::Women in Leadership::

Being a Woman is serious business these days. The expectations and "bar" have been raised more than ever before. We have to be strong for our families and relationships. We have to be bad-ass examples for the women around us. We have to be inspirational and amazing as the women before us. We have to be sensitive but assertive. We are criticized for everything and every scrutiny is visible. We have to be humble and let things go. And, we have to be stone cold and easy going.  Once you become a leader there are constant check-list of goals that we need to achieve and do to be successful. And, guess what you are human too. You get tired, your feelings get hurt and you become overwhelmed. Find women who "have it all together" but really don't. Is so refreshing to me.  Knowing that I am not the only one who fails at life daily, and who doesn't always win, because we are human and "stuff" happens. That's where my motivation comes from and where real success happens. 

I attend many conferences and event that recognize and present awards to local women in leadership who have changed the face of their industry or paved the way for women within industries that are sometimes "male-dominated".  Their stories are always encouraging and definitely add value, life and energy to the other women in the room. They share the struggles they had to overcome, never giving up and moving forward in spite of the dispositions. As women, they pushed through their circumstances and constantly have risen above the nay-sayers. None of them ever suggest that their success has come easy. Surely we can learn from their examples but I don't think they are ever expecting to be one day recognized for simply doing their jobs and working towards success. The women are always humble and so deserving of the recognition and accolades to their accomplishments.

One of the speakers I remember is Dr. Virginia Parras (not pictured here) from a Women's event with Ford last year; she spoke about growing up with a father, "who thought the woman's place was in the home... except for her...she'd be different." The recollection of her experiences though they have come with many obstacles were lighthearted and filled with bravery. She stood up for herself, overcame a "man's world" in my areas of her life and obtained a higher education along the way.  She told a story about her first experience in the US as a young trick-or-treater scared to ring on the doorbells of strangers home to collect candy. What would happen? What would she achieve? Once she did it the first time and received candy, and then another and another, she realized; one, America isn't so bad and two simply "ring the bell" to reveal what's on the other side. It became the motto of her life. As women, we should simply "ring the bell", take the risks and leap forward!

If we just seek out that opportunity awaiting us on the other side, we might just reveal the talents we have within. 

Virginia rang many bells and figured out her true strengths, value and talents she held with every new door that opened. Her story is a motivating one for young career driven women who just want to reach their goals an potentials.  Along the way she faced many adversaries as most Latina women do, but she knew that regardless of what anyone thought, she had already crossed the threshold of so many doors, that nothing could stop her.

While following the footsteps of great women like Virginia can be intimidating we should use that energy to seek our strength and propel forward in the most unimaginable ways!

The generations to come are waiting for us. 

Let's be women of courage and bravery so that leadership can excel amongst us!

Beautiful Purpose :: Social Share:: Work/Life Balance

This past weekend I partnered with Danelia who just created a new project called Beautiful Purpose. Her events are called Social Shares and it can best be described as interactive sharing of personal experiences with women who have similar lifestyles, or not. Women from all walks of life joined us and from various age groups and backgrounds. We talked about work-life balance, and what that means and looks like for each of us as individuals. We discussed our most recent struggles with achieving this "balance" without losing our identity as women, as momma's, as wives, as entrepreneurs and just as who we strive to be. 

As someone who suffered early on from depression and anxiety and ultimately had to quit my job due to a massive panic attack. I shared about those things and what I have learned along the way. Here are some of the top lessons that my past situations and emotional hardships have taught me. 

My personal key lessons as a working momma of dos with high anxiety and depression complications:  

It's OK, to be an “OKAY" Mom. –  You don’t have to win at everything. Being average is OK. As someone who has always needed approval from others to proceed in life, being average was not a good idea or a concept I could grasp. I was absolutely overcompensating for something else that happened to me in my childhood, most likely with my parents. Now that I am a Momma knowing that my kids love me more than life on my best days the same as they do on my shit days, is so life-changing. In their eyes, I am not just OK, I’m amazing. So, if being OK for them is ok, then, I AM OKAY with that… I am really. It’s taken time to get here so it’s easier said than done to not care what anyone else will think if I am not perfect. But I no longer care about those judgmental (more times than not my own judgment) moments. 

You don’t have to win at everything.

