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NEWS ROOM RELEASES
First Digital Magazine for Latina Youth is Looking for America’s Next Top Athlete
Posted on May 25, 2010In a national sample, about 36 percent of Hispanic sophomore girls played interscholastic sports compared with 52 percent of non-Hispanics for the 2001-02 school year according to a recent analysis of the U.S. Department of Education survey data.
The data showed low-participation was attributed lack of money or transportation and also responsibilities Hispanic girls still have in traditional households such as contributing to the household income by working or childcare of younger siblings.
As a result, Hispanic girls and teens miss out on the benefits of sport participation that have been linked to teen pregnancy, school drop-out and obesity prevention.
To spotlight outstanding Hispanic female athletes who are out there changing statistics, Latinitas Magazine, the first digital magazine made for and by young Latinas, is launching a nationwide search for girls who exemplify superior athletic achievement, high academic standards, community involvement and outstanding leadership qualities.
The magazine is accepting nominations through its website of a Latina teen, age 13–19, who participates in school-sponsored athletics or open amateur sports and exhibits a dedication to leadership, community service and academic excellence for its 2010 Latinitas Sports All-Star Award.
Winners will be featured in a front page article in Latinitas teen publication: TeenLatinitas.com.
Females of Hispanic descent living in the United States of America or in a U.S. territory between the ages of 13-19 are eligible for nomination. Nominees are judged FOREMOST on athletic accomplishment. Extra-curricular activities, community service and scholarship will also be considered. The deadline for submissions is SEPTEMBER 15, 2010.
Forms can be submitted online here:
Click here to submit our nomination form.
or through email or mail to the Latinitas offices at Latinitas Inc: 1107 S. 8th Street, Austin, TX 78704 or 512.447.5787 or latinitasawards@yahoo.com.
FASHION SHOW SUPPORTS LATINA EMPOWERMENT
Posted on May 24, 2010Take Life by the Neck Fashion Show Benefits Latinitas
El Paso, Texas - This summer’s hottest fashion event will benefit local charities including Latinitas, the nonprofit dedicated to empowering young Latinas to build confidence through creative expression, and the Susan G. Koman Foundation for breast cancer research. “Take Life by the Neck” fashion show featuring Sterling Williams, LA’s hottest designer, will make its Sun City runway debut at the MBAR, El Paso ’s newest cocktail lounge, on Friday, June 25th 2010 at 7:00 p.m. The By Sterling line brings us the necktie as never seen before with designs that draw attention to the wearer.
Jaime Vasquez aka DJ V will provide the beats for this event. EPTV’s own Karina Lujan will host the event and will be behind the scenes getting exclusive interviews. A top model from the fashion show will be selected to have her dreams come true by being chosen to participate in two nationwide runway shows and being a part of the “Take Life by the Neck” national advertising campaign.
LA designer Sterling Williams has dressed Beyonce’s Japan Tour and other celebrities such as LMFAO, Paris Hilton, and more. Sterling Williams will also appear in the upcoming The Ultimate Merge, a new reality television show produced by Donald Trump and featuring Omarosa’s search for true love.
The public is invited to join EPTV at MBAR to experience this unique and exciting fashion show! Pre-Sale tickets are $10 before June 25th and $12 at the door, with VIP tables available by request. Pre-sale tickets are available at Mesa Street Grill, HOMMEWORK, and by phone at (915)999-1781. MBAR is located at 3323 N. Mesa, El Paso, TX 79902. Doors open at 7:00P.M. for guests with the runway show strutting off at 9:00P.M.
"We are thrilled that this talented designer is lending his creative side to help encourage local girls to build confidence through creative expression,” said Alicia Rascon, Co-founder of Latinitas. “We are honored by this special partnership, which allows community supporters to promote Latina girl power while enjoying a talented fashion designer.”
During the event, Latinitas volunteers will be available to answer questions about the organization. The funds raised from the benefit will support the Latinitas scholarship fund which enables local girls to reach their educational goals.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate this very unique organization that plays a key role in helping thousands of local girls build confidence, express themselves creatively and reach their dreams,” said Ginger Raya Pineda, Latinitas Board Member. “As a proud supporter, I urge our community to support local girls and enjoy these stylish fashions."
LOCAL GROUPS RALLY TO HOST STAY TEEN DAY
Posted on May 20, 2010Coalition Joins Forces to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
El Paso, Texas - According to recent statistics from the Texas Department of State Health Services, the community of El Paso ranks number one in teen pregnancy rates in the state of Texas. To counteract this trend, local organizations are rallying together to host Stay Teen Day on Friday, May 28, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the EPCC Administration Office, 9050 Viscount Blvd. The event is organized by the Stay Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of El Paso with the goal of raising awareness of the plight of teen pregnancy by providing local teens education on this ever growing problem.
During National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month in May, this full day conference will focus on bringing awareness of the realities of being a teen parent, as well as the importance of staying a teen. The event will feature testimonials from teen parents about the challenges of being a young parent as well as an exhibit of information tables and a carnival of fun teen-friendly activities. Stay Teen Day is focused on uniting and educating middle school students in 7th and 8th grade for a positive change.
