::Mujeres Legendarias~Houston Event:: #FordEnEspanol #MujeresLegendarias

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. I received a special invitation to the Ford Mujeres Legendarias Luncheon, in collaboration with Lopez Marketing Group. All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest.}

There is nothing I enjoy more than meeting new people and connecting with them. I like to think that I am a fairly versatile person and am constantly reaching out to all community leaders regardless of race. But, there is always something very special and different about being in a room filled with other Latinos. Especially a room filled with other Latina Women who are making a difference in my very own community. As I am sure others feel the same about their own community. 

Last year I started a series where I asked a question about Latina {Women} Empowerment. The response was wonderful, you can see that post ::HERE:: This week, thanks to Ford en Español, I want to discuss what we can do to create actions.  Ford invited me to attend their Mujeres Legendarias Luncheon where four Professional Latina Women were honored for their innovative contributions to the Houston Hispanic community. Their passions were evident through their introduction stories. They are hard working, intelligent women who are paving the way for other Latinas in Houston seeking to do more through their work.   

Who are we as Latina women in Houston? Guest Speaker, Martha Kattan, Regional News Director of Univision stated that we are virtuous women. We work hard and continuously try to be a part of our community. We aspire to be great. We work over 8 hours a day. We are business women. Who are Fearless. Organized. Always planning for whats to come. Always looking towards the future. We provide words of wisdom to those in need. "As women we need to be lifted not only as mothers and wives but as faith seekers and brave business women."; she stated. We are encouragers filled with courage. Filled with challenges but never bowing down to them. 

"Latinos in our community are writing their own destinies."

                                                                         ~Martha Kattan of Univision 

I agree when she stated that we should  try not to substitute men in the work place but instead we should be compliments to them and try to work hard alongside them. She then quoted her Abuela, a wise lady for sure, saying to remember to be "Sumisas pero no sus Mensas". Being confident, assertive, smart and positive, uplifting role models.  She also stated that "we have our priorities in order; God, Family & Work." Some how we have succeeded at finding a balance and making it all work. 

It was a wonderful event that honored Houston women who are each legendary in their own way!

Action. It creates motion that we can see and be a part of. In everything that I have done, or continue to do; I always ask myself- “What are we doing as a community to build our strength and empower those around us?”  

::More about Ford Mujeres Legendarias::

Information provided by Lopez Marketing Group. 

Ford reconoce los logros de las mujeres Latinas con su campaña Mujeres Legendarias de Ford.

Ford Motor Company tiene una larga historia de reconocer los logros de las mujeres en nuestra sociedad. Aunque la mayoría de la gente la conoce como la esposa de Henry Ford, Clara Bryant Ford fue una filántropa y líder de la comunidad en su derecho propio y una figura clave en el largo historial de las mujeres influyentes.

Por tercer año, durante el mes Nacional de la Historia de la Mujer, el fabricante de automóviles celebrará Mujeres Legendarias de Ford, una iniciativa con el fin de honrar a las mujeres Hispanas que, como Clara Bryant Ford, personifican los cuatro pilares de la marca Ford: inteligencia, eficiencia, ecológico y seguridad.

Las mujeres homenajeadas representan a las 22 millones de Latinas excepcionales en los EE.UU. que están haciendo una diferencia en el lugar de trabajo, sus hogares, el medio ambiente y la comunidad.

Inteligente (Smart): empresarias, ejecutivas, dueñas de pequeños negocios o directoras de organizaciones sin fines de lucro:

·         Suzanne Batlle (Miami)

·         Carolina Valenti Pinto (New York)

·         Liliana Perez-Nordtvedt (Dallas)

·         Rita Farias (Houston)

·         Madeline Salazar (Los Angeles)

Eficiente (Quality): una modelo de conducta para su familia y la comunidad, que alienta a otros padres en persona o en línea con sus experiencias y conocimientos.

·         Lina Acosta (Miami)

·         Alicia Gibbs (Nueva York)

·         María García (Dallas)

·         Rosanna Gomez Moreno (Houston)

·         Teresa Garza (Los Angeles)

Verde (Green): establece un cambio positivo con relación a los problemas ambientales y trabaja para educar y proteger al público de los peligros ambientales.

·         Irela M. Bagué (Miami)

·         Xiomara Taveras Henríquez (Nueva York)

·         Arcilia C. Acosta (Dallas)

·         Patricia Lugo (Houston)

·         Olivia E. Rios (Los Angeles)

Seguro (Safe): influencia la política pública en temas sociales, económicos y culturales. Organiza grupos en torno a una causa y trabaja para implementar los cambios que tienen efectos positivos y duraderos.

·         Giselle Delgado (Miami)

·         Ximena Hidalgo Ayala (Nueva York)

·         Cynthia Izaguirre (Dallas)

·         Grace Olivares (Houston)

·         Griselda H. Reyes (Los Angeles)

Para ver la galería de fotos y leer todas las biografías de las Mujeres Legendarias de Ford, visite www.facebook.com/fordenespanol.