It’s ok to say NO. - We can't do it all. Sure, we can try, I have tried for many years but the burnout is real and my family needs me to be at 100% to get things done.  FOMO. The fear of missing out was real. Truth is, you won’t be missing out on anything. Being ok with not being everywhere is very important. Saying NO, to those things that are just fill up my calendar and have no real meaning or benefit for my family, or purpose; are no longer a priority for me. I realized that what’s truly important is ME, who I am and what I want. My kids, their well-being and being able to provide for them. And, simply being there for my immediate family, mostly for my husband, and my kids.  So saying NO to things that don’t serve those people closest to me or my purpose are no longer on my to-do list. And, that is so freeing. 

You can try to do it all but you will over exhaust yourself.

Don’t forget about YOU! - We do SO much for everyone else it’s so important for yourself to be happy, to be fulfilled and to want to do for others. But first, you have to do MORE for yourself. If you aren’t happy then those around you will also suffer. As a Mexican-American momma, I learned from women like my mom and my aunts and grandmothers, that we do for everyone else regardless of how we feel. This is for sure a cultural cycle, that I decided years ago I could not continue to allow. The moment I decided that my needs, wants and passion comes first I realized that it's the best life I can live. So in 2013 I regained my sense of self and purpose and decided that while I love my children and husband, I would always work hard to be the best ME. To do more for me and never look back. Do I have momma guilt? Eh. Not anymore. (MAYBE) every once in awhile but once I realize how much certain things mean to me and how happy they make me I get over it. It does take time to get to this place and it's a very energizing experience. 

Cause it's true if Momma ain't happy....ain't nobody gonna be happy! #sorrynotsorry 

Refocus, reprioritize and move forward. - Have I had a perfect, happy, me-filled life for the last 4 years? No, not always or ever. But, when I notice that I am not doing enough for me and that I am getting lost in what everyone else wants, I tend to back away from it all again, hit reboot and start over. I know the feeling of hitting rock bottom, why would I want to be in that place again of unhappiness and bitterness. Where I am my own lowest priority and my focus is on the outside world. That is no way to live. The best way to regain this focus is by joining women at events like the one we had on Sunday. Where like-minded women who are willing and ready to invest in themselves are and who can help you realize that you need to get back on track. 

In all, I have learned that my happiness matters just as much as everyone else's.  It's sometimes hard for us to see things but you don't want to be in a bad situation trying to find your way out. It's always better to be preventative with your self-care and self-love! 

Trust me, you will love yourself for it! 

To learn more about Beautiful Purpose with Danelia, 

please follow her social media and 

visit her site:  http://beautifulpurpose.me/

:: Making Shifts and Creating Change as Moms:: #HoustonMommieSeries

::GIVEAWAY POST::

As Momma's we often feel like we are not making an impact but trust me, there is so much we can do to create shifts and change. We start with our home, creating a safe, healthy and happy place for our children and family. We start with ourselves, making sure that our needs are met, that we are well rested and that we are minds are well taken care of. We start with our circle of supportive, positive and like-mind Momma's.

Making a shift and creating change, comes from within and our surroundings. I have been for months now, working on myself, my inner peace and really prioritizing my goals, my health and thinking about my finances. I hope to be able to write a little more in the month to come and fill you in. If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat (@realmommaofdos) then you know, LOTS has been going on. 

I joined a new project with a wonderful group of women, who I admire and am inspired by. You can find more details on our Facaebook page, Livin'Latina Live. 

There is always something special to me about partnering with local organizations and supporting local women, I am all for it! Which is why today, I am bringing you a giveaway for the following series, The Mommie Series! It can help YOU create that shift you are looking for! Gain knowledge in the following areas; Family, Health, Finance, and Fashion with some amazing panelist and speakers. Led by an incredible team of local Mombassadors!  You will also find a WONDERFUL group filled with local connections, a new network and support system. 

See details below AND enter to win!!! Tell your friends, it ends Sunday! 

Misti Pace-Krahl, is the founder of The Mommie Series.

The Mommie Series is a quarterly educational series for women based on family, health, finance, and fashion.  Their success has been featured on CultureMap, 002 Magazine, Tidbits, Houston Chronicle, Houston Woman Magazine and spotlighted on KRPC Channel 2. The Mommie Series has been called one of the best Girls’ Night Out providing a full “Edu-tainment.” You can also find them at - The Mommie Series.

 Fall Edition is on Wednesday, August 9th at Native Citizen. 

NOW ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SET OF TICKETS FOR YOU AND FRIEND TO JOIN THIS AWESOME GROUP OF MOMMA'S!

