Category Archives: #ChicasWhoGive

Chicas Latinas’ June Sacramento Events, Volunteer Opportunities & “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Fundraisers

02 Sunday Jun 2019

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

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Chicas Latinas de Sacramento is excited to announce Glenwood Elementary has been chosen as our 2019 shoe drive beneficiary! Glenwood Elementary School serves approximately 500 K-6th grade students. Over 60% of the students identify as hispanic/Latino and 93% of the entire student-body are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged.

CL Glenwood 2019During our 2019 fundraiser and donation-drive, 100% of all shoe and monetary donations collected will be used to provide a NEW pair of shoes for the children at Glenwood Elementary, part of Robla Elementary School District.

Chicas Latinas’ Annual “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive provides NEW shoes to local elementary students in need. Shoes that fit properly, are free of holes, and have intact soles, are unfortunately considered a luxury item for some Sacramento families and children. It is our goal to see to it that EVERY child (500) at our sponsored school is able to start the new year on the right foot!

In order to provide every child at our sponsored school with a NEW pair of athletic shoes this year, we’ll need to collect enough donations from the Sacramento community to provide over 500 pairs of shoes. Donate directly via the link below or join us at one of our exciting fundraising events (such as our two recent sell-out paint nights, pics below)!

 

Eventbrite Donation Link: https://clshoedrive2019.eventbrite.com

Interested in joining, helping, sponsoring… learning more? Shoot us an email: committees@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org | All donations are tax-deductible (Tax ID: 46-1048619).

June “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Fundraiser

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Handmade Mexican Candy Graduation Leis! Perfect for your graduates – and – proceeds benefit “Starting Off on the Right Foot.” When you order your Mexican Candy Lei ~ your $10 donation will be used to provide a child at Glenwood Elementary School with a NEW pair of shoes. Leis are made to order, using all the traditional Mexican-candy favorites.

Necklaces and bracelets are available, order online by 6/9: https://chicaslatinas.ecrater.com/ 

*Stayed tuned for July 2019 “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive fundraising events! 

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Chicas Latinas’ June 2019 Announcements and Events:

Join Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s Leadership

Our working committees are always open to new members! If you’re interested in joining and supporting Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s mission to make a positive impact in both the Latin and Sacramento community by improving, connecting and embracing our culture and the community in which we call our home, send us a note and/or join our next Programs & Events Meeting. Our Latina-powered 501(c)3 organization gives back to the community by utilizing our people and our culture to educate, inspire, and lead.

Join Chicas Latinas June Programs & Events Committee Meeting on June 3 at 6pm. Email for info: Committees@ChicasLatinasdeSacramento.org 

#TeamChicas’ Weekly Running (sometimes Walking) Group

Get active, get social, and get outside with Chicas Latinas de Sacramento!

Join #TeamChicas’ every Wednesday at 6:30pm for a group run, jog, or walk ~ at your own pace. Friends and family are welcomed… furry ones included. Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram for timely updates.

 

June Volunteer Opportunities, Fundraisers, and Community Events

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Chicas Latinas is 10 Years Old: Join our 2019 Giving Celebrations!

23 Saturday Mar 2019

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

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In April 2009 Chicas Latinas was founded in an effort to increase Latina volunteerism and philanthropy in the Sacramento community. Our founder believed that in order to truly reach and serve our Hispanic and Latino brothers and sisters… those serving needed to understand our culture, traditions, and barriers. We needed to step-up, serve our community members, and do our part in lifting up and helping our people.

In 2012, in the kitchen of a studio apartment and with the backing of a 20-something-year-old’s modest bank account, Chicas Latinas de Sacramento became a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Our nonprofit organization now has a volunteer roster of over 300 local Latinas, a board of directors, multiple committees, and annual programming… which continues to grow every year.

311 CL Committee Mtg.

Committee Meetings Monthly

Our 10 Year Anniversary Celebration began with a call for leadership volunteers!

Our members get so busy planning, implementing, and making magic happen in Sacramento… that sometimes we forgot to share the love. This year we’re making it a point to share the Chicas Latinas leadership love and extend invites to our community members, of all ages and background, to join our committees (Programming, Marketing, Scholarship, etc.). Our 2019 call for committee volunteers has already proven successful and we’re excited about the new faces, ideas, and energy that has came into our organization!

Thank you to our newcomers ~ and our future newcomers.

