My good pal Julito (@julito77) took a video of the panelists that participated at LISTA event last week.
Take note of the #vivaviernes and #latism tags.
Popularity: 12% [?]
Friday is all about LATISM-DC. Latinos In Social Media, DC is the latest addition to the LATISM family of state chapters.
This has resulted in the 3rd social media conference presented by LATISM, a national group promoting social media and the Latinos behind it. From their own state website:
LatISM DC, part of the LatISM Heritage Tour, is a conference that brings together a select group of Latinos in Social Media and business leaders in the region to discuss current topics related to Social Media. This two-day session focuses on Web 2.0, Gov 2.0, leveraging social media for non-profits, businesses and government.
This folks, is a full conference:
On the national LATISM site you will find a dynamic list of speakers speaking at this event (sorry, registration is closed). They will even have YOGA!!! How innovative is that?!?
A special thanks goes out to NCLR for graciously donating the conference space.
And a special thanks to Kety (@KetyE), and her team: Sylvia Aguilera (@httponline), Alma Suarez (@AmericanLatina), Julie Diaz-Asper (@JulieDiazAsper), Elianne Ramos (@ergeekgoddess), Jennifer Lubrani (@meningioma)…aka, The Five Latinas. Six Latinas.
LATISM has reached a tipping point with DC, as they are at full capacity and have had to add a networking event to fill the demand. Congratulations Ladies!
Popularity: 19% [?]
With this new series, Latinos who are at the forefront of influence will be asked a series of questions to get to the core of their drive and passion. It is from their direction I believe, that we will find a source of inspiration and encouragement.
Kety Esquivel is a dynamic and passionate individual. She is one of the few leaders who approaches civic engagement with her whole being. I’ve had the pleasure to work with Kety, and she has continued to exemplify an unwavering work ethic.
Kety, you’ve served quite a bit in the non-profit sector…why?
I was raised by my parents to believe that to whom much is given much is expected. My sister was raised the same way (she’s a Latina working in Child Protective Services in Upstate New York). In that vein I’ve always wanted/tried to give back to the community – be it on boards (while I worked in the corporate sector) and in prison ministry, or in the government sector or now the non-profit sector.
I believe that its important for us to give back while we walk this earth and to do the best we can to make the world a better place.
Es mi granito de arena.
When I think of that saying, I always think – if we all give nuestros granitos de arena (if we all give our little grain of sand) what a beautiful and immense beach that would be.
Why are organization such as NCLR important?
NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.
Organizations such as NCLR are critical to ensure that public servants don’t forget about the needs of the people.
It is important to have national civil rights and advocacy organizations like NCLR so that our elected politicians work towards crafting policy for the people whom they represent in health care, workforce development, immigration, etc.
Organizations like NCLR are also critical for the empowerment and further development of local Community Based Organizations that are providing direct services to the community. Through its affiliate network NCLR provides support to nearly 300 CBOs across the U.S. which in turn provide services to our community in various areas like health care, wealth building, education, etc.
What personal challenges have you encountered while pursuing social activism?
For me, the biggest challenge is probably that elusive work/life balance. Pursuing social activism takes up a lot of time! :-) The job is never done. & I mean never. There is always more that can be done to contribute further to the world. The second biggest challenge is being able to travel the way I love (which takes up a lot of disposal income) while still working for the social good. This dichotomy has had me thinking a lot about socially responsible businesses of late. I believe that there has got to be a way to do well for oneself while doing good for the world and social entrepreneurship might be the way to do it.
Do you think public attitude, views and opinions can change easily? Where is the biggest challenge(s)?
I don’t know if there is one biggest challenge as it relates to this…. that would be too easy. This challenge is complex.
That being said, while I do think that conversations are very hard to change, ultimately all of that – attitude, views and opinions – are all conversations. Some have been inherited for centuries but ultimately someone made them up & someone can make up a new one at any moment. And if any one can make up a new one at any moment (including oneself) then in a way public attitudes, views and opinions can change easily.
As the American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead said, Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
We must have faith. We must remember.
If I was to identify one challenge, it would probably be that – our not remembering the tremendous power we each have as thoughtful, committed citizens – as thoughtful, committed beings in this universe.
There is a beautiful quote that I’ve often used to guide me along the path of my life – some attribute the quote to Robert F. Kennedy. They say that the original quotation was a saying of the Rabi Hillel – that saying is as follows – “If not us, who? If not now, when?”
When I get tired and I want to turn away from the path all I need to do is remember that and then I’m back on track.
Recently, you came across a new organization – LATISM – what do you perceive?
It’s funny.