If you enter and don't win you can still obtain a ticket with a 20% discount, use code "momma"

Website link to tickets:  http://www.themommieseries.com/the-mommie-series

Direct Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-edition-of-the-mommie-series-tickets-36089843694

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/848502805298611/

(Please select "going")

www.TheMommieSeries.com


2 Tickets to ONE lucky follower

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::M Live! The Expo About Modern Midlife:: JOIN US THIS WEEKEND

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own and true. 

Register for free online with code: MOMMAOFDOS

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/m-live-the-expo-about-modern-midlife-tickets-28532414219

::DESCRIPTION::

When it comes to menopause, we all get there at different times, with different circumstances, for different reasons, and at different times in our lives. There's not one thing about menopause that's the same for any one of us—but we all arrive at that place, that intersection, at some point or another.

But, midlife is about infinitely more than menopause. And while menopause plays a role, it's not the be-all, end-all of midlife.

Did You Know?

51% of all women are in menopause, but not every woman in midlife has gone through menopause. As women, menopause and midlife are as inevitable as death and taxes. We are the forgotten women. When we are girls and mothers of girls, we are told how to handle puberty, but who helps us how to handle when we go OUT of puberty?


Welcome to M Live!

M Live! is THE Expo about modern midlife - focused on empowering women and providing resources, support, education, entertainment, and opportunities that they can’t find anywhere else. This isn’t your momma’s midlife, this is modern midlife personified.

M Live!—brought to you by Intersection M—features speakers that specialize in integrative and traditional medicine, gynecologists that specialize in menopause and fitness and nutrition experts to provide tips on whole body health and most importantly the opportunity to have your questions answered by a panel of health practitioners that have your best interest in mind. Need motivation? We have speakers for that too! Want to understand finances? We have you covered. Our speaker on finance in midlife will have you set for retirement.

Meet Us At The Intersection!

Being held at the Health Museum in Houston, the day will be filled with information, education, laughter, sisterhood, botox, fillers, advice, questions and answers, vendors who sell fantastic things, a yummy lunch, snacks, giveaways and contests!

It's going to rock your midlife!

We are going to be bringing it, and we want the same from YOU!

Midlife today is what you make it, let's celebrate it together!

FAQs
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
The best way to get the event is via car or you can always Uber! Parking is free at the Museum, surrounding streets and at the McGovern Gardens across the street.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
You can contact Lee at lee@intersection-m.com or Faith at faith@intersection-m.com.
What's the refund policy?
We would be happy to refund up to 10 days before the event. Unfortunately, we can't refund after that!

WEBSITE: https://intersection-m.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/intersectionm/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/modernmidlife

::Hidden Figures:: Movie Review

This is not paid content and the review is something that came to me because I am super passionate about the things I love! 

{Image Credit: Google Search/Patheos Site}

I finally saw the movie Hidden Figures, and I knew it would be good and I knew I would like it. I mean empowering women of color is in my DNA, right? But, I didn't realize that I would identify so much of myself to the main character of this movie.  Katherine; an educated woman of color who is always overlooked, looked past and through. As a Mexican-American woman in corporate America since 1999, I have had similar experiences in the workplace. No matter how hard you work, someone else always gets the credit. That, someone else, is usually not a person who cares to work as hard as you because of their position of entitlement, which I find sad.  

The notion that you're invisible and irrelevant to your employer even though you're the one getting the work done is one that I have lived with for over 10 years now. Even though I have been in "high ranking" positions, it hasn't been an easy task to accomplish and it also doesn't guarantee truly being recognized or appreciated as much as others. While I definitely DON'T know the extent of racism that these incredible NASA professionals experienced, I have felt the inequality of gender and race in most of my positions and as a culture in the companies I work for.

Please don't get me wrong, this isn't a moment of self-pity or for others to feel sorry for me. Nor is it a complaint or bashing of any current situation in our nation. But, instead, an eye opener. That again, the extent and overt racism experienced by the female "computers" of NASA in the 1960's, still may linger in very low key ways and places where we least expect them. Not too much has changed for women in the workplace, while it is "better" there are still so many barriers we must overcome. And, we will overcome them. {i.e. Women's March 2017}

                                                              {Image Credit: Google Search/Hollywood Reporter Site}

There were moments in the movie where I could NOT hold back my tears. The first pivotal moment was when Katherine had to explain where she was 40 minutes of every day. No one knew her struggle and most overlooked the things that blared out to her. The fact that her boss was so busy he didn't see the barriers she faced, was truly no excuse, but I loved that he was the first one to take action and make those barriers less. I cried so much, I have been there. In white male dominated industries, where the issues a woman may have are not important to them, yet we get our work done and move forward with the pains and barriers we carry. 

