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    #YrOfTheBlkWoman Kicks Off Celebration of Black Women in 2015

    January 8, 2015
    / Blog, Featured /
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    Year-of-the-Black-Woman-Ain't-I-Latina

    (Image: Janel Martinez/Ain’t I Latina?)

    Black women are powerful, beautiful and intelligent, among many other incredible words I can insert into this sentence. I’m not just saying that because I’m a Black woman, but because I’ve seen this with my own eyes and history hasn’t shown me otherwise.

    So, I was elated to hear another Black woman, Mutale Nkonde, wanted to celebrate our awesomeness. She created the Year of the Black Woman, a series of 365 in-person and online events focused on Black and Latina wealth creation. I was honored when she asked me to be apart of Year of the Black Woman.

    In addition to posting informative content on our buying power and wealth creation, events and the like, this initiative is designed to improve the wealth-gender gap.

    Throughout the year, you’ll see me writing about various topics that resonate with the Afro-Latino community in relation to wealth creation and empowerment. Take a look at the video below for more information on #YroftheBlkWoman :

    What does #YroftheBlkWoman mean to you? Let me know in the comments section.

     

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    Costa Rica_2014_Ain't I Latina?

    Outsider Within

    December 29, 2014
    / Blog, Featured, Mi mundo /
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    Costa Rica_2014_Ain't I Latina?

    Christmas 2014. Ridin’ ’round and gettin’ it in Costa Rica. (Image: Janel Martinez/Ain’t I Latina?)

    For most of my life, I never quite felt like I fit in when it came to my racial identity. It’s taken 26 years to feel okay with that. In fact, I now celebrate the unique characteristics and extra-ordinary things that make up my cultural background.

    I’ve always known that I was Latina—my family spoke Spanish and Garifuna and my skin is several shades above tan. Despite my understanding of my Afro-Latina identity, it seemed incomprehensible to my peers and those I came in contact with.

    Let’s take a classmate of mine, for example, who argued me down over the fact that I wasn’t “Spanish.” We were using Spanish interchangeably with Latino, which wasn’t uncommon for two third graders; however, he couldn’t digest the fact that his classmate was Black and Latina. It was the first time I realized my identity was in question.

    Janel_Martinez_Ain't I Latina?

    Selfie time in Jacó, Costa Rica. (Image: Janel Martinez/Ain’t I Latina?)

    Growing up, I’ve had African American, Caribbean and Latino friends, but never quite fit in with any group. You see, for mi gente, my Spanish wasn’t up to par (Spanglish wasn’t going to cut it) and my natural tan and pre-crema kinks served as a barrier. The last name Martinez and occasional accent on words like “like, “I’m saying,” and “you know,” among others, gave it away: I wasn’t “Black like them.”

    I had spurts of denying my ethnicity and racial background. After discussing my fam’s origin for more than 10 minutes only to be met with more questions (You’re not Dominican/Puerto Rican, so what are you again? You’re Spanish…and what else? Wait, Martinez with a “z” or “s”?) was frustrating. Looking back, it got me no closer to those I wanted to be accepted by and actually pulled me further away from my roots.

    A recent trip to San José, Costa Rica allowed me to revisit my “outsider within” perspective. Its one I thought I’d resolved fully, but quickly learned wasn’t once I landed.

    I gifted myself a trip to la República de Costa Rica for my 26th birthday. I love the ocean, so what better way to celebrate my birthday than by the sea?  But shortly after landing, the “outsider within” thoughts began creeping in. You’re Spanish isn’t that good, chica. You’re a morena, so prepare yourself. Now you know your outfit is a dead giveaway. Gringa!

    The thoughts left me hesitant to speak Spanish. I was there for roughly four days and halfway through the trip said, “F*** it! I’m closer to my roots than I’ve been all year. I’m going to live in the moment.” It’s not until I let go, that I really got to connect with the experience and my people. I was even asked if I was from Limón (where many of the Black Costa Ricans reside).

    San Jose_Costa Rica_2014_Ain't I Latina

    Christmas 2014 in Costa Rica: Hours before the Festival of Light. (Image: Janel Martinez/Ain’t I Latina?)

    Needless to say, I’ll be returning to Costa Rica to explore Limón. There’s a Limón in Honduras, too, and I want to see the similarities between both places.

