Transition: Is it a Friend or a Foe? “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal” – Henry Ford I was once asked the question: What is your passion? A question so small, but indeed packed a wallop. It took me what I felt was an eternity to be able to answer this question. I had to review my entire life, which included reviewing all my past mistakes and failures, to be able to redefine my goals for the future and come up with the most suitable response. It was then that I realized that outreach and helping to change lives is what fuels me to move forward and is something that I am extremely passionate about. My name is Zulena Sanchez and I am the Assistant Organizer here at L.I.L.A Network. Today, I will be sharing how I came to transition from just being the “me” that I knew, to the “me” I was destined to be; in the hopes that this knowledge could help you in determining what you, yourself were destined to become. The word Transition as Defined by Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary means: 1a: passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another: change. 1b: a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another. (2013 MerriamWebster, Incorporated. site: m-w.com). What does transition mean to you? Transitioning from one mindset, place or, state of being is not always easy and can leave a bad taste in your mouth when it is occurring, but, believe it or not, not all transitions are negative. Take for instance, me; I have had several different career opportunities throughout my employment history and yet each one required a completely different transition. The same example can also be applied to you as well; as a matter of fact every single person we know, have met, and the ones we have yet to meet. Even though some transitions are awful, rough, or difficult in its duration, all have a main goal and that goal is development. Yes, I will agree that it can be hard to have so many transitions happen to you repeatedly especially of you are not ready for it, but I believe that each transition helps you move one step closer towards the greater goal. Development, in my own sense of the word, is the outcome to each transition and is always positive regardless of the sticky situation that triggered the inception of the transition. To give you the best possible example of what I mean, I will make myself the example once more. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from CUNY John Jay, I became a Child Protective Specialist for NYC Children’s Services. Prior to that, I worked as an Environmental Security Guard for the NYC Parks Dept. and prior to that, I held several retail positions and day camp counseling positions as well. Let’s break this down a bit more, shall we? I was a Counselor, Sales Associate, Customer Service Representative, Security Guard, and Case Manager throughout my career history. These are several different positions, with different work schedules, pay grades, locations, duties, and responsibilities. To obtain each position there are different
requirements, tests, educational standards, codes of conduct to meet, rules and regulations to apply, and each had their own impact on who I am and what I wanted to be. Each required me to leave what I thought I knew at the door and start from scratch each and every time. To anyone this could be both physically and emotionally draining. Leaving you to question yourself and doubt your abilities and qualifications. As if I didn’t give you enough of a variety of work positions, the most recent for me was becoming a licensed Life &Health Insurance Agent with a highly known Insurance Company. This position in itself had its very own standard of operation, rules, codes of conduct, level of expertise, schedule, quota, tasks, goals, management, etc. It was like transitioning into a dark room of the unknown because in my entire work career, I had never had a position that required more from me even when I worked as a case manager. Everything was very business, money, and who you know and had little to nothing about helping or compassion. Unfortunately, the person that I am and the person that the company required me to be were two completely sets of beings; not to mention the financial burden it left me with. But in essence, I had to leave that career opportunity as well. This particular transition was the most difficult pill to swallow because I had come so far in terms of classes, studying and passing the NYS exam to obtain my license, I had used every penny I had to fund my work, and gave every last drop of my 100% pure effort, to be basically told in the end that I was a failure. What can a person do with all that “Hard Liquor” and no “Chaser” to bring it all down? Well, an example wouldn’t be an example if there weren’t a point to them, would they? The reason I shared this with you is because throughout all these various employment positions there were different transitions I was being lead into. These transitions were very tough to go through and each one required more out of me every single time. What did I do? I ran with the punches, pulled up my grown woman panties (so to speak) and did not allow myself to be overwhelmed or disappointed. The point of this is basically to show you that no matter what obstacles life throws at you, you will always come out on the positive side if you keep your eyes on the goal. It just so happened, that prior to my departure with the insurance company, I attended a business expo and met a remarkable set of individuals who own their own businesses, and we did what most business people do, we exchanged cards. I of course took that meet and greet a little step further; I created a binder that contained all those business cards and information giving to me at the expo. That same week, I went to a Breakfast Meeting where I met a fabulous group of women with whom unbeknownst to me, the gracious organizer of the group saw what I had done and appointed me to be an assistant to her. That, organizer was Jessica Rivera, and because of her keen sense of reading peoples aura, she asked me to come on board and be a positive force for good at L.I.L.A Network. Today I am proud to announce that not only have I been able to do what I love, that is outreach, and changing lives, but I have also gone a step further and am now working toward opening my own business as a Corporate Networker. If there is anything I wish to leave you with, it is this: Change is never easy but do not let it become the obstacle that stopped you from being the person you were meant to be. ~Zulena Sanchez, LILA Network Magazine Contributor
