Latin Times 1st Qtr 2010

Jolie R. Gonzalez Publisher / Editor In Chief Imilsis Wong :: Misha Creative Director Victor Padilla Operations Manager Nikko Gonzalez Publishing Assistant Marti Lopez Editor Sergio Sodre Hispanic/Latino Market Liaison Ask The Professionals Lang Adams Staff Writer – Ask El Insurance Professional Dr. Brian Caez, DC PA Staff Writer – Ask El Chiro Man Robert Casañas, M.D. Staff Writer – Ask El Doctor Rafael E. Fuentes, M.S., P.A. Staff Writer – Ask El Counselor Pedro G. Velez, Jr., Attorney at Law Staff Writer – Ask El Abogado Marco R. Williams Staff Writer – Ask El Financial Specialist

Marketing & Advertising Consultants

Julio Aviles – Orange & Osceola Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Conchita Burpee – All Central Florida Counties Business Development Specialist “Intermixx Marketing” Itamar Martinez - All Central Florida Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Zanibel Melo – All Central Florida Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Maritza Ruiz – Hillsborough & Pinellas Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Carmen Santiago – Orange & Osceola Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Other Florida Counties: (813) 901-5292 Office or BusinessDevelopment@Latin-Times.com Photography / Video Juan Ruiz of Ziur Photography Special Events Reporter/Photographer Al Frederick Business Photography Zanibel Melo of Higher Dreams Productions 1st Quarter 2010 Cover: Designed by Imilsis Wong :: Misha

Jolie Gonzalez, Publisher & Editor of Latin Times Magazine Executive Producer of LatinTimes-TV, and Director of Latin ConneXions Business Networking Events.

Awards & Recognition 2008 - Winner- Business Woman of the Year Award - Tampa Bay Business Journal - In Media Services 2008 - Exito Award - Women Entrepreneur Award - By Hispanic Business Initiative Fund 2007 - Idiolo Award - For Best Spanish Owned Magazine - By Centro Asturiano 2007 – Minority Business Person of the Year Award - For Professional Services - Tampa Bay Business Journal 2006 - Hispanic Business Woman of the year - PRCP 2006 - Chairwoman’s Award of Excellence - Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce For a one (1) year subscription (4 issues), please send a check or money order in the amount of $15.00 to: P.O. Box 262574, Tampa, FL 33685-2574 Special ThanX to God. Thank you to GOD for the many blessings you have placed in my life! Thank you to Carmen Santiago for being a great mom, Orlando Rodriguez for being a great dad, Carmen Lourdes & Minerva for being great sisters –let’s get close again! To my big brother –I love you, all! Nikko Gonzalez for being the best son in the world. Thank you to my “victor”, you are my hero! Alfred Frederick for Business Photography, and to all my wonderful friends, who always seem to be there when I need them the most!

Cover Pics Credits:

Sandra Yancy: eWomenNetwork.com

Main Office: (813) 901-5292 | Websites: www.Latin-Times.com For events: www.Latin-Connections.com No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written consent from Latin Times, LLC., 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.

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nother year bites the dust and not a moment too soon huh?

Wow – big year, that 2009 was, with lots of firsts……first African-American President was sworn into office, Swine Flu came on the scene, and George Lopez got late night talk show (Congrats George!).

We had the biggest recession in decades, the highest gas prices in history, unemployment soared, food prices doubled and in some cases –tripled! (my favorite McDonalds Apple pie TRIPLED in price.)

I say it loud and I say it proud 2009; Goodbye y farewell, adieu, adeus y adiós, cheerio, ciao and Godspeed, so long amigo, arrivederci, sayonara and hasta la vista baby because its 2010!

I am plenty excited about being in 2010, because I know that it is a year of recovery for our country, for our communities, for our homes, our health, and for our businesses. It is said that it is always darkest before the light -- I know that many of you may be going through a difficult period in your life… I would like to offer you a little encouragement -- and a lot of hope, 2010 is your year!

I am always grateful at the beginning of a new year, because a new year gives us the opportunity to start over, to make amends for last year’s mistakes! It’s a time to learn, and a time to grow. For me, 2010 will be the biggest new start of all, because it is the year that I will reach new heights, the year Latin Times will grow and prosper, and it is also the year that I will get married! On Saturday, January 9, 2010, I marry my best friend, and soul-mate Victor Padilla, who has already become a huge part of our Latin Times familia as the Operations Manager!

Opportunities Abound!

Latin Times is currently looking for sales professionals in the Tampa Bay area. The positions are commission based. We do provide leads, and do offer training a office support.

Interested individuals should contact our office.

Have you attended our exciting events!? We have over 40 exciting events scheduled in 2010!

