Exploring Cultural Heritage in Fashion with Encargos y Envios Founder Joshe Ordonez
Joshe Ordonez is an Entrepreneur and Creative Strategist with expertise in fashion and culture. She focuses on the combination of cultural heritage and contemporary art and design in order to preserve and promote techniques and practices from ethnic minority communities. Born and raised in Cuenca, Ecuador, Joshed Ordonez found inspiration in her family where she was able to absorb her passion for fashion, social impact through creating and building, as well as kindness. Today, Joshe’s passion continues to grow through new and inspirational connections. Now that my sister and brother are grown-ups they became a constant source of inspiration for their strength and motivation. Before incorporating her passion for fashion into her own entrepreneurial journey and career, Joshe faced some challenges in the process. “The hardest thing for me has been trying to get people to listen. With so much noise in the world, it is hard to have a voice,” stated Joshe. To overcome those obstacles, this inspiring Leading Latina continues to focus on building her confidence as well as demonstrating that fear will not keep her from speaking up or becoming the successful businesswoman she aspires to work towards everyday. Her work today, now manifests in a variety of mediums including photography, video, design projects, garments, visual arts, workshops, and symposia. Her work has been published in local and international magazines, newspapers and blogs. Ordonez has won several awards and recognitions such as XPOTEX, A National Fashion Design Competition in Ecuador for two consecutive years. One of Joshe’s proudest works is her thesis, Ikat – Ancient Technique, prior to receiving her degree in Fashion Design, which took a lot of research and practical work to complete. During her thesis, Joshe traveled to an artisan community far from where she lived in Ecuador. She enjoyed the approach of the project where both the artisan and herself used one another’s skills to fulfill their own capabilities in co-creating something magical. “I learned a lot about my culture and the importance of ancient techniques in the story and development of a nation. This experience has shaped my approach to creative collaborations and leadership,” expressed Joshe. In 2017 Ordonez was invited to the United Nations as a panel during the 55th Commission for Social Development to talk about sustainable and social development in the fashion Industry. Joshe cited this opportunity as being that moment where she was finally heard. She was able to express the importance of cultural heritage in fashion, and how artisans have the wisdom to create techniques or materials which can help the fashion industry become less damaging to the environment.These processes can still generate income for emerging communities. Joshe also explored some myths about sustainable fashion and the steps we can take to reduce our footprint, such as buying less and becoming educated consumers. When I had the opportunity to speak at the United Nations Panel I felt that finally I have a voice and people are taking my ideas and opinions seriously. I felt that the hard work was worth it. Ordonez is a graduate of the Design Management Master program at Pratt Institute (2018) and received grants to execute her projects from Pratt in 2016 and 2017. One of those projects is Loop Fairtrade, a digital platform that connects Ecuadorian artisans with global designers to co-create ethical products. In 2018, Ordonez launched the first Toquilla Straw workshop ever made in the U.S.A and was part of the Tek-Tiles Team, a project of the BFDA that focused on integrating technology into smart garments and functional textiles. This year as one of our nominated Leading Latinas of 2019, Joshe’s biggest advice to aspiring Latina entrepreneurs is to take risks. “Try to fight your fears and go for what you want, your dreams won’t fall from the sky, you have to work for them,” expressed Joshe. After all, in her best words, nothing great has ever happened without risks. Her goal for this year’s campaign is to bring more talented Latinas into the network and encourage everyone to support each other in their collaborations. I am really excited about encouraging Latinos and Ecuadorians to be proud of their roots, we have a lot of great things to be inspired about. Currently, she is the Founder and CEO of Encargos y Envios, a peer to peer international delivery platform that helps travelers earn extra income by delivering products to shoppers abroad. When Joshe is not hard at work, she loves to read success stories about Latinos and Latinas. She believes in the importance of staying inspired, and keeping the momentum strong. To read more about Joshe Ordonez’ work, visit her personal and professional website below: https://www.josheordonez.com/ https://www.encargosyenvios.com/