Stay Motivated Through Adversity The “Six Steps” that will keep you motivated We can sometimes face situations that can cause us to lose faith and hope in what we are working so hard to accomplish. In your case, it may be graduating school, opening your first business or just gaining employment. You feel like "so many people out there who don't care and don't try, get what they want and need, and here I am, giving it my best and things are just not working out for me." I know exactly how you feel; I have actually been there before. Fortunately, I learned that my situations had to happen, "what?" you may say, yes, they had to happen. It was the only way that I could be molded to become the person that I am today, the only way that I could understand how to help others in the same situation, because I was there and I won! The following are a few steps that I used to help me overcome adversity and stay motivated. 1. Stay connected - Isolation can bring us to a dark place. Research has proven that isolation is more detrimental to our wellness than high blood pressure, obesity or smoking. Spend time with friends and family, or a coach. L.I.L.A. has a group of women available with many resources to help you get through. 2. Accept your situation/Change your "victim" attitude- Accept your current situation and know that it is only temporary. You are not a victim; you have control over how you feel and your attitude. You are a winner, do your part and know that this will be over soon. 3. Let go of fear - Fear holds us back, it’s a wall that does not allow us to see what’s at the other side. Dare to take a risk and push harder than you ever have. You have been destined for greatness, but if you don’t try you will never find out. 4. Work on yourself esteem – Self-esteem, is how do you feel about yourself? Boost your self-esteem by forgiving yourself, challenging negative or inaccurate thoughts, focusing on the positive things about you and encouraging yourself. 5. Look for the meaning in your experience - Nietzsche once said “That which does not kill me makes me stronger." Ask yourself, what was the point? What did your learn? Have you become better? Understand these things, and you will never face situations the same again. 6. Learn to tell your story - You're a survivor, no matter what stage in your situation you're in. By telling your story you will help and inspire others who are currently going through the same thing. It will give them hope and the feeling that they can win, just like you did. We will all face adversity at some point of our lives, but if we hang in there, keep learning, stay connected, retain our faith in the future, and learn from the experiences of others, we can and will win. ~Massiel Guzman, LILA Network Magazine Contributor
Suzie Homemaker 123 Your Street, Apt. 1A, Your City, NY 10001, Phone (321) 972-3759, myemail@myemail.com
Career Objective Seeking a mid-level position at a company where I can use my skills and abilities to make significant contributions toward the achievement of company goals. A position that will utilize my ability to develop trust, personal rapport, and strong working relations with volunteers and staff. A position where the ability to manage several different projects simultaneously would be of value.
Experience Homemaker Inc., Your City, NY 1998 to Present Manager Provided counseling and social interaction opportunities for adolescents and other family members. Responsible for the daily care of three assigned adolescents, and conducted group therapy and one-to-one counseling sessions. Developed and coordinated extracurricular and vocational training opportunities for adolescents.  Managed financial transactions and records for the organization. Analyzed accounting records to determine financial resources required to implement new programs and submitted recommendations for budget allocations. Reviewed operating budgets periodically to analyze trends affecting budget needs.  Prepared speeches and text for public comments. Counseled clients in effective ways of communicating with public. Monitored activities to ensure adherence to rules and safety procedures to protect environment and maintain order, and ejects unruly patrons, setting clear expectations and deliverables.  Conducted and analyzed surveys of participants to gauge customer satisfaction. Studied needs, objectives, and policies of organization and individual seeking to influence public opinion and promote specific products.
Community Involvement Pander Middle School P.T.A., Your City, NY 2008 to 2011 President Designed and conducted pre-event training sessions, resulting in fewer emergencies. Analyzed problems, formulated options, and presented solutions offering win-win outcomes. Maintained database of volunteer participation and skills to assist future planning. Prepared contingency plans to anticipate inclement weather and emergencies, acting as field operations supervisor during emergencies. Coordinated with other departments, agencies, and community leaders to maintain a positive environment. George Washington Elementary P.T.A., Your City, NY 2004 to 2008 Board Member Scheduled and coordinated the efforts of hundreds of volunteer workers to achieve project goals. Maintained open lines of communication to identify and resolve problems quickly. Analyzed financial data and managed budget for fundraising campaigns.