Another moment where I felt truly happy and empowered was when Mary explained why the judge should grant her the ability to attend an all-white school. Of course, as you can see at this point, as women, we are always required to defend who we are and why we want to do things to improve our lives. But, that's OK, we endure and move forward. Mary's story is one that as a Momma and Wife, I struggle with, should we go back to school and better ourselves? The answer of course is YES, the issue of when the time is right will never happen. We remain busy and there will never be a better time, than now! I loved her boldness and strength. 

{Image Credit: Google Search/CNN Site}

And, the final moment that made me just fill with awe and admiration for these women was when Dorothy became supervisor of the newly formed IBM group and walked into the IBM room with her entire group of "colored computers". She was proof that when you resist you persist. 

                                                        {Image Credit: Google Search/Boston Magazine Site}

If you have not seen this movie, I recommend it for everyone. To me it was empowering for women of all ages and races. I watched it with my kids, and they knew so much about segregation, being of color and Martin Luther King Jr. that they followed along very well. When Dorthy walked into that IBM room, Santiago said.. "MOM, SHE DID IT!!!" I explained to Camila that because these women were smart, brave and strong they succeeded; she asked if she should be that way in school, to which I replied YES. You should! 

It is in these moments that we should teach our children both boys and girls, to stand firm in what they believe in, to truly follow their dreams and passions and to be BRAVE and stand strong together! I know my kids received the message. They are learning about what it's like to be brown in America, I want them to know their place, to claim what is theirs and to never be scared to be themselves! Regardless of their skin color or gender, they know that if they are strong and brave they will succeed, it's what I plan to instill in them! 

{Image Credit: TenderNest Portraits Houston Texas}

::Inner Healing and Supporting Women:: Renaissance Women Summit

::Momma Disclosure:: Post was created in collaboration with Amanda Russell of Fit Strong Sexy , Interesting Houston, Danelia of  Project Z and local group the Houston Latina Bloggers.  All pictures are property of Momma of Dos, if you wish to use them please contact me: mommaofdos@gmail.com 

There is much to be said when other women invite you to their table with open arms. Much to be said about women outside your circle who trust you instantly to be brought into their space. And, far more to be said about women who are truly supporting other women. In a clear and genuine way. 

I attended the Renaissance Women summit this past weekend, the vibe and the energy were incredible and it was all due to the coming together of several local women and one amazing visionary, Amanda Russell.  

I heard two messages loud and clear and I feel we would all, as women and simply humans, benefit from them.

::Inner Healing::

The thought that hurt people, hurt people is true. One of the speakers; Jen Groover, spoke very honestly and openly of this topic. Her testimony hits very close to home for me. Her mother was an abused wife and as a child, she witnessed so much that now she wants to empower her own daughters to be strong and stand up for what they believe in. More importantly to be more emotionally aware than most children their age, which was very impressive as a fellow Momma. Her biggest power is the idea of self-healing and not allowing those bad moments to create bitterness and sadness but instead learn from them and grow away from those toxic environments. 

We all have the power to heal. Some of us might need lots of help and support but that's OK, at the end of the day healing is your goal. Some may not have the tools that they need to heal but could find those tools in others through empathy and compassion.

Jen has such an amazing story of survival and triumph, she is such a true warrior! Again her story made a great impact on me and how I have healed over the years. And, honestly this healing is on-going. We are always going through experiences and situations that don't always go our way. We must continually learn and grow from our traumas and bad experiences. It's the only way to move forward, evolve and be successful! 

One statement that really resonated with me was:

"Successful people work on themselves first." 

::Supporting Other Women:: 

I knew the summit was directed towards women and that in itself was amazing. I met women from many walks of life and professions. I was fulfilled with that alone. But, then there was a constant message with the speakers; Tamilee Web-Hall better know for being the face of Buns of Steel, Jen Groover a Ted Talks speaker and serial entrepreneur/business woman, Anika Jackson and Staci Henderson of Interesting Houston and Amanda Russell. They all spoke to how they couldn't have done it without each other. They spoke about how if one person succeeds it never hinders your own success. There is, and always will be enough room at the table for everyone. The limiting thought that I must protect my success and not share or be able to promote other women within my industry, niche, or even within my own ethnicity, is ridiculous. I want all women to succeed, and be happy. This will set the norm for all successful relationships. 

