LATINOS IN SOCIAL MEDIA (LATISM) SALUTES CAROLINA PICHARDO AS ONE OF TOP LATINA BLOGGERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY

As part of the recognition, Carolina Pichardo will attend the First Ever Top Latina Blogger Retreat in Washington DC

Washington, DC (May 17, 2012) – Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) has recognized Carolina Pichard, co-founder of Young Urban Moms, Inc., as one of the 2012 Top Latina Bloggers in the country based on her influence, content quality and ability to build community through her blog. As part of the recogniton, Carolina will receive a full scholarship to attend the First Ever Top Latina Blogger Retreat organized by LATISM. The exclusive invitation-only event, to be held at the luxurious Hotel Helix, located in the heart of Washington DC, from May 20^th to May 22^nd, 2012, aims to empower the top voices of the Latina community with the skills and connections they need to turn their blogs into social enterprises and tools for advocacy.

“It is an honor to be chosen as one of the Top Latina Bloggers,” said Carolina. “I’m grateful to LATISM for their work and commitment to the Latino blogger community, and for this great opportunity to bring my work and achievements to the forefront of our Nation’s Capital. ”

Carolina was chosen as one of the Top Latina Bloggers because of her leadership at the helm of Young Urban Moms, Inc. in New York City, as well as for her desire to make a difference in the community. Through her blog, Carolina provides information and resources about young parenting, children’s programs, career workshops and education.

“This is the first ever retreat of its kind, and we couldn’t possibly be more excited about having such an amazing group of top-list Latinas representing our bloguera community,” said Ana Roca-Castro, LATISM’s Founder and Chair. “We know the insights and mentorship they will obtain at the retreat will be multiplied a thousand-fold as these leaders go back and share them with their own communities.”

Invitation requests were open to applications submitted digitally at http://bit.ly/BloguerasRetreatApplication until May 10, 2012. A selection committee, including representatives from Las Blogueras, Blogs de Mamas & New Latina, was in charge of reviewing the bloggers’ applications based on influence, traffic and quality of content.

Sponsors and partners for this event include Johnson & Johnson, Univision, McDonald’s, Mary Kay, Southwest Airlines, Procter and Gamble, Comcast, Fleishman Hillard, Disney/Babble, Macys, Porter Novelli, and Consumer Reports. The event was organized in partnership with Latina Bloggers Connect.

For more information about the First-Ever Latina Blogger Retreat, visit http://blogueras.latism.org/

ABOUT THE FIRST EVER TOP LATINA BLOGGER RETREAT

The First-Ever Top Latina Blogger Retreat is an exclusive, by-invitation-only event organized by Latinos in Social Media (LATISM), with the objective of empowering the top voices of the Latina community with the skills and connections they need to turn their blogs into social enterprises and tools for advocacy. The two-day event will include capacity-building and mentoring sessions with top executives from a variety of industries and causes as well as a LATISM-exclusive briefing at the White House. For more information about the First-Ever Latina Blogger Retreat, visit http://blogueras.latism.org/

ABOUT LATISM

Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) is a 501(c) 4 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing the social, civic and economic status of the Latino community through technology innovation and social media. LATISM also helps to raise awareness among corporate brands, NGOs and government entities about using social media to reach Latinos. Our partnership initiatives include research, event sponsorships, and leadership training. A pioneering social media organization with over 150,000 members in its network, LATISM has been hailed as the most influential online movement in the new multicultural Web. To learn more about the Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) organization, visit http://blog.latism.org

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MEDIA CONTACT FOR LATISM (Please contact if interested in covering the event as media):

Elianne Ramos

Latinos in Social Media (LATISM)

646.932.7752

elianne@latism.org

Carolina Pichardo

Young Urban Moms, Inc. (YUM)

646.269.1148

c.pichardo@youngurbanmoms.com

Today, I’m heading to Washington D.C. on my way to the White House. I was selected as a #topbloguera – one of the Top Latina Bloggers across the country – for LATISM’s First-Ever Top Latina Blogger Retreat.

It’s an incredible honor to be among this group of bloggers.

But a bittersweet one as well.

You see, I’m scheduled to be on this amazing retreat until Tuesday afternoon. We’ll be meeting with other top figures to create plans/ideas for our blogging and writing communities.

