Why Your Voice Matters...
Cultivators, can I just preface this newsletter to say how grateful I am that you have chosen to subscribe to this newsletter, all 40 of you… and that you have shared it giving visibility to over 200 people in just two weeks. This means a lot to me and it certainly means a lot to some of the voices I am featuring each week.
Speaking of voices…
I know you are hearing this a lot lately because it is true. Your voice matters… in so many ways. One of the most important ways it matters is how its used to effect change in the community. Using your voice to both be counted in the Census (only like 2 days left) and select your local and national leadership is critical right now.
It is no secret that the country is divided and there is a lot of friction. One clear way to use your voice is to vote on the issues that matter most to you and your loved ones.
This year’s election will be like no other that we have ever experienced (seems to be the theme in 2020) so knowing where and how to vote is HUGE.
it really matters that you nudge your friends and family to vote and provide them this super valuable link to get all the info they need to make it happen.
VISIT VOTO LATINO NOW!
If you are wondering… #VLPowerSummit 2020 is going virtual! Join VL on October 2nd with more than 500 young Latinx activists and leaders for a day of online learning, networking, and fun! Also, it's free!
RSVP now: https://linktr.ee/votolatino
Growing Spiritually
During the fall of 2007, I made a decision to spinoff a very popular open mic poetry night called Capicu Culture that I co-created with my creative partner Juan Papo Santiago into a live internet call in radio show called Radio Capicu. I started the show out of my dining room table with two of my best friends, mycollege buddy, Javier Ramirez and my dear friend Cynthia G. otherwise known as “ La Chica Que Pica” who rocked the mic talking about issues we were actively discussing in the community.
About 5 years in, we added a new voice to the show, a young lady named Jomaira Martinez affectionately known as La Sensacion Del Bloque. She was alumn from the college I attended and when I met her (7 years prior?) she was the host of the time slot I did my show “La Hora De Sazon” where I played classic Salsa, Merengue & Playero (an early incarnation of Reggaeton). Jomi added a lot of energy to the show and was fearless in tackling hard topics. I always knew she would do big things…
I was right.
Jomi finished her degrees (BS and Masters) dove into the world of non-profits and eventually got married and started a family. This did not slow her down, she is currently back in the public light as a voice leveraging her purpose, her spirituality, and her non-profit experience in a new venture, ROOTED HEARTS ACADEMY.
Fun fact: Jomarira is part of the Siembra Initiative and has the distinction of being my second longest partnership in the years I have been doing this thing I do.
So let me share the official info about her and her exciting new project.
Jomaira Ortiz is the Founder & Chief Heart Officer at Rooted Hearts Academy (RHA). RHA was birthed out of a burning desire Jomaira had to walk alongside women that, like her, were successful on paper, but inside were in dire need of healing and restoration. Jomaira is a “new-ish” wife to her hubby and new momma to her baby boy! She is a Licensed MSW and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She is also a generational curse breaker and unapologetic about it! She is a first-generation college graduate and the first woman in her family to obtain a degree (she got two, y'all). While successful in many regards, she simultaneously battled obesity, disease, and mental health challenges. Overcoming obstacles are deeply embedded in the fabric of her work and her life story and today, she is blessed and privileged to walk alongside you on your journey towards healing and development.
About the program: The program takes a deep dive into exploring the deeply rooted reasons causing our health challenges and provides tools to ignite the healing process. The program incorporates both scientific research and biblical principles to offer a true, blended and holistic model to healing the mind, body, and spirit.
WHY WE EXIST?
Rooted Hearts Academy exists because:
We believe women have the power and right to heal from emotional wounds using a holistic, God-centered approach.
We believe that when women heal, they are able to tap into the limitless power of their Creator, helping them stand strong in fulfilling their dreams and purpose.
We believe that when one woman heals, we heal and empower homes, families, communities, and generations.
THE WORK
Rooted Hearts Academy strives to partner with women to heal holistically through:
--Individual and group coaching opportunities
--Self-paced virtual learning courses
She sold out her inagural cohort in just a few days but…
Applications are currently being accepted for the January 2021 8-week group coaching intensive program:
How to connect with Jomaira
@rootedheartsacademy [IG]
www.facebook.com/rootedheartsacademy
rootedheartsacademy@gmail.com
rootedheartsacademy.teachable.com
EVER WANT TO USE YOUR VOICE TO TEACH?
