Kimesha's Selected Writings

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2021

2021-11-21T16:56:00.008-08:00

How entrepreneurs are creating a pandemic 'She-covery plan' to get women back in the workforce

2021-08-04T16:30:00.002-07:00

After the Wrap, We Give Back!

2021-08-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

“TEAM OVERCOME” SECURES “DANCIN’ DYNAMITES” SEASON 16 WIN

2021-07-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

May Pen dancers beat the odds to win Dancin’ Dynamites

2021-07-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Tommy Lee Dixon is hooked on dancing

2021-07-15T12:34:00.003-07:00

It's Settled! Team Overcome Wins Season 16

2021-07-12T06:49:00.003-07:00

Team Overcome lands Dancin’ Dynamites crown

2021-07-09T19:43:00.001-07:00

Something Extra | Friday

2021-07-09T18:52:00.001-07:00

Team Overcome lands Dancin’ Dynamites crown

2021-07-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

‘Team Overcome’ Beats The Odds To Win Charles Chocolates Dancin’ Dynamites Season 16

2021-07-07T13:20:00.004-07:00

Etobicoke women create viral social media campaign highlighting Filipino excellence

2021-06-26T16:59:00.006-07:00

By Joanna Lavoie, Reporter - Toronto Star

Fri., June 25, 2021

A Toronto-based social media campaign is celebrating Filipino mentors, heroes, and those who inspire others from around the globe.

Spearheaded by Filipino-Canadians Joycelyn David and Argentina Beltran, neighbours and friends from south Etobicoke’s Mimico area, #FILIPINOW launched just in time for Filipino Heritage Month, which starting this year will happen every June in Ontario.

The concept for #FILIPINOW, which officially launched on June 1, is simple. People are asked to create social media posts that highlight the contributions of Filipinos worldwide. Participants are asked to use the hashtag #FILIPINOW.

During a recent interview with toronto.com, Beltran said she and David came up with the initiative because they felt the diversity of the Filipino community was not always represented.

“We still find a lot of stereotypes and misunderstandings about what our community is all about,” she said. “We want Filipinos to be honoured and recognized."

Beltran, an entrepreneur and branding/marketing strategist, and David, who owns a Toronto-based multicultural marketing business, combined their skills and resources, and tapped into their networks, to create the social media campaign, which went viral in a matter of weeks. So far, #FILIPINOW posts have received roughly 2 million impressions.

“(#FILIPINOW) has really taken on a life of its own. … I hope this goes beyond Filipino Heritage Month. We hope this campaign struck a match and it’ll continue,” said David.

“People want to tell their own stories. They want to be seen and heard.”

Beltran said they're grateful that so many people have participated in #FILIPINOW.

“We’re humbled and proud of the support we’ve been receiving from the community... We don’t want this movement to end this month,” she said.

One of the things that has come out of the successful social media campaign is a collaboration with One Down, a Filipino American platform, to release a #FILIPINOW video on Wednesday, June 30. The trailer, which was shared on social media channels on June 24, already has more than 13,000 views.

Moving forward, Beltran and David said they’re exploring developing a #FILIPINOW mentorship program to connect Filipinos of all backgrounds and generations with others from their culture who are doing positive and inspiring things.

“We’re getting Filipino participants from all walks of life. Why not leverage that talent pool to uplift others?” said David.

2021-06-07T19:59:00.002-07:00

It’s Filipino Heritage Month And These Toronto Entrepreneurs Are Pushing For Representation Across The Globe

By Manisha Singh on June 7, 2021

6ixBuzzTV

June is Filipino Heritage Month, and two Toronto entrepreneurs have spearheaded a brand new movement to push for more representation across the globe.

Argentina Beltran and Joycelyn David are fellow Filipino-Canadians who are passionate about highlighting the invaluable contributions of the growing Filipino diaspora.

And like all successful movements, they started a hashtag: #FILIPINOW.

Argentina Beltran
Joycelyn David

June is Filipino Heritage Month, and two Toronto entrepreneurs have spearheaded a brand new movement to push for more representation across the globe.

Argentina Beltran and Joycelyn David are fellow Filipino-Canadians who are passionate about highlighting the invaluable contributions of the growing Filipino diaspora.

And like all successful movements, they started a hashtag: #FILIPINOW.

#FILIPINOW is a social media campaign calling on the Filipino diaspora to tell their stories throughout the month of June.

“Our hope is that Filipinos of all backgrounds, and our allies, will stand up to proudly represent and celebrate each other,” David said in an interview with 6ixBuzz.

“There’s about 12 million of us outside of the Philippines that are doing amazing things but most times are not getting the right recognition that we deserve and we’re looking to change that,” Beltran said.

Filipinos are the third largest ethnic group in Canada, and many of them call Toronto home. In fact, they play an integral role in Canada’s health care system and have been essential in the battle against COVID-19.

The campaign

The first three of five people to be vaccinated for COVID-19 in Canada were Filipino frontline workers, yet voices from the community are not heard or represented the way they deserve to be.

