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: It's About Giving and Sharing

Adelante
Hermanas
Vengan alrededor
Miedo
No tengan
Por favor
It's about sisterhood
It's about mentorship
It's about selfless support
Giving and sharing
Experience
It's what they aim for
Don't be afraid of the dark
Don't be afraid to explore
Embrace what you've endured
Made you strong
Step through the door
Survival
Tenacity
Let fear be your guide
Go find your wings
So as hermanas
We fly

Left to Right @FarahMesa @EzzyLanguzzi @SofiaKeck @AdrianaBoatwright

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: Follow Your Dreams

©2013 Ezzy G. Languzzi

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

Off to Latism12 in Houston! ... Er, Almost

This girl's got her red boots on with no where to go.

Well, not exactly.

I was supposed to be on a 9:45 a.m. flight that slammed its gates shut 10 minutes early. So, I sit here, anxiously, awaiting the next flight to Houston, where the 2012 Latinos in Social Media Conference, #Latism12, is being held.

I'm super excited and can't wait to get there. Between the inspiring and educational panels, the keynote speakers, Latin-themed entertainment, and generous sponsors, such as Johnson & Johnson and Toyota, #Latism12 will be the chicken soup that my soul needs to replenish and reconnect with all the wonderful blogueras I've had the privilege of getting to know over the last couple of years, women such as Pink Guayoyo, AutismWonderland, Growing Up Blackxican and La Familia Cool.

Even better, several Latino authors will be signing books, like Sabrina Vourvoulias, whose debut INK released last week. I had the opportunity to get to know Sabrina at last year's conference and look forward to interviewing her this weekend about her science fiction book that depicts a grim handling of immigrants in the U.S. Very disturbing and reminiscent of historical events.

If things couldn't get any better, to close the conference on Saturday, Nely Galan's The Adelante Movement, an organization that promotes Latina leadership, will present its program and feature keynote Sandra Cisneros, author of House on Mango Street. Hello!

Yeah, I CAN'T WAIT and they're calling my gate ... nos vemos. :-)