    As Latinos, we come in all shades and toting all kinds of experiences. With that being said, we should never feel isolated by anyone let alone one another. It’s taken many years and growth to get to this place, but I receive emails and have conversations with Latinos who struggle with the intersection of Black and Latino Identity. Meaning more self-education needs to happen—as an adult, the onus is on you.

    As an Afro-Latino, have you ever felt unaccepted by the Black and/or Latino community? Is this a U.S. issue, or one that goes back to our respective countries? Let me know what you think in the comments section below.

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    Ariel Lopez_tech-2020 Shift

    Ariel Lopez Is Invested in Filling the AdTech Talent Pipeline

    December 23, 2014
    / Blog, Everyday Chica, Featured /
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    Ariel Lopez_tech-2020 Shift

    (Image: Twitter/@ArielLopez_)

    This week, we’re featuring millennial techie Ariel Lopez as our Everyday Chica. La boricua spoke with Ain’t I Latina? about why she founded 2020Shift, how her mamá has influenced her and why Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is a #latinawhorocks. 

    You’re the founder of 2020Shift, a social enterprise invested in connecting recent grads and current students with opportunities in technology and digital media. What prompted you to start this venture?

    I was prompted to start the venture after looking closely at the diversity gap in the space. With an average of 2% Blacks and 4% Hispanics at a number of well known tech companies, it’s obvious enough isn’t being done to employ underrepresented individuals. The goal of 2020Shift is to provide access, education, and resources to minority students and recent grads so they can be successful. There’s a big misconception on what it means to work for a tech company, and a huge disparity in the actual workforce itself; we’re here to change that.

    We’re also focused on exposing students to the different opportunities available to them within technology and digital media. You don’t have to learn how to code to get a job you love. Your career should be a mixture of your skills, interests, and aspirations; we want to help people make their passions profitable.

    In addition to 2020Shift, you’re the community manager at Infusion. How do you balance your full-time job and your startup?

    I wish I had the right answer to this question. (Laughs.) I honestly can’t tell you how I balance it all. I think for me it’s making a to-do list for 2020 and Infusion everyday. I usually have 5-10 goals for each and I do my best to meet them; however, if I don’t, I don’t beat myself up about it. I believe in doing your best everyday and having faith that things will figure themselves out.

    How do you identity? Do you consider yourself Afro-Latina, or use another term to describe your race and/or ethnicity?

    I definitely consider myself Afro-Latina, but if someone asks me what I am I say Black and Puerto Rican. Most importantly, I’m just me! My race has everything to do with who I am as a person but I strive not to represent any stereotypes. It’s not an easy thing to do, especially being a minority female in business. Often people will have a preconceived notion of what you’re going to be like, I like to surprise them.

    What is your earliest memory of identifying as Afro-Latina? How did you come to identify as such?

    I would say my earliest memory was probably in first or second grade. Not many people around looked like me, so I was often questioned about my background. I grew up in rural North Carolina where there wasn’t a ton of diversity. Everyone was pretty much Black or white, with a small percentage of Mexicans. Puerto Rican was a foreign thing to most, so I always had to explain myself. Also having the last name Lopez doesn’t make things much easier – “What are you” is usually the first question I hear.

    Which Latina matriarch do you most identify with and why?

    I would say Sonia Sotomayor as I’ve always been extremely politically driven. My life plan for a while was to go to law school, work my way up in Washington, and become a Supreme Court judge. I think that’s changed a bit, but it’s still a part of who I am.

    Who inspires you?

    My mom by far is my biggest inspiration. I know it’s super cliché, but I’d be lying if I said she wasn’t. I watched that woman make a way out of no way so many times; she has everything to do with my strength as a person and my faith. My mom showed me that it’s not about where you come from but the destination that matters. I carry that with me in everything I do. Regardless of circumstances I believe you have the power to create your own destiny. When things get rough that keeps me going.

    You can follow Ariel on Twitter at @ArielLopez_ or her startup, 2020 Shift at @2020Shift.

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    Evelyn Alvarez On the Art of Giving Back

    December 9, 2014
    / Blog, Everyday Chica, Featured /
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    (Image: Evelyn Alvarez)

    This week, we’re featuring radio show host, trainer, doula and Prom King founder Evelyn Alvarez as our Everyday Chica. The working mother spoke with Ain’t I Latina? about why she founded Prom King, creating a career that fulfilled her and why Celia Cruz is the business. 

