NEW LATINA™

We Can All Do it All: A Call for Hermandad

Cindy Cabral — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:28:58 +0000

Now more than ever, mujeres are proving that they can do it all!

All of Us Can Do it All!

Women can simultaneously be wives, mothers, successful businesswomen, movers and shakers! Women can be everything and anything, from political leaders to athletes, writers to government officials, artists to entertainers, CEO's of companies to inventors, doctors to lawyers, pilots to teachers, etc. Our capabilities are endless! Women have been taking over the world, one day at a time, for a very long time. However, often times women remain silent regarding their triumphs. While men shamelessly bask in their own successes, some of us women have been taking a seat in the back, plotting how, when and where to make a move. Ladies, the movement already has begun and it's time that each of us join in--together!

Success is Found in Sisterhood

As I think of some of the most powerful--and impactful--women in history, I think of Mother Theresa, Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, Coco Chanel, Hilary Clinton, Martha Stewart, Amelia Earhart, Estee Lauder, Marilyn Monroe, Virginia Woolf, Sonia Sotomayor and Oprah Winfrey. These women have made their mark on the world and paved the way for the future generations of women to do the same. One advantage that many of us have today, that the female leaders who came before us did not always have, are mentorship groups, programs and support systems comprised of like-minded women intended to support the female leaders of tomorrow. Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says "There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women," and he couldn't be more right. Women need other women to overcome the biased gender expectations that society has placed on us all. We need to support one another, help one another, guide one another and lead one another to greatness, as a band of sisters. We need to motivate one another to overcome the myriad of obstacles that may stand in our way. We need not compete with one another, but use each other as a resource. Today we are lucky to have so many powerful women in leadership roles within our communities, our professional industries and the world. Women who have worked long hours to get where they are today. Women who never let anything prevent them from reaching their goals. Women who prove that we are forces to be reckoned with and that we are unstoppable!

Join a Hermandad

Let us strive to reach out and help our fellow woman in her pursuits of happiness. Let us join organizations that bring women together. Let us become one another's ally, not each other's competitor. I challenge you all to pick a woman in your life who needs your instruction, who can learn from your experiences, and who you can help to inspire. New York Times bestselling author Sarah Addison Allen said it best: “We're connected, as women. It's like a spiderweb. If one part of that web vibrates, if there's trouble, we all know it, but most of the time we're just too scared, or selfish, or insecure to help. But if we don't help each other, who will?”

The Influence of Worldview on the Therapeutic Relationship: Counseling Hispanic Clients

Xiomara A. Sosa — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:23:23 +0000

Some Hispanic Americans tend to have a distrustful view toward non-Hispanic Americans mental health professionals, due in part to the long history of hostility, prejudice and injustice they have experienced as a group. Catholicism has also had a great influence on the worldview of Hispanics in general. The relationship between a non-Hispanic counselor and Hispanic client could be influenced by that. For example, when a Caucasian counselor who is not culturally competent regarding the influences of those elements attempts to create rapport with a client, there is a possibility that he or she will fail in that attempt (Sue & Sue, 2008).

Acknowledge Differences to Make a Difference

The traditional therapeutic worldview of some non-Hispanics could be a barrier in genuinely understanding why the disconnect exists. Lack of training or experience might be part of the problem as well. Demonstrative, tactic interaction among Hispanics is considered normal within the culture and this might need to be acknowledged in the counseling session on some level although that might not be the same norm in the European American culture. Feeling social and intimate creates a sense of familiarity and comfort for most Hispanics and therefore, if the counselor is emotionally and socially distant and cold, it can inadvertently put a barrier between the client and the counselor (Sue & Sue, 2008).

Acknowledge the Role of Religion

Hispanics might seek counseling from someone who they believe they can relate to better, such as another Hispanic. Although this might not necessarily be fair or guaranteed, it starts them off with a greater sense of trust in the process of counseling. Catholicism influences this group greatly and they are more likely to seek guidance form a church leader before they would a professional, clinical authority figure (Sue & Sue, 2008).

