouraged me to get back into college, I enrolled in Eugenio María de Hostos Community College and within a year, I was fully bilingual. I worked very hard every day that year, but it felt very empowering to make the honors roll. My outlook about the school, myself, and my own abilities changed forever at that moment. I realized that I could make things happen, that I can do anything I put my mind to do. In 1999, I completed my bachelor’s degree from Empire State College, State University of New York Auburn, New York’s branch with a degree in Human and Community Services and a concentration in Child and Family Studies. It took me 18 years on and off from college to finish my bachelor’s degree, but I feel very proud of the things I accomplish at work and for my community all those years while pursuing my education.
When did you start working and what was your first or favorite job? My first job was babysitting my neighbor’s daughter and cleaning my boyfriend’s bosses’ house, feeding their cats, etc. I was just 16 years old, with them I learn to be responsible and do what I promised I was going to do. I have had many jobs since then. I have been an outreach worker, a family support specialist, an interpreter/translator, a youth program development center director, a coalitions’ coordinator, a healthy lifestyle coach, and a business coach. In all those roles, I gave my 100% and did my best to excel and make an impact in my client’s life. But my favorite job is running CNY Latino Media with Hugo Acosta who is my partner in life as well. As the Editor in Chief of the CNY Latino Newspaper and the Radio/Podcast Producer, I get to have an impact on people’s lives in a different way. I enjoy celebrating our culture, highlighting the great things our people do for their communities. I get to meet amazing Latinos and non-Latinos, attend events, and network. I get to be the voice and represent my community, my people everywhere I go but most importantly since the beginning the CNY Latino Media has been a venue for connecting the Latino community with everyone else in Central New York. I can’t think of anything more powerful than a community newspaper in both English and Spanish to impact our community, to represent our culture, and to empower our people.
What was the moment that you were inspired to take control of your future? There have been many moments in my life where the decisions I made helped me take control of my future. Attending college, learning English, running for a political office, changing my eating and lifestyle habits to take control of my diabetes to name a few. I feel that I really took control of my future when I decided to leave the non-for-profit work to run CNY Latino with Hugo.
What advice do you have for other Latinx people who want their voices to be heard in their community? I will say to be yourself, find your passion, and figure out what you are good at. Then, use it to help others, to speak up, to make a difference in your community. For me, it was putting time and effort to serve as the second Latina elected official in the history of Syracuse City School Board, to create WISE Latina, an annual luncheon to motivate, empower and connect Latina women in Central New York by supporting their existing and developing entrepreneurial objectives. This is an effort to reach the Latinas in Central New York and provide them with the resources and connections to build successful enterprises and contribute to the economy in this area. As time changes and opportunities come, I jump in to make an impact in my community by partnering with the WISE Women Business Center to translate and co-facilitate at no cost to attendees the Éxito! program and during the pandemic the WISE WBC Small Business Resilience Program (COVID-19). So, once you figure out what you are passionate about or what programs in your community you want to impact, jump in and be yourself. Advocate for others, open doors for others, help bring awareness.
What is your theory on human potential? As God’s child and a believer, I know that everyone has a purpose in life. God made us all equal and gave us the potential (the power within) to seek the truth in our lives, to be the best we can be. Everyone has the potential to overcome any obstacles and achieve success. They just must find the motivation within to do it.
What is your opinion on the fact that Latinx women are the most underpaid demographic in the United States? It makes me feel sad that Latinas are so underpaid. This impacts the social and economic resources Latinas, and their children must make in this country. We must close the wage gap to advance as a community.I also have seen that many Latinas are opening their business at a rapid pace. This is one way; we can also help to close the wage gap because I know that we will not underpay our workers.
What experience do you have as a businessperson? As a businessperson I learn that if I don’t plan and stick to my plans, my business will not succeed. I love to have the flexibility of not having to request time off for vacation or to spend time with my family or to help a family member or a friend. As a businessperson, you make the decisions but you are also accountable for it. When I met my partner in life, we both realized that he needed help with “his Spanish”, and my ability to find mistakes – along with the feminine touch of a Latina perfectionist, make him realize, the value I bring to our business. Once I started it, I could not think of anything more powerful than a community newspaper in both English and Spanish, to impact my community, to represent my culture, and my people. With time, I realized that being my own boss will give me the flexibility to spend my time doing things that are important to me, and at the same time, I am able to make a difference in many people’s life. In February we celebrated the 18th Anniversary of the CNY Latino Newspaper. In my mind, to be celebrating another anniversary edition in the ‘newspaper’ industry, AND in our culture, as a small ethnic publication and a small minority business, is a “HUGE” accomplishment.
how would you define a businessperson? A businessperson is one that uses his/her skills and talents to sell and market products or services to others making financial gains. A businessperson has a passion for what he/she does, takes risks, seeks to achieve goals. I also realized that you must be self-reliant, confident, and motivated. A businessperson is willing to seek advice, is willing to ask for and accept help when needed. One last thing and most important trade you must have been to accept your mistakes, learn from them so it wouldn’t happen again.
