MIERCOLES MUDO: Miami At Night

College? Guilt By Contradiction For Young Latinas

In my Hispanicize 2014 recap, I made reference to a series of skits presented during one of our lunches by Orgullosa called The Nueva Latina Monologues. The skits tackle the ambicultural^® Latina experience, that of being able to slip innately between two cultures. They treat as an asset, rather than a deficit, a skill that many of us may have been confused by, or did not know what to name.

By the way, it's not a ability unique to Latinas.

Para Colegio And 'Guilt By Contradiction'

Here's a video clip of The Nueva Latina Monologues' second skit Para Colegio | Go. It's about a conversation a young Latina has with her mother about wanting to go away to college and her mother's reticence, much of which stems from cultural norms. The daughter wants to be independent and self-sufficient, to see the world. The mom is afraid of letting go.

It may appear on the surface to be a familiar, or mainstream conversation, but it's not. First-generation Latinas, or Latinas who immigrated to the U.S. at a young age are often held to a cultural norm that expects them "to prioritize family responsibilities above school." Enter guilt by contradiction: parents, mothers specifically, want their daughters to have the opportunities they never did, but don't want to see their daughters go. Of course it's different for sons. The conversations we're having at home need to change if we're to address the disproportionately high dropout rate experienced by Latinas, relative to their non-Latina peers.

Watch the video. I'm sure more than one of you will be able to relate.

Sources

Making Education Work for Latinas in the U.S. (2013), The Civil Rights Project
Latina Power Shift (2013), The Nielsen Company

The Stars Shone Bright At Hispanicize 2014

Riding With Crafty Chica And Curves And Chaos

Hispanicize 2014 was filled with surprises, interesting people and turbo charged events. Here's a photo of me with Kathy Murillo Cano, otherwise known as CRAFTY CHICA. I was delighted when I boarded the open air bus that would take us to see Cesar Chavez and saw an empty seat next to her. Kathy's accomplished so much between her crafting books, novels, and branded products, that discovering she's as kind and gracious, as she is successful, is refreshing. Also, that's none other than Monique Frausto, the founder of Blogs by Latinas and Curves and Chaos photobombing us.

 

Here's Monique, again, on the right. Funny story about the lovely young lady sitting to her left. A lot happened on top of that bus, funny stuff. Sooooo, I thought the young woman was being silly when every few minutes she'd tap Kathy on the shoulder and say, "Mom, look ..." Knowing what I've shared about Crafty Chica's personality, I thought Kathy was being nice to another fan, when every few minutes she'd turn, smile and answer the young woman. Well, it turns out Kathy is her mom. Yeah. Open mouth. Insert foot.

I Saw Cesar Chavez. In Spanish.

 

It made me happy to learn that Cesar Chavez, the new film directed by Diego Luna, would be screened for us at Hispanicize. Before watching the movie, I had very little knowledge of  Chavez, the United Farm Workers Union, and the hunger strike that won migrant farm workers fair wages. Sadly, this chapter of American history was missing from my history books. I found the movie to be a good introduction to Chavez's greatest accomplishment.

Apparently, there was a mix up and the theater only had the Spanish version of the movie for the screening. We didn't find out until they were about to shut off the lights. For a second I panicked. Then I was, like, "Wait. I know Spanish. Vamos." After a few minutes the novelty wore off. To be honest, it felt no different to me than watching a movie in English. Though, I have to admit that it filled me with pride to watch it and understand everything. Awesome, really.

Now to do a little research of my own.

Friendly and Familiar Faces

Here are some peeps that brightened up breakfast the next day. Deldelp Medina (center) is a brainiac app developer and president of @Latino_Startups, Laura Aiello (right) is author of El Cofre de Mis Deseos, and the guy on the left with the big smile is Fernando Rodríguez of Moore Communications Group.

The Nueva Latina Monologues

Prior to attending Hispanicize, I'd not heard of The Nueva Latina Monologues and did not know what to expect when the actress shown above stepped out on stage. The performance took place during one of our lunches, and had they shown the entire show (that I hope to see!), I would've stayed glued to my chair.

The Nueva Latina Monologues is a series of skits written by Linda Nieves-Powell that dig deeply into the psyche of bicultural (ambicultural^®) Latinas. The women acted out scenes that could've been taken from the home I grew up in. I have to admit that I got emotional. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find a clip for the skit involving a girl whose two cultures, American and Latina, argue with each other over which of the two she should choose to be. It's a clever reenactment filled with humor and sadness.

Here's one of the skits ...