Acknowledge Family and Friends as Vital Partners

It is also very important that a non-Hispanic counselor recognize how intricate family and friends are to the every day life of most people of Hispanic heritage. This is a fact that must be affirmed and recognized as vital rather than dysfunctional within that group. Godmothers, aunts, cousins and other family members carry a lot of weight in the care of the entire family as a unit. They must be valued and considered influential and important to each client as a general rule (Sue & Sue, 2008).

By Xiomara A. Sosa

Clinical Mental Health – Forensic Counselor (Intern)

XAS Consulting, LLC (www.xasconsulting.com)

Reference:

Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2008). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Are You Ready To Network?

Tanisha Love Ramirez — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:10:59 +0000

You've built your brand, memorized your elevator pitch and ordered a new stack of business cards. By all means, you're ready to network! But are you really? Networking is a lot more than standing around a room, handing out business cards. It's about making a quick but memorable impact and developing long-lasting connections with new people and companies. So here are a few quick and easy networking tips that'll help you make a great first impression and mutually beneficial connections.

Be Knowledgeable

Do your research! Sure, you know everything there is to know about your company, your brand and your qualifications, but do you know anything about any of the other attendees before you've actually met them? You should! If you're attending a planned networking event, be sure to do some detective work. Try to find out who'll be attending the event, and what it is that they do. Create a list of guests that you'd like to speak to based on shared careers, interests or missions.

Be Prepared

You should have your elevator pitch ingrained in your brain to the point that it doesn't sound rehearsed. Know what it is that you do, how you do it, and why it is that you and your work are valuable. Make sure you deliver this information in a conversational manner. No one wants to feel like they're being pitched to--even at a networking event. Be genuine. Be yourself!

Be Professional

Some networking events provide alcohol, which is can be nice. However, beware of how much you drink. Remember, a professional function is not the time to be the life of the party. You're there to schmooze, not to booze. Alcohol dulls your ability to think quickly on your feet, make eye contact or even speak clearly--all skills that you need to make a great first impression. So save the drinks for after the event.

Be Dressed to Impress

Networking events generally take place after work, so most people will be dressed in business or business-casual wear. However, if you usually dress to blend in with your office environment, a networking event may be a great opportunity for you to dress to stand out--but just a bit. Have fun with business wear by mixing up bright blazers with neutral dresses, or bold dresses with a neutral blazer. If bold, bright clothing are a bit much for you, try to express your individual style via your accessories. Swap out your business flats for a nice pair of shoes, or wear a ring, necklace or pair of earrings that'll make a statement. That being said, you should be aware of exactly what statement your clothes are making. Too tight, too short or a too low necklines will distract from the charisma, whit and business acumen you're trying to display. At the end of the day, you want people to notice you and remember your charm, not your outfit.

Be Prompt

Now that you've met a lot of new and interesting people, it's time for you to follow up with them. Sending a quick email expressing how nice it was to meet them and reiterating something that you spoke about is a great way to stay relevant and memorable. It also helps to stay connected beyond email. Connect via LinkedIn, a Facebook group or the ELLA Leadership Network. These social media platforms allow your new contacts to see what you're up to on a regular basis, without you having to reach out to them. These few extra steps will help you stand out among the many people your new contacts connected with at the event. So there you go: a few quick networking tips to help you make a quick and lasting impression during your next networking event. Did we leave anything out? Share your networking tips in the comment section below!

Being Culturally Competent as a Latina Mental Health Professional

Xiomara A. Sosa — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:58:57 +0000

As a Latina mental health professional, I will be faced daily with the challenge of making a culturally relevant diagnosis with each individual client that I provide clinical services to. In making a culturally relevant diagnosis, a professional counselor is ethically obligated to begin with an understanding of the influences that describe identities, strengths, and contexts pertaining to the client. The client’s comprehensive make up must be understood without bias.