I also see that successful businesspeople contribute money or time to causes and missions that align with their values. They also find a balance between family and business.
Is there a local businessperson you look up to? There are many business owners I admired or look up to. In my own journey, I admire those who take the leap even if they think they are not ready like Hugo did in 2004. I see women (many of whom are Latinas) all the time doing this as I work with the Éxito! program at the WISE Women Business Center, as I interview many of them for our newspaper or radio show. I also see and hear their stories as we do Amigas Conectadas every Monday.
What is your vision for your future? The vision for my future is to continue taking care of my health and wellbeing as I get older and continue to grow and spend time with our family. I certainly believe that CNY Latino will continue to be the voice for our community. I look forward to having as part of what we do a Podcast, a Digital Radio Show, our own TV Show. We have so many plans and as we are able to implement them, I know for sure that Hugo and I will certainly continue to make it fun, exciting, and about our culture (and hopefully profitable). I believe we are the bridge that connects – as our slogan says – the Hispanic community with everyone else in Central New York. I think we have done a great job at helping our community cross that bridge and we in the future will continue to be that bridge.
INTERVIEW #16: FEATURING YALEYSKA MEDINA
This month I had the opportunity to meet and interview a brave, young Latino, named Yaleyska Medina.
She is committed to addressing public health disparities in her community. Raised by two loving parents, she was born with a family on the strength of prayer. She is grounded and unafraid. She is motivated by her children and especially by her father who she considers her hero.
It is said that energy is our most precious currency, and you may not interact with Yaleyska without absorbing her energy of strength. A supernova is an exploding star. You can add in the parathesis “Yaleyska”. An overcomer, she has faced numerous social ills in her life (domestic violence, hunger, housing insecurity, depression, gender, racial bias), and survived – always applying the strength of a supernova.
With her persistence, she uses her strength, surrounding and attacking the historical lack of health and medical trauma faced by Latino women. For Puerto Rican women, sovereignty over our bodies is like sovereignty over our land. We never had it!
I felt like I knew her when we first met, and I was elated to learn that she worked at United Health Care. I took that to mean she was empowered; I trust them to show up for my community whenever in need.
Her curiosity about how I ended up a lawyer, public housing, and conducting a back-to-school drive (which she supports), I confided that I used to stand in line for food, backpacks, summer lunch, Christmas presents, whatever the social agencies or institutions were offering – not knowing the “who” or the “they.” All I knew was that we were in need.
Before I could finish explaining, she immediately asked me, “so, now, what are you going to do about it? That is always the question.
That’s when I began to see what Yaleyska wants to see in all women – motivation, inspiration, to show and demonstrate how we have unbreakable strength and energy. We just must learn how to channel these elements; I see all those elements in her. Physics says Force is equal to change in momentum (mass times velocity) over time. In other words, the rate of change is directly proportional to the amount of force applied. Yaleyska learned that a long time ago.
THE INTERVIEW
March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate our contributions.
Even though our #Latinaherstory community is across the state and beyond, we are going to celebrate together with an exercise: Pull out a calendar, each day write the things you like about yourself and make sure to always remind yourself, and draw from the strength of others. Read the following interview, but make sure to take a deep breath, and say: “I am going to make it!”
Where were you born and what were the values in your household? My family is from Puerto Rico. We are a Pentecostal family. In my household, God was always first. My parents were strict. They taught me the importance of honesty, respect, kindness, and humility. We were humble, we lived in projects called Castillos. My parents were always willing to do everything in their power to survive. My father was a mechanic and knew the value of his work and the cars that he fixed. As a single mother who is raising her children totally independent of anyone’s financial help, I look back on the sacrifices my parents made. One time, we needed food. My father was so resourceful that my father went to his car and took a car part out, so they could get food, you know? One of my father’s values that I’ve always taken- with me: is that no matter what you do, no matter what situation you are in, you don’t go out there stealing. You don’t go out there doing harm. Secondly, you know how to stay determined to survive.
Even though I am alone in the parenting journey, one thing that I take from my family, from my parents is: that no matter how hard it is. You gave it your best and with God you are capable.
Don’t let anybody bring you down. Don’t let anybody discourage you, you have in your hands the power to do whatever your heart desires.
Did you enjoy school? I did in part. It’s tricky because in Puerto Rico I enjoyed school. I enjoyed school as it was amazing because I was very smart. I was always outstanding. My grades were perfect. They did what is called the NASA project in Puerto Rico and they were picking from every single school. The two most outstanding in the whole entire school. I was one of the two picked. I was so proud.
