Noche de Cultura
Friday, March 7th
7:30 p.m. in 3650 Humanities Building
455 North Park St.
Madison, WI 53706
Noche de Cultura: March 7th, 2008: The play’s premise accidentally unites six Latinas and their individual anecdotes. YO SOY LATINA! Has played in various off-Broadway theaters and theater festivals such as the AT&T Theater Festival at Queens Theater in the Park as well as a well-received college and university circuit tour with over 175 performance at colleges and universities such as Harvard, Vassar, Brown, Duke, Vanderbuilt universities, among others.
Complete description from the website www.latinoflavored.com
YO SOY LATINA ! is a funny and very moving ensemble play that challenges a group of diverse Latina women to examine their identity and their connections in the contemporary American landscape. The play’s premise unites these women who come to share their individual anecdotes of living Latina in contemporary America . There’s Migdalia, a Nuyorican, who experiences prejudice from her own family because of her interracial marriage; Jennifer, a young Mexican-American college student who’s discovered her Chicana rights; Alicia, a Colombian actress who struggles with what keeps her from landing Latino roles because of the “lightness” of her skin; Maria Elena, a Panamanian, who faces inequity from other Latinos because of the darkness of her skin; Soledad, a Dominican mother who finds the courage to leave her machista husband in pursuit of her own dream; and Louisa, a Cuban-Irish who defends her right to be Latina.
Playwright Linda Nieves-Powell, having recently been honored in Los Angeles with the prestigious 2005 Imagen Award for YO SOY LATINA!, has become an important national voice for Latin women in America and has created the perfect fictional setting to address the many real issues that are prevalent in the lives of many Latinas. YO SOY LATINA ! is expected by many to be as ground breaking in its voicing of Latina issues as For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf was for African-American women.
YO SOY LATINA ! was an overwhelming success at the Crossroads Theatre Company’s Genesis Festival of New Voices in 2005. As many Crossroads audience members attending its preview at Genesis last year have pointed out, “This play is very funny, honest, illuminating and evocative. It has a unique power and universal appeal that transcends all ages and ethnic backgrounds.” It is no mystery why such a gifted Latina writer and her play, Yo Soy Latina!, have been given voice on the famous Crossroads stage and are playing such an important role in the theatre company’s new culturally-expanded mission and rapidly growing audience.
La Mujer Latina Conference
Saturday, March 8th
9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. --Registration & Check-in outside Room 325-326 of the Pyle Center
10 a.m.-10:15 --Welcome & Housekeeping in Rm. 325-326 of the Pyle Center
10:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m. --Keynote by Deborah Deras in Rm. 325-326
Deborah Deras is is a sought after speaker, trainer and life coach known for her dynamic energy, charisma and interactive style. She captivates and inspires her audiences to maximize their potential and improve the quality of their lives.
Deborah has a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Los Angeles, is a nationally certified Rehabilitation Counselor and holds certifications in Neuro Linguistic Programming and Hypnosis. She is a Professor in the Human Services Department at the University of Phoenix.
Over the past decade, Deborah has coordinated the largest Cinco de Mayo Career Expo in Southern California. She co-founded the first ever Latina Business and Entrepreneur Network and is President of the first Bilingual Latina Toastmasters Club in Los Angeles. Her passion and dedication to the Latino Community has led her to receive numerous awards including a nomination for Latina of the month by the National Latina Business Women’s Association and Latina Entrepreneur of the Year 2003 & 2004. She is also regularly featured as an expert speaker and coach in Latina and Catalina magazines.
Because of the exceptional results and impact of her work Deborah has been featured on numerous television and radio programs. Most recently she appeared on KEARTH 101 with Vivian Porter, Visions and Views with Pat Prescott on KTWV, 94.7 The Wave, The Aware Show with Lisa Garr on KPFK, 90.7 and is the co-host of a cable show along with her partner, Adoley Odunton, entitled “The Power of Synergy”.