    You founded Prom King, an organization that provides clothes to young men ages 10-26 for special events. What inspired you to create this organization?

    A few years ago I was invited to a wedding. On the day of the wedding, my sitter canceled and I had to take my son. I rushed out to buy a suit, and when I saw the prices, I thought, ‘Damn I have one son. If I had three, somebody ain’t going or I’m going to have to make a deal with ConEd.’ The thought of that made me sad. A few months later, I had the opportunity to connect a colleague’s brother with a friend who had ties sitting in his closet. The young man received ties for school, and the donor was so pleased to have been able to pay it forward. I knew I was on to something then.

    Since then, I have been blessed with donations, exposure via O, The Oprah Magazine and DNA Info, [and received] a Positive Impact Award from Hispanicize. Once you start accepting awards and shit, you gotta do the work. (Laughs.)

    Totally agree! You’re an advocate for urban youth and family. In addition, you’re a mother, radio host and all-around Renaissance woman. How do you balance it all?

    It’s not easy; no woman has it easy these days, right? What helps immensely is that I do what I love, and make time for it. I love being a mom, a doula, a trainer, and my radio show. I love my community and make time to use my efforts and talents to support it. Young people and urban families have unwavering support. I had jobs before where I would cry on Friday because Saturday meant Sunday and Sunday meant going back to a dreaded work environment. I feel blessed not to have that anymore. Sometimes that means a little less sleep and a little more Bustelo or Starbucks, but that’s the grind. It also helps to have folks who believe in you and your mission, and help, listen, pick you up when you feel exhausted or stuck. No person is an island, so assembling the right team is crucial.

    When we met we clicked because you’re from Honduras and, more so, Garifuna! How do you identify: Garifuna, Honduran, Afro-Latina, or use another term to describe your race and/or ethnicity?

    I am a Black woman. I am a Black woman who is Garifuna and speaks Spanish. My family is from Guatemala and I love to share that. I even have a quetzal tattoo.

    What is your earliest memory of identifying as Afro-Latina/Blatina/Latinegra, etc? How did you come to identify as such?

    I guess when I went to school. I learned Spanish first, and didn’t speak English until I went to school. So I have always known. It was different growing up in Brooklyn in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Most people only knew Black Spanish speakers to be Panamanian, so explaining that my family is from Guatemala was met with ‘What?! My neighbor is from there and they look Mexican.’ Nah, girl! Then they would come over, and meet my mamí who speaks Spanish, and the fam, and watch Sabado Gigante with us. They would be like ‘Ohh… ok.’ I always felt comfortable with Black people PERIOD. My best friend is Guyanese, and we would have these giggle fests about peas and rice vs. rice and beans. I learned early that his connection to the Diaspora was bigger than the individual space we came here from. That being said, I do have the quetzal on my leg. Chapina, baby!

    Which Latina matriarch do you most identify with and why?

    Probably Celia Cruz. She is Black! Unapologetically. I get my whole entire life watching YouTube videos of her and the Fania All Stars performing in Zaire. Her rich voice, glamorous outfits… girl, bye! Plus she had so much longevity in her career. She was rockin’ out way into her 70’s. I love that! It’s one of the things I love best about the culture. It’s not uncommon to see three generations partying together happily. My radio show is called The Ripeness, in celebration of the idea that people’s peak time can last way, WAY past 30, 35, 40. It’s a state of mind.

    Who inspires you?

    My mamí and my son. Born two days apart, my mamí is the epitome of ‘never let ‘em see you sweat.’  Her key mottos were ‘todo tiene solucion’ (everything has a solution) and ‘al mal tiempo, buena cara’ (to bad times, good face). She has taught me that with creativity in your process, red lipstick and faith most things are bearable. As per the spiritual: Trouble don’t last always.

    My son has changed my entire life! I literally work to feed him, and I had to find work that fed ME emotionally, so I could be the kind of mom I wanted to be. We aren’t perfect, but… we love. And I don’t quit. I joke to my homies that he is the longest relationship I ever had with a male. HAAAA! Seriously, he has pretty much taught me what I know to be true about life and love: To have commitment, faith, own up to mistakes, the benefits of a glass of wine or two before reacting, to make efforts to operate at your optimal level daily, to apologize and to pray. It works.

