E Newsletter

January/February 2008 E-Newsletter

Building off its strong, growing base in Austin, Latinitas fulfills some manifest destiny by expanding programming to America's Sun City: El Paso this Spring.

"Minutes from the Mexican border, El Paso is an ideal expansion city for Latinitas program model." says Latinitas Co-Founder Alicia Rascon, a native of El Paso, who will be commandeering Latinitas westward launch. "Also, it's proximity to New Mexico opens up additional growth possibilities outside of Texas."

Latinitas has fielded numerous requests from other cities for its programming, but with established connections at UTEP, El Paso was a natural choice to start a new chapter and Latinitas feels its strong focus on encouraging young Latinas to succeed is a new and necessary juxtaposition to the very publicized violence and injustice to women happening in Juarez, Mexico - El Paso's larger sister city.

Rascon will be introducing Latinitas curriculum to El Paso's four school districts working in the city and in its surrounding colonias.

Latinitas in Austin will continue to be a strong hub for all future growth, the focal point to test curriculum, develop new programs and in September 2008, publish Latinitas on paper for the first time.

in this issue

1. Latinitas Expands to West Texas!
2. Guapos Step Up and Out to Help Hermanitas
3. Spring Break Latinitas Style
4. Seeking College Latinas for Higher Ed Conference
5. La Board Grows
6. Call for Fotos
7. Donor Spotlight: Alice Kleborg Reynolds Foundation
8. Otra Gracias

Some of Austin 's best looking hombres are lending their looks in support of young Latinas at the American Women in Radio and Television's Sweetheart Bachelor Auction February 13th, at Vicci bar from 5:30-10 pm.

Bachelors come with comprehensive prize packages that include everything from cuts and colors at Austin 's most elite salons to lessons in Brazilian Jui Jit Su to a flight over the city.

The event also features a silent auction for all you women who are commited or married who still want to share in this fun event. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Email laura@latinitasmaga zine.org to reserve $10 tickets.

Texas Women's University student Sasah Guerra (left) guides a student through a Latinitas camps lesson.

Latinitas knows Spring Break is all about having fun with your friends. From March 10 to 14th, we will be hosting a week-long camp for girls in 4th to 8th grades at the Mexican American Cultural Center (600 River Street).

Camp runs from 9am to 5pm and includes Latinitas fun media-making lessons in photography, music video production, radio dee-jaying and more. Register by calling the MACC at 512.478.6222.

Latinitas is looking for Latinas in college to be part of its partnership with the Junior League's Hispanic Mother Daughter Program college conference from 10 am to 3pm on February 23rd at UT's School of Social Work.

College Latinas are needed for a panel discussion of college life, getting into school, maintaining grades and planning for their professional future.

College students can also volunteer to help with Latinitas' conference workshops including a lesson in college-essay writing and using blogs to educate girls about college resources.

Latinitas founder Laura Donelly leads college media workshop

Girls will make a video p.s.a. encouraging their peers to stay in high school and aspire to college

Latinitas magazine and program growth has called for a demand in more leadership. In late 2007, Latinitas board of directors was excited to welcome the fresh talent, wisdom and enthusiasm of new members: Esmeralda Gonzales and Alejandra de la Torre. Gonzalez, a native of San Angelo, Texas and a graduate of Angelo University, has worked on similar boards focusing on women's safety and rape prevention in her hometown. An education specialist for the Texas Association of School Business Officials, Gonzalez is no stranger to event-planning and policy-making. She is currently applying that expertise to the planning and implementation of Latinitas Annual Fotos de mi Alma auction set for April 23rd.

Alejandra de la Torre owns her own State Farm insurance franchise. An agent and underwriter since 2002, de la Torre joins Latinitas board eager to create forums for young Latinas to succeed in any business venture. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, de la Torre has always been interested in media, becoming an amateur photographer as a young woman. She will be influential in some of the development for West Texas Latinitas and is excited to not only lead and direct Latinitas, but to work hands on with girls in the programs as well.

Latinitas board and staff (L-R) Geri Luna Wilson, Angelique Ayala, Alicia Rascon, Dr. Federico Subervi-Velez, Laura Donnelly, Esmeralda Gonzalez, Bibi Lobo, and Alejandra de la Torre (Not pictured)

It's that time of year again...Latinitas Fotos de Mi Alma auction event is scheduled for April 23rd and we call on past contributors and new photographers to donate their work.

This year a smaller selection of art will be sold silent auction style at Copa Bar and Restaurant on Congress Avenue and others will be sold in a virtual gallery online nationally to raise money for Latinitas' 18 after school programs.

Photographs should reflect "Latino life" and interested contributors should call Latinitas at 512.322.9947 or email event chair: Esmeralda Gonzalez at ea.gonzalez@ gmail.com.

Framing is encouraged.

Latinitas is grateful for a recent $10,000 award from the Alice Kleborg Reynolds Foundation, a Texas-wide grantor focused on basic concerns to best benefit the lives of girls, women and lesbians.

AKR is specifically assisting Latinitas with the development and implementation of more curriculum that addresses the growing incidence of teen pregancy and school drop out amongst young Latinas.

The grant award will be administered over the course of two years.

Latinitas also thanks the Lola Wright Foundation for a grant of $1500 to pay for equipment costs at Latinitas Round Rock after school programs and 3M for a $5000 grant to expand Latinitas after school programming to Lanier High School.

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Latinitas, Inc. is an Austin-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Hispanic girls in media and technology. We accomplish this by publishing a bilingual webzine for Hispanic girls, hosting innovative media workshops in the community, and facilitating an after-school program for junior reporters.