(URGENT ACTION REQUIRED, APPLICATION DEADLINE IS NOV 1st)
Teacher’s College @ Columbia University Is Recruiting!
If you;
want to live and teach in NYC Public Schools
are interested in a lifelong career in education
will commit to working against societal inequities manifested in the public school system
The Teaching Residents at Teacher College want to talk to you.
Here are some highlights about the program;
18-month teacher residency program
Living Stipend
Generous Scholarship
2 years of Induction mentoring support
2-year Induction stipend to support teachers with supplies, professional development, and much more!
Download the program’s official brochure here.
Email teaching.residents@tc.edu for information session zoom links
NEW BOOK ALERT - EMBRACING ME
April Hernandez Castillo is an actress, author, and speaker. As a survivor of Intimate Partner Violence, April now serves as a role model for thousands of people across the United States and around the world. One of her biggest dreams came true when she was invited to present on the prestigious TedX stage.
Determined to make a difference, her mission is to educate her audiences about the power of their voice, the effects of abuse, and understanding the components of a healthy relationship.
April and her husband, Jose Castillo, own a production company called LionChaser Films & Zalo Photography. They have two beautiful daughters and reside in New York City.
Best known for her riveting performance as "Eva" in the hit movie, Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank, April Hernandez Castillo was living the Hollywood dream. However, behind the glitz and glamor was a woman dealing secretly with a traumatic past.
From growing up in the tough streets of the Bronx during the Crack Epidemic Era to being in an abusive relationship as a teenager, to almost taking her own life, April’s future looked bleak.
Embracing Me is April’s inspirational story of resilience, forgiveness, and overcoming adversity.
This heartfelt yet witty memoir explores April’s story of standing up against life’s many challenges with strength, perseverance, and faith. Journey with April as she takes us behind-the-scenes to some of the most intimate parts of her life, and learn from the wisdom she obtained along the way.
Buy The Book - Book The Author
www ahcspeaks.com
You Like Musica?
On behalf of Sofrito Media Group, I will be both co-producing & serving as a media partner for the official tailgate party for this year’s Virtual Calle 8 Live!, The premier Latin music live stream show of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month.
(more info on a special announcement this Wednesday, here on the Siembra newsletter)
MIAMI, FL – September 24, 2020 – (LATINX NEWSWIRE) – The premier Latin music live stream show of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month just added more firepower to its diverse all-star line-up.
Organizers of Calle Ocho Live today announced that Fonseca, Cali y El Dandee, Jerry Di, Mariah Angeliq, Pitizion, Nanpa Basico, Daniela Darcourt, Banda el Limon y Alejandro Santamaria have joined the line-up of the October 4th virtual festival.
A Hispanic Heritage Month Event Like No Other
They join an already stocked, diverse line-up that includes Mau y Ricky, Ivy Queen, Gloria Estefan, Camilo, Jessi Uribe, Jorge Celedón, and Bobby Pulido.
The music roster also features, in alphabetical order: Bardero$; Bobby Pulido; Camilo; Charlie Aponte; Chesca; David Kada; El Cata; El Chacal; El Chapo de Sinaloa; El Prodigio; Fulanito; Gloria Estefan; Ivanna; Ivy Queen; Jessi Uribe; Jon Secada; Kyen?Es?; MJ Songstress; Leslie Shaw; Los Chiches Del Vallenato; Los Hermanos Medina; Manny Manuel; Mau y Ricky; Milly Quezada; Marie Monti; Maria Pino; Neguito Borjas; N’Klabe; Oro Solido; Oscarito; Rogelio Martinez; Srta Dayana; Soleil; SonLokos feat. Leslie Cataya & Bonco Quiñongo; Spanish Harlem Orchestra; Tefi Valenzuela, Tito Puente, Jr.; Toño Rosario; Tito Puentes Jr; Tito Rojas; Toa Valantin; Toby Love; Tony Succar; and Yiyo Sarante.