    You can follow the Prom King movement by visiting the site, or following on Twitter and Instagram @promkingNYC .

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    Top 10 Blogging Tips for Newbies

    December 1, 2014
    / Blog, Featured /
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    I attended the Casa Latina Blogger Business Bootcamp, in partnership with BlogHer, in November and learned so much about the blogosphere. As a journalist, I approach coverage and features from that perspective, but quickly realized the journo rules can’t always be applied to blogging. (Of course, fact checking and attribution are always welcomed, but hefty word counts and objectivity…not so much.) Hence, why it was great to hear from a multitude of speakers—some bloggers, other journalists-turned-bloggers, public relations professionals and entrepreneurs alike—about how to blog to the top.

    I was tweeting up a storm, per usual, so here are 10 tips that’ll have your blog game on point:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Valencia Atelier’s Brittny Wood On Her Passion for Fashion

    November 28, 2014
    / Blog, Everyday Chica, Featured /
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    Valencia Atelier partner Brittny Wood modeling one of her own designs. (Image: Brittny Wood)

    If left up to the small or large screen, your favorite glossy or newspaper, or even big budget advertising campaigns, you wouldn’t know an Afro-Latina if she tapped you on the shoulder. But we are out there, and we’re letting our voice be heard. Ain’t I Latina?’s Everyday Chica series highlights millennial Latinas that are blazing a trail in their respective industries, leading by example for future generations of Latinas. This week, we’re featuring fashion designer Brittny Wood. As the daughter of well-known designer Guy Wood, the Puerto Rican, Belizean and Honduran mamá naturally fell into fashion. From working alongside her father to starting her own women’s wear brand, Valencia Atelier, alongside fellow Latina, Vanessa Posso, Wood shares her fashion industry insights and how she balances motherhood and career.

    What inspired you to get into fashion and design?

    It’s something that’s always been in my life. My dad makes clothes and he’s been making clothes for about 20 years now, like custom clothing, so it’s always been apart of my life. I don’t remember when I actually started designing, but it had to be when I was like six or seven. When I was really young, I used to draw clothes. I used to take socks and cut them and try to make outfits for my Barbies.

    I would say my dad would be the one that inspired me. As I got older, I realized I’m kinda good at this. It was easy for me because my dad made clothes. If there was like a party, or anything like that going on, I was like, ‘You know what, I want to wear this,’ and he would make me the outfits and everybody would say, ‘This is really nice, Britt.’ I would have to say my dad. He’s the one that inspired me.

    As a women’s wear designer, you work with your family through Harlem Haberdashery.  But you have your own line, Valencia Atelier. How do you balance designing for more than one design line and style?

    With Valencia Atelier it’s my baby. Me and my partner’s baby. We share a very similar taste in clothing, so for that I pretty much design what I think is flattering for my body and what I think is flattering for a lot of other women’s bodies. I like plain and simple things with a little detail. I like nice fabrics and simple silhouettes; whereas when it comes to Harlem Haberdashery, it’s a different kind of feel, it’s a different customer. With Harlem Haberdashery I kind of play off the men’s thing. That’s how I keep it separate. It’s not very similar, so it doesn’t really cause any issues.

    What’s your favorite piece of clothing, or a piece in a collection, that you’ve designed? Why is it so special?

    My favorite piece right now would have to be a dress that I recently designed. I call it the Masako dress. It’s a cream dress and it’s a deep cut dress… I was looking at a lot of Japanese samurais, the robes and the geisha’s and the things they wear. I like the architecture of the clothes, so I used that in this dress. If you look at it, it kind of looks like a tuxedo, but then it kind of looks like it might be a kimono kind of deal. That’s my favorite piece right now.

    I have a favorite silhouette. I like a skater style where it’ll flair out from the waist because I feel like for my shape that’s the most flattering thing for me. I make a lot of stuff like that for myself, which is totally different from the Masako dress. I can’t wear that one. I design a lot of things I can’t wear and I’m like, ‘Damn.’