However, when I moved here, they placed me back in 12th grade where I had a complete, I think like six months’ worth of school to qualify for graduation. At that time school became a challenge because of the language barrier. You know it’s intimating. I was very smart but learning a whole new language is challenging. It’s a difficult challenge to assimilate into a school environment when you do not speak the instructional language. Still to this day, I think in Spanish, and I must translate in English when I speak to make sense. I feel like I’m always doing double the job because for me I think in two languages. At the same time, it’s amazing to be able to understand two different cultures and two different backgrounds. I am proud of my culture, but I also consider myself to have American grit because I overcame the challenge of moving to Buffalo with no fear whatsoever.
What was your first and was is your favorite job? At 17, My first job was at McDonald’s and then after that, I went into restaurants. However, to be quite honest and I’m being authentic. And I’m not saying this because I currently work with the company, but my best job is the one that I have right now.I have to say sincerely- that working for United Healthcare is my favorite job specifically Because of my position and the supportive people like my current boss. I appreciate her mentoring and leadership so much. I have worked in the health industry for 9 years and I know UHC is the best place to work. When I started my journey at United Health Care, I had no idea it was going to affect my life in this way. As an outreach specialist, I have the privilege to build community and governmental relationships. So, I can connect with other people. It’s amazing meeting people in the field with the same goals inside and outside the company. A lot of my colleagues- have the same ambition to help others and help the community, that I have naturally. So, supporting the community in identifying our health needs and connecting our company and its mission to the community is invigorating to me. My heart is open to helping everyone and so are our companies and the people that work there like me. Literally, my job title is to engage and build relationships. As a professional, it fulfills me completely as a human being. Every day I am fulfilling my purpose in life. I feel like everybody is born with talent and a purpose, and my purpose was to make others happy and give. United Health care allows me to do that in the place that is most important to me, the place I call home. Whatever it is at United Health Care I know we are helping, and my job is aligned with my personal principles.
What was the moment you were inspired to take full control of your future? Immediately I think of when I went through my divorce. I was a young wife and mother when we relocated together from Puerto Rico, six months later we separated. That’s one of the reasons that school was difficult for me because I was struggling to adjust to a new city as a new mother with no support. Prior to that, we did everything together. Together we welcomed children and learned to parent together. He helped me mature and learn English. He also taught me to drive and gave me independence, but I didn’t have true independence. During the time I was in school, and we were married I suffer at home. My entire world revolved around him. When I divorced, it was 20 days after having my baby. I was abandoned in a house with nothing but my bed and my television. I had two children and that’s when I said, you know what? It is up to me to take it from here. Nobody is going to tell me what to do going forward. It was then I realized, if I want it, I must get it for my children because no one is going to come and knock on my door. No one was there to ask me, and my children did need help? I had to help myself and lead my children. I hope people are motivated by my story and understand that part of my lived experiences and struggles and triumphs are why I appreciate my job so much. I appreciate my boss and everyone else who comes into my life and gives a positive family. Again, I come from a very humble and poor family. For example, we ate rice and beans every day, we only had pizza as a treat because my parents were very responsible about money and balancing our needs and want. I knew I achieved success when I was able to budget and provide what us to be our treats on special occasions, to a daily occurrence if I wanted to – for my children.
What advice do you have for other Latina like the next people who want their voices to be heard in the community? So- not to be silent. That, you, cannot let fear control your emotions. To not allow anybody (not one single soul) anybody tells you are not capable. If you feel that you have the potential to do something and you want to be heard, you must speak up.
What is your theory on human potential? I feel everybody has potential. I feel everybody is already born with potential. However, not everybody has the same life circumstances and joys. No, two people stand in the same space. Everyone has potential and everyone has things that must work at or things that are unique to their experience and personal life. We all aspire to live up to our full potential and we need to try.
What is your opinion of the fact that Latina women are the most underpaid demographic in the United States? I think it’s unjust because that pay does not reflect our contribution. We are always being labeled and people undervalue us because of our race. My race and identity do not equal my abilities or my potential to do my job. They underestimate us a lot.
What fuels your personal ambitions? My kids.
Who do you admire as a leader? My father because he is a source of huge inspiration for me and my backbone. My father lived his life for his family. He was always a proper gentleman to my mother and never asked her to work outside the house. His life reflects the values that he taught us and that is a source of great motivation for me. He taught us to be supportive to each other, to keep the faith- knowing that God is real and knowing that no matter what you do, God is always going to be there. His relationship and faith in God inspired me and it was a source of great discipline for him as he would do absolutely anything to provide for us. He taught me to believe in the unseen, he taught us the answer to how do you believe in a God you don’t see? My dad always made me feel like no matter what you do, no matter what we’re going through right now. Just know- you’re going to be great in life. We worked hard as a family, and he worked hard in life. He always taught us, if you have 2 feet, you can work. He is such a hard worker he is now in his 70s but still helps the community by working on cars when he can. He is an amazing man, and I am so grateful to learn from his leadership.