On Tuesday, my daughter will be performing with her class in Carnegie Hall. She’s been working all school-year for this; almost weekly telling us just how much she wants to perform with her class.

That day, I won’t be able to share that moment with her.

She said she’s ok with it, that she’ll be happy to be there with whoever goes in my place. But it’s not just that – really.

Many have said they wouldn’t go to the retreat, while others have told me she’ll get over it. Yes, my kid will get over it, and I’m going because this really matters to me.

But I also do recognize the sacrifices my daughter has made to set her feelings aside for me – not just know – several times in her little lifetime. As YUMs kids, it’s common for the to do that. Seeing us grow up and get our footing, while trodding-along in the process; no can argue that our kids are the most resilient kids on the block.

No can argue that we’re the hardest on ourselves for it as well.

As I head on my trip, I go with the knowing that times like this will be far in between, and it’s the simplest and regular ones – like the park visits, going to a zoo, road trips to other states – that will impact them in the long-run.

Young Urban Moms’ co-founder, Carolina Pichardo, is a digital marketer by day, writer and community activist by night, and mom to Lulu always. You can reach her atc.pichardo@youngurbanmoms.com or on Twitter @c_pichardo.

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Some say mothers do the impossible. They do the challenging, difficult and exhausting task of raising – well – people. It’s very much the job description fit for a superhero.

Although we’re no Thor, Iron Man or Black Widows (at least not all of us), we do have certain superpowers that are fit for an action flick.

1. Hawkeyes’ Eyes. We could see what our kids are doing from across the rooms. Heck, once they’re super quiet, we can detect it through the walls.

2. Captain America’s Strength. When I gave birth to my daughter, suddenly I could carry things I never thought possible: diaper bag, baby carrier, car seat and most importantly – baby. Captain ain’t got nothing on us!

3. Battling the Hulk. Our kids’ personalities are all shades of colors – and green is a top choice. This piece, in particular, goes out to the YUMs that understand the tiny tantrums and angry bursts of little Hulks everywhere.

4. Tough Like Iron. This is self-explanatory.

5. The Glue of Fury. We’re the ones that keep it together, have those hunches and know just how to take care of the crew. We know how to push our loved ones to do what we know they’re capable of doing. If that isn’t a superpower, then what is?

Ok, so maybe you might not catch a YUM donning a cape or suit in The Avengers’ sequel or spin-off. But then again, we do this everyday anyway…

So here’s to the real superheroes – all our YUMs – on your day!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Check out the “comic book-styled” picture of my daughter, after checking “The Avengers” second time around. It was my Mother’s Day gift to us.

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and causing a headache for anyone who has not yet planned a treat for their loved one. It can be a challenge to find an affordable gift that reflects the unsung work that your mother does each day.

That said, there are plenty of gift options available if you are willing to think outside the box and shop around for the very best deals. Here are 3 gift ideas to get you on your way.

Book a Luxurious Limousine Journey to Make Your Mother’s Day Special

More than $16 billion was spent on Mother’s Day in 2011, and a large amount of this expenditure went on food, drink and eating out. While you may feel that treating your mom to an dinner is an idea that lacks a certain level of innovation, however, it can be easily improved by booking a limousine to take her there. This is especially true in a bustling and metropolitan place like New York City, where the streets are congested and there are lots of wonderful sights to see. With this in mind, hiring an New York limousine can offer an affordable and genuinely unique gift experience for your mother this year.

Create a Personalised Gift That Says ‘I Love You’

While the cost of engraving continues to fall, its level of meaning remains undiminished. This is a practice that can be used to personalize any item of jewelery, and it also adds immeasurable sentimental value to even the most basic of gifts. Whether you choose a necklace, bracelet, ring or set of earrings, adding a personal message or signature can create an entirely unique gift that gives a true reflection of how much you love your mother.

Book a Weekend Spring Get-Away in the Sun

One of the best aspects of Mother’s Day is its timing, as spring remains one of the very best times to book a trip either domestically or abroad. As an example, vacation packages to locations such as Mexico and coastal Florida are not only more affordable during the off peak season, but they also experience cooler temperatures and more bearable living conditions during the months of May and June. This makes a weekend get-away an extremely appealing and accessible Mother’s Day gift experience, and one that offers a break from the routine and normality of everyday life.

