Daughter of a President and executive producer for Comedy Kings, Luisa Leschin is a writer, an actress, and a renaissance woman extraordinaire
By Al Carlos Hernandez on December 6, 2009
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Determined Latina realizes her dreams
To Become Someone
A determined woman’s quest to realize her dreams
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 7
Oxnard, CA – Immigrants come to the United States each year with the hope of creating a better life for themselves. No matter what their aspirations, they bring with them a determination and drive to work hard to become someone. Author Norma Madrigal was one of these people. A Mexican citizen, Madrigal left her home and headed to Los Angeles with the hope, faith and confidence to create a successful and satisfying life. Her novel, To Become Someone in some ways parallels the road she took to get to where she is today.
Amy, the story’s main character, leaves her father’s house and embarks on her adventure to attend school in Los Angeles. Like many college students, Amy works to support herself and attend class full-time. Encountering obstacles along the way, she never gives up on her dreams and is determined to prove to her father that she can make it on her own.
Named the most successful in her graduating class, Amy leaves to complete her internship requirement in a clinic headed by Dr. Brett Zuk. She is instantly taken back by his good looks and charming personality. The chemistry between each of them is evident as she and others notice his eyes always looking her way. Amy is confident that she has met the man of her dreams.
Amy’s feelings and budding relationship with Dr. Zuk begin to cause a rift between her and her best friend, Lana. Jealous of Amy’s new-found love, Lana begins lashing out at Amy and devises a plan in hopes of destroying her friend’s romance. As the plot thickens, Amy begins to question Dr. Zuk’s motives. She is left with feelings of doubt about their relationship, his love for her and wonders if she is a pawn in his game.
To Become Someone
Trade paperback, soft cover
Approximately 148 pages
ISBN: 978-1438918143
$17.99 retail price
Available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com
About the Author
Norma Madrigal spent her childhood years in Michoacan, Mexico, where she realized her passion for writing. Her love for drafting short stories, songs and poems earned her The International Library of Poetry’s “Editor’s Choice Award” in 2008. The author has plans to continue writing and publishing novels, with the goal of catching Hollywood’s attention, and seeing her novels acted out on the big screen. Madrigal resides in Oxnard, California where she works as a medical assistant and certified phlebotomist technician.
A determined woman’s quest to realize her dreams
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 7
Oxnard, CA – Immigrants come to the United States each year with the hope of creating a better life for themselves. No matter what their aspirations, they bring with them a determination and drive to work hard to become someone. Author Norma Madrigal was one of these people. A Mexican citizen, Madrigal left her home and headed to Los Angeles with the hope, faith and confidence to create a successful and satisfying life. Her novel, To Become Someone in some ways parallels the road she took to get to where she is today.
Amy, the story’s main character, leaves her father’s house and embarks on her adventure to attend school in Los Angeles. Like many college students, Amy works to support herself and attend class full-time. Encountering obstacles along the way, she never gives up on her dreams and is determined to prove to her father that she can make it on her own.
Named the most successful in her graduating class, Amy leaves to complete her internship requirement in a clinic headed by Dr. Brett Zuk. She is instantly taken back by his good looks and charming personality. The chemistry between each of them is evident as she and others notice his eyes always looking her way. Amy is confident that she has met the man of her dreams.
Amy’s feelings and budding relationship with Dr. Zuk begin to cause a rift between her and her best friend, Lana. Jealous of Amy’s new-found love, Lana begins lashing out at Amy and devises a plan in hopes of destroying her friend’s romance. As the plot thickens, Amy begins to question Dr. Zuk’s motives. She is left with feelings of doubt about their relationship, his love for her and wonders if she is a pawn in his game.