Education City College, Your City 1997 Certificate, Business Development GPA: 3.2. Specialized training included Business of Art, Corporate Buying, and Para Legal Studies. Contributed to the university and surrounding community with activities through the college's leadership organization.
Skills Budget and Financial Projection Experience || Counseling, Education, and Student Services Catering Operations || Leadership and Delegation || Workflow Management || MS Office Example 1
Missy Talkalot 123 Harmony Lane | New York, NY 10004 | (212) 555-1234
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST ~ Specializing in Public Relations and Medicine ~ Highly motivated and respected professional with strengths in writing, presenting within a cross-functional context. Passionate interest in medicine, health care and personal wellness. Valued for consistently exhibiting a calm and positive demeanor, regardless of the situation. Clear, refined and diplomatic communicator, both oral and written. Interact favorably with others from all levels, cultures and backgrounds. Sincere and honest with a high level of personal and professional integrity. Balance demands from multiple stakeholders. • Community Relations • International & Cultural Experience • Public & Media Relations • Presentations, Training & Speeches • Research & Reporting • Writing & Editing • Stress Management • Workload Prioritization • Confidentiality Assurance • Board Relations
EDUCATION & SPECIALIZED TRAINING University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M.A., History of Medicine and Health Care Studies included: • History of the Profession • Canadian Health Care • Canadian Psychiatry • Canadian Social History Thesis: The History of Psychiatry in Toronto Oxford School of Drama, Oxford England PROFESSIONAL DRAMA STUDIES
2003 • Canadian Medicine • Material Culture
1999
CAREER ST Coffee Company, Toronto locations and Head Office 1997 - Present CORE TRAINING FACILITATOR & SUPERVISOR Skill-set relied upon to serve dual roles with this busy specialty coffee chain. Proficient in the "hands on" role of Barista, training corporate executives, managing staff performance, customer relations, and all administrative functions. • One of 20 Core Training Facilitators within the country. Train professionals from all levels within the Eastern Canada Region. Ensure all Starbucks employees have the fundamentals of product preparation in conjunction with customer service. • Trusted with store keys, alarm codes, and handling cash deposits of $10 000. Greater Toronto Area and London England 1996 - 2002 STAND UP COMEDIAN Retained to provide entertainment for multiple comedy clubs and cabarets. Scouted for television shows and festivals (including Just For Laughs), commercials and live theatre. Perform these activities in addition to daytime responsibilities. Distribute press kit including news releases, biography, photos and performance history. • Receive special recognition for Best New Female Comic at Yuk Yuk's talent search. • Opened for Adam Sandler at the Laugh Resort. Worked with Canadian talent like Mike Bullard, Ron James and Colin Mocherie. Second City Training Centre, Toronto, Ontario 2001 THE SECOND CITY EDUCATION PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR Conducted workshops for both elementary and secondary school students. Required to prepare and implement programming adhering to Ontario Curriculum guidelines. This was not a comedy class, rather, a structured program addressing the following concepts: • Team Building • Listening & Comprehension • Communication & Presentation • Risk Taking Example 2
Finding your own way has become even more difficult with the economy still lingering in distress. Everyone is in crunch mode… your not the only one that feels like they’re in limbo. Frustrated with your looming future, don’t be! After what I felt was wasted time, I have come to realize all the jobs I have held and with all the different bumps in the road, have helped me recognize my true calling. Finding my own way hasn’t been easy. When I was 12 I dreamed of being the Puerto Rican version of Frida Kahlo or Pablo Picasso while I lived in Paris and traveled the world. As I continued to develop, so did my dream. At 14 I decided I was going to be a fashion designer. I even went to the High School of Fashion Industries. My first two years I focused on fashion… I sewed my first complete outfit for a fictitious baby (I still think we were unpaid sweatshop workers). Before my junior year started, I had made the decision to follow into art and began Business of Art specialty. By far the best choice I made in my teen years! I loved that class, the freedom to express myself, and learn proper techniques. I was phenomenal. However during this point of my life there was a very big grey cloud hanging over my head. I was 16, a few months away from my 17th birthday and felt like I was lost. I struggled getting through that entire school year. Some time during December ‘99, I decided I could give myself a better education then the one I was being supplied in the New York City Public School System. Thinking back, it wasn’t the most intelligent decision, however everyone who joined me got a lesson. When we had money, didn’t have money, only had a penny each, we all got into the museums! Some of the most interesting and one of a kind experiences, I still can joke about! One of those amazing experiences started on a very rainy New York fall day; we were standing in the train station deciding whether to go to school or to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the museum won! As with most of our endeavors we had
The following is a list of the 20 top companies providing solutions for your customer experience needs. E-commerce has evolved and continues to evolve every few months. For most businesses, it is vital to their growth to find the company that will provide a better customer experience for their web-based brands. If improving and optimizing the customer experience is not apart of your processes and procedures, it’s time to start…! 20. 19. 18. 17. 16. 15. 14. 13. 12. 11.
