Author Archives: kbreynaga

Estrella del Mes: Agosto/Star of the Month: August!

23 Thursday Aug 2018

Posted by in #ChicasWhoGive, Estrella de Mes, Leadership, Scholarship, Volunteer

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Chicas Latinas de Sacramento has existed in the Sacramento community for nine years, thanks to the hard work and dedication of many amazing individuals. To celebrate Sacramento’s leaders, and our behind-the-scenes (s)heroes, we’re thrilled to highlight and introduce to the community our shining star for the month of Agosto/August!

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Agosto/Star of the Month: August!

Lillia

Lilia Stone – Member of Chicas Latinas de Sacramento and serves on Chicas Latinas’ Scholarship Committee

How long have you been a part of Chicas?     

I have been a part of Chicas Latinas since 2016.

What’s your favorite aspect of being a Chicas member?    

I love the members of Chicas Latinas and their passion for helping others in the community. The committee volunteers are all extremely dedicated and donate hours of their time on a monthly basis to support our mission and to help others.

 What do you love about Sacramento?      

I love the Sacramento community. I’ve met so many individuals that want to better their surroundings, either through advocating for fair and equitable public policies or through volunteerism.   

What is one of your most fun or memorable experience volunteering with Chicas? 

My most memorable experience with Chicas Latinas is the award dinner with the Scholarship Committee that we had for our first Scholarship recipient last year. Celebrating the recipient’s academic accomplishments and success with her and her family was incredibly uplifting. Her parents were so proud and her younger siblings were inquiring as to how they could serve the community and what they could do academically to win scholarships when they reached her age. The dinner served as a reminder as to why I volunteer in the community, which is to invest in our youth.

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Why did you join Chicas?      

I moved to Sacramento from San Diego and wanted to feel more connected to my new community and invest in it, which is why when I met the CEO [of Chicas Latinas], I immediately knew that I wanted to volunteer with the organization.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?    

If I had a superpower, it would be the ability to stop time. Sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do!

 What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?      

The craziest thing I have ever done is bungee jumping at the San Diego County Fair to [try to] get rid of my fear of heights. It’s safe to say that I’m still fearful of heights.

Name one fun fact about yourself.      

I grew up in very dissimilar environments. I lived eight years in Sonora, Mexico; lived in three towns in Massachusetts, then lived in San Diego, and Pennsylvania by the time I was 16.

What is your favorite quote to live by?

“I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart, I am talented, I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and I work really, really hard. Don’t call me lucky. Call me a badass,” by Shonda Rhimes.

What is your most favorite family tradition?

My [annual] family reunion in Mexico on New Year’s Eve, in which we all dress up, have a formal dinner, rent a karaoke machine, and ring in the New Year together (often ending well into the morning). I normally don’t get to see all of my relatives often, and this is a great way to get us all together in one place.

 

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Julio/Star of the Month: July!

23 Monday Jul 2018

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Chicas Latinas de Sacramento has existed in the Sacramento community for nine years, thanks to the hard work and dedication of many amazing individuals. To celebrate Sacramento’s leaders, and our behind-the-scenes (s)heroes, we’re thrilled to highlight and introduce to the community our shining star for the month of Julio/July!

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Julio/Star of the Month: July!

Kenya Corona02

 

Kenya Corona – Director of Member Relations at the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and prior member of Chicas Latinas de Sacramento. 

How long have you been a part of Chicas? 

I joined Chicas in 2014 [when I was a full-time business marketing major at California State University, Sacramento].

Why did you join Chicas?

When I first moved to Sacramento I was longing to meet a community of likeminded Latinas who shared a passion for serving, which is exactly what I found in the group. I love how open the group is to new ideas that can impact our community. I truly believe I have amigas por vida [friends for life] from the friendships I’ve developed with the chicas. I would love to see Chicas Latinas expand to other cities.

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Chicas celebrating Chicas Latinas’ 5-year Anniversary at Zocalo restaurant in Sacramento, CA.

What do you love about Sacramento?

Coming from Los Angeles, I was shocked at how multiethnic Sacramento is — I truly love that! As the years have gone by, I continue to see a diverse community and I hope for this same type of representation in Sacramento’s leadership. And, of course, I love the trees!