Join Chicas Latinas April Programs & Events Committee Meeting on April 8 at 6pm. Email for info: Committees@ChicasLatinasdeSacramento.org 

Chicas Latinas April 2019 Announcements and Events:

April 3rd — #TeamChicas returns!

Join #TeamChicas’ every Wednesday at 6:30pm for a group run and/or walk ~ at your own pace.

During the month of April, bring a NEW pair of closed-toed shoes for our “Starting Off on the Right Foot” shoe drive ~ and be entered to win a prize ~ EVERY WEEK!

Look forward to: Joining #TeamChicas NAMIWalks on May 4th (registration is free, walkers and runners welcomed, multiple distances available).

CL Sholarship 2019 SM

Chicas Latinas Annual Scholarship Award: Application is Open!

  • Application Open: March 15, 2019
  • Application Deadline: May 1, 2019
  • 2019-2020 Award = $1500

High school & College Students, Apply Here!

Join Chicas Latinas Volunteer Team on April 27 for Rebuilding Together Sacramento

Chicas Latinas is excited to have a volunteer team at Rebuilding Together Sacramento spring Rebuild Day on April 27th, to help rebuild homes for families in need in our community. Morning, afternoon, and all-day shifts are available. No experience required. Shirt and food/refreshments will be provided. Men and women are welcomed to register for our team ~ invite your friends and family members!

Deadline to Register is April 12: Chicas Latinas Rebuild Day

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Register online with Chicas Latinas’ team to join our house! Deadline is 4/12

Join Chicas Latinas’ Rebuild Team ~ Share / Invite on Facebook

Chicas Latinas Paint Night, benefiting “Starting Off on the Right Foot”

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You’re invited to Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s Paint Night Fundraiser benefiting our 2019 “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive, led by local Latina artist Yoli Manzo!

Space is limited, deadline to register is April 15 ~ funds raised will go toward the purchase of NEW shoes for the students at our 2019 sponsored elementary school!

 

Tickets are going fast. ¿Entiendes?

Chicas Latinas’ Paint Night ~ Share / Invite on Facebook

 

*Stayed tuned for May events ~ and the announcement of our 2019 “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive beneficiary! 

Interested in joining, helping, sponsoring… learning more? Shoot us an email: info@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org

Chicas Latinas Requests Your Leadership!

28 Monday Jan 2019

Posted by in #ChicasWhoGive, Fundraiser, Leadership, Scholarship, shoe drive, Volunteer

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Welcome 2019!

This is an exciting year for Chicas Latinas de Sacramento, because we turn 10 years old in April!!! (That’s right, our lil’ ol’ Latina nonprofit organization has made it to double digits.)

To celebrate, we’re doing a call for committee members. We have a powerful leadership team who, year after year, organizes amazing community events, volunteer teams and activities for Sacramento ~ and as we enter into our next decade it’s time to invite new people and ideas to join the giving fun. We believe in the power of Latina leadership, and providing a path to leadership roles. 

do all things with love

2019 At A Glance:

  • Sacramento Crisis Nursery Volunteer Events (next one is 2/2/2019… one spot left!)
  • Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s 10 Year Anniversary Part-ay (help us plan!)
  • Chicas Latinas’ Annual Scholarship Awards and Fundraiser Events (we have some exciting fundraising events in the works)
  • Chicas Latinas’ Annual “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive (we love this event, and know you will too!)
  • YOUR IDEAS! (seriously, if we build it… they will come.) 

Aside from giving in the community, being part of something inspiring and powerful, and learning how to create movements, committee members become part of the Chicas Latinas family ~ and have access to Latina mentorship, support, and leadership! Joining our planning committee is an opportunity to learn, grow, network, and add some serious sparkle to any resume.

Curious? Send us an email committees@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org and/or join us at our next meeting on Monday February 11, 2019.

High School and College students encouraged to join!

 

Chicas Latinas de Sacramento Hosts Holiday Drive for Crisis Nursery: Learn More!

03 Monday Dec 2018

Posted by in #ChicasWhoGive, Donate, Fundraiser

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Chicas Latinas de Sacramento has volunteered consistently at the Sacramento Children’s Home Crisis Nursery Program for the past few years. The Crisis Nursery does wonderful work with limited resources, providing emergency shelter services for the children of Sacramento County children, ages 0-6.

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This holiday season, your tax-deductible Chicas Latinas drive-donation will help supply the Crisis Nursery with the items on their Wish List.