What is your vision for your future? My vision is to build a space of resources for my community. I would like to centralize services where people can go to heal and improve their health on their journey of survivorship. Part of my desire is to teach women the power they have when they can exercise control. I am inspired by my life. I want people to feel inspired and to be self-motivated. I always strive to teach my children to be servant leaders. Every year as a family, we feed the homeless every single year on Thanksgiving. My children and I pay for all the food out of our household budget. We prioritize saving for this event every year over our own wants because they are wants and not needs. I teach my children the importance of helping others because at one time I needed help and I got it. I overcame because of my faith in God. I want to use my life to inspire others. We can heal our community by speaking life into each other and not judging instead of saying it’s your fault! Say, what resources can I give you? and I believe in you! My vision is to build a space of healing and continue to work at United Health Care and maintain my commitment to community and family.
INTERVIEW # 15: FEATURING WINNIFER GUERRERO
Winnifer Guerrero, the owner of Elevate Permanent Makeup Studio in Buffalo, New York, realized, what I did. If you try you can’t fail. Physics says energy can be transformed from one form to another but it can neither be created none destroyed. Experiencing the forward motion of trying is a success. And you earned it — to a higher degree than those standing still will ever know.
Never in motion, Latina women statistically have a better chance at cleaning a board room than ever sitting at the table. Women like Winnifer will change that. Kind, hilarious, and inward, she is constantly evolving her energy and craft. She has the skill of seeing people’s beauty stronger than they could ever see it for themselves. Her bright smile is one of a solider though quietly she is fighting centuries of economic exclusion and degradation of her demographic by the hands of history.
All competitors in the system of capitalism are made equal, but not with equal access to power. Constantly fighting for a seat at the table (we build and clean), Latinas universally fought for the right to vote until 1942, especially in the case of the Dominican Republic.
Undervaluation is a good term to describe the Latina state in economic politics. A valuation is the estimate of something’s worth. Demonstrably, Latinas make 67 cents to every $1.00 dollar a non-Latino white man makes.
Aware of these facts, Winnifer doubled up and invested in herself. She is brave, considering that Latinas are often excluded from systems of capital that finance business. Despite that, as an economic community, we are working to address the apparent opportunity gap, specifically when doing business with local, state, and federal governments. For example, the creation of the MWBE Classification (Minority Women Business Enterprise), a classification that opened the door for minority businesses to apply for government contracts.
Winnifer Guerrero is a third-generation “Buffalo Beat the odds” businesswoman. Her generation of female entrepreneurs are going to change the way people conduct business. In many ways, they already have. Never count anyone out in capitalism, not because they are too young or too inexperienced, or under-resourced, or whatever descriptor you want to use in place of “young” and “black/brown.” Never. Latinas will find a way.
And for those of us who have the “privilege” to have a “seat” at the table we cleaned or built, make our presence reflect our intolerance for the language of sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, ageism, racism, patriarchy, and classism. We are successful.
Read Winnifer Guerrero’s full interview:
Interview
Where were you born and raised? What values were taught in your home? I was born in Brooklyn NY and came to buffalo when I was 11 years old. I am blessed to have been rooted in values of integrity, humility, and compassion.
What was your experience as a student: As a student I always found myself trying to find new ways to connect with my peers and build connections with people.
When did you start working and what was your first/favorite job? My first job was washing hair and doing roller sets at my mother’s salon when I was 15 years old, I was her “little helper”. I always found ways to make money around the shop. As her clients sat under the dryer, I would offer to paint their toes and do designs for $5. (lol) I knew I wanted to work with my hands as soon as I realized I had the gift of helping other women feel beautiful.
What was the moment you were inspired to take full control of your future? When I was 19 years old, I had my first baby. It was then that I had realized I had to work for something greater, I finished beauty school and took my craft very seriously. That’s when I started to grow my own clientele as a hairstylist and makeup artist.
What advice do you have for other Latina females who want their voices to be heard in the community? We all have the gift to be able to inspire and cause a butterfly effect in this community. To inspire and be heard from my experience, you must find what you believe in and really go hard for it. Connecting with other people from our community and sharing your views on what you stand for can really go a long way.
What is your theory on human potential? I believe humans have unlimited potential. That’s why it’s important to feed your mind positive thoughts to develop unlimited beliefs about yourself and your potential.
What is your opinion on the fact that Latina women are the most underpaid demographic in the United States: The fact that Latina women are the most underpaid should be fuel for us to continue to open our own businesses and create opportunities for each other.
What fuels your ambition? Multiple factors fuel my ambition, family, my heritage, and the women that look up to me fuel my ambition. I want to be able to break the curses that have been subconsciously feeding into us. That “we are not worthy of a certain level of success” or that we have to “work for somebody else in order to create something stable for our families”.
Who do you admire as a leader? Anyone that beats the odds in my eyes is a leader. I admire those who speak their truth and continue to enforce what they believe in to empower others.