CLCA
Chicas supporting the California Latino Capitol Association mixer, which provides support, a positive community for Capitol staff, and advocates for more than four decades! (Kenya Corona and Angela Rosas).

What is the most fun/memorable experience since volunteering with Chicas?

Hands down the annual shoe-drive! I love all aspects of this event: from fundraising to the shopping, to the day of the event. Last year, two weeks from the distribution day, we had not reached our fundraising goal and came to the devastating conclusion that we would not be able to give every child at the school a new pair of shoes. However, we all came together as a group determined to do whatever we had to do. We reached out to every person we knew and were on the mission to find the best deals on shoes! Well, to everyone’s surprise, not only did we reach our goal, but we surpassed it! It’s amazing to see how these well deserving kids’ face light up from something so basic as a pair of shoes.

KC Shoe Drive
Assisting a child trying on a new pair of shoes at a previous annual shoe drive.
KC Media
Kenya demonstrating her public speaking skills during an interview with a local news station.

What are your interests and hobbies? 

I absolutely love traveling, movies, and working out. I recently purchased a sewing machine, because as a petite woman, I constantly have issues finding clothes that fit perfectly, so I decided to try to make my own — wish me luck!

Chicas Zumba
Chicas Latinas’ first Zumba shoe drive: promoting health and fitness while raising funds for a prior shoe drive.

 

What motto do you live by?

One of my favorite mottos to live by is “Experiences over Things.” Many of us get so caught up living for temporary things instead of investing our time and resources into experiences that create lasting memories and stories to share.

Who is your favorite person to follow on social media? Why?

Right now, my favorite person to follow is Will Smith. He is the familiar face that many of us remember so vividly from our childhood watching the Fresh Prince of BelAir; he has super creative content, is inspirational, and I can’t get enough of his goofy, charismatic charm. If you aren’t following him, go do it now!

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

Ah, this is a tough question because every place I’ve traveled to has a special place in my heart. When I travel I love to immerse myself in the culture, dine with the locals, learn the history, and of course, enjoy the scenery. Every place I’ve been is memorable. I’m currently looking forward to my trip to Colombia this week!

What’s your most favorite family tradition?

Would you consider getting a phone call from your mami every day a family tradition? Haha! Yea, let’s call it a family tradition. No matter how old I get, or how far, or close I live, I can always count on her phone call; it used to bug me when I was younger, but now, I look forward to hearing her voice.

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Junio/Star of the Month: June

20 Wednesday Jun 2018

Posted by in #ChicasWhoGive, Culture, Donate, Education, Estrella de Mes, Leadership, Volunteer

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Chicas Latinas de Sacramento has existed in the Sacramento community for nine years, thanks to the hard work and dedication of many amazing individuals. To celebrate Sacramento’s leaders, and our behind-the-scenes (s)heroes, we’re thrilled to highlight and introduce to the community our shining star for the month of Junio/June!

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Junio/Star of the Month: June

Sophia Agafonow

Sophia Agafonow – Former Board of Directors, treasurer 

How long have you been a part of Chicas? 

I was the treasurer for about three years and a founding board member, too.

Happy to announce that we’re going into 2014 with our 501(c)3 status.

What’s your favorite aspect of being a Chicas member?

I have been involved in service clubs for many years because it is extremely fulfilling, and I am happy to have the opportunity to encourage others to do the same and experience the feeling of being of service to other people in need.

What do you love about Sacramento?

It is a great community to live in and raise healthy families; it isn’t too small, or too big, which allows people to feel a sense of belonging.

What is one of your most fun, or memorable experiences volunteering with Chicas?

Introducing my good friend Susana Becerra to the group and finding out that it was a match made in heaven.

5 year Anniversary at Zocolo

Why did you join Chicas?

I understood the need to get more Latinas in our communities to think of ways of giving back. Our communities usually benefit often from the goodwill of others when going through rough patches [in life], so it is only fair for us to repay the generosity.

What has been your biggest challenge in life?