Chicas Latinas will use 100% of the proceeds to purchase the wish list items the Crisis Nursery needs throughout the year to care for our community’s children.

* Donations must be made by Dec 14, 2018 

GIVE:

  • Donate online: bit.ly/ChicasHolidayDrive
  • Donate Gift cards: Walmart, Target, Raley’s, Costco & Safeway
  • Contact us via email: committees@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org

ATTEND:

Join us on Dec. 11, 5-8pm, at Ten Ten Room in downtown Sacramento for Mistletoe & Martinis: Chicas Latinas Mixer & Donation Drop-Off! 

A Holiday social with Chicas Latinas + Sac Crisis Nursery Donation drop-off.

This happy hour social will be co-ed, come one and come all!

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December Dates:

Every Sunday at 8 a.m., and major holidays, 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)

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Give, while you shop:

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

Fall into Community Giving with Chicas Latinas de Sacramento

07 Sunday Oct 2018

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

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Starting Off on the Right Foot ~ Distro-Day Announced!

We are excited to announce that our “Starting Off on the Right Foot” distribution day at our sponsored Sacramento elementary school, D.W. Babcock, has been announced!

Volunteers, join us on November 1, when we’ll provide EVERY child at D.W. Babcock Elementary School with a NEW pair of shoes for the 2018-2019 school year.

You’re not going to want to miss this amazing morning of giving to children in our community. ❤️

 

Students from Woodbine Elementary excited about showing off their new kicks (2015)

Thank you to everyone who sponsored, held donation drives, donated, and supported with your shares and words of encouragement. With your help Chicas Latinas de Sacramento was able to (once again) provide a whole student-body with the joy of new shoes — shoes that fit and are free of holes — so that they can focus on their education. (Read about our founder’s story.)

Interested in volunteering? Shoot us a DM or email: committees@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org

Media Inquiries, email: info@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org

2018 Run to Feed the Hungry

November 1st is a big day for Chicas Latinas de Sacramento… because it is also DEADLINE to register and join #TeamChicas at The 25th annual Run to Feed the Hungry benefiting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services!

To join #TeamChicas: 
• Create an account on RaceRoster
• Register yourself using the Adult Team Option
• Select team name: #TeamChicas
• Complete registration process
• Invite your friends & family to join our team — all are welcomed: any age, any fitness level! 

Visit and share our Facebook Event page
* * * All team members must register by November 1, 2018 * * *
The team registration fee is $55 per adult and $35 per youth. Team registration includes a team shirt, team picture, access to VIP area… and more! 

* The deadline for team registration is November 1, 2018. Team team shirts will be available TBD.
View #TeamChicas Pledge page, here: bit.ly/ChicasRTFTH2018

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Sacramento Crisis Nursery

Last, but certainly not least, Chicas Latinas de Sacramento will be hosting a *spooky* Sacramento Crisis Nursery event on Oct. 27, complete with ghoulish treats and activities. There’s only 4 spots left ~ RSVP to secure your spot!

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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 de Sacramento Kicks Butt, You Can Too! Learn how This August

31 Tuesday Jul 2018

Posted by in #ChicasWhoGive, Donate, Fundraiser, shoe drive, TeamChicas

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The back-to-School countdown has officially begun… and Chicas Latinas de Sacramento is working hard to provide EVERY child at our sponsored elementary school with a new pair of shoes for the 2018-19 school year. Only ONE MONTH LEFT TO DONATE to 2018 “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive, benefiting D.W. Babcock School!!! 

We’re halfway to our goal of collecting 600 NEW pairs of shoes! 

Kicking-butt is a community effort ~ Help Spread the Word and/or Donate

Why we do what we do… 

“When I first learned of our 2018 sponsored school, my stomach dropped. The selected school fit our criteria and was deserving of our sponsorship and support, but there was something my board members didn’t know — D.W. Babcock was my elementary school. Chicas Latinas’ board and committee members justified their selection by sharing stats and painting the portrait of a school and children in need of community support… and I found myself transported back to a time when I was a child, in need of support, and feeling incredibly small because of it. Needless to say, this year’s selection hit close to home. That was my school, and I was that kid.” – Read more: http://bit.ly/ShoeDriveNewHope

SacRepFC

ATTEND:

Join us for Chicas Latinas night with Sac Republic FC on Saturday, Aug. 4! The price is $20 per ticket, contact us via email/social media to purchase tickets.