#ad Ford Trend Conference ::Day 2::

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited by Ford Espanol to attend the Ford Trend Conference this year. Compensation was given in form of travel and lodging expenses. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.} 

The hashtags that you can follow on Twitter to find more details and great statistics from the Ford Trend Conference are; #FurtherwithFord #FordTrends #FordEspanol #RoleForward #FordTech #FordGreen #DesigningInnovation

I have been to conferences in the past and there was some downtime involved, but with the Ford Trend Conference it was one exciting and learning experience after another. Each one filled with interesting data and inspiring speakers who composed the different panels for each session.

Day 2 started with an early 6:30am breakfast where I met the lovely Channing of Channing in theCity, she was very friendly, sweet and informative; together we headed into our first session of the morning. Frontier Female, talk about female empowerment through non-traditional roles! The session was kicked off by Chantel Lenard the Director of U.S. Marketing for Ford Motor Company. She discussed her work abroad in China and what she learned about females as consumers in that country compared to the U.S. The impact will be impressive in the next decade as we have already entered new levels within the consumer market. As women who not only maintain a home but also work outside the home to provide for our children we are already paving new roads for female generations to come.

Some of the stats that really stood out and that would make the most impact for me were the following;

1. 67% of women in management roles in the U.S.
2. 40% of primary breadwinners in U.S.
3. 172 WOMEN MADE THE BILLIONAIRE LIST IN 2012; 12 % MADE IT FROM SCRATCH
4. 1 billion woman consumers are expected to enter the market and workforce in the next decade.

“Traditional gender roles are also changing and there are now 2 million women taking the wheel; For the first time in history female drivers outnumber male drives!”  Women’s roles are evolving and even your “average” role of being a Stay-at-home-Momma is no longer what it was just a few years ago.  And, in the same way many Momma’s are becoming successful business woman whether outside the home or from home, as are most Bloggers.  

As these roles evolve in the home and in the workplace they are reflected in the marketplace or in consumer trends for various items and more importantly for large consumer items such as vehicles which used to be dominated by men.  

Another speaker that caught my attention was Jenna Wofle of NBC. I knew her from television but when I heard her speak it really allowed me to connect with her on a whole new level. She is an incredible woman who has paved the way for many women reporters on so many different levels. I don't like to think of our personal lives as a barrier because we should be able to live it as we'd like. But, Jenna overcame the barriers presented not only of being a female Sports caster but also by openly sharing her personal life with NBC viewers. Jenna and her Partner became Momma's and her story of how it was revealed and how her co-workers embraced her just brought tears to my eyes. 

Life is difficult. Being an accomplished career women is difficult. Adding a child to any relationship is difficult. I can totally relate with Jenna in so many different areas and breaking those barrier or overcoming them is an everyday struggle for me. I can just imagine for someone like her who is in the spotlight being examined and judged every time she walks out of her house. It's not easy, but let me tell you; she is one amazingly accomplished Momma and her career is very impressive! I fell in love with her story and her take on Momma-hood!  

She was genuine and didn't mind taking pictures with us, she was definitely fun and her words made such an impact.

This day was information filled, other speakers in the morning session included;
JOHN GERZEMA 
New York Times best-selling author,
 strategist and leadership consultant
JENNIFER SENIOR 
Contributing editor, New York Magazine

A couple of questions posed during the panel discussion were the following:

"Are we challenge free today or do we have a whole new host of challenges compared to those women from 40 years ago?"

“Why aren't there more women in leadership roles?”

What do you think? 

To be continued.... 

#ad #furtherwithford Ford Trend Conference ::Day 1:: #fordespanol

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited by Ford Espanol to attend the Ford Trend Conference this year. Compensation was given in form of travel and lodging expenses. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

To the everyday eye I am an 8 to 5 employee and an after 5 Momma but some days

I like to believe that life although great can be a bit more, adventurous. Last week I had the opportunity to have my own "Momma Adventure", if you will.  Traveled to a state that I once called home. Ford en Espanol invited me to Dearborn, Michigan to attend the Ford Trend Conference. 

As a Momma I always want to be at the top of my game in different areas of my life. By creating experiences that my children will not only enjoy and remember but also those that they will learn and grow from.  I also want to be a part of experiences that my children can look up to and be inspired by. I want my children to admire life and follow their dreams by taking risks and conquering their fears. Life is about so much more and I want them to realize it and experience it. 

Last week, was one of those new experiences, the last 4, almost 5 years have been dedicated to seeking new ways to provide for my family, to care for my children and seek my "niche". Until last week I had done all of this locally. When I was presented with the opportunity to travel to Michigan, alone, I was hesitant. But, within minutes decided that this was going to be a perfect opportunity to conquer those fears of traveling without my family and of the "what-if's". 

For the next couple of weeks everything was calm. Until last Monday that is. So much had to go into me leaving my home alone for the first time in 5 years. I lived for over 24 hours with a knot in my stomach. Making sure my husband knew morning routines, that we had back-up for childcare pick-up, I washed my kids clothes and then left daily outfits together for easy access, and finally I had to let go of how perfect I "needed" everything to be while I was gone. 