Leaving my beautiful country, Venezuela, and starting my life all over at the age of 25 in a different country, with different cultures and values. Fortunately, I met amazing people who welcomed me and made me feel at home.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?

Living always in the present! Only God knows how much time I spend worrying about the future.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” Winston Churchill. We need more people to give more love, time, money, energy, etc., without thinking about what’s in it for them.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

London!! There is so much history and absolute respect for their culture, whether it makes sense, or not, like its monarchy, which is pure lovely madness.

What is your most favorite family tradition?

Celebrating Russian Orthodox Easter is my absolute favorite. My grandma cooked the traditional Easter cake, and colored and hand-painted hardboiled eggs that were later blessed by the Priest during service, which is longer than usual and no one is allowed to sit, followed by an unforgettable feast at home with friends and family.

Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s June Schedule of Events

01 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by in #ChicasWhoGive, Culture, Donate, Leadership, Running Group, shoe drive, TeamChicas, Volunteer

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Walking into June feeling proud of ALL Los Hombres de Las Chicas who walked in HIGH HEELS to raise awareness and much-needed funds for WEAVE, Inc.  We extend many, many thanks to YOU, especially to Noah Lennon and his Sacramento Republic FC crew for participation in the high-heeled hilarity of Walk a Mile in Her Shoes! We look forward to seeing you ALL next year, along with some new man friends.

Los Hombres

Chicas Latinas celebrated its 9-year Anniversary during the happiest hour (happy hour)! We enjoyed sharing sparkling champagne with many wonderful chicas y chicos!  Thank you for your company, laughter, and memories! And, we are excited to start planning next year’s celebration for our 10-year Anniversary, which should be even bigger and better!

Chicas 9-year anniversary

We have some great fundraiser and donation drive events coming together this summer, such as the annual Sac Republic FC soccer event on Saturday, Aug. 4! The price is $20 per ticket and is sure to sell out FAST! So grab yours while you can!

SacRepFC

Chicas Latinas has obtained some NEW sponsors, Northwestern Mutual, River City Phoenix, and Hugs Alternative Care, for our 2018 “Starting Off on the Right Foot” shoe drive, benefiting D.W. Babcock Elementary School! We would also like to extend this rewarding and exciting opportunity to other local businesses. Please Contact us for more information! Or Learn more: How to Sponsor Our 2018 “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive

Help Wanted!

Do you love our Sacramento Crisis Nursery volunteer events as much as we do? Consider hosting one! We host nursery visits every other month, on Saturdays, and are looking for a few chicas to lead one (or two) volunteer projects in 2018! Our next event will be in June. And, we are currently looking for a volunteer to host for the month of August. Please email us to learn more: committees@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org

June Dates, Sacramento:

  • June 4: Marketing & Community Outreach Committee Mtg
  • June 6: #TeamChicas Running Group
  • June 11: Programs & Events Committee Mtg.
  • June 16: Sac Crisis Nursery, Theme: “Under the Sea”
  • June 20:#TeamChicas Running Group

Every other Sunday at 8 a.m., volunteer to Help Feed the Homeless with CAFFE at Cesar Chavez Plaza!

#TeamChicas meets every other Wednesday evening for run/walks.  Follow us on Facebook for timely updates.

TBD Scholarship Committee Mtg. (contact for meeting times)

TBD Chicas Latinas Board Mtg. (contact for meeting times)

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Give, while you shop:

Chicas Latinas is linked to #amazonsmile! Shop at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Chicas Latinas De Sacramento!

 

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Abril/Star of the Month: April

04 Wednesday Apr 2018

Posted by in #ChicasWhoGive, Board of Directors, Culture, Donate, Education, Estrella de Mes, Fundraiser, Health, History, Latino Outdoors, Leadership, Running Group, Scholarship, shoe drive, TeamChicas, Volunteer

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Chicas Latinas de Sacramento has existed in the Sacramento community for nine years, thanks to the hard work and dedication of many amazing individuals. To celebrate Sacramento’s leaders, and our behind-the-scenes (s)heroes, we’re thrilled to highlight and introduce to the community our shining star for the month of Abril/April!