#communityovercompetition should be something that is practiced across the board and that we should as women, embrace. We will only be able to succeed when we understand that everyone's grass can be green no matter what. The mentality of "every man for himself", while it can be productive in some instances, should not be what drives us to move forward. We should truly and genuinely build one another up and decide that in order to break the glass ceiling, we must unite. Dr. Noreen Khan Mayberry, one of the events panelist, spoke to this as well, empowering women and having one another's backs. It's what our community should be about, no matter what your industry is! 

Overall, there was an amazing sense of relate-ability among us all. We all have a story to tell and somehow our stories resonated with similarities. Some how, no matter what our background, ethnicity, age, or upbringing, some how our similarities, prevailed.  

This type of event fills me with true joy, first off as a Latina who passionately peruses empowering the women in her community, and secondly because I want to better myself as a woman, Momma, employee, wife, career-driven person. The Renaissance Woman Conference encompasses all of those important factors that push me forward towards a better me. I love representing the Houston Latina Bloggers and try to do my best with every opportunity I gain. ~Connie Gomez (Houston Latina Bloggers) 

::Renaissance Women Summit GIVEAWAY:: LAUNCHES IN HOUSTON 2017

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post. All content is my true and honest opinion.

You've made your New Year resolutions, established some goals and know what your vision is for 2017! Now it's time to start implementing, creating action and being informed on how you can make your goals a reality. How? Attend your first business summit of the year with other like minded women.

ENTER GIVEAWAY BELOW!!! {2 WOMEN WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND FOR FREE!!}

What is the Renaissance Women Summit?

"A one-day Women's Summit in Houston, Texas where some of the most influential women leaders and influencers are coming together to share inspirational stories, offer practical, REAL education, relationships and offer priceless tools and advice for excelling in both your personal and professional life."

Why Attend?

"THE RENAISSANCE WOMAN EXPERIENCES HELP YOU CELEBRATE YOUR HEALTH AND BECOME YOUR STRONGEST, SEXIEST, MOST SOPHISTICATED SELF."

Date: Sunday January 15, 2017, Time: 10am-5pm
Where: JW Marriott Downtown Houston 806 Main St, Houston, TX 77002

                                                     ::REGISTER HERE::

Learn more about the creator ::here:: 

Amanda Russell is: 

"Female entrepreneur, marketing analyst, UCLA professor, and national brand strategist, Amanda Russell has chosen Houston, TX as the city to launch the Inaugural Renaissance Women Summit (http://interesting.agency/rw) on January 15, 2017 in partnership with The Bucaram PR Group (http://www.bucaramprg.com), Interesting Houston (http://interesting.agency), The JW Marriott Houston Downtown (http://www.jwmarriotthotelhouston.com), Houstonia Magazine (https://www.houstoniamag.com), and Revista Mujer (http://larevistamujer.com)."

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::Top 10 Motivational/Inspirational Songs:: Momma Edition

When I am looking for daily motivation or inspiration, I often listen to either podcasts (one of my favorites is MFCEO), Ted Talks (Love them!) or a variety of music.

On my sad days or days when things don't seem to go right I listen to radio stations like KSBJ here in Houston. Their overall message is very motivational. For years, I have listened to KSBJ. And, the other day I realized that since I started listening back in 2001, the morning show has been very important. Not only because of my long commutes and the need to listen to good-positive radio, but also because of the dynamics of the morning show hosts. The hosts are usually male and female, parents and non-parents, but their dynamic over the years has been similar. They work wonderfully together to uplift, to encourage, or provoke deep thought as well as to make you laugh. I have fallen in love with every pair of hosts and truly appreciate a good morning radio show.

Mornings are so important because they set the mood for the rest of the day. When you don't feel great and no on else has told you that everything will be okay or that your day can turn around, motivating messages like those on the radio can help change your mood.

Here are my current top 5 KSBJ motivating/inspiring songs, there are so many others but these I love. You might recognize some of the faces from American Idol.










Then, of course, the girl power has got to flow! My top 5 female empowerment songs.

::How can you empower YOUNG women:: #SXSW

Music Keynote Speaker and First Lady Michelle Obama. Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images.