In her leisure time Deborah loves to travel, dance and spend time reading a good book. She is married to a wonderful man, Ennio Deras a talented artist and her biggest fan. She has completed four marathons and two sprint distance triathlons.
11:00-11:45--Session I
Finding a Cause That's Right for You
Are you looking for a way to get involved in your community? Do you know that change is needed, but don’t know how to help? With so many great causes, it can be hard to find a cause that is right for you. Learn how to find your passion and use your skills to make a difference in your community.
Presenter: Peggy West; Room 325-326
Peggy West was elected 12th District Supervisor in 2004 and is serving her first term on the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors representing the 50,000 residents on Milwaukee's south side. Supervisor West has the unique distinction of being the first Latino/Hispanic American to be elected to the Milwaukee County Board. Supervisor West grew up in Milwaukee and graduated with a degree in Human Services from the Milwaukee Area Technical College. Prior to her election to the Board, Supervisor West worked for 10 years in the human service field. Supervisor West is currently the Vice Chairperson of the Health and Human Needs Committee and is a member of the Economic & Community Development and Finance & Audit Committees. Active in her community, Supervisor West was named the 2004 Hispanic Woman of the Year by UMOS, Inc. A committed believer in community service, Supervisor West volunteers for the Federation for Civic Action, UMOS, Inc., Mexican Fiesta and the Girl Scouts of Metro Milwaukee Area. Peggy serves on the board of the Milwaukee County Historical Society and also serves on the Executive Committee of the Milwaukee Democratic Party. She is Co-Chair of the Cesar E. Chavez Drive Advancement Committee. Supervisor
Latina Health
The main focus of the program will be around women’s health, specifically Latina health. Information will be provided on Breast Cancer, Diabetes, and Heart Disease. There will also be a small session on what women can do in the house as far as getting appropriate exercise, using household products (like books or canned goods) as weights. There will be a speaker in the medical profession to come help as well. The program will be targeted towards the average busy Latina who might not have the time/funds to go to a gym in order to provide information that can help busy women of all ages to lead healthy lifestyles.
Presenters: Kappa Delta Chi; Room 309
Kappa Delta Chi is an organization that advocates community outreach, social awareness and celebrates the accomplishments of young women of all nationalities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Though we are all unique in our individuality, the ladies of Kappa Delta Chi all have one quality in common: we are leaders. We are not leaders because we decide to talk a certain way, dress a certain way, or act in a particular manner. We are leaders because we take the initiative to get things done on our own without the need of accolades. Kappa Delta Chi also serves as a safe haven for women to be among other aspiring women with common goals.
Kappa Delta Chi is a Latina founded, but Multi-Culturally Grounded sorority with sisters from many different backgrounds, ethnicities, political views, and religions affiliations!
It is a service based organization that completes over 400 volunteer hours a semester in the Madison community.
Facilitating College Adjustment for Latina undergraduates
Description
Presenters: Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.; Room 226
Biography
Sexual Health (for participants 18+)
Description
Presenters: Sex Out Loud (pending); Room 213
Biography
Noon-12:45--Session II
Contributing to the Community as a Professional
In this workshop, lawyers will present on how to balance one's professional life with giving back to the community. Topics will focus on the area of law.
Presenters: Vanessa Villegas Lopez, Reyna Morales, Jacquelynn Ruiz, Amanda Gennerman; Room 325-326
Attny. Reyna Morales, State Public Defender Milwaukee Criminal Trial Office: Born in Raised in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala. Reyna Morales came to the United States in her teens and had to learn English in 1 1/2 years before going to college. She received her BA from State University of New York at Binghamton University, New York and her JD from Marquette University – she came for the law school stayed in the city for its charm. She now practices as an Attorney with the Public defender's office in the areas of juvenile, termination of parental rights, mental health commitments (51/55) misdemeanor, revocation and felony. She currently works in the Milwaukee office with a majority of her cases in felony court and part of the homicide team.