I had been talking about the work that LatISM came to fulfill years before LatISM existed- at conferences like Web of Change, SXSW, PDF.
Then LatISM was born from the grassroots, from the Twitterverse & I immediately knew that this was something that I wanted to help build.
That’s why I pushed for us to bring LatISM to DC & why I volunteered to work with the two founders as the third person incorporating the organization nationally. I think there is a tremendous opportunity for us to make a significant contribution through social media through LatISM and I’m honored to be one of the three folks helping to drive this change nationally.
Popularity: 6% [?]
With this new series, Latinos who are at the forefront of influence will be asked a series of questions to get to the core of their drive and passion. It is from their direction I believe, that we will find a source of inspiration and encouragement.
On Twitter, I’ve thought of creating a new hashtag (#) called #latinoleaders, but I’ll just use the hashtag #leader for a broader discussion. Here, on the blog I’m considering putting a new page for this endeavor, but for now will just use the Category – Interviews (yes…not Latino Interviews).
For the next guest, I decided to hold nothing back and let him have it with some very probing questions…I know he can take it because we talk the same language. He’s a superb author, and social media promoter. He’s an author of a new novel that takes pulse of the American heartbeat.
Raul Ramos
What is America Libre about and how is it relevant to today’s political atmosphere in the US?
It’s unfortunate but the U.S. news media pays little attention to an issue until there is blood on the streets. With America Libre, I put blood on the streets in a work of fiction in hopes of avoiding a similar fate in real life. The novel takes place in the near future and is the story of Mano Suarez, an unemployed Afghan veteran in Los Angeles who is drawn into an emerging Hispanic separatist insurrection with the intent of reclaiming U.S. territory once part of Mexico and Spain. A loyal American, Mano is radicalized by the attacks of vigilante supremacists against Latinos in his neighborhood. I think there is a danger the escalating climate of hate toward illegal immigrants could metastasize into an ethnic conflict similar to those of the Chechen rebels in Russia, the Basque separatists in Spain, the Tamils in Sri Lanka, and the Balkans, to name a few.
What real life current events specifically can we find mirrored in America Libre?
The warning signs that America Libre may be a prediction more than fiction are already here. The U.S. has seen a 40% increase in hate crimes against Latinos over the last five years. In fact, Latinos are now the number one group victimized by hate crimes. Young men presumed to be Hispanic have been brutally attacked by strangers in Texas, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. An Imperial Wizard of the KKK publicly bragged that hostility toward illegal immigrants has swelled his group’s ranks. In April of this year Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano warned of the growing threat of violence from right-wing extremist groups. Unless we scale back the public hate and take a more reasoned approach to the immigration debate, the U.S. could be in for turbulent times.
What did this novel mean to you?
Among many other things, I wanted America Libre to create a more diverse view of Latinos. I feel the Hispanic identity is much more complex than the portrayal created by the media. For example, “Latino” and “immigrant” have become so synonymous that Sonia Sotomayor was characterized in some news sources as an immigrant during the early days of her nomination as a Supreme Court Justice. As most Latinos know, Judge Sotomayor was born in the Bronx of Puerto Rican parents – and Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, not “immigrants.” The entertainment world also engages in stereotypes. Félix Sánchez, chairman of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, points out that Hispanic actors who speak standard English and do not fit the expected racial stereotypes are usually cast in non-Hispanic roles. What’s more, Afro-Latinos are virtually non-existent in TV and movie roles—despite the fact that more people of African descent speak Spanish in the Americas than English.
What influenced you to be a writer and what do you seek to accomplish?
America Libre is my first novel but some would say I’ve been creating fiction for more than 25 years in my advertising career. Seriously though, I wanted to employ the skills I’ve acquired as a professional communicator to issues personally more meaningful.
How important is literature and/or all media?
I think a well-crafted novel can put us inside another person’s skin. The heightened drama of fiction is in many ways more powerful at creating that human connection than a textbook or non-fiction. That’s why Picasso said, “art is a lie that tells the truth.” Today, as the U.S. becomes increasingly diverse, we need to understand each other more than ever. No matter what your ideology, ethnicity or race, recognizing our common humanity goes a long way toward helping resolve our differences.
Should ‘regular’ people participate in media dialogue? If so, how?
I think the emerging power of social media shows that everyone can play a role in shaping the dialogue on issues. Bloggers and tweeters in China, Cuba, Iran and other nations have influenced government policy. In the U.S., people of every political stripe are engaging in the political process through social media. Unfortunately, social media is a double edged sword. Some extremists are using it to agitate and recruit. But as long as we keep the discourse civil, public discussion is healthy. And let’s not forget that social media is great for spreading prosperity through better, more transparent communications about products and businesses. We live in a very dynamic time.