What is your vision for your business? My Husband, David Muniz, and I, just opened our new business together called ELEVATE PERMANENT MAKEUP STUDIO LLC at 207 Niagara Street. This place is very special to us because it’s the same location my mother opened her shop10 years ago and it’s also my grandfather’s building. Our vision is to continue to service our clients with quality service and eventually expand our team. I will also start my permanent makeup courses this year to be able to help others get a head start in this career by sharing all my knowledge in hopes to help develop more entrepreneurs in our city.
What was the hardest part about starting your business? The hardest barrier when starting my business was starting. Sometimes we doubt ourselves and get scared when making a big move but once you start things start to fall into place.
INTERVIEW #14: FEATURING TAYRIN TAPIA
There are some people who make you braver. Leaders do that, their abilities aren’t really about what they do- it’s what they inspire others to do. That’s the most important part, and Ms. Tayrin Tapia is one such Boriqua leader.
The first leaders of Borinquen (known as Puerto Rico) were called Caciques or Cacica if female leaders. In the time of the Taino (A direct translation of the word “Taíno” signified “men of the good and noble”), Chiefs were chosen from the Nitaínos and generally obtained their power from the maternal line. Our maternal ancestors, literally our ancient mothers, were revered. Yet, when the Spaniards came, Tainos became victims to sexual violence, rape, family separation, slavery, and developed sickness and diseases, introduced by the Europeans, killing our Indigenous people, making them extinct, according to many.
Survivors of the genocide? Erased on paper… The 1787 census in Puerto Rico lists 2,300 pure “Indians” in the population, but on the next census, in 1802, not a single “Indian” is listed”, as historians and advocates point out.
Meet Tayrin Tapia: Tayrin’s ancestors were Tainos, and they survived! They went on to have a descendant that would speak truth to power, speak to the legacy of sexual violence in our community. A mother, a businesswoman, an organizer, and an advocate. Most importantly, the first Puerto Rican woman I have ever met in my entire life that addressed an audience, talking about her personal life experience of sexual assault and exploitation.
Sin venguenza (without shame), it’s often used as a negative term in our dialect, but here it’s the appropriate term in a fairway. Tayrin breaks barriers. She speaks about past roadblocks where our male-dominated culture lies in front of us. She speaks without shame for herself and others who remain quiet. She speaks with the strength that comes from being unafraid; she changes the world for many.
I know, she changed my life, in one of the profound ways, simply by being unafraid. She started the first and to my knowledge, only organization created by a survivor of sexual assault this Latino community has ever experienced. She named it Dear Tayrin, putting her name on it, literally.
For that reason, she inspired me to advocate on behalf of human trafficking survivors. Right before I stand up every time to speak about human trafficking to community groups or talk about it in a meeting setting, Tayrin stands up with me in mind, and this is every time.
THE INTERVIEW
Let her speak for herself. Read the following interview, and learn about a woman who speaks truth to power:
What values were taught in your home? I was taught that faith, family, and community are at the top of our values list. I was taught that being an independent woman is okay and that it means you have strength.
. I was taught that being independent doesn’t mean you don’t need a partner but that instead, it means you can stand on your own two feet, but if a special person comes into your life to help you stand, achieve goals and dreams, well then that is a bonus.
Where were you born? I was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, moved to the Bronx, NY, at the age of 5, and then moved to Buffalo, NY at the age of 13. Even though I have moved out of Buffalo several times since then, I call Buffalo home.
What motivated you to become an advocate? My own story as a survivor of child sexual abuse; it motivated me to become an advocate for other victims of sexual abuse, now survivors. I wanted to be a voice for those who felt voiceless. I am also an advocate in bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS. I became passionate to be an advocate in this field due to my work at Evergreen Health Services. It really helped me open my eyes to the stigma surrounding this tabooed subject and I wanted to also be a means of support. I am also an advocate for our youth, focused on youth development and promoting positive mindsets.
What about your child’s experience, did that make you want to speak up? During seventh grade, I had a conversation with a friend who had experienced sexual abuse. When I left school that day, I told my then-stepmom about it and eventually said “hey, me too.” To my surprise, she had no clue which led me to believe, either my dad never told her because he didn’t want to, or he didn’t tell her because he didn’t know. That night I told my dad for the first time what had happened to me at the age of 5. It is when I first truly spoke my ugly truth.
Did you get any counseling after your parents found out? No. I don’t think my parents knew how to handle the situation at the time. Especially since it had been years before they found out everything that had transpired. I think they saw this bright kid, always full of energy, always smiling, with good grades, and didn’t think it affected me. However, internally it had; counseling could’ve possibly been a great way to release any internal struggles I was dealing with at the time. I don’t blame my parents in any way and do not think they were bad parents. They did the best they could.
If you could speak to your younger self today, what would you say?
I would tell my 5-year-old self, it’s okay your older self will protect you. I would tell my 7th-grade self, that I am proud of her for speaking up and telling her the truth and that she may have to be her own hero. And I would tell my 16-year-old self, that with trauma there comes healing and it’s coming.