Powerhouse women. That's who was united on the stages of SXSW this week. Powerhouse people, artists, creatives, and doers. As a Momma, as a Woman, as a Writer. I am affected and fully inspired by these types of events.  One of my favorite panels was Let Girls Learn Panel. Moderated by Queen Latifah. It was composed of the most epic Boss Lady/Tribe ever. Michelle Obama, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Diane Warren, and Sophia Bush. I mean who wouldn't want any of the ladies sitting on stage in their corner and it got me thinking... who do I have in mine?   

You know who I keep in my corner? Women who love me and support me. People, who believe in me. People. Who want me to succeed. Those people who will look at me and be real, who will say...yeah you are crazy but go for it! I have people in my life who are honest and hurt my feelings but love me. I have people in my life who inspire me, motivate me, push me. I have people in my corner who keep me humble and remind me...it is NOT that serious. And, who don't take me for granted. I have people in my life who allow me to be me, who allow me to miss dates or rescheduled appointments because I have a family. I have people in my life who don't create more drama and issues for me but instead, help me solve issues and give me solutions.

That is what this panel brought to mind. How can I feel empowered and in return empower the younger generation of women? More importantly, how can I empower those young women in my life, especially my daughter! 

LET GIRLS LEARN PANEL: the FIRST LADY was JOINED BY MISSY ELLIOTT, DIANE WARREN, SOPHIA BUSH, AND QUEEN LATIFAH

"Find your passion, turn it into Action! Support your Sisters!!" -Queen Latifah

Equal rights is the work of both men and women. 

You can't look to other for a change...."Change happens on the ground!"-Michelle Obama

• Never give up
• Work Hard
• Nothing will ever be handed to you
• When others tell you, you are a nobody, show them who you are and MORE! 
• Don't let anyone hold you down. 

Powerful women, empower women. 

How can you help empower young ladies in your life?

1. Be Involved- Volunteer, advocate, and support those organizations that will help young women achieve the dreams and create an impact. There are so many out there, locally and nationwide. The one presented in this panel was #62MillionGirls 

2. Tell them they CAN- Your words can make a huge difference. Encouraging young women, mentoring them and telling them that they CAN be the difference everyone speaks of, is a very important and powerful part of the puzzle.

3. Be the example- As most things happen, we must show others what we are capable of by leading and being the example that young women need. You do have to lead by example.

4. Instill an education- I say it all the time and I know that many great people have not needed schooling and are self-taught. But, when a child is taught that an education can change their lives, it helps them grow with that mindset. I want my children to know school is an option. And, when other children want an education and can't get one, then we should take advantage of that and run with it.

5. Give them options- Just as I mentioned before, we want our children to know that they do have option. If a 4 year degree isn't for them, maybe some other type of certification or enrichment programs can be obtained. And, always letting them know that they can follow their dreams by taking different paths.

6. Inspire their dreams- In that same sense, we want to feed our children's dreams, support and encourage those dreams. I want my children to know that they can do anything they want, as long as they put the work in and become educated in what they want to do.

7. Let them be creative- Allowing young women to freely express, to be creative and to know that they can express their dreams through different outlets.

8. Help them find their voice- In the same sense of feeding young ladies dreams and allowing them to be creative, we can help them find their voice through mentoring and exposure to different resources.

9. Help them produce change- And, like with anything else you want to help young ladies and walk with them side-by-side to help them achieve their dreams. Providing resources and information they need to grow and learn.

10. Be the change! -  We cannot move forward without truly creating change, unless we create action and do those things that we say we are going to do! That's what it's about.

http://www.sxsw.com/

::Weekend Snapshots:: Link-Up with 3TwentySix & The Reinvention of Jessica

When we created Houston Latina Bloggers the group was meant to join together local Latina writers who really wanted to engage their readers and simply be part of a culturally unique group. I feel that the purpose has definitely evolved and changed over the past few months. We seek to not only bring together local Latinas who love to write and are true social media influencers but also motivate and inspire all women to feel empowered and share their unique voice. I hope that over the next year we can further grow this sense of community and share even more. 

In the meantime, the ladies that form the group are extremely wonderful and motivate me to keep moving forward in our direction.

I couldn't do anything or make things possible without my fellow co-founders, a huge thanks as always to Ariana of 3TwentySix and Jihane of OnixJ. While I have been seen as the face and "voice" of the team, the ladies who run all the behind the scenes are incredible and truly nothing can be done without them. Their support of my somewhat out there ideas has been great and I truly see them as my Latina Tribe who have been here for me through this amazing venture and journey. Our own community of constant support and love, it's so important to what we do, to always support one another. 