To Become Someone
Trade paperback, soft cover
Approximately 148 pages
ISBN: 978-1438918143
$17.99 retail price
Available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com
About the Author
Norma Madrigal spent her childhood years in Michoacan, Mexico, where she realized her passion for writing. Her love for drafting short stories, songs and poems earned her The International Library of Poetry’s “Editor’s Choice Award” in 2008. The author has plans to continue writing and publishing novels, with the goal of catching Hollywood’s attention, and seeing her novels acted out on the big screen. Madrigal resides in Oxnard, California where she works as a medical assistant and certified phlebotomist technician.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Latina appointed Digital Equality Board
Alliance for Digital Equality Appoints Victoria M. DeFrancesco Soto, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Northwestern University to Board of Advisors
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 6
The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) has announced the appointment of Victoria M. DeFrancesco Soto, Ph. D., to its Board of Advisors. Victoria M. DeFrancesco Soto serves as Assistant Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University and a Faculty Fellow at Northwestern's Institute for Policy Research.
Dr. DeFrancesco Soto's research focuses on race and ethnic politics, immigration, and campaigns and elections. Her academic research has been widely published in scholarly journals and edited volumes. Her current work examines how Latino political candidates are evaluated by both Latino and non-Latino populations. Her research and teaching portfolio links race and ethnicity with political psychology to understand how 'cognition' and 'affect' shape how individuals process information in dynamic political environments.
Dr. DeFrancesco Soto also brings public opinion expertise to understanding presidential elections. Presently, Dr. DeFrancesco Soto is examining how the 2008 presidential campaign ads shaped public opinion and vote choice. In this analysis, she applies an Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) approach to understanding how ethnically targeted ads influence political choice. In 2008, Dr. DeFrancesco Soto was Northwestern's University principal investigator for the Big Ten Battleground Poll, a public opinion survey of voters for the 2008 Presidential Election.
In addition to her current role at Northwestern, Dr. DeFrancesco Soto is in the media sphere, regularly contributing to national media outlets. In 2008, she served as a primary expert and analyst for CNN en Espanol's 2008 Presidential Election coverage. She has also been featured on the Today Show and NPR.
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 6
The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) has announced the appointment of Victoria M. DeFrancesco Soto, Ph. D., to its Board of Advisors. Victoria M. DeFrancesco Soto serves as Assistant Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University and a Faculty Fellow at Northwestern's Institute for Policy Research.
Dr. DeFrancesco Soto's research focuses on race and ethnic politics, immigration, and campaigns and elections. Her academic research has been widely published in scholarly journals and edited volumes. Her current work examines how Latino political candidates are evaluated by both Latino and non-Latino populations. Her research and teaching portfolio links race and ethnicity with political psychology to understand how 'cognition' and 'affect' shape how individuals process information in dynamic political environments.
Dr. DeFrancesco Soto also brings public opinion expertise to understanding presidential elections. Presently, Dr. DeFrancesco Soto is examining how the 2008 presidential campaign ads shaped public opinion and vote choice. In this analysis, she applies an Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) approach to understanding how ethnically targeted ads influence political choice. In 2008, Dr. DeFrancesco Soto was Northwestern's University principal investigator for the Big Ten Battleground Poll, a public opinion survey of voters for the 2008 Presidential Election.
In addition to her current role at Northwestern, Dr. DeFrancesco Soto is in the media sphere, regularly contributing to national media outlets. In 2008, she served as a primary expert and analyst for CNN en Espanol's 2008 Presidential Election coverage. She has also been featured on the Today Show and NPR.
Latina hired as economic development director
City hires Belinda Ortiz
By Juliana A. Torres, OSC News Gazette, Nov 25, 2009
Belinda Ortiz – a Buenaventura Lakes resident, former state senate candidate and local business representative – will be Kissimmee’s first economic development director starting Dec. 1, the city announced Friday.
The position, the only personnel increase to this year’s budget that had a net decrease of 17 full time employees, first was introduced in April as a way to promote the city’s development of Vine Street, the airport corridor and its downtown.
Commissioners said that they felt the position could eventually pay for itself with revenue from additional business development.