Atty. Jacquelynn Ruiz, Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan LLP: Jacquelynn A. Ruiz received a B.A. in Spanish Literature and a certificate in Law Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Ms. Ruiz has experience in various areas of employment law, including human resources, employee relations, Title VII, and ADA. She has also facilitated training courses on these subjects. Ms. Ruiz’ professional memberships include the State Bar of Wisconsin, Florida State Bar Association, the American Bar Association (Equal Employment Opportunities Committee), and the Franklin Educational Foundation (Member, Board of Directors). She has been appointed as the Liaison to the Wisconsin State Bar Board of Governors for the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association. In addition, she is a Deputy Regional President of the Hispanic National Bar Association.
Vanessa Villegas-Lopez, Divorce, Child support, Child custody, Guardianship, Bankruptcy, Immigration, Paternity, Personal injury, Civil, Criminal, Step parent adoptions, Worker compensation, juvenile law. Certifications/Specialties: Domestic Relations Mediator Education: Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana. JD. Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. Double Major in Spanish & Sociology. Professional Associations and memberships: Board of Directors LA PLAZA Present, Latino Affairs Committee 2006-2009, Pro Bono Executive Committee Present, American Inns of Court Present, Indianapolis Bar Association Present, American Bar Association Present, Board of Directors SADCO (Friends of Colombia) 2005-06, Hispanic Law Society, President, IU Indianapolis Law School 2002-2003, Hispanic Law Society, Vice president, IU Indianapolis Law School 2001-2002. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Amanda Gennerman- is an immigration attorney with a law office that has been providing its services to Wisconsin residents since 2003. Her office provides services related to family-based petitions, domestic abuse petitions, citizenship and naturalization applications, criminal defense for non-U.S. citizens, and interpretation.
Workshop To Be Announced.
Description
Presenters: Room 213
Biography
Finding the Funds to Fund Your College Experience
Learn the best tactics and strategies for funding your college experience. Learn about the latest in grants, loans including the TIP grant and other state of Wisonsin financial aid among others.
Presenters: Laurie A. Rasmussen Durán and Darlene Russell; Room 309
Laurie A. Rasmussen Duran: Has spent 11 years experience working with students, families and schools in regard to Financial Aid and the TIP Grant throughout a 12 county area in southwestern Wisconsin. She started the GEAR UP / EIP Program in Madison at East High School and Black Hawk, O'Keeffe and Sherman Middle Schools ten years ago to guide and prepare students for college. UW-Madison alumna.
Tax time and the Latina Community
Everyone knows taxes are a hassle. Find out if you're doing them right. With special information for the Latina community.
Presenter: Rose Gonzalez; Room 226
Rose Gonzalez is a social services worker and tax advisor from Milwaukee.
Noon-1:00-2:00--Lunch at the Red Gym & Armory, 2nd floor. Catered by El Pastor (for the first 200 people to register)
2:15-3:00 p.m. --Session III
Expressing Identity through Spoken Word Poetry
Learn about spoken work poetry from some very talented Latinas. Spoken word poetry has hit the nation's youth. It is an art-form of expression and empowerment that combines stories, lyrics, theater and poetry. It gives people a voice and opportunity to tell a story out loud. This workshop will allow participants to write their own poetry based on their own experiences.
Presenters: First Wave Poets Alida Cardos Whaley, Sofia Snow, Cecelia Leon; Room 325-326
Alida Cardos Whaley is a freshmen from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She plans to double major, but is currently only sure of one; Spanish. She is also planning on becoming a Chican@ and Latin@ Studies certificate student and will receive a certificate for a program she is involved in called First Wave at UW-Madison. She is one of 15 students this year in a brand-new program focused on hip-hop theater, urban arts, and spoken word. It is a culmination of the ways her generation empowers themselves and others in their communities. These 15 outstanding students were brought here specifically chosen for their talents and will be joined by 15 more students each year. The First Wave program is a scholarship program that provides an artistic community to live, learn, and grow with throughout college and offers friendships and opportunities that will extend far beyond the college campus. Alida specifically, is a spoken word artist, but many refer to her form of delivery as “storytelling.”