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10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.
Live2Suport.com Velaro.com Kampyle.com LivePerson.com GoToAssist.com LiveChatInc.com GetSatisfaction.com ProvideSupport.com Medallia.com BazaarVoice.com
BazaarVoice instills trust on your website; with great features and options, they will enable your website with customer reviews which increases the likelihood of your customers making a purchase. BazaarVoice ranked #1 for monthly traffic, so make sure you check out all of their great options! With websites integrating many applications, advertisers and marketers have the power to capture every interaction a customer has with your brand. This not only has capabilities across all media channels but it also has real-time communication. There are an innumerable amount of opportunities for webbased brands to provide a better customer experience. It’s vital that store front entities recognize this change of trends with more than “just another initiative” approach with thinking outside the box with the customer experience. When your customer is really number one with an optimized experience, your business will be rewarded with repeat visits, greater average order totals, and a better, overall perception. Start tapping into the myriad of opportunities these websites offer your business, and kick it up a notch! Make your website work for you, TODAY!
It is a busy Friday afternoon, and we are lucky enough to have caught LILA Network CEO – Jessica Rivera just as she was about to head out of town on business. Running her women’s empowerment not-for-profit organization, on top of a successful design & consultation company, Ms. Rivera is a very busy woman balancing her Husband, Son, & various projects! Q. Let’s start with your basics: Who are you? Where do you come from? A. I am a Nuyorican, born and raised in the Bronx, NY; I’m an eighties baby! I am a twin, my sister and I were raised by single my mother. An incredible woman who excel’s at everything she sets her mind on. So you know how I was raised…
Q. Where did you start to develop your passion for women’s empowerment? A. When I was younger my family always joked I would grow up and become a public defender. I have advocated women’s rights since I was in elementary school. My 7th grade teacher told me I carry my mother’s, and other women warrior ancestors’ blood in my veins, it’s only natural to be opinionated.
Q. What was your first empowerment experience? A. I was on the receiving end of the empowerment. I was about 16 years old and had the pleasure to hear a group of women speak about overcoming sexual abuse and understanding how you can help those afflicted. It not only helped me start the process towards closure of my own wounds but taught me the tools to give women hope.
Q. If it’s not a sensitive question, how old were you when you were abused? A. I am not sensitive, I know my story will help another woman overcome her personal hurdles… Well, I was seven when it started and my abuser was my Step-father. He would take advantage of my mother’s business trips and late business meetings. It was very traumatic and lasted seven long years.
Q. I read over your bio, were you also a homeless teenager? A. Yes, I had a rocky couple of years with my home-life situation and resorted to living in friends’ homes, then the train, and when I could afford to get a room I’d stay at the hourly hotels to rest. I wasn’t alone, thankfully. My future husband was also in the streets with me. Back then we thought we were the Bonnie & Clyde of the honor roll persuasion. However no matter how glamorous our friends thought it was, in reality that was a very stressful two year period of my life.
Q. So before you were 20, you already overcame homelessness and sexual abuse?!? Most people would have become a statistic, what made you choose a different path? A. Well, I wasn’t alone in either situation. My twin sister and I had each other, I felt like her protector during the dark times so I didn’t give myself time to wallow in the negative. When I was homeless, I was able to see NYC in a totally different light. I learned how to survive and stretch $100 over 14 days while feeding two people and getting carfare to get our jobs. I also went to night school. Each time I was determined not to give up, even when I tried to, there was someone there to give me an extra boost and remind me of my potential. That’s not the only hurdles I experienced…I was also paralyzed for about six months, and it took another two years to fully recover.
Q. What caused the paralysis? A. I have always suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, since I was eight. However a spike in my stress levels caused my body to go into complete shutdown mood. I didn’t know I had Hypokalemia, which is severely low potassium, and can cause muscle spasms and paralysis. My doctors ruled it out after I took some potassium supplements. However ever doctors visit, my potassium was marked as severely low. So they danced around the cause of my worsening condition. One doctor gave me a five medication cocktail… it’s just a major horror story. Over all I gained 87 pounds, lost 218 pound (my 1st husband), and struggled for almost three years with a disease that wasn’t properly diagnosed until last year as a SEVERE WHEAT ALLERGY. Who knew wheat could be deadly… So for 21+ years I suffered from a wheat allergy.