Being A Culturally Competent Mental Health Professional

Cultural competency must incorporate the ability to consider problems associated with age and generation, possible disabilities, religious influences and identity, racial and ethnic identities, sexual orientation and gender identity or expressions, and socioeconomic status. It is very important that as a professional addressing the needs of multicultural communities that I intentionally and mindfully consider the client’s conceptualization of the problem and not impose my own perception of what his or her presenting problem is, and more importantly, not impose my personal views and belief systems about it. Once I, as a counselor, have been able to do so, it then becomes my duty to explain my diagnosis and possible treatment plan in a very clear way to my client. As a clinical counselor I should be a good match with my clients. I should be able to understand their perspective and be familiar with their frame of reference. I must also be as prejudice-bias free as possible about customs within other cultures. For example, I am ethically bound to use interpreters in my first session with clients when English is not their first language to ensure that I am culturally competent prior to starting the session with the client.

The Risks of Being A Culturally Incompetent Mental Health Professional

I must also research and learn about the cultures that I have within my diverse clientele and learn the clients’ detailed history, cultural identity and context prior to beginning a counseling session. Not taking any of these steps can lead to a bad experience for the client who may choose not to continue or return to counseling or seek help elsewhere in the future. I can also inadvertently cause the client irreparable damage. This is unacceptable because above all else, I have taken the Hippocratic Oath to “Do No Harm”.

Reference:

Sue, Derald Wing, David Sue. Counseling the Culturally Diverse, 5th Edition. John Wiley & Sons P&T. .

Host Your Own LATINAS THINK BIG™ Live Stream Party!

Tanisha Love Ramirez — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:31:02 +0000

Can't make it to the LATINAS THINK BIG™ inaugural event being held at Columbia University, on May 16th? No problem! Thanks to Google, the ELLA Leadership Institute's first ever LATINAS THINK BIG™ event will be live streamed via Google+ and available Youtube, meaning you won't have to miss out on a single minute of this groundbreaking event

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Host a LATINAS THINK BIG™ Viewing Party in Your Area

Mujeres across the country are gearing up for the big event, organizing LATINAS THINK BIG™ viewing parties in their hometowns! If you're interested in hosting--or attending--a LATINAS THINK BIG™ viewing party in your area, email us at info@ELLAInstitute.com. If you're already a member of the ELLA Network, feel free to connect with other members in your area and plan your own networking and viewing party. ELLA is dedicated to catalyzing strong local and national leadership and career networks for our members; the LATINAS THINK BIG™ event is just one of the many ways that we hope to facilitate those connections.

Here are a few tips to help you plan your LATINAS THINK BIG™ viewing party:

RSVP to watch the event live on Google+ and Youtube. RSVPing ensures that you will be able to receive notifications from the event page, such as an alert before the event begins and notice of new comments or updates.
Invite your friends, colleagues, peers and fellow ELLA Network members. You can invite participants via the Google+ RSVP page!
Email us to let us know that you'll be hosting--or want to attend--a viewing party! We'll put you in touch with other virtual participants, helping you to network with like-minded mujeres in your area and beyond!
Spread the word on Twitter using our special #LatinasThinkBig hashtag.
Make sure you're plugged in and charged the night of. We'll be engaging with participants via our social networking platforms the entire night. Tweet us @ELLAInstitute using the #LatinasThinkBig hashtag to connect with us live. You can also post on our Facebook page throughout the night.
And finally, be prepared to network. Remember, we're celebrating trailblazers and their big ideas. Share your big ideas, your story and your intentions with our large network of Latina leaders. Whether you're meeting up in-person or online, be prepared to connect with mujeres from all over.

More About the LATINAS THINK BIG™ Event

The LATINAS THINK BIG™ event brings together four innovative and trailblazing Latinas to present their big idea in individual 16-minute presentations, showcasing Latina thought leadership, innovation and ambition. This is the first of a national tour of LATINAS THINK BIG™ events, one of ELLA Leadership Institute's innovative programs. Hosted at the prestigious Barnard College of Columbia University, in New York City, guests include industry leaders from the private and public sectors, professionals, social media influencers, Columbia University alumni, academicians, authors and artists.