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Abril/Star of the Month: April

Chicas Latinas Board

Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s #Network4Cause 2014

Terry J. Ward, Board Co-Chair & Scholarship Committee Member 

Assistant Vice President/Senior Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch.

How long have you been a part of Chicas Latinas de Sacramento?

I’ve been an active member for about four years now.

What’s your favorite aspect of being a Chicas member?

Opportunities for tackling regional community challenges with a team effort.

#SupportTheGirls Anniversary Brunch 2015

What do you love about Sacramento?

I love the size and the diversity. The area is not too big, so as an organization we can have a large impact on local projects, yet there’s so much diversity in skill and thought here, that we can take advantage to build leadership and community.

What is one of your most fun or memorable experiences volunteering with Chicas?

I’ve had a lot of fun and memorable experiences while working with Chicas, but recently we went to Bishop Gallego Maternity Home. The program is sponsored by the church and it’s for moms with new babies. I love discovering new programs that I didn’t know existed as was the case with this program. We all met there, but I arrived straight from work with my nice suit still on. The other Chicas asked if I wanted to hold a baby and I jumped at the chance; of course, the little guy promptly threw up dinner leftovers all over my nice suit. I wiped it off and soldiered on. The Chicas handed out gift baskets to new moms that evening; we gave the moms a break for a bit and a good demonstration of unconditional love, which is sometimes hard to come by these days. This kind of grass roots activity can have a positive ripple effect in our community and I believe we all went to sleep that night better off for it (the moms, the babies, the Chicas group, the Church, and the community as well).

Bishop Gallego Maternity Home Stocking Drive 2016

Why did you join Chicas?

It seemed like a strong group of emerging community leaders worthy of support. So far, the Chicas have lived up to their potential and continue to amaze me with their leadership, efforts, and community enthusiasm.

What has been your biggest challenge in life?

So far, it was to complete my education. I had to fund and complete my college education on my own with little guidance.

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Chicas Latinas’ Scholarship Recipient Luncheon 2017

What are your interests and hobbies?

Running, traveling, and reading.

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Name one fun fact about yourself:

I once won some ribbons/awards at the California State Fair for my hand made jewelry exhibit.

What favorite quote do you live by?

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi

Terry and Natalie

“Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive 2016

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

Morocco because it has a lot of ancient history; it was occupied by Romans, Moors, Carthaginians, and now Islamic culture, so there’s an incredible amount of different architecture, etc. And, people were so welcoming, interesting, and passionate.

 

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Marzo

05 Monday Mar 2018

Posted by in #ChicasWhoGive, Donate, Education, Estrella de Mes, Fundraiser, Leadership, technology, Volunteer

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Chicas Latinas de Sacramento has existed in the Sacramento community for 9 years, thanks to the hard work and dedication of many amazing individuals. To celebrate Sacramento’s Latina Leaders, and our behind-the-scenes (s)heroes, we’re thrilled to highlight and introduce to the community our shining star for the month of Marzo/March!

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Marzo/Star of the Month: March

NataliaChavez

Natalia Chavez — Lead Coordinator of Chicas Latinas’ first Laptop Drive* 

How long have you been a part of Chicas Latinas de Sacramento?

I’ve been a part of Chicas since November 2016.

What’s your favorite aspect of being a Chicas member?

Meeting other women who have a desire to make an impact in the community.

What do you love about Sacramento?

I love midtown – there’s so many restaurants and bars within walking distance.

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Why did you join Chicas?

I joined Chicas because I had an idea that I wanted to pursue – collecting gently used laptops, refurbishing, and donating them to students who need computers at home. I pitched the idea to Chicas and they supported me and my idea!

laptop1

What are your interest and hobbies?

Salsa dancing, hiking, and traveling.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?

The ability to touch a book and consume all the information in the book. I wish I were a faster reader and this superpower would allow me to read all the books I wanted in an instant!

Name one fun fact about yourself:

I was a co-captain of my salsa team in college.

What or who inspires you?

People who take risks and aren’t afraid to fail.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

There’s so many places, it’s hard to name one.  I would say Cuba because it was completely different from other places I’ve traveled; Cubans were very friendly and the music was amazing!