As a Momma I have sacrificed so much more than at any other stage of my life, by choice. This was the perfect moment to receive just a little reward for those things that I have chosen to let go of in my life to become a better and more complete Momma.

That morning started out pretty much like every other day. I posted about it here. My Hubby and I took the kids to daycare, then he dropped me off at the airport. Even though my stomach was in a knot, I tried to relax and started taking it all in. I called my good friend Karen, who prayed for me. I was that nervous. Her words and excitement helped. Then it was time. I boarded an extremely small Delta plane with what felt like a million other people and started my 3 day journey. 

I arrived in Michigan after the pilot circled the Detroit airport a couple of times due to bad weather. Our first event was a dinner at 6:30 pm at the Ford Performing Arts Center. I arrived at 5:45 pm, ran though the airport because I didn't know that the hotel was connected to it!

The next few hours I would go through a mix of emotions finally relaxing and realizing that I needed to embrace the next few days and not worry about the who, what, where and when. 

Below is a picture re-cap of my first night in "Ford City" where Innovation truly does meet design, the new Ford Edge was unveiled. The night was most definitely filled with inspiration, new ideas, and great conversations with new colleagues. The food was amazing. The drinks were oh so fancy for this Texas Momma and I didn't allow not knowing anyone to stop me. 

It was the perfect kick-off to a great few days of knowledge and inspiration from the Ford Motor Company:

(Pictures were taken with my Canon, IPad and Blu phone.)

"Ford and the future of automotive design, technology, and mobility."

#ad Ford Trend Conference #fordespanol #fordtrends

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited by Ford Espanol to attend the Ford Trend Conference this year. Compensation was given in form of travel and lodging expenses. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

This morning my routine was pretty usual. I got dressed and ready to go, dropped my kids off at daycare, kissed them good-bye and told them to behave.  Instead of heading to my regular 8 to 5 though; I had a packed suite case in the back of my truck and a knot in my stomach as I rode to the airport. My nerves have been on edge since last night. 

As a Blogger I have had several experiences here locally in Houston, never leaving my children or Husband for more than an 8 hour day or a 4 hour evening. Today ::deep breath:: I will have an entirely new experience, away from my home and family. But, not without their undying love and most incredible support. 

As I sit here having made it through the high tech, yes, "high tech" check-in system and not so bad security check waiting for my flight to take off; I have that "Home Alone" feeling. That feeling that I am forgetting something. Did I pack everything I need? Will this empty nervous feeling fade soon? How will this trip go and will I succeed? 

Truth is no matter how many people I have met over the years or how many conferences and fears I have already conquered this year there is always the doubt and fear that it may just not go as planned. 

But, then I am reminded why I am here. Not only have I been selected to attend but I am capable of so much more and I am here to succeed. I find strength and gain confidence with the knowledge that I have a beautiful family waiting for me at home. Watching my every move. Loving me no matter what. 

My knowledge is about to be expanded and I can't wait to see what the next few days of growth and learning hold for me. I am over the top excited to meet everyone and take in all of their inspiration and motivation. 

I am headed to the Ford Trend Conference in Dearborn, Michigan. Michigan is a state that I hold deep in my roots, my family migrated there years ago from their homeland of Mexico to the promise-land that is the U.S.. I have uncles and family who still live there. A piece of my heart is there.  

Are you ready to take this Momma Adventure with me? 

Follow me on Instagram @mommaofdos and on Twitter @MommaofDosTX

{Ford Summer Spectacular} #FordEspanol

{Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. Informational post only.}

There is no doubt that Summer is known for it's "Blockbuster" films and the Ford Motor Company has created a series which portrays these epic Summer films but with a twist. The star line-up is none other than the motor companies very own, vehicles.  The creativity of this series definitely caught my attention. When I first saw one of the commercials on T.V., it honestly kept me glued to the screen waiting to see what movie it was. When I realized it was a Ford commercial I thought, how clever. 

The Ford Summer Spectacular was previewed at the Miami Beach Cinemateque. The premiere attendees; composed of Ford representatives and other members of the media were given the red-carpet treatment and were even interviewed by top celebrity and lifestyle Bloggers. They enjoyed a private screening and a unique behind the scenes glimpse of the filming of Ford's newest advertising campaign. Their  "blockbuster movie-like commercials" where filmed in Los Angeles and it's surrounding areas. 

The short films where directed by Kyle Cooper, who is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science. Cooper was also recognized as one of the top 50 "Biggest and Best thinkers" from the last 20 years of advertising and consumer culture by Creativity Magazine. 

Not only is the Summer Spectacular directed by well known talent the films also showcase a Hispanic International actor and host, Cristián de la Fuente. Cristian has been chosen as one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful,” TV Guide’s sexiest man and twice named Cosmo’s Man of the Year. The former Dancing with the Stars performer appears in two of the Spanish language campaigns commercials.

The unique campaign runs from now through September 3rd. My favorite has been the recreation of Twilight, especially in Spanish. Which clip is your favorite?