 

Living The Good Life

Miami was a lot of fun. It was also exhausting. Although I wasn't able to completely chill due to homework, the trip reminded me of all the wonderful experiences and good friends I've made because of this tiny blog. I have a lot to be grateful for and feel blessed to have the love and support of my family and friends, as I continue on my journey.

If you can believe it, my last day of class is Tuesday, May 6th. I'll be walking for my MEd June 1st. Here we go.

Taking deep breaths.

 

The Year In Pictures

I didn't want to let the year end without sharing some of the moments that stand out in my memory.

2013 is the first year since I moved to Massachusetts that I've seen this much snowfall. Note the snow at the entrance to the garage. And I live here because …

One thing's for sure, this is not where I plan to spend my Golden Years.

Human Development Across the Lifespan was an intensive summer course that I took in which we were required to present our stages of development with a thirty minute presentation at the end of the course. The class was intense not only in the volume of material we covered in seven weeks, but, also, because of the intense emotions and life experiences shared by our cohort.

I think it was the first time I didn't dread knowing a presentation awaited me. My biggest worry was that I wouldn't be able to talk for thirty minutes about myself. Much to my surprise I was so into my presentation that I lost track of time talking about my family and ancestors. The class laughed when I flashed a slide that said to "Google at your own risk."

It was while I wrote my presentation that I discovered that an actual word exists for healing with books: bibliotherapy.

Yes, books heal. 

Hispanicize reinvigorated me. It was loud, colorful and charged with energy. This has become an annual event where I look forward to spending time with mis blogueras amigas-hermanas. 

Our son is not a little boy, anymore.

Maine in the summer is where I wish to be.

These are smiles that make me happy.

Pearl (top right) arrived via USPS recently. She replaced my rooster Richard (bottom) who had to go live on a local farm where he could do what he does best -- crow. Thank God for great neighbors.

I love Latism and everything it stands for. It's challenged me to step into discomfort. I am a better person because of it. Life is colorless without a sense of community.

I accomplished a lot this year and continue to learn about myself. My two biggest goals for 2014 are to graduate in May and secure a job in my field of study.

Happy New Year, my friends. :-)

Women Empowering Women

I remember in my younger years refusing to take advice. Didn't matter if it had to do with school, boyfriends or clothes. I declared my independence at a young age, did what I wanted, disregarding los consejos of woman who had a lifetime of experience. Not any more.

Creating Choices

The Adelante Movement: The Wisdom of Latina Legends promotes women empowering women. It taught me the importance of mentorship and that we should heed the advice of the Latinas who've come before us, not be afraid to "ask" for their help. We should be helping each other, not competing.

Left to Right: Rita Moreno, Charo and Maria Elena Toraño

Experience = Wisdom

I was in awe of the extraordinary Latina legends who spoke candidly with us; these women are accomplished, fit and filled with positive energy. They shared their stories of success and after hearing the obstacles and hardships they battled along the way, it became clear to me that their lives have been no easier than ours. What distinguishes them from 99% of the population is that they never gave up.

Charo

Charo, whose energy was jaw-dropping, shared that she overworked herself between the ages of seventeen and twenty-six, depriving herself of all her youth and life had to offer. Her advice to daughters is to live a full and balanced life.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno, who is relishing her freedom, read an excerpt from her newly-released memoir. She reminded us that the possibilities are limitless "for those of us who choose to no longer play the victim" and shared that she found dark places while writing her memoir. She wept when she revisited her wounds, but that their hold released on her.

Maria Elena Toraño

Maria Elena, the founder of the National Hispana Leadership Institute (NHLI) and a three-time presidential appointee, spent her life "searching for peace." She advised that when you "overcome your ego, your priorities change." Also, that we must learn to like ourselves.


Adelante Advice

• "Mission" and "Money" are not the same. Pursue your passion, but if your passion is not earning you an income, reevaluate. You must make an income first. There is no shame in making money. 
• Have a big goal.
• Learn from those who came before us -- knowledge is currency.
• To be chosen, you must choose yourself first.
• "Nothing will make you feel better than self-reliance."
• "It's never too late to right the wrongs of the past."
• "Maintaining our health and wellness is the best form of self-love." 
• We all need therapy.

I love that The Adelante session is that good shake Latinas need to squash complacency. We should all be setting goals and supporting each other. My Adelante pledge is that although I can't promise to be fearless, I can promise to be brave. I will view those things outside my comfort-zone as "experiments." Most will fail, some will lead to breakthroughs. I will live life on my terms.

Tanto que quiero a mis blogueras-hermanas.

They inspire, support and help guide me.

 

The Adelante Movement creates opportunities through Coca-Cola and promotes women empowering women in entrepreneurship. Follow them on Twitter at @AdelantePower and Facebook to learn more.