    You’ve had several well-known people wear Valencia Atelier. Po Johnson of La La’s Full Court Life, recording artist Teyana Taylor, and Basketball Wives star Draya have all worn your designs. How does that make you feel when you see someone who’s in the spotlight wearing your clothes?

    It’s always great when someone supports you and wants to wear your clothes. I still get excited!

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    Entrepreneur Karina Garden Jimenez On Identity & Turning Your Passion to Profit

    November 21, 2014
    / Blog, Everyday Chica, Featured /
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    Karina Garden Jimenez. (Image: Source)

    If left up to the small or large screen, your favorite glossy or newspaper, or even big budget advertising campaigns, you wouldn’t know an Afro-Latina if she tapped you on the shoulder. But we are out there, and we’re letting our voice be heard. Ain’t I Latina?’s Everyday Chica series highlights millennial Latinas that are blazing a trail in their respective industries, leading by example for future generations of Latinas. This week, we’re featuring the CEO of Cheeky Chick Concepts, LLC and Executive Director of its subsidiary, bluGarden Events, Karina Garden Jimenez. La dominicana shares her career insights and path to embracing her Afro-Latino identity. 

    Martinez: You’ve found your passion in entrepreneurship, persuing your own ventures. Talk to us about your business.

    Jimenez: It’s all about Cheeky Chick Concepts – a multi-platform company I created to pursue my multiple business interests within the wedding and special events industry. Under the Cheeky Chick Concepts umbrella I created bluGarden Events, a full service event production company, which will debut the New York Bridal and Quince Expo or, as we like to refer to it, the NY BQE, in March 2015

    You mentioned in a recent interview with Be Moxie the power of having an ‘I can do this’ attitude.  Where did that confidence come from?

    I’m fortunate in that much of it comes naturally. I’ve always believed in myself, and my abilities. I also follow my heart and have learned to trust my instincts.

    When it comes to identity? How do you identity? Do you consider yourself Afro-Latina, or use another term to describe your race and/or ethnicity?

    I am proud to say that I consider myself an Afro-Latina and that through my never-ending (and sometimes painful) process of self-awareness, celebrate that identity more and more with each passing day.
    What is your earliest memory of identifying as Afro-Latina? How did you come to identify as such?

    I can remember the earliest memory of identifying as an Afro-Latina quite vividly. It was the first week of 2nd grade in the elementary school I attended in Long Island, NY. Having just arrived in this country a few weeks before, I didn’t speak English and was put in ESL classes with the rest of the non-English speaking children in my grade. Gym classes were one of the only times that both groups of children were mixed together and during one of these classes, a little girl kept speaking to me in English, although she, and the other kids were told that I didn’t understand the language. They didn’t believe that I was Latina because I was caramel skinned and had kinky-curly hair and assumed that I was Black and therefore was “faking” not knowing what they were saying. At the time I felt attacked and was distraught because the handful of kids that had joined in were all talking at the same time and clearly picking on me – I didn’t need to know English to sense that.  At the end of the school day I left miserable and angry and resentful.

    When I got home I told my mom what had happened and she tried to explain to me that there were all types of Latinos – white, Black and then the ones whose skin was somewhere in the middle like myself. She went on to tell me that the texture of my hair wasn’t helping the situation. Although it didn’t make sense to me for a long time, as I grew older I came to understand that those children were unable to see the difference between an Afro-Latina and a Black girl because they had yet to be exposed to a larger sampling of Latinos and were only use to seeing the few fairer-skinned, straight haired South Americans that lived in the eastern portion of Long Island in the late 70s, early 80s.

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    Afro-Boricua Marie Nubia-Feliciano Focuses on Afro-Latino Identity In Education

    November 6, 2014
    / Blog, Everyday Chica, Featured /
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    marie-nubia-feliciano

    (Image: Source)

    If left up to the small or large screen, your favorite glossy or newspaper, or even big budget advertising campaigns, you wouldn’t know an Afro-Latina if she tapped you on the shoulder. But we are out there, and we’re letting our voice be heard. Ain’t I Latina?’s Everyday Chica series highlights millennial Latinas that are blazing a trail in their respective industries, leading by example for future generations of Latinas. This week, we’re featuring Puertorriqueña Marie Nubia-Feliciano. She shares her passion for Afro-Latino identity within education. 