Since then, the city has been seeking a candidate who had strong relationships within the local business community and could hit the ground running in promoting the city.
“As the city continues to grow, it's imperative we make businesses aware that Kissimmee is an ideal location if they are interested in either starting up or relocating to our area,” City Manager Mark Durbin stated in a press release announcing the decision. “Ms. Ortiz is highly skilled in business development, which will foster the goodwill relations needed to facilitate strong ties within the business community.”
In April, the commission approved hiring the economic development director right away and even approved additional funds be set aside for salary and benefits of the position prior to the new budget period that started in October.
However, delays in the hiring process prevented the new position from being filled until now. The city had hired a director, whose first day was to be in July, but who didn’t end up taking the job, Deputy City Manager Mike Steigerwald said. After considering the other candidates, the city decided to re-advertise for the position in October, starting the process over again, he said.
The 2009 fiscal year budget included $112,000 in salary and benefits for the new economic development director as well as expenses, travel and training for the new operation. Ortiz will make $75,000 a year.
“She has a breadth of experience on a variety of levels,” Steigerwald said. “Really what impressed us about her was that she was out there in the community (and) had lot of contacts in business development. She’s very professional, a very good communicator and very enthusiastic. She’s going to be a good salesperson for the city.”
The city has been represented by the county’s economic development department, contributing about a $50,000 annual fee – waived the last few years in the economic downturn – as well as economic development funds toward the incoming businesses, Steigerwald said.
Ortiz will be tasked with promoting the city’s redevelopment of the downtown, Vine Street and the area around Kissimmee Gateway Airport, areas the county office doesn’t target specifically.
“Our goal with this position was to supplement the services the county economic development department provides,” Steigerwald said.
Commissioner Jerry Gemskie said he pushed for the city to hire an economic development advocate in 2004 and was pleased with the decision to hire Ortiz.
“She presents herself well and she’ll represent the city well,” he said. “We need a people person that can go out and make people feel comfortable. You want someone to bring in some good quality business.”
Ortiz has represented Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, one of the region's strongest workforce engines. Before that, she worked for Orange County's Business Development office, assisting small business start-ups, promoting contract opportunities at the county and managing contracts worth more than $65 million. She also has served on a number of boards, including the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund.
Ortiz is nationally certified as a economic development finance professional and has earned a master’s degree in public administration.
Aside from her business experience, Ortiz unsuccessfully ran for state senator against Gary Siplin in 2008.
By Juliana A. Torres, OSC News Gazette, Nov 25, 2009
Belinda Ortiz – a Buenaventura Lakes resident, former state senate candidate and local business representative – will be Kissimmee’s first economic development director starting Dec. 1, the city announced Friday.
The position, the only personnel increase to this year’s budget that had a net decrease of 17 full time employees, first was introduced in April as a way to promote the city’s development of Vine Street, the airport corridor and its downtown.
Commissioners said that they felt the position could eventually pay for itself with revenue from additional business development.
Since then, the city has been seeking a candidate who had strong relationships within the local business community and could hit the ground running in promoting the city.
“As the city continues to grow, it's imperative we make businesses aware that Kissimmee is an ideal location if they are interested in either starting up or relocating to our area,” City Manager Mark Durbin stated in a press release announcing the decision. “Ms. Ortiz is highly skilled in business development, which will foster the goodwill relations needed to facilitate strong ties within the business community.”
In April, the commission approved hiring the economic development director right away and even approved additional funds be set aside for salary and benefits of the position prior to the new budget period that started in October.
However, delays in the hiring process prevented the new position from being filled until now. The city had hired a director, whose first day was to be in July, but who didn’t end up taking the job, Deputy City Manager Mike Steigerwald said. After considering the other candidates, the city decided to re-advertise for the position in October, starting the process over again, he said.
The 2009 fiscal year budget included $112,000 in salary and benefits for the new economic development director as well as expenses, travel and training for the new operation. Ortiz will make $75,000 a year.