Thank you Nely, Adelante and Coca-Cola for promoting women in entrepreneurship.

ADELANTE in Miami!

©2013 Ezzy G. Languzzi

Exactly one week from tomorrow, I'll be on a plane headed south to meet up with mis blogueras hermanas at Hispanicize, the premier Latino trends event slated for April 9-13 in Miami, Florida. The five days are going to be jammed with educational sessions and special events. One program in particular I'm certain not to miss -- Nely Galán's The Adelante Movement. I had the opportunity to hear Nely Galán twice last year and am looking forward to hearing her empowering message once more. I'm grateful that I get to attend and wish to thank our friends at Coca-Cola for helping to make my trip possible.

The Adelante Movement: The Wisdom of Latina Legends will feature special appearances by Hollywood icons Rita Moreno and Charo, two inspiring women who are going to share their experiences and thoughts on everything from personal and economic empowerment to complete health.

2012 Hispanicize, Miami, FL -- Amigas, it's going to be a reunion!

I hope you'll follow the event because once you've heard Nely Galán, there's no going back. Here's a little wisdom she imparted last year that will always stay with me ...

... that "failure is not a fact, it's a feeling"
... the importance of not being isolated in "community"
... that it's a lot easier to be Latina in the mainstream, than within the Latino community
... and the importance of cleaning our own "luggage," because we could all use a little professional help

What will Rita Moreno and Charo reveal? Will they share their vulnerabilities? I'm eager to find out, because it's when you hear amazing women such as these discuss their fears, that you realize you're not alone.

I'll be tweeting highlights and pictures from Adelante and Hispanicize next week. Follow me on Twitter at @EzzyLanguzzi and @AdelantePower, hashtags, #CokeHispz13 and #Adelante to stay on top of the action. If you're at Hispanicize, I encourage you to attend. Admission is free and space is limited. You can register at  www.theadelantemovement.com .

To learn more, please visit Adelante, the Coca-Cola "Coming Together" website and the Coca-Cola company Journey website and blog.

©2013 Ezzy G. Languzzi

Featured Speakers

"RITA MORENO has won all four of the most prestigious awards in show business: the Oscar, the Tony, two Emmys, and a Grammy. Her countless credits span more than six decades, from her Broadway debut at age 13 to her current role on the TVLand series, Happily Divorced. Moreno has performed on Broadway; London's West End; appeared in more than 40 feature films, and has performed in numerous regional theaters, most recently starring in her one woman show, Life Without Makeup at the Berkeley Rep. Rita was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 and the National Medal of Arts by President Obama in 2010. Her book, Rita Moreno A Memoir was published in March by Celebra."

"CHARO is a household name. She is instantly recognizable as the “cuchi cuchi” girl, Charo’s trademark expression, which has endeared her to millions around the world and made her name synonymous with music, fun and excitement. She has appeared in countless hit television shows, including more than forty-five appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. She also appeared on the long-running comedy “The Love Boat” than any other star. Charo also appeared in such films as MOON OVER PARADOR with Richard Dreyfuss and AIRPORT 79: THE CONCORD." www.charo.com

"NELY GALÁN – Founder of The Adelante Movement Nely Galán is a first generation Latina and self-made media mogul, who was the first Latina president of a U.S. TV network (Telemundo), She was recently featured in HBO’s “The Latino List: Volume Two” and was also named one of PEOPLE En Español’s 25 Most Powerful Women. She is an Emmy Award-winning producer of over 600 episodes of television in Spanish and English, including the hit reality series “The Swan” and the first Latina to appear on Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump. Galán recently went back to school and completed her Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology."  www.nelygalan.com

MIERCOLES MUDO: #TargetLuxeLounge at #Hispz12

Butterflies in Miami

JW Marriot Marquis, Miami

By Ezzy G. Languzzi

They descended on Miami
Butterflies in a mist
Wings touching, souls dancing
Hearts open in earnest

From faraway places
Seen only in dreams
Wedded by language
Yet not all the same

colombianas

guatemaltecas

boricuas

cubanas

venezolanas

uruguayas

Y unas cuantas mexicanas

Women stunning
Unforgettable

Both in heart and mind
Giving and sharing
Not one unkind

Mothers, wives
Sisters, daughters
Journalists, fotógrafas
Fashionistas y artists

Butterflies embracing life
With vigor and laughter
Stars and sparkle in eyes
Aspiring to be better

After many tears and much banter
These butterflies
Returned home
Hermanas, amigas
Seeds of friendship sown

They captivated my mind
Set on fire my imagination
Mis hermanas
Mis amigas
Left me longing for more time
Mariposas bonitas
I didn't want to say, "Good-bye."