The Bottom Line

Whether you choose to hire a New York limousine, customize an item of jewelery or book a trip somewhere hot and sunny, there are many opportunities to give your mother the gift that she deserves this year. Just be proactive, open your mind to unusual gift ideas, and try to create a truly unique and enjoyable experience for your mother.

Lewis Humphries is a professional freelance writer. He provides content for brands and businesses throughout the world.

As a young, urban mom, I always get the same question: “So when do you consider yourself not young?”

Even now, as a newly-minted 30 year old.

Truth is, whether we’re 25 or 80, being a young mom is a state of mind and thinking. You will forever carry those experiences with you regardless of old you get. My daughter will continue to be asked, “Is that your sister?” While I’ll get the usual, “Is that your daughter?”

It’s a unique experience – this YUM thing.

YUM kids will remember everything, especially those things you might just want to forget. Just the other day, my daughter reminded me of the one time “you were in the supermarket and your pants ripped!” Yes, she explains how it all happened too. Don’t even get her started on our car trip stories. She’ll tell anyone who’ll listen what a horrible “parker” I am.

She’s just so excited to be a part of it all, and what better time capsule for a parent than to share that with their child (even the embarrassing parts)?

What do you look forward to the most about getting older as a YUM?

Young Urban Moms’ co-founder, Carolina Pichardo, is a digital marketer by day, writer and community activist by night, and mom to Lulu always. You can reach her atc.pichardo@youngurbanmoms.com or on Twitter @c_pichardo.

When it comes to building your brand and blog online, there are very few guidelines and rules to getting it done. That’s why we’ve teamed up with with Online Marketing Specialist, Carla Lynne Hall to show you how to become “Internet Famous” with her popular VIP One-Day Intensive Program. Ms. Hall, best known for her work as Skillshare’s Social Media Branding Expert, has written columns for Vibe, Billboard, Associated Press, About.com, etc.

Hall is offering YUMs for a limited time only a very special price for a private “Internet Famous” VIP coaching session in NYC, in which I personally create a customized online marketing plan for you and show you how to:

• Create Your Own LEGEND
• Develop STORYLINES
• Design a CONTENT STRATEGY
• OPTIMIZE Your Website(s) for Search Engines (SEO)

Feel free to share this offer with your friends, but remember that this offer will only last until Tuesday, May 1st at 5pm, or until the 5 available slots are filled – whichever comes first! This offer is normally

To learn more and register, feel free to send questions to Carla@InternetFamousVIP.com.

Mixing soul, jazz, and country twang, New York City’s Carla Lynne Hall is a singer/songwriter playing pop by her own set of rules. The Manhattan Mirror has described Carla’s music as “Norah Jones meets Sade for tea on their way to visit The Beatles”. A visit to Manhattan’s Hayden Planetarium inspired SUPERNOVA, the title track of Hall’s third CD, released on her independent label Moxie Entertainment. Hall blogs about her music and the entertainment industry at Rock Star Life Lessons.

There’s a quote my mother always told me: “Juventud, divino tesoro.” It ‘s a common phrase that basically translates to: “Youth, divine treasure.”

Like most children, I never knew quite what it meant. I just knew she always uttered it at the most inopportune times: like this picture.

When I was 17, I always thought there was very little that could wrong. I was interning at a top publishing company with an amazing group of editors, had just gotten back from touring Austria with my school, and – if that wasn’t enough – was accepted to my top college choice. I also had just met my sweetheart, who would later become the father of my child, and she the reason I do almost everything I do.

It was a youth definitely signaling the life I was about to live; one that at 17 years old, I could’ve never imagined.

Short of being a complete young trailblazer, my youth was also full of learning experiences – failing exams, cutting class and arguments with teachers. It was cluttered with the loss of friends and boyfriends, and best friends because of boyfriends. It was also full of low expectations that I was forced to think I had satisfied. While Trayvon was stereotyped for a hoodie, young moms like me go through it with the “knocked-up, probably on public assistance and with a pile of kids on the way” mentality.

The simple act of walking with our kids is our version of the hoodie. And imagine getting shot for looking suspicious about that?