ANNOUNCING: Chicas Latinas’ Self-Defense Workshop, benefiting “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive: Aug. 26 at 10am ~ Tickets are only $15! Register

DONATE:

Donate online: https://clshoedrive2018.eventbrite.com

Check donations can be mailed to Capsity, 2572 21st St.
Sacramento, California 95818, Attn: Chicas Latinas de Sacramento.

Drop-off NEW shoes at the below sponsors’ locations:

Thank you to everyone who supported in July… we had a blast dancing with Bachata on the Edge, hanging-out with Sacramento Republic FC players, and shopping at Heart Boutique 

August Dates:

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)

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Give, while you shop:

Chicas Latinas is linked to #amazonsmile! Shop for your
“Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive donations at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Chicas Latinas De Sacramento!

Sacramento Events and Giving Goals: Join Chicas Latinas This July!

01 Sunday Jul 2018

Posted by in #ChicasWhoGive, Donate, Fundraiser, shoe drive, TeamChicas

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Chicas Latinas’ 2018 “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive, benefiting D.W. Babcock School is underway!!! We have a goal this year to provide EVERY child at the elementary school with a new pair of shoes for the 2018-19 school year.

19149385_10154540598001821_71462256553571873_nTo help reach our goal, community members and businesses have partnered with us as sponsors, donors, and fundraiser event hosts ~ needless to say, we have a full calendar of events and opportunities to give!

Thank you to our 2018 “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Sponsors and Donors:

  • Northwestern Mutual
  • River City Phoenix
  • Sutter Roseville
  • Hugs Alternative Care: Collecting NEW shoe donations at their 2 locations!
  • Sacramento Republic FC: Collecting NEW shoe donations at Sac Republic Offices!
  • Heart Boutique: Collecting NEW shoe donations July 8-14!

Join us for Chicas Latinas night with Sac Republic FC on Saturday, Aug. 4! The price is $20 per ticket and is sure to sell out FAST! We’ll have tickets on hand to sell at our upcoming July event, or contact us via email/social to purchase tickets.

Proceeds benefit our Shoe Drive! 

SacRepFC

Can’t attend, but want to give? Donate online: https://clshoedrive2018.eventbrite.com

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Please help us reach our goal of providing EVERY child at D. W. Babcock Elementary with a new pair of shoes for the school year (600 pairs)! July fundraiser events below, please join us and share!

July Dates, Sacramento:

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)

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Give, while you shop:

Chicas Latinas is linked to #amazonsmile! Shop for your
“Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive donations at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Chicas Latinas De Sacramento!

Get Your Tickets For Chicas Latinas’ Night with Sac Republic FC

25 Monday Jun 2018

Posted by in #ChicasWhoGive, Donate, Education, Fundraiser, shoe drive

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There are some combinations that pair amazingly well, like chips and salsa, cheese and wine, and Chicas Latinas de Sacramento and the Sacramento Republic FC.

Chicas Latinas Poster ImgBoth Chicas Latinas de Sacramento and Sacramento Republic FC have a strong commitment to the Sacramento community: making passionate efforts to support the community in a number of ways! In August, Sacramento Republic FC  will join forces with Chicas Latinas in support of its “Starting Off on the Right Foot” shoe drive and create a wonderful opportunity for the students at D.W. Babcock Elementary in the coming school year.

On August 4 Sacramento Republic’s game against the Fresno Football Club will be more than just a game that fans should not miss because Sacramento’s soccer team is partnering with Chicas Latinas de Sacramento! The game will be held on a hot August night of August 4 at 8 p.m. will help raise funds for the annual “Starting Off on the Right Foot” shoe drive. A portion of each $20 ticket will go toward the purchase of NEW shoes for local elementary students!

For more information on tickets and donations email: info@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org

In addition to ticket proceeds benefiting the drive, there will be shoe donation bins available at the game. The Sacramento Republic is taking it one step further (no pun intended) by accepting NEW SHOE donations for the shoe drive at their SRFC Office located at 2421 17 Street in Sacramento. Please join us for a fun, summer night that will help us make a big difference!

Can’t attend the game, but still want to give to the children at D.W. Babcock Elementary School? Donate directly online via Eventbrite — 100 percent of monetary donations will be used to purchase new shoes for children in the local area.

Chicas Latinas de Sacramento with Sacramento Republic FC Event

Invite your friend’s and family via Facebook!

Saturday August 4, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.

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For more information on tickets and donations email: info@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org

 

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.