Q. So in High School you were a youth ambassador; what does that mean? Who were you an ambassador to? A. I was a youth ambassador for two years during my time at The Valley Inc, John Bess’s Paul Robeson’s Leadership Program. I loved creating the speeches we spoke to the governor and mayor. We also spoke at events, twice at Kings Fest in Harlem. I was an ambassador to all inner city minority youth. We addressed issues regarding the Summer Youth Employment Program, gang violence in our High Schools, and youth related tobacco smoking. I was involved in the Reality Check grassroots movement; my sister and I were honored to be selected as the Hispanic youth representatives. We were youth rights activists and didn’t realize until we were standing outside of Mayor Dinkins Office shouting “You can never silence the truth”.
Q. What do you do now?
A. This is a pretty broad question… Let me narrow it down slightly. I run my Design & Consultation business. We recently completed a website and our LILA Network is planning some fantastic upcoming events. Through my Rock Star Fairies Brand, I empower little girls to believe in themselves. I never use unhealthy images and always showcase the characters true spirit. One of our mottos: “Little girl’s that dream become women with vision.” We know the importance of believing in you that’s why we encourage youth empowerment starting at an early age. Today’s youth are bombarded with messages of inadequacy, at the cost of selling a crappy product. So my business has chosen an alternative route, we just don’t think waif thin models are healthy representations of beautiful! Never will. Our LILA Network has a new line of empowerment “Super Heroines”, some t-shirts come with a tag line, i.e.: “I’m not a Damsel in distress. I’m the Heroine of the story.” There are four main LILA Network Warriors, all ethnically diverse with tribal heritage references mixed with modern influences. Another branch of what I do; since inception, LILA Network events always give back to the community. We make arrangements for various groups to benefit from discounted or free tickets, giveaways, and the power of motivation & inspiration. Our recent conference was a huge success; as we planned it, I said “if one woman benefits all of our efforts it was worth it”. We not only made a difference, we also came together and embraced one another’s struggles, trials, and jubilations.
Q. Wow, talk about multi-tasking, how long have you had such drive in you? What I mean to ask is, where is all this focus coming from? A. When I was young I was told I could become anyone I want to. I have strayed from what I truly feel is my calling. However I am on the path to amazing abundance. I’m on God’s path to prosperity. I need to extend my hand and make sure my family, friends, and neighbors stay afloat during these unpleasant times. I feel driven to share my experiences and show that life gets better. I’m focus because I know no one should experience the harsh life lesson I did. I know how depressing and lonely you can feel. My goal is to bring hope to those who can’t see the struggle is just a lesson; preparation for a better life. If we don’t struggle, we’ll take life’s true blessings for granted. We’re all human and loose sight of what’s important. I know I am here for a bigger reason. I have always advocated for what I believed was right.
Q. What “Drove” you to create LILA Network? A. I got tired of waiting for someone else to create a network with great standards of operation. In June, I became organizer of a group I joined a year prior; I was so excited and shocked when no one else jumped up to become the group organizer. Needless to say, the group wasn’t ready for
woman of my caliber, lest the fact I was of caramel completion and Latina decent. I moved on to create a women’s network that not only encouraged Minority participation but a group for women only with its core principles to empower, motivate, and inspire. It’s difficult to do business in a world of glossy lipped, snakes in skirt suits. I am certainly tired of entertaining it. So with the mission to “CHANGE THE WORLD, ONE WOMAN AT A TIME” I believe with great women of integrity we will develop a great source for cooperative networking for women.
Q. What do you predict for LILA? A. We will not only grow but expand quickly in other states, because a major part of our mission is to help women succeed.. I know our efforts will make a bigger impact on the livelihood and successful transition of women from employee to employer. However we are focused on women in general. We all have innate abilities and if we are able to hear our intuition, I believe God will guide us until we find our bliss. Until then, we will continue to encourage and inspire greatness. I haven’t always spoken loudly in reference to our almighty father, for respect of our various readers and their religious preference. However, I am Roman Catholic, which makes me no different than my Muslim sisters, or Hindu sisters, or Jewish sisters. We are all created in the eyes of god for greatness, to take mankind to the next level; we all have a place in the great circle of life. We just need to find perspective and the drive & focus will come! Don’t waste time. The stress of being unhappy is too expensive! LILA Network is built on a strong foundation and built to last several decades!
Pictured: Jessica Rivera || CEO, LILA Network Interviewer: J. Ryder