Helping Women Find Fulfillment and Happiness with Viva La Forty Founder Omayra Jimenez
Omayra Perez-Jimenez is a woman of the people, always looking to inspire positive change in others. Her career demonstrates the immense compassion this Leading Latina holds in her heart for helping others. At the age of 19 years old, Omayra returned to the United States after spending most of her childhood in Puerto Rico. Although the language barrier was a challenge, she was determined to achieve a better future for herself and it was her strong desire to rise above every obstacle that gave her courage. Omayra studied at Katherine Gibbs School and later attained an English degree from Hunter College. In 2016, Omayra founded the digital platform VIVA LA FORTY with the purpose of inspiring and empowering women 40 years and older. She works with organizations that support women who have been victims of domestic violence and holds workshops on motivation, growth and entrepreneurship. Through her work with VIVA LA FORTY, Omayra’s main objective is to keep inspiring change and generate positivity in the lives of women. Sharing her story with others allows her to show it is possible to overcome ones traumas and live a truly fulfilled life. Age is nothing but a number, and should in no way impede your aspirations. Aside from supporting the women in her community through her digital platform, Omayra also works as a professional translator at a prestigious law firm in New York City. She is able to continue her journey in helping others by using her bilingual expertise to assist minorities, and also does pro bono work to help immigrants feel safe navigating the complex legal system. Omayra is currently in progress of obtaining international certification in Professional Transformational Coaching. This journey will give this Leading Latina the opportunity to one day become a life coach as well as a motivational speaker. She will continue to empower women in need of support while pursuing their goals and finding purpose in their lives. As a Leading Latina of 2019, Omayra Perez-Jimenez is ready to connect and collaborate with other women in our community also looking to inspire others with their stories of perseverance, and determination. She has two beautiful daughters who have been her strongest source of encouragement. Omayra cites her mother as her biggest inspiration and hero as well. Omayra Jimenez’ vision is clear: to better herself, put her teachings into action, and motivate others to join her journey. She values authenticity, humbleness, all while showing that no matter what the circumstances may be in your life, you have the power to achieve all of your dreams. As long as you live in relentless pursuit of them, the universe will reward you with a positive outcome. Omayra Jimenez wants women who have been victims of domestic abuse to be able to face their fears every day, and overcome their obstacles. The most beautiful and rewarding thing is to use our talents to help others. That is where genuine happiness dwells. Connect with Omayra @vivalaforty
Helping Others Live Their Best Lives Through Transformational Guidance and Inspiration with Cindy Bautista-Thomas
Cindy Bautista-Thomas is an innovative visionary committed to helping others tap into their hidden potential, discover their God given gifts, and help them take inspired action towards creating the life they’ve always envisioned. A licensed clinical social worker, PhD candidate in Urban Education, and a master facilitator in personal and professional development, Cindy is enthusiastic about connecting with people and supporting them in their transformation process to live their best lives. Before becoming a licensed clinical social worker, Cindy was inspired by her own mother’s determined and entrepreneurial attitude. “She raised five children in the projects of the Bronx… she did not allow her circumstances to define her and her children,” stated Cindy. Her mother encouraged them and was a provider, making sure her children had fun while also giving them a private school education. My mom significantly augmented