Austin is once again preparing for one of its most transformative annual events as South by Southwest (SXSW) approaches. What began in 1987 as a regional music festival has evolved into a globally recognized convergence of technology, film, music, education, and culture. Each spring, thousands of creatives, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, artists, and innovators travel to Austin,…
On the cusp of a new year, Latinitas has debuted a new mission that beautifully reflects the organization’s growth and direction. The new mission statement is “To empower girls and their communities through culturally relevant education” and touches on the key aspects that set Latinitas apart; their culture, and curriculum which go beyond helping their…
By Nina Martinez When the Martinez family joins together, our gatherings turn into a celebration by the end of the night. The hog hunt and roast that we all prayed would not be an annual tradition, the family reunions, Easter mass and lunch, birthdays with 50 or more family members and funerals all have a…
By Anna Martinez According to Mexico’s statistics agency, 6 million Mexicans are deaf or hard-of-hearing. 17-years-old Estrella Salazar from Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico, is on a mission to help this population. Salazar developed an app that allows people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to communicate more easily. The app is called, “Hands with Voice,” and it helps…
By Laura Donnelly Everyone has a song or a few songs that make them think of someone or something special. Some songs remind us of people we love, others, times we’ve overcome an obstacle. For actress and comedian Cristela Alonzo – she has strung those particular songs together into a memoir producing a soundtrack of…
By Raven N. Garza AUSTIN, Texas— I was 11-years-old when I attended my first concert. It was an intense night in the Rio Grande Valley with cover bands that were the Latino versions of AC/DC, Guns n’ Roses and Metallica. Not exactly your typical experience as an elementary kid. Yet there I was: little Raven…
By Addy Allred This year’s SXSW was a combination of technology, teaching, training, and tempting sessions. Every evening I scrolled through the next day’s activities and seminars, and I found myself overlapping my schedule with a mixed texture of new music, art, film, experiences, and innovation. It was overwhelming but absolutely electrifying. My first decision…
This past week, Latinitas had the true privilege of being in the presence of Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Elizabeth Allen. A true visionary, and inspiring woman working in the US Department of State to make a positive change in the world. Following her inspiring SXSW panel with Latina musician Gina Chavez, Latinitas was able…
An icon in the world of ballet, Evelyn Cisneros has long been considered a groundbreaking trailblazer and a great inspiration for women and Latinos everywhere. Dancing since childhood, Cisneros overcame insecurities and pushed through adversities throughout her career leading her to much success and notoriety. Recognized as the first Mexican-American prima ballerina in the United…