When did you start working? I started working at the age of 11, babysitting for my own babysitter. Then at 12, I got my first job as a grocery bagger at Mets Supermarket in Bronx NY on Saturdays, getting paid whatever the customers paid in tips. I would make about $15 for a 5-hour shift. I got that job just by showing up on a Saturday (after seeing other kids do it) and said I’m here and ready to bag. Lol. At 13, I moved to Buffalo, and at 14, I got my first job delivering newspapers door to door for the Buffalo News. I found out about this job through a Buffalo News recruiter who came to the school and talked about youth opportunities and how to apply. I remember as a kid, whenever my mom would go to the bank, I would take a lot of the deposit and withdrawal slips. Eventually, I had enough to make my own little “cash” box at home. I would pretend I was a cashier or bank teller and have conversations with imaginary customers regarding their transactions. Guess I was always meant to be in business. lol
What advice would you give to other Latinas who want their voice to be heard in their community?
Always follow your heart, always question anything that doesn’t seem right or doesn’t make sense, and don’t be afraid of being the person who rebels to go against the grain. We need people like you to pave the way.
When was the moment you were inspired to take control of your future? I guess this question can apply to both my personal and professional life. When it comes to my personal life, I feel as though I finally took full control when I told the story of child sexual abuse to my father. That was the moment I took control. It became the turning point when I decided that my voice mattered. It’s when I realized that even though my ugly truth would be painful to hear, it was one that needed to be told for the healing to begin.
When it comes to my professional career, I have always been a “Jane of all trades.” I have succeeded in the healthcare, finance, and not-for-profit industry. In every single industry, I moved up to a management position. However, it wasn’t until the end of my 20s that the game changed. In May of 2012, I founded my own not-for-profit called Dear Tayrin, with the mission of raising awareness and education about sexual abuse, helping to empower victims.
It was something that came from within me, the need to help at least one person. And from there I hosted the first awareness event; and then the first annual fundraiser, and from there it progressed to creating other events throughout the year that assisted in bringing healing for those struggling to deal with the aftermath. I continue to work in the finance business as a Director of Operations, but my passion lies in helping my community and being a voice for those who feel voiceless, for those who didn’t make it.
What is your theory on human potential? My theory is that everyone has the potential to be their best self. However, everyone has their own unique idea or mindset of what it means to be at their best. Therefore, one cannot say you are not doing your best because maybe that person truly feels that they are. We all have our own paths, our own blueprint, and our own journey to reach our highest potential. Some of us show it through gifts and talents, whereas others may just show it by being engaged parents.
As for me, I believe I still have ways to go to reach my own “best” potential but I’m also the type of person that strives daily to reach new goals both personally and professionally. But it’s important for others to know that if you’re not that type of person, that’s okay too.
What was your experience like as a student? I started school in the Bronx, NY on 183rd Avenue, at the age of 6, and knew no English. I had just moved to New York City with my mom from Puerto Rico. I learned English in school and by talking to my cousins at home. Children soak up much at that age and I was eager, not only to learn but to understand what everyone else was saying.
From there, we moved to a better part of the Bronx in Bedford Park. My experience in elementary school was a good one. I had teachers that were on the committee to teach. The school itself was very diverse and inclusive. During 7th grade, I went to live with my father in Puerto Rico for half the year and that was a challenge. I no longer knew Spanish like before and going back to an all-Spanish school was difficult, but I was up for it. I moved back to New York City six months later but then in 9th grade, we moved back to PR for a full year. I once again faced language barrier issues but the teachers were accommodating and helpful. I have also always been resourceful, so when I felt as though I wasn’t being helped, I found it. High school was back in NY, a proud graduate of Lafayette High School. The biggest hurdle in HS was navigating life as a teenager. Went to college for one year because I chose work before school. However, choosing work before school allowed me to get hands-on experience. It wasn’t until 2019 that I decided to go back to school full-time to earn my Associate degree first. Sure enough, after spring, summer, fall, and spring semesters again, back-to-back, I graduated with my Associate of Science degree in Business, Economics, and Management. The online experience was a self-motivation challenge, but well worth it.
What advice could you give other single moms or single-parent households on navigating motherhood/parenthood while still aspiring to make dreams your reality? Well, first, it’s not easy and no one EVER said it is going to be easy. Once you have accepted that, it’s just a bit easier to manage things. Organization, time management, and making sure you are taking time for yourself, and your dreams are vital. I think as mothers or parents, we will put ourselves last and make LOTS of sacrifices to make sure our kids have what they need and want. Therefore, our dreams, needs, and wants go to the back burner; but having an unhappy mom or dad is not good for the home. It’s important for everyone that the mom/dad also have their own individual time and identity. It’s important that they too are in a happy place. When your kids see you reaching for goals or they see your work ethic in the pursuit of your dreams, it motivates and inspires them to put their best foot forward as well. They will mirror you in many ways and who doesn’t want their kids to mirror the best of them? Right?