Sofia Snow uses Spoken Word as a medium for opening eyes and hearts to the truth about issues ranging in areas from our communities to our world. She has opened up for many national acts, including DMC of Run DMC and Willie Colon. Born in raised in Boston, MA, she has performed at several universities and at a variety of other venues, protests and rallies throughout the country. She hosted the 2006 Soul Hop Tour in the Berklee Performance Center, featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Jahi, and Choklate, and was a featured performer herself at the Make Hip Hop Not War Tour Boston, presented by Critical Breakdown and the Hip Hop Caucus. In 2006, she was awarded Spoken Word Artist of the Year by the Mass Industry Committee's First Annual Hip Hop Awards. An artist and an activist, Sofia also held a seat on the Mayor's Hip Hop Round Table of Boston as the only youth member, organizing the citywide Hip Hop Fest, which brings legendary Hip Hop artists like KRS-1, CL Smooth, Nice&Smooth, and Rakim, to name a few. She has taught poetry classes and workshops throughout Massachusetts, from elementary school to Harvard Graduate School. Her personal and professional goals are closely aligned. She is passionate about her art and about its power to help people recognize and hopefully inspire them to act against injustice, whether it is taking place locally, nationally or internationally. She is currently a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Cecilia Leon is a freshman from Chicago, IL. . She is one of 15 students this year in a brand-new program focused on hip-hop theater, urban arts, and spoken word. It is a culmination of the ways her generation empowers themselves and others in their communities. These 15 outstanding students were brought here specifically chosen for their talents and will be joined by 15 more students each year. The First Wave program is a scholarship program that provides an artistic community to live, learn, and grow with throughout college and offers friendships and opportunities that will extend far beyond the college campus. Her poetry delves into issues such as her family and cultural roots.
Caregiving in Latino Communities
This will be an interactive workshop in which presenters will explore the meaning of caregiving in Latino communities with participants. Presenters will discuss different types of caregiving such as caring for older adults, caring for family members with disabilities or mental illnesses, and older adult caregivers caring for their family and grandchildren. Presenters and participants will also explore in small group discussions caregiving challenges and rewards among Latino college students.Presenter: Sandra Magana, Yolanda Salazar, Suzanna Waters Castillo; Room 213
Suzanna Waters Castillo, PhD, faculty associate in the UW-Madison Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies
Yolanda Salazar, Cultural Diversity Specialist North/Eastside Senior Coalition
Sandy Magaña, Ph.D.,Associate Professor, School of Social Work,
and Chican@ & Latin@ StudiesIntercultural Communication
Every culture follows norms and traditions to communicate. Learn about Latino/a communication as well as communicating with other racial/ethnic groups.
Presenters: Martha Blaylock; Room 309
Biography
Applying to College
Find out stratagies for applying to and getting accepted to an institution of higher education.
Presenter: Jessica Rivera, Office of Admissions; Room 226
Jessica Rivera was born and raised in San Antonio Texas and came from a family of four girls. Both of her parents are originally from Mexico and came to the United States with their older siblings in search of a better life. Her parents instilled in her the value of an education as well as making sacrifices when in pursuit of a better life. In 2002 she graduated from high school in San Antonio and moved to Madison Wisconsin to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison where her oldest sister was a current student. The year after her oldest sister graduated from UW her younger sister joined me at Madison in her pursuit of her Bachelor's degree. As of today they are all alumni of UW-Madison and now Jessica is working for the university as an Admissions Counselor/ Latino Recruiter. Her goal in life is to promote education amongst the Latino community as a means of overcoming social inequalities. Because education is the key to success, she plans to go back to school in the near future to attain masters degree and work towards the goal of promoting education.