“We want to elevate the Filipino community and importantly tell their stories through our own words,” David said.

So how can you participate and show support?

It’s easy! Just post on social media using the hashtag #FILIPINOW and share your story. If you are Filipino, tell your audience who you are, and if you are an ally, share a story about a Filipino that inspires you.

“I didn’t learn how to speak Tagalog until later in my life, because I wanted to learn more about my heritage. When I asked my mom “why didn’t you want to teach me Tagalog at home,” she replied matter of fact ‘I didn’t want you to have an accent and experience hardship like I did,” David said.

“I honestly didn’t know whether to thank her or cry.”

And it’s for this reason that highlighting Filipino stories and voices is so important. It gives them a chance to share their unique struggles, break stereotypes, and create their own narrative.

“To my Filipino brothers and sisters, I encourage you to keep showing your knack for innovation, speak up and keep building our legacy across the world,” Beltran said.

“To our allies, make space for us and acknowledge our contribution. Filipinos are here. We matter and we are visible.”

NRSC Expresses Sadness on Crash

2021-04-16T11:57:00.005-07:00

Leading the charge - J’can women at forefront of efforts to boost police-community relations in Toronto

2021-04-01T18:42:00.006-07:00

Multiculturalism Is Key For Canadian Businesses In 2021 & A CEO Has Tips To Make It Happen

2021-01-09T18:23:00.005-08:00

Published via Narcity Canada - January 9, 2021

"Diversity is good for business."

Canadian businesses have been hit hard in lieu of the global pandemic.

It's been such a big hit that too help boost the economy, Canada has plans to open its doors to over 1.2 million new immigrants in the next three years, according to CBC News.

This is expected to fill in the gaps in the labour market with the help of skilled workers from around the globe.

But with more people entering Canada, Filipino Canadian Joycelyn David, CEO of AV Communications and ETHNIHUB in Toronto, told Narcity that Canadian businesses need to not only welcome them with open arms but prepare for them too.

David revealed five things every Canadian business should know to tap into multicultural markets this year in anticipation of not only newcomers but diverse Canadians who are already here too.

Develop an inclusive multicultural marketing model

According to David, the very first starting point is understanding that embracing inclusivity and diversity is good for business and should be the muse for your business model.

"Learning to be inclusive begins with awareness and openness to seeing the world through someone else’s eyes," she said.

She also points to resources that can help businesses on this journey, citing Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion as one.

Connect with your customers in their language.

David shares that too many Canadians speak more than one language, sometimes even multiple, and to really connect with them she believes you need to connect with them in the language of their comfort.

"As the diversity in Canada grows, and immigration continues to fuel our population across Canada, businesses can’t afford to be uni-lingual in their approach to customer service," David said.

Target your audience through cultural passion points such as sports, food, music.

Others may be coming to Canada but that doesn't mean they leave behind their own culture. David says Canadians should make sure we integrate with their interests too through what she calls the 'passion point' method.

"Passion points are the things that inspire and drive our lives and identity. What better way for a brand to connect than through this," she said.

Her research platform called ETHNIHUB also addresses at this topic, for example, in their work looking at halal food preference among Canadian Muslims.

Tap emerging Ethnic Micro-influencers to build your brand following.

David shares that the best influencers are the ones who help bridge the communication between brands and their audience.

Her team has worked on campaigns with brands like BMO, Canon, H&M and WINNERS. According to her, they were looking to expand their multicultural marketing and connect with their ethnic audience.

Hire a multicultural agency to help

The Multicultural Marketing Alliance of Canada (MMAC) is the official association of the multicultural marketing, advertising and communications industry in Canada.

It is also where Canadian businesses can go to find an agency to help them out.

"The future is bright because the market has awoken to something we’ve known for 20 years, diversity is good for business," David said.

AV Communications launches multicultural marketing platform - Oasis Integrated Communications

2020-11-20T12:04:00.001-08:00

And Now... Presenting... The Inaugural 'Amazing Prospects' Scholarship for Excellence

2020-09-16T10:57:00.004-07:00

Making a presentation to Kasian as her mom, Vanessa, and Mr. Dingwall, Principal of Prospect Primary look on.

Last year, I enthusiastically announced that in 2020, I’d roll out a scholarship for the top student at Prospect Primary, my community school that’s tucked away in the cool hills of North Central Clarendon.

This scholarship would mark the 10th anniversary of my ‘Amazing Prospects’ charitable initiative, and make a bold statement on the power of having a vision, the life-changing benefits of collaboration, and the importance of giving back and making a mark on the world.

Who would've thought that we’d be battling a pandemic and struggling to stay motivated as we wade through lockdowns, quarantine and all the craziness that COVID-19 has brought?

As time ticked on, it scared me to think I wouldn't be able to keep my word to deliver the scholarship. Donors who had happily pitched in over the years were unable to support for various reasons, and understandably so as we're all adjusting to the shock of the pandemic.