Title Partner and Supporter

Google Google has partnered with ELLA Institute to live stream this event for national visibility. Each presentation will be available on ELLA Institute's YouTube Channel for educational purposes.

AGENDA

5:00PM - 6:15PM Guest Registration Hors d'Oeuvres Mingle & Network 6:15PM - 7:00PM Welcome Remarks by Dr. Angelica Perez-Litwin Meet the ELLA Institute's Faculty Marisa Rivera, MS Maria Hernandez, PhD Teresa Albizu, EdD Rod Colon Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez, EdD Caroline Avakian, MA Boni Candelario 7:00PM - 8:30PM LATINAS THINK BIG Presentations 8:30PM - 9:00PM Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony ELLA Celebration & Music Host: Caroline Avakian, ELLA Faculty

A special thank you to our sponsors:

The ELLA Leadership Institute Wants to Know: Are you ELLA?

Tanisha Love Ramirez — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:47:23 +0000

As we prepare to kickoff the ELLA Leadership Institute's inaugural LATINAS THINK BIG™ conference in New York City, we are eager to learn about what ELLA means to you! Founded by Dr. Angelica Perez-Litwin, the ELLA Leadership Institute's mission is to advance the lives and careers of women through innovative programs, events and connection to a supportive network of exceptional women. For Dr. Perez-Litwin, ELLA is a community in which Latina trailblazers can grow and share their big ideas. But more importantly, ELLA represents the women that we serve. ELLA embodies the tenacity, the leadership, the drive, philanthropy and inventiveness exhibited by our community members. ELLA is all of YOU! So as we celebrate the ELLA Institute and our first annual LATINAS THINK BIG™ event in New York City, we want to know what ELLA means to you! Share your thoughts via on the ELLA Institute's Facebook page and on Twitter with:

ELLA is ________ #LatinasThinkBig I am ELLA because ________ #LatinasThinkBig

We will be sharing your tweets, posts and comments via ELLA's Facebook and Twitter platforms, in addition to compiling a collage of tweets to share during our LATINAS THINK BIG event being held at Columbia University on May 16th, and live streamed by Google! And as if that's not enough, we'll also be sharing your lovely thoughts on ELLA's very own dedicated page hosted by the Huffington Post! So tell us, are you ELLA? Tweet us at: ELLAInstitute Comment on our Facebook pages at: ELLA Leadership Institute or the Latina Leadership Network

The Impact and Power of the Words We Use

Cindy Cabral — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:27:08 +0000

The Words We Use Have A Lasting Impact

Growing up, I was heavyset kid. By the time I was 11, I was shopping in the Junior section because, well, even the largest kids' sizes didn't fit me. However, my weight never bothered me. I was a popular kid in school, loved by my teachers and friends. Being a big girl wasn't the focal point of my childhood that it later became the first moment someone pointed my weight out.

Its funny, but I don't have many vivid memories of my childhood; that's probably because I have a terrible memory. But there are moments that I remember with every detail, and most of those moments were ones where someone used the powerful words, "you're fat." Even typing them gives me this disgusted, goose bumpy feeling, because those two words changed my life forever. I'll never forget where I was, what was going on, who said it, who was around, how it made me feel, and the impact it had on how I viewed myself everyday after.

The Words We Use Possess Power

Our words are one of the most powerful tools we have. They have the ability to make us feel superior and inferior, all at the same time. Someone can tell me that I'm beautiful one day, and the next day someone could say something as simple as, "you look a little thicker today" and it will, without a doubt, make me feel fat.

Words are hard to forget—both the good and the bad. I'd like to think that as the years have progressed, I have canceled out the bad ones and replaced them with the good. For every fat joke I've experienced, there have been compliments and praises to substitute those and make me truly feel beautiful inside and out. I've overcome my low self esteem through the use of more positive words rather than negative, and more complimenting and less criticizing. I don't use "fat" or "skinny" in my vocabulary. Instead, I use "healthy" and "fit." Instead of looking at myself in the mirror and saying "I hate my hair" I say "I love my freckles". If someone makes a comment about me gaining weight, I respond with a joke, something to ease the sting it gives me. "Words only hurt when you allow yourself to believe them", so I always challenge everyone to change their perspective and change their language. Focus on using your words to say something beautiful and never allow yourself to be your own worst enemy—be your biggest fan!