the family income by being an entrepreneur herself, selling clothes and linen from my brother’s bedroom. That side hustle helped pay tuition, buy what we need as well as help support family in the Dominican Republic. At the start of her career, one of the many challenges Cindy faced as a social worker was her age. Being the youngest in her class and job resulted in feelings of discrimination from her colleagues. “People felt I didn’t belong there or did not know enough to be there… I overcame that fear with confidence and demonstrating that through my craft,” expressed Cindy. She worked hard by being helpful to those who even doubted her skillset. Cindy Bautista-Thomas’ determination is what showed her colleagues she was adept at being a successful social worker. As an entrepreneur, there is always that lingering fear of not spending enough time with her family. Cindy does her best to tend to the many roles that she has, although she admits it can be a bit of a struggle. Planning and executing everything in her schedule helps her manage her time and overcome the struggle she faces as a business woman as well. In her current role as Associate Director of Field Education at the Columbia University School of Social Work she uses her teaching and leadership experience to teach field instruction seminars, coordinate internship opportunities and organize social work conferences. Additionally, Cindy has spearheaded all aspects of the field education program and uses her collaborative leadership style to oversee and manage multiple projects of the Field Education Department. Whether through her work as an educator, conducting personal development workshops, or individual coaching sessions, Cindy uses her professional training and personal experiences, to provide services that aid individuals to create a balanced and fulfilled life. Be it overcoming fears and limiting beliefs, unearthing hidden strengths and talents, or helping with goal setting, Cindy works with individuals to integrate sustainable change not only in what they do, but in who they are becoming. In 2017, Cindy decided to leverage her leadership, interpersonal, and coaching skills and co-founded Velocity Visions, a personal development agency, whose mission is to provide transformational guidance to individuals, groups, and corporations through wellness activities, workshops, and interactive exercises that enhance personal and professional efficacy. With her bigger than life personality, warm smile, and innate ability to help others feel comfortable, Cindy is using her God given talents to help others find theirs. Her strong presence, passion, and professionalism makes Cindy one of the premiere transformation coaches in the industry. As a Velocity Visions, Inc. coach, Cindy has many memorable experiences everyday where she is able to inspire and positively impact those around her. “I was co-facilitating a one day workshop titled, ‘Re-igniting the Passion: Invigorating the Relationship with Self-Care to Prevent Compassion Fatigue’… one social worker came up to me during the break and revealed that one of the exercises impacted her so much she decided to call her daughter and apologize about a falling out they had,” said Cindy. The exercises she was facilitating that day changed her client’s perspective and life. By the end of the workshop the attendee had reconciled with her daughter and was meeting her for dinner after the workshop. The testimony was a reminder to me of how my gifts make room for others to have transformation and to feel impact. Cindy Bautista-Thomas was nominated this year as a Leading Latina for Latinas En New York. Her advice to other Latina’s who are aspiring to become leaders in their careers and personal lives is to reach out to those who are already doing what you aspire to do. “Ask to spend time with them to learn from their journey, always being mindful of what you can offer in return,” said Cindy. Speaking from her own personal experience, approaching those encounters with a win/win mindset is important. Her goal as a Leading Latina for 2019 is to connect and collaborate with other Leading Latinas. She is looking to further empower our community and promote Latinas En New York’s message of inspiration for all Latina’s. When she’s not transforming lives, Cindy spends her time with her family and pursuing her creative passion of writing. To learn more about Cindy and the work she does with Velocity Visions visit the website at http://www.velocityvisionsinc.com.