Thankfully, a handful of loyal supporters helped me to keep hope alive. This week, with their help, I presented the inaugural Amazing Prospects Scholarship for Excellence valued at JM$50,000 to Kasian Palmer, who will be starting Westwood High (one of the top 10 high schools in Jamaica) next month!

Even in uncertain times, our courage to defy the odds is what will make a compelling life story. Let’s show up, keep hope alive, and leave a trail of inspiration for generations to come!

Westmoreland bikers benefiting from $52-million training programme

2020-08-20T14:18:00.003-07:00

NRSC Records Most Successful Motorcyclist Training To Date

2020-08-14T14:27:00.008-07:00

Set To Officially Open New Motorcycle Training Facility in Westmoreland

Unexpected Joy! - Families Welcome Ignite IGL Foundation Care Packages

2020-05-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

Jamaica Records 20% Decline In Road Fatalities Due To COVID-19 - NRSC

2020-05-29T11:51:00.001-07:00

Teens & Teams - Tun Up Di Scene

2020-01-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

YuMe Dreams Big with Top Brands

2019-06-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Published: June 2019 through AnB Media

YuMe Toys is what dreams are made of, or at least it’s the inspiration behind the company’s name—a Japanese word.

You may have heard of YuMe Toys or you may not have, but don’t be fooled into thinking YuMe is a newbie to the toy scene. While the company made its official launch in North America, the UK and Asia in 2018, the brand owner, Maxx Marketing, has monetized IP and extended entertainment properties into toyetic product for years—servicing more than 120 markets worldwide with a 360 operation equipped with in-house R&D, an insights-led product development hub, and supply chain infrastructure.

In 2017, Maxx Marketing signed a multi-year deal with Warner Bros. based on standardizing and expanding the quality of its plush across various markets. This included Warner Bros. Consumer Products’ most popular entertainment brands: J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World/Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, the DC Universe, Scooby Doo, Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry, and the studio’s most iconic horror titles. Spurred on by the success of this partnership among others, YuMe Toys was created, moving the toy programs into mass and specialty.

Harry Potter Sorting Hat

“In 2018, the company focused on using this licensed brand equity to create a solid foundation of core products in the right space and place for YuMe,” says Darryl Lai, vice-president of Americas for Maxx Marketing.

One clear example of this was through the launch of its Harry Potter Real Talking Sorting Hat—part of a larger Harry Potter toy line rolling out throughout 2019—in the UK. The product brought the Sorting Hat off the screen and to life with animated mouth movement and authentic phrases to sort its fans into their respective Hogwart houses.

“Our aim was to bring fans closer to the magic and nostalgia of Harry Potter…and we did just that,” says Lai. “It found favor in the market pretty quickly, garnering affinity, picking up momentum, and receiving rave reviews from media and toy aficionados alike.”

Now, the company is shifting gears to building brand awareness in these markets for YuMe and making the brand more consumer-facing. “The narrative is more about presenting our products on a uniform front and creating a brand identity to help consumers find our product with ease,” says Lai, adding that Toy Fair New York served as a launch pad for this next phase of business and an opportunity to tap into the $26 billion U.S. domestic toy market and its lion-sized share of the plush market.

“Key industry events and partnerships such as trade shows, licensing expos and comic con events, will all be integrated to make a bold statement,” says Lai. “While YuMe as a brand is new, we are leveraging great licenses we have access to and the solid reputation of parent company Maxx Marketing…We are in the process of working with new designers and partners to create collaborations unique to the toy marketplace. We know this will help grow the brand significantly when we are able to cross categories, experiences and partners which consumers may not be expecting.”

DZNR Chibi Batman

In celebration of the Caped Crusader’s 80th anniversary, YuMe is rolling out a multi-category collection of Batman toys this summer that celebrate the rich history of the brand. Its DZNR series is an art-driven specialty line of Chibi plush featuring Batman’s most iconic symbols and logos leveraged in a modern-day streetwear aesthetic. Its Wheels of Gotham offers stylized collectible mini vehicles and figurines packed in individual blind boxes with nine designs to collect (and a corresponding era Chibi Batman included). Batman Biggables creates a break-out toy category: giant character inflatables with a plush material available in two sizes: 21- and 36-inches tall. Lastly, YuMe offers its own Batman-approved answer to Siri and Alexa: the Alfred Activated Batmobile. It features voice assistant integration, wireless Bluetooth streaming, a hood that slides open to project the Bat Signal, and 30-plus unique voice commands. all activated by saying “Hey Alfred…”

Alfred Activated Batmobile

Looking ahead to 2020 and beyond YuMe has big plans to keep dreaming big. While price will also play a big factor in its initiatives at retail, Lai says consumers can expect the delivery of more products that expertly cover all the bases. From new unboxing experiences for Harry Potter fans to toys that tap into the rising horror toy trend, there will be something for everyone.

Devon Biscuits - Delivering Smiles

2019-06-07T19:40:00.000-07:00