National statistics related to teen pregnancy are staggering. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, parenthood is the leading reason why teen girls drop out of school. Every 10 minutes a teenager in Texas gets pregnant. According to StayTeen.org, 8 out of 10 teen fathers don't marry the mother of their child. Half of teens say they have never thought about how a pregnancy would affect their lives.
The event is presented by Stay Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of El Paso Members – Child Crisis Center of El Paso, Department of Public Health, Health and Human Services Commission, Latinitas, Project VIDA, School Age Parent Center, The Medical Institute and the University Medical Center Teen Advisory Board. The mission of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition is to reduce the incidence of teen pregnancy in the El Paso community and to advocate for responsible behavior and healthy choices through a collaboration of partnerships and parental involvement. The event is sponsored by the Superior Health Plan and El Paso First Health Plan. For more information, call (915) 521-7482 or email sdelapaz@umcelpaso.org.
Latina Youth Non-Profit in Texas Takes on Arizona Law
Posted on May 06, 2010AUSTIN/EL PASO, TX - Amongst recent marches, boycotts, public outrage and backlash, a Texas non-profit is providing a forum for a new constituency ages 8 years old to 18. Latinitas (www.latinitasmagazine.org) is the first digital magazine made for and by young Latinas with outreach focused on empowering Hispanic girls and teens using media and technology. Started over seven years ago, Latinitas’ magazines reach about 30,000 readers a month and its programs have served over 10,000 girls and teens since its origin.
On a normal week, girls and teens enrolled in Latinitas’ after school program create multi-media projects using web and graphic design, photography, writing, radio broadcast and video production. They also have learned how media can be used as a tool for community outreach and activism.
In a recent club, the girls learned the value and effect of starting a letter writing campaign and selected amongst one of their concerns – Arizona Governor Jan Brewer’s passing of the controversial Arizona Immigration Law sb1070 allowing law enforcement to arrest non-documented residents of the state arbitrarily. In response, Latinitas 500 program participants have launched their own letter writing campaign to let Miss Brewer know their feelings about the new law. Girls are also sharing their concerns about the possible discrimination and racial profiling the law may cause with blog posts on the Latinitas social network site - www.MyLatinitas.com.
“This is a great way to incorporate a lesson about the power of writing,” said Latinitas Chief Operating Officer Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, “We are not directing the girls to oppose the law, that is not our job. We are giving them an inexpensive tool to take action on any issue that affects their lives and their families.”
"Many of our members have expressed their concern to us. The girls are worried that they could be arrested for possibly looking like they are undocumented," added Alicia Rascon, Latinitas Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. We are excited to see the girls expressing themselves and discovering the power of their voice through this letter campaign. A lot of young kids think they can't make an impact in politics, but our girls are starting to realize that they can have a powerful influence."
Latinitas was founded eight years ago by then-students Alicia Rascon and Laura Donnelly Gonzalez in a University of Texas at Austin class. Since, the organization has grown its program reach outside of Austin to El Paso, TX and Las Cruces, NM and its magazines are read as close as Dallas, TX and as far away as Australia.
Momma! I Love You – Not Your Typical (boring) Mother’s Day Experience
Posted on May 03, 2010Bemba Entertainment, Alma de Mujer and Latinitas United for a day of fun, music and workshops for mom.
AUSTIN, TX – Mother’s are subject to what Mother’s Day offers. But, imagine a retreat on 22 acres of sacred land packed with activities, workshops, relaxation techniques, food, games and more for the entire family.
Alma de Mujer, (13621 FM 2769, Austin, TX 78727), Northwest Austin’s own indigenous women’s compound is hosting, with Bemba Entertainment, Momma! I Love You, an interactive day of family-friendly performances, workshops, games, outdoor activities, foods and music. Headlining on the music stage is Austin’s own songstress Suzanna Choffel. Massage therapists, acupuncturists, empowerment specialists and others will be onsite to serve attending “Mommas” and their families.
All day from 11am to 6pm, Momma! is benefitting Latinitas, (www.latinitasmagaz ine.org) the first digital magazine made for and by young Latinas with outreach programming that empowers young Latinas using media and technology.
“Our mothers are often subject to crowded brunches or lackluster gifts. Momma, I Love You! is for the mom who wants to lay in the grass all day, others who want to engage in the arts and even others interested in yoga, music and more.” said event planner Brandon Badillo.
Entrance to Momma! I Love You is $20 per car load. Food and drink vendors will be onsite.
For more information call Laura Donnelly Gonzalez at 512.809.4618 or email laura@latinitasmagazine.org.
About Latinitas
Latinitas magazine (www.latinitasmagazi ne.org) is a non-profit publication with outreach programs dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of Latina youth through media and technology. Its vision is that all young Latinas are strong and confident in their own image.
About Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change
The home of the Indigenous Women’s Network since 1996. Alma has provided IWN with office and program space and has operated as a non-profit meeting and retreat center where indigenous people from the Austin community and progressive organizations could gather to re-energize and continue their work for social change.