3:15-4:00 p.m. --Session III
Self-Empowerment through Dance & Music
Son Jarocho is a genre of music that has been practiced for the past 200 years, originally found in the state and region of Veracruz, on the gulf coast of Mexico. The region by where this music comes from is named "el sotavento", translated into "place of winds". El Son Jarocho is a mixture of 3 influences Indigenous, African, and Spanish, and within these influence come history in the forms of political, economical, and social expressions through dance, song, poetry, and music. This music historically has expressed the daily and societal struggles, celebrations, and popular accords of the people giving meaning, identity and passion for the reality of life.
Presenters: Son Mudanza; Room 3250326
From the roots of Veracruz, Mexico and the influence of Chicano activism in California, Son Mudanza was created to disseminate culture as a form of resistance. Son Mudanza was deeply influenced and trained by Son del Centro, a Chicano son group, dedicating its efforts to activism through Son Jarocho music. Likewise, Son Mudanza uses poetry, dance and music to empower and resist against ideology that is set to suppress differences. The poetry we sing expresses current realities in the form of love, liberation, social change, identity, and resistance on both sides of the border, as well as globally. We believe in solidarity and support for other social movements that believe in the power of difference, as the Zapatistas say: “A world where many worlds fit”. Son Mudanza is a group of friends and activists that have come together sharing their passion for music, cultural autonomy, movement and community.
Combatting Domestic Violence: "Barriers to Accessing and Providing Services"
This workshop will discuss how to best provide access and services for domestic violence victims in the Latina community.
Presenters: Cecilia Gillhouse; Room 213
Cecilia Gillhouse is the Bilingual Outreach Advocate at UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence in Madison, Wisconsin. UNIDOS is a statewide membership organization whose aim is to end family violence in the Latino/migrant communities in Wisconsin. UNIDOS provides direct service to Latina victims of domestic violence. Gillhouse has worked at UNIDOS since June of 2006. Her duties include outreach and direct service to the Latino/Hispanic/Migrant community and outreach to area service providers, through education, training and public speaking. She is also responsible for establishing and collaborating with support group and batterers groups and increase the monolingual Latino populations’ access to these groups. She also assist in safety planning, provide crisis assistance, and provide translation and transportation on an as-needed basis.
Breast Monologues
The “Breast Monologues” is a program dedicated to empowering the community through personal stories and experiences of women. Every monologue somehow relates to the breast, be it through sex, love, objectification, mutilation, the variety of names for breasts, or simply as a physical aspect of the female body. The women of the Kappa Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. present the “Breast Monologues” as a tool for the empowerment of all women.
Presenter: Sigma Lambda Gamma; Room 309
Sigma Lambda Gamma strives to be the premier organization in providing a mechanism of empowerment to all women. Recognizing our responsibility to the progression of a positive global community, we stress the importance of morals, ethics, and education in our daily lives serving the needs of our neighbors through a mutual respect and understanding in our varying cultures.
Prevention of Breast and Cervical Cancer for Latinas
Workshop will be in Spanish. This presentation will be focusing on ways Latinas may prevent Breast and Cervical Cancer. It will allow Latinas to clarify any information for the betterment of their physical health.
Presenter: Patricia Tellez-Giron; Room 226
Raised in Mexico City, Dr.Tellez-Giron received her medical degree, with honors, at the National University of Mexico (UNAM). Moved to the United States 13 years ago to be with her family and to continue her education, and ever since has been working very actively with the Latino/a community of Madison, WI. Has participated in multiple volunteer activities, at the Madison Community Health Center, Rape Crisis Center and La Clinica de los Campesinos, among others. She completed the University of Wisconsin Family Medicine Residency program and soon after graduation joined the Faculty of same program as an assistant professor, and is currently working at the Wingra Clinic where more than 90% of her patients speak only Spanish.
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