Our most famous event, the 1st Friday networking socials will be held at the Annual Florida State Fair. This 2nd annual networking social will be held on Friday, February 5th, 2010 at the Florida State Fairgrounds and is an advertised part of the Florida State Fair, on this very special evening we will also be paying a tribute to the 2010 Latin Times Magazine, Latina Movers N Shakers!

Subsequent 1st Friday events are held at Mirage Restaurant and Lounge, which is located at 3605 W Hillsborough Ave in Tampa. Other Upcoming Dates include: Friday, March 5th, and Friday, April 2nd, 2010 – which is the BIG 6th Anniversary celebration of the Latin ConneXions events.

Our 2nd Friday Networking Socials continue to be a BIG hit in Brandon! These events are held on the 2nd Friday of each month at Boomerang Martini Bar which is located at 2016 Town Center Blvd, in Brandon. Upcoming Dates includes: Friday, January 8th, February 12th, and March 12th, 2010.

Our Ladies’ Tea and Spa Parties are the perfect way for Ladies to spend a Sunday afternoon getting to know other elite women in the community. These events are held at the Empress Tea Room @ 6810 E. Fowler, Temple Terrace, FL. Join us at this charming Victorian Room, where you will be awed by the formal setting and beauty of the room. Feel spoiled, as you are served with Crystal, Linens and Bone China. Talk and get to know other elite local business women in an atmosphere designed to make you unwind and relax. Develop new friendships or business relationships. Afterward, stroll through the connecting gate into the Secret Garden; enjoy wine tasting, and Champaign toasts and a Chocolate fountain with delicious fresh fruits. Relax and unwind in the Garden Spa we create, while enjoying the firm hands of our massage therapists, or getting a pedicure, a manicure, facial, skin care consult, beauty consult and more from one of our exhibitors! The next date of this “Elite” ladies event is scheduled for: Sunday, January 10th, 2010.

Latino Love Connections is Tampa Bay’s Premier Latino Single’s Club: Events are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at varying locations throughout Tampa Bay. Outings include: Speed dating, golf outings, sports outings, bowling, billiards, dinners, lunches, concerts, retreats, picnics, game rooms, camp fires, beach days, dancing, and more! For specific dates and locations, please join our Facebook fan page, where you will be kept updated!

Viernes Social – Pinellas Networking Social is BACK: Join us on Friday, January 29th, 2010 for our Pinellas County networking social, which is held at Gasoline Alley – 14042 66th Street North, in Largo, FL. Held on the last Friday of every month, this is Pinellas County’s premier monthly Business Networking Social. Guests are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards and their dancing shoes. Enjoy LIVE cultural presentations, free parking & a delicious Latin-style buffet, giveaways and much more! Other Viernes Social dates are: Friday, February 26th and Friday, March 26th, 2010.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the BIG ExploSION Latina: This 1st annual Fair/Expo will offer Tampa Bay’s Hispanic/Latino community with educational workshops on Health, Higher Education, Marketing, Business 101, Career Planning/Jobs, Business Opportunities, Community, Fashion, Music, Culture and MORE! This is an all day family event that will offer over 200 Exhibiting companies, Educational Workshops, LIVE music, theater and dance performances. Location TBA. May God Bless You ALL!

Jolie Gonzalez My 2010 Latin Times Resolution: Let’s not just look for opportunity – lets invent it and create it, let’s not wait for it to knock on our door, lets swing the door open run outside, find and bring it home in 2010!

Step up to the plate and dare to be the Elite Latino!

Community welcomes the Center for Equal Health Community Partnerships in Research, Education and Training

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he USF-Moffitt Center of Excellence for Cancer Health Disparities was formally introduced to the community at a reception attended by community leaders, elected officials and university and Moffitt Cancer Center faculty and staff. The center’s new name -- Center for Equal Health: Community Partnerships in Research, Education and Training – was unveiled for the audience by community directors Leslene Gordon, PhD, of the Hillsborough County Health Department and Maria Pinzon of the Hispanic Services Council.

The center will focus on reducing cancer-related disparities among Florida’s minority and underserved populations.

Researchers will address such questions as why AfricanAmerican men are much more likely to develop and die from prostate cancer than white men. This summer, USF and Moffitt were awarded a highly competitive $6-million, five-year program grant from the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, to establish the center --- one of three in Florida. Desiree Rivers, PhD, center Director, was emcee for the reception.

“I’ve spent my entire career documenting the toll of health disparities, so it’s very exciting that we have the chance to do something to develop effective solutions,” said Center CoDirector Richard Roetzheim, MD, MPH, professor and director of research for the USF Department of Family Medicine. “It will be challenging, but we’ve assembled a tremendous team

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hat if you could personally participate in research that could help determine factors that cause or prevent cancer? What if your involvement, and that research, ultimately leads to eliminate cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations?

of talented people from USF, Moffitt and the community.”

