The Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit empowers attendees to be leaders in their communities to pave the way for the younger generation of Latinos.

Soledad with Frank and Molly Carbajal, the exceptional founders of SVLLS!

One of the newest additions to the summit was the inclusion of the Young Latina Project Summit, which was made possible by the California Ivy League Project and Es Tiempo, LLC.  Thirteen of the brightest Latinas from Santa Clara County and neighboring counties were selected and awarded scholarships to attend the summit.  The young and talented students met with speakers and other attendees.  The goal of the Young Latina Project Summit is to encourage high school Latina students to explore the STEM fields, which includes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

During the course of the summit, presenters shared their personal stories and advice to inspire us to move forward and be a positive change in this world.   For example, we heard from Rick Najera, who is an award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer.  He spoke about his difficult journey to succeed in Hollywood, but he never gave up.  Rick’s perseverance and his strong work ethic broke the barrier to new opportunities in Hollywood.

Soledad, Rick Najera with his wife Susie, & attendees.

Another element of the Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit is networking.   Throughout the day, there are opportunities to reach out to new connections, such as in the corporate and academic fields.  Networking allows us to build our tribe of talented individuals that can guide, encourage and challenge us in our professional journey.

A lot of networking took place at the 4th Annual Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit

Moreover, presenters, at the Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit, spoke about the major impact the estimated  52 million Latinos in the U.S. will have in our education, economy, and government.  To continue to be a country of innovation and growth, it is imperative for the U.S. invest in the education of the Hispanic community.

The Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit provides a day of education, networking, and empowerment for our professional development.  I trust that you can join us next year to experience this amazing event!

Along with my sister, Isabel who also contributed to this blog post, we  sincerely thank Frank and Molly Carbajal for inviting us to attend this year’s leadership summit.  It is by networking with influential leaders, like them, that we are continually developing our leadership skills to make a positive difference in the Latino community.

Stephanie Bravo and Linda Castillo, two influential leaders in Silicon Valley!

Left:Frank with a mentee
Right: Frank with his mentor and friends.

If you want to be a volunteer or join the list of wonderful sponsors of the Silicon Valley Leadership Summit, contact Frank at Frank@EsTiempo.com

What events do you attend to develop your leadership skills?

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Soledad and I meeting Claudia, who is the Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator for the MBA

A day before my trip to the Aquarium, I planned out my visit using the new Monterey Bay Aquarium APP.   The easy to use app reminds you of shows or programs you want to attend, plus you learn cool facts about the sea animals and exhibits and you’re able to share stunning images with family and friends among other cool features.

Download the fun to use MBA APP!

One of the shows that I enjoyed was the live and interactive Penguin Feeding, where visitors watched aquarists feed the penguins, plus learn fun facts, including their daily diet, average lifespan,  the challenges they face in their natural habitat, and the purpose of their wings.

Penguins feed on small fish at the exhibit.

Another of the live shows that I attended was the Open Sea Feeding where we had a chance to learn from the aquarist the key to keeping the prey and predators together at the exhibit and the dangers they encounter in their natural habitat.  We had an incredible view of tuna, sea turtles, sardines, sharks, and dolphin fish in the  Aquarium’s largest exhibit, which holds over 1 million gallons of water!

It is a spectacular view watching the thousands of sardines swimming fast together to scoop the shrimplike krill and tiny fish pellets the aquarist feed them.  In addition, the sardines are able to sense when a predator is watching them, so their focus is to swim and stay together with the group of sardines.

Sardines rapidly swimming to the top to scoop up krill and pellets

Next, for an additional small fee, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers tours and adventures for a different and fun learning experience.   I reserved, in advance, our tickets for the hour long Behind – the- Scenes Tour where Dan, our tour guide, took us through “staff only” doors to share with us:

• Foods that are prepared and fed to the exhibit sea animals
• Annual cost of feeding the Aquarium’s sea animals
• Amount of water that is pumped into the Aquarium every day
• Shipping method the Monterey Bay Aquarium utilizes to receive live animals
• An inside view of an exhibit from the other side of the aquarium
• The role the Monterey Bay Aquarium plays in rescuing sea otters and releasing them to the wild once they are ready to be on their own.

Facility where staff feed the sharks!

Isabel and Dan, the Behind-the-Scenes Tour Guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium creates a phenomenal experience for visitors from around the world!