    Tell me about yourself: Where are you from? Discuss your upbringing — how did it help you craft your identity?

    I’m from Vieques, Puerto Rico, but was raised in Culebra. At 6 years old my mother moved me and my siblings to Carson, in southern California. That is where I went to school. Although I came to the US as a small child, I can still say that I feel like a foreigner… I was brought up in a Puerto Rican household, and my mother tried to give us all the opportunities that she could give us. The dignidad y respeto that is owed to her is something that comes from my soul, and I may never be able to pay her back for her sacrifices. Coming from Puerto Rico to Carson, I feel has shaped my identity in that in Puerto Rico, I was la negrita linda. In Carson, I was a black girl who didn’t speak English. That dual placement in society started me on my journey to understand myself in both contexts, as a Puerto Rican, and as an Afro-Latina.

    Talk to me a little bit about your dissertation. What are you trying to delve into or uncover as it pertains to Afro-Puerto Rican women?

    My dissertation explores the college-going experiences of Afro-Puerto Rican women. The project began as an exploration of their experiences both stateside and in Puerto Rico. This comparison would have allowed me to explore the nuances of the racial matrices that exist in both locations, see the impact of colonialism, and how the concept of colorism manifested itself in their lives, along with any other issues that the women’s stories may illuminate. The project has hit a bit of snag because I have not found any participants from Puerto Rico who would come forward and help me with this project. I also only have two participants, one from Chicago (IL) and one from San Diego (CA). I was hoping to have eight women participate in the project. I’ve been trying to recruit since May but it has been difficult. I am considering shifting my focus towards more a process piece where I explore the process by which Puerto Rican women (three or four, including myself) come into their racialized identity as Afro-Puerto Rican women, and see what role their college experience played in this process. My project is qualitative in nature. The theoretical framework is Sociocultural Theory using Narrative Inquiry to explore the stories of Afro-Puerto Rican women. I am still open to speaking with women who are willing to share their stories with me.

    How do you identity? Do you consider yourself Afro-Latina, or use another term to describe your race and/or ethnicity?

    I do see myself as Afro-Latina, more specifically Afro-Boricua. I see the world as a Puerto Rican woman, but I understand that the world doesn’t see me that way. I can hide my Latina-ness in my Black body until I choose to ‘come out’ to whoever is around. This dual identity sometimes puts me in situations where I am expected to know how to be African American, but I don’t know how to be that identity. My Black body holds a Latina identity that in the US is made to answer to the structures of power not as a Latina, but as a Black woman. Sometimes a lot is lost in translation.

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    Rosemarie Reyes of Handz Dirty PR Talks Modeling to Entrepreneurship

    October 22, 2014
    / Blog, Everyday Chica, Featured /
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    Rosemarie-Reyes_Handz-Dirty-PR

    (Image: RoseMarie Reyes)

    If left up to the small or large screen, your favorite glossy or newspaper, or even big budget advertising campaigns, you wouldn’t know an Afro-Latina if she tapped you on the shoulder. But we are out there, and we’re letting our voice be heard. Ain’t I Latina?’s Everyday Chica series highlights millennial Latinas that are blazing a trail in their respective industries, leading by example for future generations of Latinas. This week, we’re featuring Brooklyn-born model and actress-turned-entrepreneur Rosemarie Reyes. La dominicana shares how she went from modeling alongside Jay Z, 50 Cent and Aventura, among others, to owning her own public relations firm, Handz Dirty Public Relations.

    Talk to me a little bit about your career. How did you get your start in the acting, beauty and fashion industries? What made you want to branch out into entrepreneurship; starting boutique public relations firm Handz Dirty PR?

    From the time I could remember I aspired to be in the entertainment industry. Started off in 2005, appearing in music videos/films, and modeling for hair/beauty companies. I felt unfulfilled during this time. A taste for public relations would come soon after, as I would help organize and orchestrate major campaigns and/or link industry professionals ‘the decision makers’ with the like to create mutually beneficial business relationships. For some time, I had never been able to make the distinction of what ‘industry’ my efforts fell under. So, when the opportunity to start my own business presented itself, public relations was just a natural fit.

    How do you identity? Do you consider yourself Afro-Latina, or use another term to describe your race and/or ethnicity?

