By Amanda Landa AUSTIN, Tx. —As a Mexican-American, I genuinely believe I never got to grow up appreciating the Mexican side of my heritage. There were delicious breakfast tacos from my grandma, the Tejano music bass booming in my Dad’s pickup, and my home of Eagle Pass, Tx., a typical border town. Yet, I didn’t…
By Laura Donnelly AUSTIN, Tx.—Actor Raúl Castillo is best known for his roles in “We the Animals,” “Atypical,” “Looking” and “Vida.” Before he was seen on the big screen, he grew up in the Rio Grande Valley in the city of McAllen, located in South Texas. In the below interview, Castillo discusses his upbringing, culture…
HARLINGEN, Tx.—L.A.-based Mexican-American musician MONOGEM, also known as Jen Hirsh, grew up in a family that not only loved music but celebrated it. Specifically, Hirsh’s abuelita would play the timeless bolero track “Bésame Mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez on repeat throughout the house. “I have the most beautiful memories of my abuelita singing and admiring the…
By Dana Garibaldi MCALLEN, Tx.—Though this year has been full of many twists and turns, the Latinx community remains strong. It is providing a significant contribution to the economy. According to an article by Nielsen, Latinx consumers currently yield $1.5 trillion in annual buying power, and Latina-majority businesses have seen at least 87% growth over…
By Natasha Ford AUSTIN, Tx.—In Laura Taylor Namey’s second novel, “A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow,” Namey creates a world full of love, support, friendship, and, of course, food. For me, this book was a long, warm hug from my family. It was cozy, while also being honest about grief and loss. It…
By Natasha Ford “Hannah’s War” is a gripping cat-and-mouse tale of love, war, deception, and espionage. It is a spy thriller full of suspense, and high-stakes. Jan Eliasberg does a wonderful job bringing a true story to life and highlighting America’s most complex moments in history. The story switches between Dr. Hannah Weiss’ history and…
By Natasha Ford AUSTIN, Tx.—Adapted from an award-winning stage play, “Brownsville Bred: Dreaming Out Loud” is an explosive memoir about rising above and becoming more than what is expected of you. The stage play and memoir were written by filmmaker Elaine Del Valle and she explores the trials of girlhood, family relationships and memories of…
By Jackie Ibarra SAN ANTONIO, Tx.—I was not expecting to ring in the New Year by running around a plastic tree in the middle of my living room seconds before the clock struck midnight, but there I was running in circles as my Ama (grandmother) insisted, “Corrale wera! Traerá buena suerte! [Run! It’’ll bring good…
AUSTIN, Tx.— Paulina Vega Dieppa, former Miss Colombia (2013) and Miss Universe (2014), is no stranger to sharing her enthusiasm for life via her 5.6 million Instagram followers. From showcasing life at the beach, her exercise routines and her time hosting “A Otro Nivel,” a singing reality competition, Vega is now venturing into new horizons…
Latinitas mission is to empower all girls to innovate through media and technology. We envision a future where courageous leaders emerge from every community, breaking barriers and forging paths to success. As a non-profit 501c(3) organization, our focus is on creating opportunities that enable girls to discover their voices, develop media and technology skills, and lay a solid foundation for their future.
Learn more at www.latinitinasonline.org