So, making sure they see you taking time for yourself is important, if not the most important part, and communicating with your kids is a must.
INTERVIEW #13: FEATURING JESENAIDA COLLAZO
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
There is a stillness about winter. The same stillness is inside of a church when you enter the sanctuary, alone. To me, it feels the same. Some of my most prized moments inside my church have been alone in the sanctuary – in the stillness, just praying.
I was taught how to pray. It’s a weird thing to think about, that someone teaches you how to talk to God, but they do. I was taught to pray by my grandmother whose Spanish prayers and coco candy made her feel to me (as a child) as if she was from a different time; as an adult, I learned she was. It’s been a year since I started writing in her honor, time marches on and I miss her more every day.
Though times change, the look of the church, and the denominations, through 1,000s of years – one common activity has NOT changed- praying. The basic idea that a human, in stillness, and deep mediation can extend their voice to the ears of the universe’s creator, has persisted, across languages and continents for all time.
Churches, a pinnacle of Christendom, came to Puerto Rico in 1532. The San José Church, the first Spanish church was built in Old San Juan and would hold the remains of Ponce De Leon, the town’s governor. Churches now cover Puerto Rico, of all sizes and denominations. Following Christ does not just stop at the church door; your obedience must extend past that, into the worldly world. As a young person today, that call for obedience requires more sacrifice and abstention than in past times.
Enter Jesenaida Collazo, the type of woman that Christ depends on. She has his joy in her eyes. The joy of being accepted and knowing that you are loved by your creator. Just looking into her eyes – yes just her eyes alone – say all that and more. Her spirit is strong like the binding of the oldest bible. A warm person, the type of Christian that is brave enough to be vulnerable in the eyes of others, a remarkable leader, a servant leader, they call them. A woman who is gifted to bring people together around their love for Christ, the leader of a Christian youth group, and more than a volunteer project, her vision led her to create her own organization.
The Founder of Prisoners of Hope, Jesenaida “Jessy”, is a youth pastor. So young, yet she herself leads her peers closer to Christ in practice. Her bravery to step into a leadership role in Christ reflects her confidence in him when the whole world seems unsure – Jessy isn’t.
Her quote: Hebrews 11:1 — “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
THE INTERVIEW
Read my interview with Jesenaida Collado, and learn more about her, her faith, and her future.
1: Where were you born and what values were taught in your home? I was born and raised here in Buffalo NY. I was always taught to cherish family, to always help someone, and to be grateful always for what I have. God has always been impactful in my life as my family, and I are Christians.
2: What was your experience as a student like? My experience as a student was an interesting one. Hitting puberty at an early age, having acne, being overweight, and not being able to afford what was “in” at the time was always difficult as those were things I was bullied for. Despite all of that there were teachers who truly cared and made going to school more enjoyable. Those teachers are the ones who really pushed me to become more!
3: What was your first job? I started working when I was 15 years old through the Summer Youth Program, which helped me work my first and favorite all-year-round job at Little Caesars!
4: What was the moment you decided to take control of your future? The moment I was inspired to take control of my future was the moment I gave my life to Christ. Accepting Christ gave my life true meaning and purpose and made everything I did, and do, intentional.
5: What advice do you have for people who want to be heard in the community? The advice I have for people who want to be heard in their community is to first be involved! Get active! Volunteer, attend meetings and seminars- make an impact. Make your voice heard. If you go to the gym once you won’t see any results, but if you go to the gym consistently, you will see results. My pastor used this example and it’s so true!; the same thing goes for making a difference. Don’t do something once, continue doing it and you will see the fruits of your labor.
6: What is your theory on human potential? First, I believe everyone has potential. Everyone’s potential is different – A person may be able to draw and impact people through their art, but may not be a good speaker, whereas the other person may impact people with their voice and not their art. Everyone has something valuable and useful in them; it’s up to them to tap into it and cultivate it!
7: What is a quote that is important to you? Hebrews 11:1.“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
8: What was the first time you realized you were a faith leader and What is the biggest shift you have been in your ministry? I don’t remember the exact age, but I remember in high school speaking to my close friends about Jesus and how wonderful it was to have him in my life The biggest shift I’ve seen in my ministry is how much I’ve grown with God. While trying to guide and teach others, God has been teaching me. It’s good to have a goal, but the journey to reach it is where we learn the most. Learning from others around, us, absorbing different opinions, and allowing God to keep that fire — that passion burning is something truly amazing.
9: What inspires you? The world and everyone in it inspire me. To see people from different paths of life, different ages trusting and giving a testimony about how God made a way when there was no way, is so inspiring. The couple who thought their marriage was over, and are now in love and flourishing, the children who are sick but find comfort in their parents like we find comfort in God, the birds, and animals who fly and live trusting that God will take care of them, the very fact that during all these difficult times, children of God have risen up to help others and pray for the world. All these things ARE INSPIRING!