Announcing the Inaugural LATINAS THINK BIG™ Event in New York City

Tanisha Love Ramirez — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:27:46 +0000

For Immediate Release Announcing the Official Launch of ELLA Leadership Institute and Inaugural LATINAS THINK BIG™ event at Columbia University May 16^th, 2013 New York, NY, May 3, 2013 - The ELLA Leadership Institute is the first multi-platform leadership organization to launch for Latinas. The platform, which launched Spring 2013, reaches women where they are by using social media, private forums and on-the-ground events to help women access resources and establish powerful networks online and off. The ELLA Leadership Institute promotes leadership through innovative training programs, events, guidance and mentoring by the ELLA Faculty, an exclusive group of experts and industry leaders in their respective fields. Bringing together aspiring and accomplished leaders, consultants and mentors, ELLA Leadership Institute will offer valuable opportunities for connection, collaboration and consulting within their organization, by combining a national network of exceptional women and enabling members to work together while developing and advancing their careers in today’s competitive female workforce. ELLA Leadership Institute is headquartered in New York City and is the vision of Dr.Angelica Perez-Litwin, formerly a research faculty at New York University School of Medicine, and a clinical psychologist and social entrepreneur. The oldest daughter of immigrant parents, raised in New York City, Dr. Perez-Litwin has a deeply personal and professional, understanding of the challenges that career-driven Latinas face as they seek professional success. “ELLA Institute moves beyond inspiration to create real results for aspiring and accomplished Latina professionals. We achieve that through innovative programs, value-driven events and connection to an influential network of peers, mentors and consultants,” says Dr. Angelica Perez-Litwin. ELLA Leadership Institute will reach a national audience through a leadership network, regional chapters, social media channels, and cross-platform seminars. Currently, ELLA Leadership Institute has an online community with nearly than 2,400 accomplished Latina professionals, which serves as a platform for dialogue, resource sharing, peer-mentoring and special announcements. Providing strategic career evaluation programs, and personalized professional development, along with coaching sessions for women interested in assessing their current career status and formulating a pathway to their career and leadership goals are just one of the many exciting services that the ELLA Leadership Institute offers. The ELLA Institute will hold its debut event, Latinas Think BIG™, on May 16^th at Barnard College, Columbia University, from 5pm to 9pm. The event, which will host over 200 accomplished Latina professionals, will be sponsored by NBCLatino.com, New York Life, Mary Kay and Latism. The event will be amplified by media partners Google, Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan for Latinas, Impacto New York and LatinVision. Four innovative and trailblazing Latinas will each share their big idea in 16-minute presentations during the live event, which will be live streamed for national visibility by Google through a variety of online platforms, including Google Plus, YouTube and Huffington Post Live. Online viewers will be able to access live streaming video during the event and view the recording at the ELLA Leadership Institute YouTube Channel. Recordings will be available at www.youtube.com/user/ellainstitute

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Make Your Work Wardrobe Pop this Summer!

Tanisha Love Ramirez — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:45:26 +0000

Beauty & Fashion blogger Ariatna Gonzalez shares her advice on how to make your work wardrobe pop using a splash of summer-inspired color!

Make Your Work Wardrobe Pop this Summer!

There’s no better time than Spring to add a little color to your wardrobe! A fresh pop of color can help you stand out at the office, at networking events or even during an evening out with friends. However, many women tend to be scared of color. I'm here to say: Don't be! Adding a pop of color to an outfit can not only change how the outfit looks, it can change how you feel in it.