    Afro-Latina? Latinegra? LOL… Quite frankly, I never considered “coining” myself as being within a specific race/ethnicity. I grew up around nearly 99% African Americans. I have always been close to my Latin roots, but, at the same time, I enjoy the relationships built with African-American acquaintances.

    Which Latina matriarch do you most identify with and why?

    That would be my aunt Camila, my mother’s sister. Altogether there are seven aunts and two uncles. Camila was always the one that I saw everyone going to advice for. She is the most ‘successful’ and financially stable. Although I love my mother deeply… Camila is my second mother.

    Who inspires you?

    Fortunately, I have been blessed with a number of mentors throughout my formative years. However, I must say that my fiancé has provided me with the most inspiration. His work ethic, business savvy, positive attitude, communication skills, and career successes are all the inspiration that I need to further my career.

    What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?

    Associate with successful people. Avoid those who are ‘victims’ [and] those who always look at the glass half empty. Building relationships are critically important, and even more the way you leverage them. That will determine your future opportunities gained.

    Where do you see yourself this time next year? 

    Growth plans are already in the works! We have two associates and are actively recruiting for additional key personnel. Currently, Handz Dirty Public Relations services 11 clients. I envision four more next year with a staff to support my clients’ needs. One thing, I will always play a prominent role in interfacing with all of my clients.

    You can follow Rosemarie and Handz Dirty PR on Twitter at @HandzDirtyPR. 

     

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    Author Sulma Arzu-Brown Talks Being a Proud Garifuna Woman & ‘Bad Hair Does Not Exist!’

    October 10, 2014
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    sulma-arzu-brown

    (Image: Sulma Arzu-Brown)

    If left up to the small or large screen, your favorite glossy or newspaper, or even big budget advertising campaigns, you wouldn’t know an Afro-Latina if she tapped you on the shoulder. But we are out there, and we’re letting our voice be heard. Ain’t I Latina?’s Everyday Chica series highlights millennial Latinas that are blazing a trail in their respective industries, leading by example for future generations of Latinas. This week, we’re featuring a NYC-based author and events professional named Sulma Arzu-Brown. This Garifuna woman  embraces her roots wholeheartedly.

    Tell me about yourself: Where are you from? Discuss your upbringing — how did it help you craft your identity? 

    I am a Garifuna woman from Honduras.  My parents are both college graduates in Honduras and majored in accounting.  After my mother was overlooked for a higher position at the bank she worked for in Honduras because she was Black, they made the decision to come to the US for a better opportunity.

    My older brother and I were left in the care of my grandmother and godmother at the age 2 and 3.  As a mother now, I can understand how difficult of a decision that was for my parents.  I am indebted and grateful for them!  My grandmother had the largest and most efficient bodega in my small town of Santa Fe and I remember her early morning routine to ride the horse to the farm, and make sure the cows were milked and the barrels were full just to have them ready for when the rest of the village awakened.  She was always negotiating deals with vendors to get the necessary products for the town.  And if anyone in town needed financial assistance, my grandmother was who they looked for.  She was a respected figure.  My grandmother is my identity- I wholeheartedly believe her spirit lives in me, even though I have a long way to go to be half a great as she was.

    Talk to me a little bit about your career. How did you get your start with the Garifuna Coalition USA and, ultimately, the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce?

    I graduated from Lehman College with a B.A. in Mass Communications.  My dream was to go into the field of production. While in school I did internships in public relations, TV, radio, sales and marketing. The day after graduation, I literally moved to Los Angeles, CA to work on the Essence Awards, then the ESPY Awards.  And, lastly, I entered the world of digital advertising.  However, something didn’t feel right and I felt a need to give back because to whom much is given, much is required.  I’d been blessed with so many wonderful opportunities, why not share and teach my Garifuna people, especially the youth, how to get this too? After being part of the Garifuna Coalition’s Board of Directors, the funding became available to hire a staff member.  Unbelievable as it may be, I was the only Garifuna that applied for the position!  Part of my position at the GCU included fundraising events, which I enjoyed.  However, I realized that to be successful you have to put yourself out there and immerse yourself in other networks to create partnerships. At age 35, I took an internship with the NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to assist with their business banquet.  The event was a success and I was hired part-time.  A couple of months later, I was brought on full-time as the Director of Events.

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