Making a Difference Through Self-Development and Leadership with Entrepreneur Gilmanda Atkinson
Born in Brooklyn and raised by hardworking Dominican Women, Gilmanda Atkinson understands the power of perseverance and how it can impact one’s journey. Her biggest inspiration growing up taught Gilmanda the value of family, honesty, and authenticity. As a child, the women around me, especially my mother and aunts, were my biggest inspiration. I saw women who faced many challenges and always moved forward regardless of the situation. Observing the strength of her family motivated her to become the woman she is today. As an IT and business strategist, Gilmanda Atkinson provides all-inclusive business solutions which integrate a holistic approach to project management, serving as the strategist, planner, and cheerleader for her clients. She is highly sought for her solutions-driven methodology in time management, planning, and project execution. Being a Certified Life Coach, and author, Gilmanda also specializes in personal and professional development for corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Facing the unknown in her day-to-day work life as an entrepreneur remains a challenge as she expresses that, “no job is secure, much less stable.” Gilmanda sees this fear of the unknown as an experience which keeps her on her toes. Although the fear is always there, she strongly believes in the importance of taking action. Aside from her work as a professional IT, Gilmanda can be found working with forward thinking professionals who want to elevate their professional and personal lives. By integrating her training as a Certified Life Coach, Gilmanda is able to provide support and guidance for individuals who want to succeed. Seeing the smile of relief when her clients have been able to breakthrough and overcome barriers is rewarding. Today, this leading latina continues to use her expertise to encourage self-development and leadership in others as well. A natural leader and humanitarian, giving back to her community has allowed Gilmanda to stay grounded and to do more in order for others to have access to the knowledge and support they need to thrive in business and life. Ambitious, resourceful, and persevering, Gilmanda seeks to impact Latin women in the technology industry as a Leading Latina for LENY. Her advice to aspiring Latina entrepreneurs? “When you see a lack or a need of something, figure out why or what it is lacking and build it. Create the app, build the website, offer the services. Most importantly ASK questions. I believe as Latinas, we need to help each other as often as we possibly can.” Gilmanda is currently in the early planning stages of developing a STEM and media camp for disadvantaged youth in the Dominican Republic, as an initiative to improve academic achievement, curb delinquency, and reduce crime among youth. Connect with Gilmanda @gima_atkinson
Empowering Women is Her Lifelong Passion
Wendy Rodriguez is a Guatemalan-American TV & Radio Host, Producer, Certified Trainer, Fitness Instructor, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker and a single mother of three beautiful girls. Her TV Show “Empowering Women TV” can be seen every Saturday on Alerta TV, channel 463 Verizon Fios, and every Tuesday on Radio Adonai 540 AM. The shows highlight fitness, health, beauty, wellness and the word of God, and include special guests, inspirational personalities, powerhouses, leaders, and entrepreneurs in our communities. “Empowering Women” has motivated Miss. Rodriguez to start a business clothing line, HEAVENLY, which will debut in 2016. Wendy joined the Kirby family when she was 17 and became the second best seller in the world. At 21, she became a business owner and at 26 started her brands “USZ” Ultimate Sweat Zone and Kids Dance Studio. After the success of the youth dance studio, which ranked at the top three years in a row, USZ joined forces with Brentwood Community school and Brentwood high school PTSA. Together, they created a platform to showcase their talents and also to raise funds for Brentwood graduates, raising up to $6000 for the graduates of 2014 & 2015. Her dedication and commitment to the community inspired her to become a fitness and Zumba instructor in Brentwood, Central Islip, and with Bayshore Seniors. Ms. Rodriguez is a member of SEPA Mujer, Hombres y Mujeres Cristianos de Negocios, is a community advocate for Long Island Headstart, Fitness & Health instructor for Brentwood Community Schools, Brentwood-Chamber of commerce and has proclamations, from legislator Monica Martinez. She was nominated for the Business Woman of the Month from Mujer Actual Magazine 2011 and was honored by Legislator Monica Martinez and Phil Boyle for outstanding community work 2014. She was awarded (LATINA EXITOSA ) in May 2015, (LATINO STAR) June 2015 by Queens Courier /Star Network and awarded by NAACP as the (Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree) in September 2015, for her commitment and dedication to promoting the civil rights, talents, and prosperity of all people. Ms. Rodriguez also was chosen to be a feature Authors of the Best Sellers “Today’s Inspired Latina” Volume ll which will debut in 2016. Last but not least, she was nominated for (Business Women of the Year) by the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in December 2015. Connect with: Wendy Rodriguez CEO USZ / Empowering Women TV & Radio https://m.facebook.com/Empowering-WOMEN-TV-Radio-622620221164451/ https://m.facebook.com/USZLI/ Instagram: wendyrod_19 USZDC snapchat :USZDC WENDYROD1983@GMAIL.COM Photo credits: Innovation Media | My Lifestyle Magazine | Coco-Mat NYC