Experience all that the Monterey Bay Aquarium has to offer with a membership pass that start as low as $50!  Benefits for all levels include:

• Unlimited visits for one year
• Priority entrance so no waiting in long lines
• Discounts on merchandise at the Gift & Bookstore
• Discounts on Aquarium adventure programs and other special events
• Other membership perks throughout the year!

Visit the amazing nonprofit Monterey Bay Aquarium and be inspired to explore, support, and conserve our oceans and our precious sea life!

Finally, we extend our thanks to Claudia and the Monterey Bay Aquarium for gifting us four passes to give away to one of our readers on our blog!

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win four passes to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium!   Open to U.S. residents only.  Giveaway ends at midnight on Thursday, May 30, 2013.  Winner will be selected randomly by Rafflecopter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Although the Monterey Bay Aquarium gifted me complimentary tickets to the Aquarium, all opinions are my own.

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A two story home in the Muirwood Neighborhood.

Muirwood Homes:

The updated ranch style homes in this neighborhood were built in the 1970’s and range between 1400 and 2300 square feet.

Moreover, the Muirwood homes feature a large backyard for children to play or for family entertaining.

Click on the link to view current Muirwood Neighborhood & Pleasanton homes for sale.

Muirwood Location:

Muirwood Park offers plenty of outdoor space for children and adults.

Muirwood resident enjoy Muirwood Park and are minutes away from the upscale Stoneridge Shopping Mall, plus local restaurants, galleries, and boutiques in charming downtown Pleasanton.  Muirwood residents also have easy access to 580 and 680 freeways and the West Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station.

Muirwood Schools:

Students in the Muirwood neighborhood are a part of the Pleasanton Unified School District, which is among the top school districts in California according to a study completed by NerdWallet.   Muirwood is zoned for the Lydiksen Elementary School, Hart Middle School and Foothill High School.

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One of many local businesses exhibiting at the 1st Wednesday Street Party.

All along downtown Pleasanton, local businesses and community organizations set up their tents so residents and visitors have an opportunity to purchase their merchandise, taste their foods, and learn about their unique services.  The streets are also filled with live music played by local musicians and even up and coming young musicians.

Local vendors and service providers, include dentists, insurance, chiropractors, spas, salons, banks, nonprofits, jewelry boutiques, handbag vendors, and more.  For all art lovers, there is an entire art block with local award winning artists exhibiting quality fine art and some were even painting on the spot!

Some of the foods you can purchase at 1^st Wednesday Street Party, include corn dogs, Asian noodles, Italian ice cream, warm corn on the cob, icy cold lemonade, kettle popcorn, grilled meats, sausages, gourmet cupcakes and more.

Engela Olivier displaying her award winning fine art work.

Local artist, Linda Sailors, exhibiting her fine art work.

Live music is always playing at Pleasanton 1st Wednesday Street Party!

Grilled corn is one of my favorites!

Gourmet Works preparing warm popcorn and Cotton Candy!

My sister, Soledad, attending Pleasanton First Wednesday Street Party!

Downtown Pleasanton 1st Wednesday Street Party is always lots of fun to attend, plus you get to know and support the community!

Does your community have a local street party or fair?

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Breathtaking ocean view from the Eden Roc Hotel.

Before traveling to Hispanicize, I downloaded the Hispanicize App to my iPad and Android phone, which made it easy to follow my busy schedule, connect with other influential bloggers, and receive any latest updates on the event.

Here are my 5 top reasons to attend Hispanicize:

Speakers: From day one, Hispanicize offered a diversity of sessions under 6 categories: Bloggers, Social Media, Advertising/PR, Music, Film, and Journalists. The quality of the speakers was outstanding!  I came back from Hispanicize with new creative ideas to take our blog and marketing to the next level, including learning valuable tips on pitching to brands, the power of positive reviews, the value of scent marketing in the Hispanic market,  and the importance of going mobile in the Hispanic market.

One of many fabulous speakers, Fashion & Lifestyle Expert, Martin Llorens

Food:  We began our day with a filling and fresh breakfast,  including cereals, yogurt, muffins, bagels, fresh fruit, juices, coffee, milk and more.  A good breakfast helped me to stay energized and focused on my morning sessions.   Also, one of the most inspiring and empowering breakfast events was the Friday breakfast with Clorox and one of the top motivational speakers, Pegine Echevarria!

By the time it was lunch, Hispanicize coordinators and sponsors provided all attendees with  delicious dishes, including pastas, grilled chicken, seafood, salad, roasted vegetables, assorted beverages and more.