INTERVIEW #12: FEATURING LIZBETH HENRIQUEZ
El nombre de una mujer; she inspired me to learn that less is more, and more is less, and no one cares about your excuses. She lives simply, streamlined, and efficiently, yet feminine, drenched in muted colors, and too chic for your fashion-forward lens. Very euro- the very Bronx like a chameleon with the heart of a lion.
I met her in the West Side of Course, on grant Street (where real gangsters have been meeting real gangsters) since my grandfather’s butcher store was open. She was teaching English to refugees and new Americans, fitting for someone- who I would learn taught herself English at age 7. She told me she was a political science major and that did it. I knew we were going to become instant friends. She reminded me of myself frankly.
Why? Because political science is defined as the branch of knowledge that deals with systems of government, and the analysis of political activity and behavior. And any Latina who consciously chooses to study political science in my mind is a genius.
Liz and I both were done an injustice in our studies though, not taught about the history of women and or common folk. I always say I was taught the victors curriculum- the one where -it was told to us; all our Taino ancestors were killed, and colonization brought “progress” to our islands.
That’s not the true history. Liz being Dominican and Puerto Rican – taught through the lens of the separation, of our islands and our peoples. We weren’t told the Taino lived in both lands and creation stories said we emerged from caves in a sacred mountain on Hispaniola. Or that genetic studies show in Puerto Rico, that a high proportion of people have “Amerindian mtDNA.” Thus, the Taino survived. And their ideas and lives were expressed in art- left out of our textbook.
History teaches us to separate ourselves, but unity is our strength as evidenced by the labor and women’s rights movements and activists like Luisa Capetillo. Who changed the course of politics across the Caribbean just by wearing pants in public! She went on to publish one of the first feminist theses in Puerto Rico. Liz and I are political scientists who have a serious responsibility to learn and rewrite our own histories of power. The new curriculum is based on the revolutionary idea: we survived thus we are the victors.
And what do they say- “To the Victor Go the Spoils”.
I’m just glad I don’t have to go at this alone. Lucky Liz matches her glamor with her grit. Her quote “Be fearless about it.” Read her interview and you’ll see why she is.
THE INTERVIEW
Where were you raised, and what were the values taught in your home? I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised there for the first 7 years of my life. Then came Washington Heights. Those are my child(hoods) but the Bronx and Buffalo also raised me! My parents did not play about me and my sisters, we were to be respectful first and foremost; Bendiciones (blessing) every time we said hi to our elders, and Con permiso (permission) if we needed to speak, were expected. We were also taught that family was love. My family means the world to us and growing up we always made sure to keep that present. I am very close with both my father’s and mother’s sides. Lastly, hard work. Growing up low income in DR. I understood at a very young age that nothing came easy and hard work was the only way I was going to get what I wanted in life. Since I can remember my father has been waking up at 3AM to head to work. He continues to inspire my dedication and ambition.
What was your experience as a student? I love being a student. I loved going to school and learning. Growing up in the New York public schools was an experience of its own. My teachers cared for me and my learning. In primary school, especially, as a multi-language learner, I learned very fast and excelled tremendously. High school and college saw a different student in me. I started to notice all the holes in my education and that impacted my performance. I shifted from focusing on my academics and more on the social and extracurricular activities that supported the learning I was doing in classes. This meant joining clubs, becoming a leader in my spaces, and applying my knowledge to my every day.
When did you start working and what was your first or favorite job? I started working at like 9 babysitting my family’s kids. My first real job was at American Eagle when I was 18. My favorite job was working with Buffalo String Works. It was my first time stepping into the “real world” after graduating college. I was working with youth, community, and development in education; amidst covid-19. The most challenging and awarding experience I’ve ever had.
What was the moment that you were inspired to take control of your future? At the age of 7, it was my third or fourth day in my new school in New York. I didn’t know a speaker of English. I came to school late and missed morning pick-up, so my grandfather dropped me off in the main office. They gave me a pass and told me to go to my classroom. I didn’t remember where it was and got lost. A teacher saw me wandering around and asked me something in English, I truly cannot remember. I said to her “No entiendo” and she replied “Como que tu no me entiendes? Tu tienes que saber Ingles.” she took me to the main office and then to my class. I went home that day and cried my eyes out. I knew right then and there that I had to learn English if I wanted to make it. I had to do this on my own and fast. And I did.
What advice do you have for other Latinx people who want their voices to be heard in their community?
Be fearless about it. Get to know your community and seek the people, platforms, and resources that will support you. There are more people that want to listen than those who don’t.
is your theory on human potential? It takes a village. If we’re able to come together humanly our potential as individuals have no limits.
What is your opinion on the fact that Latinx women are the most underpaid? As an underpaid Latina, I think is bullshit. Lol, don’t include this. I truly believe that there’s a need to be more conversation and more allies. The system is built to keep us suppressed; we shouldn’t be fighting this alone. As women are it important for us to understand that there is power in our strength. Our knowledge and impact are important.