For this look I took a pair of silk floral pants and a white blazer and added the pop of color with the green tank top. The green tank top gives it that unexpected touch of fabulosity and freshness that will set us apart from the rest, make us stand out. As for accessories, I chose chic black and white pumps, a black bag, pink earrings, and sunglasses. We put all of these ingredients together and what do we get? We get a fresh outfit that is formal enough for a day at the office and fun enough for a night on the town. Just because we are going to the office it doesn’t have to be all business and no fun. Dressing up is about having fun while been comfortable in our own skin. As long as we keep our look professional, a little fun is allowed. Sometimes we can add that pop of color by mixing and matching pieces in our wardrobe that we never thought would look good together. When we go shopping for outfit we see many great looking displays and even though they are very well put together we have to always remember that what is going to make that particular extraordinary is adding our own individual touch. We are all different, let’s embrace our uniqueness, let’s Pop with Color!!!

Get the Look

I put this whole outfit together for less than a $150 dollars and so can you. Here is how I did it: Pants- Juicy Couture $15 @ TJMaxx Blazer-Forever 21 $30 @ Forever 21 Shoes - BCBG $40@ Marshalls Bag- Steve Madden $30 @Marshalls Earrings- Betsey Johnson $20 @ TJMaxx

Follow Ariatna Gonzalez

For more fashion finds and advice, follow our style contributor Ariatna Gonzalez on her blog, http://BraveChica.com/ You can also keep up with Artiatna at:

*Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/BraveChica1

*Twitter: https://twitter.com/BraveChica

*Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/bravechica/

*Instagram: http://instagram.com/bravechica

Three Trailblazing Latina Doctors Join the LATINAS THINK BIG™ Event Lineup!

Tanisha Love Ramirez — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:02:56 +0000

This May, the ELLA Leadership Institute will kickoff it's first ever LATINAS THINK BIG™ event, a TEDx-style conference featuring Latina trailblazers from all over the United States. The event is designed to celebrate Latina innovators whose big thoughts have made a huge impact on the Latino community, and humanity at large. The most recent group of Latina innovators to join the LATINAS THINK BIG™ event's premiere lineup are Drs. Juana Cuevas, Lissette Lugo, and Monica Simons, founders of Every Woman Wellne ss.

Their Big Idea

With more than 20 years of experience between them, Dr. Juanas Cuevas, Dr. Lissette Lugo and Dr. Monica Simons opened Every Woman Wellness in 2012, motivated by a mission to redefine the gynecological experience and cater to every aspect of a woman's needs - physical, emotional, and aesthetic. As women, doctors and entrepreneurs, this trailblazing trio understand that if you want to provide full-service health and wellness treatment for women, you have to think outside the box--you have to think BIG! Their big idea was to combine traditional, holistic and aesthetic wellness services for women, making Every Woman Wellness a haven and retreat for every woman, indeed! Every Woman Wellness currently offers gynecological care, aesthetic treatments and complementary wellness services such as massage therapy, acupuncture and weight management counseling.

Meet the Trailblazing Trio

Juana L. Cuevas, MD, practices obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Cuevas received her medical education at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Yeshiva University and completed her residency at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Lissette Lugo, MD, is an attending anesthesiologist and instructor, specializing in obstetric anesthesiology and women’s health. Dr. Lugo is a graduate of the Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University. She completed her Anesthesiology residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell and an obstetric anesthesiology fellowship at the Brigham and Woman’s Hospital. Monica Simons, MD, practices obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Simons attended medical school at the State University of New York-Buffalo School of Medicine and completed her residency at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Latinas Think Big™ Event

The LATINAS THINK BIG™ event brings together four innovative and trailblazing Latinas to present their big idea in individual 16-minute presentations, showcasing Latina thought leadership, innovation and ambition. This is the first of a national tour of LATINAS THINK BIG™ events, one of ELLA Leadership Institute's innovative programs. Hosted at the prestigious Barnard College of Columbia University, in New York City, guests include industry leaders from the private and public sectors, professionals, social media influencers, Columbia University alumni, academicians, authors and artists.

Watch It Live

Google has partnered with ELLA Institute to live stream this event for national visibility. Each presentation will be available on ELLA Institute's YouTube Channel for educational purposes. ELLA viewing parties are being hosted around the country. Host yours! For more information, contact us: info@ELLAInstitute.com.