Best of all, during lunch, it was inspiring to hear Latino success stories from Actor & Entrepreneur Carlos Ponce, Zumba’s Beto Perez, and Director Nicolas Lopez.

As for desserts, tables were set-up outside the afternoon sessions with an assortment of decadent treats.

Healthy lunches were provided thanks to our awesome sponsors!

Exhibits: Visiting the exhibit area gave influential bloggers, like me, an opportunity to speak with newswire representatives , like Business Wire and PR NewsWire, and Public Relations representatives, such as Lowe’s on how we can work together.  I also spared a few minutes for fun photos, compliments of Visit Orlando and Transition Lenses!

Brand showcase at Hispancize 2013

Networking: Influential bloggers, journalists, and Public Relations (PR) representatives from all over the country and as far away as Canada came to attend Hispanicize 2013.   The evening receptions were another opportunity to connect with other influential bloggers, speakers, and PR coordinators.

Target Opening Reception with Emilio Estefan and entertainment with synchronized swimmers.

Major Evening Events:  Hispancize 2013 coordinators planned fun evening events for all bloggers and journalists, including Red Carpet movie screenings with celebrities, music concerts, a McDonald’s Yacht party, and after parties.

Lou Diamond Phillips attending the movie screening of Filly Brown in Miami, Florida.

Thank you to the entire Hispanicize 2013 team, including Manny Ruiz, Angela Sustaita-Ruiz, Katherine Johnson, Lexi Terrero, and Mike Valdes -Fauli,  plus  sponsors, like Disney, Coca- Cola, Transitions, McDonald’s, Lowe’s, Procter & Gamble, Tide, Target, Clorox, Pandora, NBC Latino and so many more for making this event a phenomenal experience!

More special memories of Hispanicize 2013

Blessed to experience Hispanicize with my savvy sister & business partner, Soledad Garcia

Are you coming to Hispanicize 2014?

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A photo with one of my favorite actors, Edward James Olmos.

Another of my favorite actors, Lou Diamond Phillips.

Attended a Q & A session with the cast, producers,and directors of Filly Brown.

Actress Gina Rodriguez plays Majo Tonorio, also known as Filly Brown, a young girl living in East Los Angeles with a dream of becoming a successful hip-hop singer.  She struggles with her friends when she takes the opportunity to work with a record producer.

In her movie debut,  the late Jenni Rivera plays Maria, Majo’s mother, who  is in prison for drug trafficking and seeking Majo’s help.

Actor Lou Diamond Phillips plays Jose, a dad who works hard to support his daughters.  His love for his daughters is so strong that he does not want them to be influenced by their troubled mother in prison.

Edward James Olmos plays a lawyer for Majo’s family.

Filly Brown is about a family with dreams and staying together even when trouble arises.

The theater filled with claps, by the audience, for the cast outstanding performances.

After the movie, there were a few minutes of Q & A with the cast, producers and directors of Filly Brown.  Edward James Olmos mentioned that when Jenni Rivera discovered that the photographer of the film was not getting paid for his work, she requested that her salary from the film be paid to him.  Jenni had a huge heart for helping others.

The drama of Filly Brown is coming out on theaters on April 19, 2013!   Go out and watch Filly Brown!  The movie will touch your heart!

Are you going to watch Filly Brown soon?

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Each Koteli bag is made from 100% Rip-Stop PU Nylon.

Each winner will also receive a promotion code for $1 off a Koteli bag.

I am excited to bring you a giveaway for a chance to win a colorful Koteli Reusable Shopping bag!

I totally love the colors and generous size, which are perfect for shopping.  In addition, the reusable bags are foldable making them easy to store.  Another unique function for the bag is that it can be used to gift wrap a gift.

Every time you use a Koteli reusable shopping bag, you are helping our environment by not using plastic bags that end up in a landfill or the ocean, which puts marine animals at risk.

The Koteli bag comes in assorted bright colors and is made from 100% rip-stop PU Nylon, which is stronger than polyester and longer lasting.   The bag is also water resistant, stain resistant, mildew and bacteria resistant.  Moreover, you can’t miss the company’s lovely logo of a sea turtle on each bag.

Last, Koteli donates 10 percent of online sales to nonprofits that save our precious environment.