On the cover of the May Oprah issue, the top mogul stands alongside a younger version of herself. It’s a picture of her during her earlier days in media, with the “Farrah Fawcett Hair” and an energy that you could almost feel through the pages.  It’s that youth my mom was referring to, and whom the creator of OWN named “beautiful brown-skinned girl” in a letter she addressed to her younger self. In the article, she reflects and shares how she realized her “high-calling” through her strong faith.

She took that moment of her youth to think back and grasp everything she’s learned – as an African-American woman – since then. It’s actually what I’m doing now as a young, Latina mom.

And it’s what I’m asking you to do as well.

Forget the pending trial/charges, the loss and family’s ordeal since the murder.

Remember – instead – the pictures and stories of Trayvon that have surfaced online. Whether it’s of him enjoying a birthday party, sitting with relatives, or my personal favorite – getting a hug and warm kiss from his father.

Remember the obligation each of us has to become the best person we’re meant to be, regardless of the stereotypes, hoodies and teen pregnancy statistics “society” wants to pin on us.

Let’s not forget and keep the momentum going on a positive note. Write your own reflection. Share a story of how you were when you were a 17-year-old, and what you’ve learned since then.

The 3rd Annual WEST Conference - “Tenacity: Triumph Over Trials”

The North Academic Center of City College of New York

Saturday, March 31st, 2012

(8:30am to 3:00p.m.)

Morning Keynote Speaker

Liz Black
lizblack.com

She hosts “Sunday Praise” on 107.5 WBLS  and is the founder of the New Mercies Café, which sponsors the #1 Gospel Variety Show / Open Mic at various locations throughout the NY-NJ-CT Tri-State area, and the founder of the Gospel Artist Network, established as a means to mentor independent artists.

Afternoon Keynote Speaker

Phyllis Yvonne Stickney
phyllisyvonnestickney.com

Stickney has been seen in movies such as New Jack City, Die Hard with a Vengeance, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Inkwell, What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Malcolm X and the popular 90s sitcom A Different World

Our “Women of the Year” Award

Erica Ford
Founder of LIFE Camp, Inc
http://lifecampinc.com

Ticket Prices:

Regular Admission: $20

Group Rate (10 or more): $15 each person  (Deadline March 30, 2012)

Youth Admission (Ages 8-16): $5

Register today at http://westconference3.eventbrite.com/

You know what they say about first impressions. That’s especially true when you’re networking or getting ready to interview for the career or job of your dreams.

Should you wear a traditional pencil skirt? Maybe a nice pant-suit would work better? What about colors? Should you stick to blue, black and gray or add a little purple and green to the mix?

Then there’s the preparing for the questions and answers, and how to best frame your responses for that.

Let’s face it. It’s all enough to make you become a puddle of sweat.

However, there are strategies and techniques that could help you become a better interviewee, and most importantly – help you land you the job you want.

Join our co-founder, Carolina Pichardo, Pamela McKingley of Offer State Consulting, and HR Executive and founder of TheSPEACH.com, Eileen Fuentes, for an evening of career strategizing and confidence-building to make that first impression count.

Wednesday,  March 28th at 7:00 pm
Word Up Books
4157 Broadway + 176 Street
New York, NY 10038

When it comes to accomplishing our goals and dreams as women, we could think of everything and anything NOT to get the job done. Although most of those excuses are valid, whether tending to our families, going back to school or advancing in our careers. They shouldn’t stop us from completely embracing our innate power.

You know the one; it’s the one that’s pushed many women we’re celebrating this month for Women’s History Month.

So how do you embrace that power and learn to push ahead?

Join feminist icon and author, Gloria Feldt, on her “Power to You” book tour. She’ll not only be commemorating Women’s History Month, but also celebrating the paperback release of her book, No Excuses: Nine Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power.

Gloria will be sharing tips from her book, giving away prizes and taking questions from her readers and fans. It’s a great opportunity to learn and cultivate what’s your essential trait.

Power to You Book Tour
Sunday, March 25th
3:00 – 4:00 pm EST*

*2:00 pm Central, 1:00 pm Mountain, 12/noon Pacific

To learn more about Gloria Feldt, read our exclusive interview where she shares her tips and ideas to young moms.

Young Urban Moms’ co-founder, Carolina Pichardo, is a digital marketer by day, writer and community activist by night, and mom to Lulu always. You can reach her atc.pichardo@youngurbanmoms.com or on Twitter @c_pichardo.