Oh, weekend snapshots. Right, so this past weekend was amazing. We had a great event with amazing women involved. Wonderful sponsors such as Kroger, CHI, Define Hair Studio in Spring, Thinking Girls Boutique, and Pollo Tropical.  Two make-up artist Sylvia and Jannette, as well as three very inspiring speakers.

First up was Dr. Kelley Watts, a local family therapist who spoke on how we should not allow our inner demons to take charge of our world, and instead we should conquer them one day at a time and be confident in who we are.  Then, came a personal favorite, as she is my boot camp trainer Maggie of Texas Fit Chicks. She spoke about how she isn't the typical young trainer and how her weight struggles led her to where she is today. She confessed to having a cheat day and how she creates balance in her everyday workout routine by also indulging in those things she loves. She spoke about being motivated as a fellow Momma of Dos and growing into her true purpose. She is an amazing motivator and person. Finally, my good friend Sharon of the Bitchy Business Briefs told us a little about her daily activities keep her mentally and physically healthy and young. How she doesn't want to necessarily be young again but knows the importance of feeling great at whatever age. How embracing your age and learning to care for yourself has given her new life.

All the ladies had such wonderful stories to share, that I feel they impacted us in many ways. They gave great insights into how our overall well being affects our everyday lives as women. How negative thoughts affect our inner beauty which in return affects what we feel like and look like. And, that we should really focus on ourselves to be strong and healthy because in the end if we aren't well our lives show it and our moods can be altered in a not so good way!

The rest of our weekend was spent, with friends, resting and eating great homemade food.

{This is a Link-Up with 3TwentySix & The Reinvention of Jessica }

::HELLO:: #Adele

[ Hello from the other side

I must've called a thousand times 

To tell you I'm sorry, for 

everything that I've done

But when I call you never

seem to be home]

Funny story, I love break-up songs. Not because I have been involved in a ton of horrible break-ups. I have been with my Husband for over 15 years, never once have we split up. Good? Bad? I don't know.

But, there is one person I have issues with. I split up with that person and reconcile; and then split up again and start all over. That person is, me. No, not crazy, just bare with me. You see when I hear songs like Hello, I think about myself. The lyrics above speak to me, Hello Connie from the other side! In a good way. 

Still not crazy, wait for it. 

Every experience in my life, has been a moment to reflect, a good moment to reinvent myself, learn, grow and start over. With myself. Learning in my 20's who I really was. How strong I could really be. Here I am 7 months from 35.

Hello Connie, from the other side. Wiser, braver and far more knowledgeable of my capabilities. Scared, sure. Who isn't? But, not paralyzed by my fears like I was 5 years ago when I was a new Momma with 2 babies. 

[Hello, it's me, I was wondering

If after all these years you'd like to meet to go

over everything

They say that time's supposed to heal, yeah

But I ain't done much healing]

I must've called a thousand times, to tell you I 'm sorry for everything I have done.  As a Wife, a Momma, an Employee, a Daughter, a Sister, a Friend. I have failed. I tell myself over and over that I am sorry for all that I have disrespected my true self, hated my body, felt sad and unworthy, felt like a failure. But, I forgive myself. I am allowed to fail and fall short. To disappoint and be firm in my beliefs and thoughts. I am sorry Connie, for all that I have done. To self-manipulate my confidence and strength. For thinking I was incapable or unworthy.

I have been broken in so many areas of my life. The healing has been hard. Judged and hurt. Like so many others. 

[There's such a difference between us

And a million miles]

Hello. I am on the other side. I stand strong. Now braver, more empowered and far more confident of my capabilities and worth! A song about self-love and how much stronger I have come out of every single ordeal I have been faced with.

A million miles from where I once have stood, from where I was and have fallen, many times. 

Maybe it's not the break-up songs I am attracted to but the female empowerment songs that really call out to me. It's about healing your soul and moving forward. It's about loving who you have become and continuing to grow. 

[Hello from the outside

At least I can say that I've tried 

To tell you I'm sorry, for breaking your

heart

But it don't matter, it clearly

doesn't tear you apart

anymore]

And, I am at peace with it all. Myself , who I am and who I am not. I have learned to love me, and get back up after being knocked down. Hello, again, from the other side.

Where I am strong, empowered and above all...loved.