Among the top brands and sponsors officially announced as of today are Heineken, Cafe Bustelo, Nickelodeon, the Florida Dairy Farmers, and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
A Live Stream Packed with Hispanic Media Partnerships
Saying “presente” for the broadcast of Calle Ocho Live are VIVA Live TV; Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS); VME; Entravision; HITN: People en Español: Tarima: ORA TV; Impremedia; Maria Marin, LiveXLive, Latido, BronxNet, SBS Mega TV (Miami); SBS Mega TV (Orlando); SBS Mega TV (Puerto Rico); the digital platforms of SBS Radio – ZOL 106.7 FM (digital Miami); SBS Radio – TU 949 – MEGA 97.9 FM (digital NYC); SBS Radio – AMOR 93.1 FM (digital NYC); SBS Radio – La Raza 93.3 FM (digital L.A.); SBS Radio – MEGA 96.3 FM (digital L.A.); La Musica; iHeart Media’s WZTU Tu 94.9 FM; Viva Tu Musica; La Opinion (Los Angeles); La Raza (Chicago); Diario La Prensa (NYC); New York Latino International Film Festival; Altísimo Live; Carnaval Miami; El Mundo Boston; Diario Las Americas (Miami), the Dominican Film Festival, Latinx Newswire, Pop Culture Newswire, and Latin Life Denver. More media partnerships are underway.
Strategic partners of the show include Cerro Group, Dustelli Music, and The 360 Group.
To partner with, support, or sponsor Calle Ocho Live, email manny@retropopmedia.com, tcallava@Kiwanislittlehavana.org, or visit www.CalleOchoLive.com.
Calle Ocho Live is Cause-Focused
In addition to featuring live and pre-recorded performances from top Latin music artists, celebrities, and social media personalities, Calle Ocho Live will also highlight stories from the families served by the Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation. Even though the online show is free, the event will feature a call to action for viewers to donate $8 or more ahead of or during the festival to the Kiwanis at www.CalleOchoLive.com.
Supporters and large philanthropists are urged to pledge whatever amount they can.
When/How to View Calle Ocho Live
Calle Ocho Live officially kicks off with a digital and national broadcast show that will feature more than a dozen media companies and their respective digital platforms on YouTube, Twitter, Periscope, Tik Tok, and Twitch.
To register for the premium, prize-filled edition of Calle Ocho Live, complete the easy registration at the event’s website www.CalleOchoLive.com.
The interactive three-hour livestream experience will include music artists, entertainers, comedians, chefs, social media influencers, and other surprise personalities. Collectively, the show’s broadcast will surpass millions of verifiable video views and will generate many more millions in overall media impressions.
Audiences at home will also have several options to get involved live on the show throughout the day with opportunities not only to win prizes but also to be featured on the show in a variety of engaging ways.
The Facts Behind the Cause
The Kiwanis of Little Havana is an affiliate of Kiwanis International, a worldwide non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving children in their communities. Founded in 1975, the Little Havana Chapter is known for using advanced fundraising initiatives, such as Carnaval Miami and its flagship event Calle Ocho Music Festival.
Through the Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation, the organization impacts thousands of underserved families annually, with youth development programs including holiday giving, college scholarships, back to school assistance, emergency financial assistance, and more.
Monies raised through Calle Ocho Live will be used by the Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation to assist diverse families in South Florida with college scholarships, back to school assistance, holiday gifts, emergency financial assistance, and other support during the Covid-19 crisis.
Social Media:
Instagram: @CarnavalMiami
Facebook: Carnaval Miami
Twitter: @Carnaval_Miami
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I hope you enjoyed this issue of the Siembra Newsletter, if you want to connect for collaboration, sponsorship or to find out more about the services I offer, email me at engage@sofritomediagroup.com to book a discovery call.
Stay tuned for the complete relaunch of http://www.sofritoforyoursoul.com on October 16th… where we will be adding many new voices to our platform.
As I am,
George Torres
Founder,
Sofrito Media Group
🔥👉🏼📲 👀 Check out my #SocialSofrito InstaStories daily at http://www.Instagram.com/UrbanJibaro
(ps. we will never share your emails with anyone)
About The Siembra Initiative
Siembra Initiative is a grassroots program of Sofrito Media Group that creates free or low-cost training opportunities for entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, art circles, and community activists to increase their social footprint and elevate influence online.
If you have any questions or you wish to donate to the Siembra Initiative to help cover the costs of technology, please email us at SiembraInitiative@sofritomediagroup.com