“She has a breadth of experience on a variety of levels,” Steigerwald said. “Really what impressed us about her was that she was out there in the community (and) had lot of contacts in business development. She’s very professional, a very good communicator and very enthusiastic. She’s going to be a good salesperson for the city.”
The city has been represented by the county’s economic development department, contributing about a $50,000 annual fee – waived the last few years in the economic downturn – as well as economic development funds toward the incoming businesses, Steigerwald said.
Ortiz will be tasked with promoting the city’s redevelopment of the downtown, Vine Street and the area around Kissimmee Gateway Airport, areas the county office doesn’t target specifically.
“Our goal with this position was to supplement the services the county economic development department provides,” Steigerwald said.
Commissioner Jerry Gemskie said he pushed for the city to hire an economic development advocate in 2004 and was pleased with the decision to hire Ortiz.
“She presents herself well and she’ll represent the city well,” he said. “We need a people person that can go out and make people feel comfortable. You want someone to bring in some good quality business.”
Ortiz has represented Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, one of the region's strongest workforce engines. Before that, she worked for Orange County's Business Development office, assisting small business start-ups, promoting contract opportunities at the county and managing contracts worth more than $65 million. She also has served on a number of boards, including the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund.
Ortiz is nationally certified as a economic development finance professional and has earned a master’s degree in public administration.
Aside from her business experience, Ortiz unsuccessfully ran for state senator against Gary Siplin in 2008.
Latina makes being bilingual easier
Creating bilingual children using a unique approach
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 6
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Census Bureau estimates there are 46.9 million Spanish-speaking people living in the United States today. In this era of globalization, there are significant advantages for those who are able to speak more than one language, and in particular Spanish and English. Recognizing this reality, parents are looking to give their children every competitive edge.
Author Celina Penovi offers children a never-before-seen, fun, easy and effective way to become bilingual in her new series of English/Spanish storybooks. An international lawyer from Argentina and mother of four, Celina knows first-hand the importance of communicating fluently and effectively in both Spanish and English – while making the endeavor fun.
“Learning a second language is not as hard as it seems,” says Celina. “Reading books that are interesting and fun makes everyone more open and relaxed, so learning becomes smoother and more pleasant.”
The series of English/Spanish books includes:
- Scramble Breakfast (Alboroto a la Hora del Desayuno), a tale of hilarious breakfast table mishaps that occur between the food and utensils at the table.
- The Clumsy Stork (La Cigüeña Despistada), the story of a stork exhausted after a night of partying and the humor of delivering babies the next morning.
- Guess it if you can! - School Time! (¿Adivinarás, quizás? - ¡Hora de ir a la escuela!), eight riddles about activities taking place during the school day.
All books are written with matching stanzas in English and Spanish to make learning even easier, and are beautifully illustrated. The books are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, with it’s fun, snappy rhymes. An excerpt of a riddle from Guess it if you can! - School Time!, reads:
En la cartuchera In the pencil box
yo me escondo I hide
junto a la lapicera. with the pen standing at my side.
Pinto con la crayola With the crayons
sobre el papel the paper we seek
bailando cola con cola. to paint while dancing cheek to cheek.
Visit www.kidspoemas.com to get a sense of Celina’s unique approach.
The series of books can be purchased at www.authorhouse.com, www.amazon.com, or www.barnesandnoble.com.
About the Author
Celina Penovi was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She received her masters degree in International Law from UC Berkeley and is a licensed attorney in Argentina and California. At present, she is senior counsel at the World Bank. In her spare time she assists in charitable work, and enjoys playing sports and guitar. She currently resides just outside of Washington, D.C. with her husband and four boys.
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 6
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Census Bureau estimates there are 46.9 million Spanish-speaking people living in the United States today. In this era of globalization, there are significant advantages for those who are able to speak more than one language, and in particular Spanish and English. Recognizing this reality, parents are looking to give their children every competitive edge.