Popularity: 7% [?]
With this new series (new here, old in my head), Latinos who are at the forefront of influence will be asked a series of questions to get to the core of their drive and passion. It is from their direction I believe, that we will find a source of inspiration and encouragement.
On Twitter, I’ve thought of creating a new hashtag (#) called #latinoleaders, but I’ll just use the hashtag #leader for a broader discussion. Here, on the blog I’m considering putting a new page for this endeavor, but for now will just use the Category – Interviews (yes…not Latino Interviews).
I’ve been in constant communication with the following guest over the course of a few weeks now hammering down some fine details for the upcoming LISTA Technology Expo next week. He is very thorough, knowledgeable and successful.
Who are you and what do you do?
Eduardo Gonzalez Loumiet, MBA, PMP
“A Latino Making a Difference”
I am Cuban-American born in Miami, Florida. I attended Belen Jesuit Prep in Miami. I also attended Loyola University, New Orleans earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance as well as a B.A. in Computer Information Systems. I received my Executive MBA in 2007 from the University of Miami. I have worked in the services industry since 1996, managing multi-million dollar enterprise technology projects and business continuity strategies. I currently work at Uber Operations, a leading health care technology company in Tallahassee, Florida. As Managing Director of Uber Operations, I focus on the continued development of the company’s strategic growth, including partnership and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility and growth in response to an increasingly demanding marketplace. At Uber Operations, among other projects I have had the opportunity to work with the Florida Department of Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services on a CDC sponsored project for Pandemic Influenza information exchange. We are also working on several projects related to the Nationwide Health Information Network.
I am fluent in English, Spanish, and have a working knowledge of Portuguese, and have traveled on business to over 15 countries. I am the President of the Florida chapter of Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association, in addition to a member of the Board of Directors leading the government affairs division. I am also a member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, The Project Management Institute, The Tallahassee Latino Professional Association and the President of the University of Miami Alumni Club in Tallahassee.
Why Technology? Why LISTA?
I still remember when my grandfather, a Cuban immigrant, purchased a personal computer. I was probably eight years old and I had no clue what it was or what I could do with it but after two sleepless nights, tinkering away, I had a feeling my future would involve these “big boxes” with green screens. I started with creating web sites for friends in the late 90’s and managed the computer lab at my university. I then worked at a small law firm in Miami in addition to FleetBoston, where I was a member of the Internet Development Team. After graduating from the University, I moved to Antigua where I managed the IT Department for an international private bank. After six years overseas, and over 1 million miles flown, I took on the challenge of growing a small IT services company into a health care IT player nationwide.
Through social networking I met Jose Marquez, National President of LISTA. I soon after accepted an invitation to speak on health IT at LISTA’s Legislative Forum in D.C. I saw firsthand Latino executives share ideas on how to improve the digital divide in the Latino community. I was impressed by Jose’s vision and goals for LISTA and asked him if I could get more involved. A few months later, I am organizing LISTA’s National Emerging Technology Leadership Summit and Career Expo, an event where participants can interact with some of today’s top experts in technology and Latino leadership. There will also be a Tech Career Expo where several dozen companies will be accepting resumes and offering advice to job seekers. The event will conclude with the Technology Achievers Award Gala dinner. Event details can be found here: http://nltaa.org/
What is some of your personal goals that coincide w/ national Latino agendas? What is your outlook on the future?
Whether it’s gathering a group of friends with brilliant business ideas, speaking at the Federal Penitentiary on the Latino movement in the US, or volunteering in the Dominican Republic, my goals are focused on helping others. My grandparents and parents arrived from Cuba in the early 60’s focused on creating opportunities for our family. Thanks to their hard work and courage, I am able to make a difference in Corporate America, as well as give back to the community. I feel I have skills and experiences that can be used to help others that are less fortunate. I am a very proud Latino, and understand that this country’s future depends on the creative men and women in our science, technology, and engineering communities.
As the fastest-growing minority group, Latinos represent the greatest growth markets for the technology, telecommunications, and information sectors, and are one of the greatest pools of talent for America’s success in the global information economy. However, I also understand that the state of Latino education has not changed substantially for decades. By participating in the Hispanic Stem Initiative by the National Association of Hispanic Education, I hope to be a part of the mobilization of human assets to restore our nation’s prosperity. As mentioned in the previous questions, I am heavily involved in LISTA. LISTA’s mission is simple: to educate, motivate, and empower the Latino community with Technology. LISTA promotes the utilization of the technology sectors for the empowerment of the Latino community. LISTA is an organization that is committed to bringing various elements of technology under one central hub to facilitate their partners, members, and the community with the leverage and education they need to succeed in a highly advanced technologically driven society.