 

*Chicas Latinas Laptop Drive: Bridges the digital divide by supplying pre-owned laptops to students who lack access to computers in the Sacramento region. There were 200 applicants, but only the top eight and most deserving youth received gently used and refurbished laptops. Chicas Latinas de Sacramento aspires to receive more laptop donations from community partners in the near future.

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Febrero

06 Tuesday Feb 2018

Posted by in #ChicasWhoGive, Donate, Education, Estrella de Mes, Leadership, shoe drive, Volunteer

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Chicas Latinas de Sacramento has existed in the Sacramento community for 9 years, thanks to the hard work and dedication of many amazing individuals. To celebrate Sacramento’s Latina Leaders, and our behind-the-scenes (s)heroes, we’re thrilled to highlight and introduce to the community our shining star for the month of Febrero/February!

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Febrero/Star of the Month: February

Pamella Tejada

Pamella Tejada — Programs & Events Committee Member, and Lead Coordinator of Chicas Latinas’ annual “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive

How long have you been a part of Chicas?     

Two years and counting!

What’s your favorite aspect of being a Chicas member?

I love how everyone is committed to making our community a better place for EVERYONE. There is such unity between the members and unlimited support when we want to expand our ideas into reality. Chicas Latinas de Sacramento accepted and invited me without hesitation, and has allowed me to explore and give back to my community.

 What do you love about Sacramento?

I am originally from the Bay Area, but moved to Sacramento seven years ago when my husband got accepted to Sac State. The plan was to move back, but here we are seven years later just loving how easy it is to find hundreds of events in Sacramento. We have everything here: Sports (Sacramento Republic FC, River Cats & the Kings), outdoor adventures (fishing, skiing, hiking, camping), and a vast amount of foods from all over the world. And, then there is the community – so many friendly, hard-working and talented individuals – they make it hard to leave, too!

Snowboarding

What is one of your most fun, or memorable experience volunteering with Chicas? 

I fell in love volunteering at the Crisis Nursery, so much that I now run the events every other month. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to help guide our youth and doing so with other Chicas y Chicos. It’s an amazing feeling to work side by side with strangers who just want to help make the world a better place, by starting with our youth. We visit the Crisis Nursery and expose the children to various projects, and since I have a background in science, I try to incorporate a crafty science project to help spark their interest in biology and chemistry. Then, we make a healthy meal, but we put a twist to it by making it artsy; let’s be honest, it’s hard to get kids to eat veggies and fruits!

CrisisNursery

Why did you join Chicas?  

I have always volunteered, since I love helping others. When I was younger, I volunteered in dance class, then as a young adult, it was helping feral cats. So, when I moved to Sacramento, I wanted to explore my options when a friend of a friend mentioned Chicas Latinas to me. I researched the website and went to a donation drive they were having one night and just knew that its mission was something that I could be of assistance. Ever since joining, I have been able to help out at various events, but it’s the group that has helped me become less timid and push me into assisting an even broader range of individuals.

KXTV Channel 10

What are your interest and hobbies?    

I love being active and have always played some type of sport growing up. About two years ago I decided to try roller derby. I fell in love with the sport and was amazed by all the strong women involved. I definitely want to see how far I can get in derby, but for now I am enjoying the wild rush I get from practicing on the track with my teammates.

RollerDerby

 What do you love about being a woman?

I love how us woman are naturally fierce-some and it’s our determination within ourselves that brings out this amazing strength to overcome some unimaginable obstacles. I have gone through highs and lots of lows in life, but I use each experience as a lesson learned and that helps me grow into a stronger woman each time.

Name one fun fact about yourself:

I was born in Santiago, Chile, and immigrated to the great United States when I was 3-years-old. My grandparents escaped the holocaust and it was my grandmother that eventually made her way to Chile.


Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

I have been fortunate to travel worldwide and so far my favorite place has been Chile. I know I am probably bias here, but it feels amazing to walk down the street and have all these amazing, aromatic, homemade foods within arm’s reach. Everyone is extremely friendly and willing to help complete strangers, which is so inviting and calming. And, then to sweeten the experience, I get to see the remaining part of my family; people who I unfortunately do not see enough, but still welcome me with an open heart.