The giveaway is in collaboration with Koteli.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Each winner will also receive a thank you card by Koteli with a promotion code for $1.00 off your next purchase!   Open to U.S. residents only.  Giveaway ends on midnight on April 12, 2013.   Two winners will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter.  Enter the giveaway below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Magnolia Place Community features 2 story homes

Kitchen features slab granite countertops

Dining area opens up to the Great Room for family activities

A view of the Great Room for relaxing or watching movies.

Magnolia Place features:

• A choice of 5 beautiful two story floor plans
• Exquisitely crafted floor plans range from 1,972 to 2,510 square feet
• Convenient laundry room located upstairs with plenty of storage
• Spacious Master bedroom and a spa like Master Bath
• Spacious walk-in closets
• Oversized two – car garage
• Gourmet center island kitchen with storage
• Well positioned recessed lighting throughout
• Energy saving dual pane windows throughout
• Lifesaving carbon monoxide detection system and interior fire sprinklers

In addition to these features, the Magnolia Place floor plans provide flexibility to fit your lifestyle, such as a downstairs guest room, additional bedrooms, loft or den.

Magnolia Place is a family friendly community and is located 45 miles east of San Francisco and north of San Jose, CA.

Even for newly constructed homes, reach out to an experienced Real Estate Advisor for the most up to date market values around the community that you plan to purchase.  As a smart home buyer, do your due diligence to make your home buying experience a success.

Click on the link, to view the latest list of existing homes for sale in Livermore, CA.  The list of  existing homes is automatically updated every 15 minutes.

What is one of your most desired features in your dream home?

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Trader Joe’s features quality foods for healthy living.

A few of our favorite healthy food choices at Trader Joe’s

Some of the ingredients for preparing healthy fruit juices at home.

A nutritious alternative to flour tortillas.

Trader Joe’s features our favorite organic foods, including fruits and vegetables, dairy, eggs, juices, cereals, grains, dried fruits, and meats.   My family likes to juice every morning, so we buy many of our ingredients at Trader Joe’s to prepare healthy fruit and vegetable juices at home.

For shoppers with special health needs, Trader Joe’s also offers low sodium and gluten free foods, like their brown rice tortillas, Quinoa & Black Bean Infused Tortilla Chips and Soy Creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip Frozen dessert.

Trader Joe’s delivers foods made from the highest quality ingredients and all at great prices.  Just check the nutritional label on the products and see for yourself!  Moreover, Trader Joe’s products  do not carry any genetically modified ingredients or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

The store is always super clean, plus the staff is so helpful and friendly, which adds to a positive shopping experience.

Before leaving the store, make sure to pick-up Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer for the latest on their yummy foods in stock!  Now, let’s get up and move for healthy living!

National Nutrition Month is an awareness campaign by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to help consumers make smart food choices, plus creating healthy eating and physical activity habits. For valuable nutritional tips and resources, check out the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

What is your favorite health food store?

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The Mardi Gras evening started with guests bidding on silent auction items while sipping wine and enjoying light appetizers.   Later, during the course of the dinner, Sandra J Wing, the founder, welcomed all the guests and shared with us her health challenges with uterine and ovarian cancer and how she started the foundation, Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation.  Sandra recalled how weak her body felt along with the aches after chemotherapy treatments.  She attributes healing therapies, which included acupuncture, guided imagery and deep breathing, for alleviating her anxiety and staying positive.

My sister,Soledad,  meeting Sandra J. Wing, the founder of the organization

One of many silent auction items, like this chocolate high heeled shoe.

Mardi Gras dinner theme

So many generous donors came to support the foundation.

Soledad serving as a volunteer for the fundraiser.

A few of many generous volunteers at the  Ragin Cajun fundraising event

These young high school girls volunteered for the fundraiser as well.

It was during this difficult experience, that Sandra thought how other cancer patients could benefit from these healing therapies, which are not covered by insurance.  Thus, since beginning the Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation in 2009, the organization has generously awarded grants to cancer patients for their healing therapies and alleviating the many side effects from the radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

The evening fundraiser also included a remembrance for the Tri Valley cancer patients of all ages that passed away from cancer in 2012.  Among them was Janet Liang, a young lady that I had blogged about in early 2012 to bring awareness of her story and to find her help.

Moreover, the live auction was a huge success with donors bidding as high as $6,000 for some of the auction packages.  The evening ended with music and dancing!

Sandra J. Wing  Healing Therapies Foundation is always seeking volunteers and donors all year round.  Your time and donations are deeply appreciated as these grants provide hope and comfort to cancer patients in the Tri- Valley area.

Which nonprofit have you supported recently? 

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