I strongly believe that organizations like LISTA, the National Association of Hispanic Education, and LATISM are creating a foundation for Latinos to compete. Not only in the US but also with overseas competition like China and India. I have used technology to better my life and to make a difference in the lives of others. We have the responsibility to get technology in the hands of all Latinos….our country depends on it.
Where can we find you online?
Personal: http://www.eduardogonzalezloumiet.com
Company: http://www.uberops.com
LISTA: http://nltaa.org/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gonzalezloumiet
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/egonzalezloumiet
Popularity: 22% [?]
Subtitle: Hispanic Media Myths
A great article…it even seems to have some picante to it as it’s spiced up with some humor and witty lines.
If you have some image in your head of a poor campesino looking confusedly at a computer screen, delete it. Replace that with an image of Perez Hilton tweeting and blogging and instant-messaging all day. In fact, Latinos far outpace Anglos in online and mobile usage. Of all wireless users in the U.S., 39% of U.S.-Hispanics use their mobile devices to read the news, in comparison to just 17% of non-Hispanics.
Note the quick change to ‘Latino’ from ‘Hispanic’ when talking about online/mobile usage. I almost got excited about that, but then noted that Hispanic and Latino are used interchangeably throughout the piece. It’s still a great read.
Popularity: 9% [?]
Subtitle: The Need To Pursue Media
The ability to cement your message within the stream of media conversation is more vital NOW than ever before. We stand at the cusp of change.
With history unfolding before us, we must ensure our views engage the forefront of America’s, and thus the world’s conciousness. Otherwise, others will define everything for us.
This is why I’m a huge advocate of new media. It provides the tools, which enables the masses to thrust forth with their stories and viewpoints.
If you are not so inclined, that’s okay but please support those who express this interest.
Popularity: 9% [?]
Subtitle: Learn and Practice Languages Using Social Media
With all the head-scratching and trial/errors, social media will undoubtedly become standardized, as people discover what works and what does not. There will develop a safety net on the ‘proper’ way on how to pursue a social media campaign. In actuality, this already exists.
But, what if this ’standardization’ is just the tip of the iceberg? What if that is only 10% of what social media can do? What if we were grandiose in our ideas and believed we could use social media for anything we imagined?
What if?
Here is an article which I consider an great example of the unlimitedness and unfathomable aspects social media has to offer. The undertones present, displays the impregnable and impossible categorization of what social media is and can perform. This is why the title states that YOU are the only limitation. Read the below, and dare to imagine.
HOW TO: Learn and Practice Languages Using Social Media
Given the globalized online world we live in, learning a new language has never been easier — nor as interactive, interesting, and social! From Twitter to blogs to social networks, there are numerous ways you can start your social language learning and keep it up while making new friends.
The landscape of social media offers a wealth of resources and information where people can discuss and expand on hobbies, interests and passions – while creating connections with others who feel the same way. Learning a language is no different.
Popularity: 4% [?]
Subtitle: Rolling Rolling Rolling
I’ve finally got around to the mother of all links – the blogroll! It is one of the quintessential and most coveted aspects of a blog (okay, I’m laying it on thick).
The blog roll is intended to keep track of those who measure the pulse of social media as applied to Latino content. They are those who are in the trenches of Latino social media and have proven to be able to juggle multiple social media disciplines. The Roll has started today and the links will stay up as long as their sites are kept up to date.
Know this, fellow blogrollees: If you are on the roll then I consider you the cream of the social media crop…ones who have potential (or already does) to influence this medium and beyond.
Know this, fellow readers: As I consider these few as great influencers, you should consider following them as well. It is far from complete, so check back periodically as I will add more from time to time. By the way, the BlogRoll can be found over in the side panel.
Popularity: 15% [?]
Ingenio Bilingual Toys
This is amazing! It took all this time for a company to launch a bilingual toy line? This was looking everyone in the face.
Ingenio’s bilingual product line ranges from electronic learning toys and puzzles to educational games. All products emphasize English and Spanish equally to enable the child to learn a second language easily…Ingenio helps preschool and grade school children (ages 3-8 years) learn both languages in the context of fun…
If you go over to Inenio’s site you’ll be pointed to Amazon as an online retailer.
I like this a lot. I have a daughter of my own who is almost a year shy of the recommended age. Will keep you updated right here after going through some of the products.
Popularity: 7% [?]
Louis Pagan Tweets