Author Celina Penovi offers children a never-before-seen, fun, easy and effective way to become bilingual in her new series of English/Spanish storybooks. An international lawyer from Argentina and mother of four, Celina knows first-hand the importance of communicating fluently and effectively in both Spanish and English – while making the endeavor fun.
“Learning a second language is not as hard as it seems,” says Celina. “Reading books that are interesting and fun makes everyone more open and relaxed, so learning becomes smoother and more pleasant.”
The series of English/Spanish books includes:
- Scramble Breakfast (Alboroto a la Hora del Desayuno), a tale of hilarious breakfast table mishaps that occur between the food and utensils at the table.
- The Clumsy Stork (La Cigüeña Despistada), the story of a stork exhausted after a night of partying and the humor of delivering babies the next morning.
- Guess it if you can! - School Time! (¿Adivinarás, quizás? - ¡Hora de ir a la escuela!), eight riddles about activities taking place during the school day.
All books are written with matching stanzas in English and Spanish to make learning even easier, and are beautifully illustrated. The books are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, with it’s fun, snappy rhymes. An excerpt of a riddle from Guess it if you can! - School Time!, reads:
En la cartuchera In the pencil box
yo me escondo I hide
junto a la lapicera. with the pen standing at my side.
Pinto con la crayola With the crayons
sobre el papel the paper we seek
bailando cola con cola. to paint while dancing cheek to cheek.
Visit www.kidspoemas.com to get a sense of Celina’s unique approach.
The series of books can be purchased at www.authorhouse.com, www.amazon.com, or www.barnesandnoble.com.
About the Author
Celina Penovi was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She received her masters degree in International Law from UC Berkeley and is a licensed attorney in Argentina and California. At present, she is senior counsel at the World Bank. In her spare time she assists in charitable work, and enjoys playing sports and guitar. She currently resides just outside of Washington, D.C. with her husband and four boys.
Monday, November 23, 2009
New GM will position Surropa.com with Hispanics
Surropa.com, the Ultimate Online Fashion Destination for Hipster Latinos, Hires New General Manager to Position Store for Future Growth Within the US Hispanic Market
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 5
MIAMI, FL -- SOBO Concepts LLC, owner of Surropa.com, one of the Internet's top destinations for Latino-focused apparel and accessories, announces the hiring of Natalia Zapata as their E-commerce Manager.
Since its launch in 2006, Surropa has focused on selling NaCo, the kitschy Mexican brand that has achieved cult-like status in Mexico, the U.S. and around the world. While Surropa continues to be the exclusive online retailer for NaCo products in the United States, "Hiring Natalia marks a new stage in Surropa's branding and development," remarked Dean Schwartz, President of SOBO Concepts.
"Our goal is to create an online destination where Latino clothing brands, artists, designers and consumers can come together to sell and purchase products that are cool, credible and culturally relevant. Having spent over 15 years working for brands such as Reebok and the NBA in Latin America and US Hispanic markets, I was continually frustrated by the lack of distribution, acceptance and access for Hispanic-driven products. Surropa will take a leadership role in providing this unique platform to millions of US Hispanic consumers."
Ms. Zapata brings over eight years of fashion, design, marketing and Internet experience to her role at Surropa. She has worked for Macy's, Guess and Cosabella and most recently managed Inside Fashion World Media, an interactive global hub for the trendsetting fashion industry. "I'm very excited to build Surropa into the web's top destination for fashion and other lifestyle products geared to the hipster Latino community," said Zapata.
Surropa's future assortment will feature a mix of contemporary and street fashion apparel, accessories, art and more. Be on the lookout for ongoing improvements to the site and product assortment.
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 5
MIAMI, FL -- SOBO Concepts LLC, owner of Surropa.com, one of the Internet's top destinations for Latino-focused apparel and accessories, announces the hiring of Natalia Zapata as their E-commerce Manager.
Since its launch in 2006, Surropa has focused on selling NaCo, the kitschy Mexican brand that has achieved cult-like status in Mexico, the U.S. and around the world. While Surropa continues to be the exclusive online retailer for NaCo products in the United States, "Hiring Natalia marks a new stage in Surropa's branding and development," remarked Dean Schwartz, President of SOBO Concepts.
"Our goal is to create an online destination where Latino clothing brands, artists, designers and consumers can come together to sell and purchase products that are cool, credible and culturally relevant. Having spent over 15 years working for brands such as Reebok and the NBA in Latin America and US Hispanic markets, I was continually frustrated by the lack of distribution, acceptance and access for Hispanic-driven products. Surropa will take a leadership role in providing this unique platform to millions of US Hispanic consumers."
Ms. Zapata brings over eight years of fashion, design, marketing and Internet experience to her role at Surropa. She has worked for Macy's, Guess and Cosabella and most recently managed Inside Fashion World Media, an interactive global hub for the trendsetting fashion industry. "I'm very excited to build Surropa into the web's top destination for fashion and other lifestyle products geared to the hipster Latino community," said Zapata.
Surropa's future assortment will feature a mix of contemporary and street fashion apparel, accessories, art and more. Be on the lookout for ongoing improvements to the site and product assortment.
Hispanic Dental Association appoints new Executive
Hispanic Dental Association appoints new executive director
Dental Economics, November 19, 2009
SOMERSET, New Jersey--The Hispanic Dental Association has appointed Dr. C. Yolanda Bonta of Somerset, a founding member of the association, as its new executive director.
Dr. Bonta's has 17 years in the corporate dental industry with Colgate-Palmolive, plus years of experience in academia and clinical research. During her career with Colgate-Palmolive, Dr. Bonta held a series of management positions in the areas of clinical research, new product technologies, professional product development, and global professional marketing.
She has interfaced globally with key opinion leaders across various specialties, defined strategies to build stronger relationships with dental and hygiene schools, and created scientific publications. She is well known throughout the dental industry for her leadership and determination to promote innovation and excellence in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Bonta's DMD is from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine, where she was academic faculty of the schools of medicine and dentistry. She is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo with a certificate in periodontology. She also holds master's degrees in clinical microbiology from UPR and Oral Biology from SUNY.
Dr. Bonta is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the Academy of Dentists International, a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, American/International Association for Dental Research, National Dental Association, American Association of Women Dentists, member of the Board and past president of the Board of Directors for Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures, and past president of the Board of Trustees of the Student Clinicians of the ADA.
To learn more about the Hispanic Dental Association, visit http://www.hdassoc.org/
Dental Economics, November 19, 2009
SOMERSET, New Jersey--The Hispanic Dental Association has appointed Dr. C. Yolanda Bonta of Somerset, a founding member of the association, as its new executive director.
Dr. Bonta's has 17 years in the corporate dental industry with Colgate-Palmolive, plus years of experience in academia and clinical research. During her career with Colgate-Palmolive, Dr. Bonta held a series of management positions in the areas of clinical research, new product technologies, professional product development, and global professional marketing.
She has interfaced globally with key opinion leaders across various specialties, defined strategies to build stronger relationships with dental and hygiene schools, and created scientific publications. She is well known throughout the dental industry for her leadership and determination to promote innovation and excellence in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Bonta's DMD is from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine, where she was academic faculty of the schools of medicine and dentistry. She is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo with a certificate in periodontology. She also holds master's degrees in clinical microbiology from UPR and Oral Biology from SUNY.
Dr. Bonta is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the Academy of Dentists International, a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, American/International Association for Dental Research, National Dental Association, American Association of Women Dentists, member of the Board and past president of the Board of Directors for Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures, and past president of the Board of Trustees of the Student Clinicians of the ADA.
To learn more about the Hispanic Dental Association, visit http://www.hdassoc.org/
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