“The community must be a vital and active participant in our Center,” said Center Co-Director B. Lee Green, PhD, professor and vice president of Moffitt Diversity. “The Center is not intended to be about statistics, but about addressing the needs of real people – some of whom unfortunately suffer disproportionately from serious diseases and disabilities.” USF Provost Ralph Wilcox, PhD, said the legal, socioeconomic, structural and other barriers that lead to inequities in care and poorer health outcomes for minority and disadvantaged populations are daunting, but not insurmountable. “The Center is exactly the type of partnership model that allows Moffitt and USF to unleash their complementary strengths,” Wilcox said. “I remain hopeful that this collaboration will help us better understand the scope and root causes of disparities and, most importantly, generate solutions to close the gaps of these disparities.”

Florida ranks second in the United States in the number of deaths from cancer, said Moffitt CEO William Dalton, PhD, MD. He noted that USF and Moffitt had a one in 10 chance of securing the highly competitive NCMHD Center of Excellence award. “Competing with the best and brightest in the nation to win this grant speaks volumes about this community and the partnership between USF and Moffitt,” he said.

Working with the group in its marketing efforts to reach Tampa Bay’s minority community is Conchita Burpee-Morton of InterMixx Multicultural Marketing, a local multi cultural marketing company specializing in product marketing, introduction, branding and development, and Latin-Times, LLC a local marketing and advertising company specializing in the Latino/Hispanic Market in Central Florida and Florida in general.

¿Tienes problemas en casa? ¿Estas buscando a alguien que entienda tu idioma y cultura? ¿Necesitas consejo legal, práctico y razonable sobre tus derechos y obligaciones? ¡Aquí lo tienes!

La abogada Vivian Cortes Hodz es nacida en Tampa. Cubana por parte de madre y Puertorriqueña por parte de padre, habla español y tiene su oficina localizada convenientemente en el downtown de Tampa. Desde niña pequeña sus padres le decían que ella tenía muchas leyes, bueno, con esa inspiración ella fue la primera en su familia al graduarse del college y seguir una carrera profesional.

Ella escogió la especialidad en leyes familiares para así, poder dedicarse a ayudar con compasión a familias que están pasando por etapas difíciles en la vida.

Su firma se dedica a casos de leyes familiares como divorcios, custodia y visitación, manutención de menores, pensión alimentícia y violencia doméstica. Ella te puede ofrecer una consulta gratis. Si prefiere resolver su problema legal amigablemente y sin tener que presentarse a corte, la Sra Hodz tambien es mediadora y puede ayudar a que las personas lleguen a un acuerdo sobre los conflictos que tengan.

Para más información llame al (813) 514-0909 ó visite nuestra página web www.corteshodzlaw.com

604-5888 or e-mail alicia.rio@cancer.org to learn more about the difference you can personally make in the fight against cancer. We are also looking for bilingual volunteers that are willing to assist with the enrollment process. This study is open to all qualified residents of Tampa Bay. Enrollment will take place May 7th, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at J.W. Mitchell High School in Trinity, FL). If you would like us to schedule a presentation to your group or business about CPS-3 please contact Alicia Rio at alicia.rio@cancer.org What if you could make it so just one family, never had to hear the words, “you have cancer?”

This coming year, at the Relay For Life of Trinity, you will have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in research in our community. The American Cancer Society will be enrolling participants for their newest research study, the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). Once enrolled, a participant’s 20-30 year commitment to the study will involve completing periodic follow-up surveys.

Individuals may choose to participate it they are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study (which involves completing follow-up surveys periodically over the next 20-30 years), are between the ages of 30 and 65 years old, and have never been diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer Survivors are asked to help spread the word, and encourage family members and friends to enroll.

Visit www.cancer.org/cps3, call 1-888-

The Hispanic College Fund has opened student applications for its 2010-2011 scholarship season More than $2 million will be awarded in scholarships to more than 500 deserving Hispanic students from the United States and Puerto Rico. To qualify for the scholarships, undergraduate and graduate students must maintain a 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in the United States or Puerto Rico; be enrolled full-time at an accredited university for the 2010-2011 school year; and must demonstrate financial needs. Applications will be open until February 16, 2010. For more information, visit http://scholarships.hispanicfund.org.

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A local non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence with the legal system.

group of local attorneys formed Are You Safe, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to pair victims of domestic violence with attorneys that specialize in family law. The organization began in early 2009 and was formed by attorneys Natalie Baird, Miriam Velez, Cory Baird and Jason Valkenburg. Pioneered by Natalie Biard, a survivor of domestic violence herself, the organization was something she has wanted to do since escaping an abusive relationship herself.

Natalie went on to share some of the signs to watch out for in a possible abuser –or in a possible abusive relationship. Your partner begins to gradually put you down, and verbally degrade you • Your partner wants to develop a quick relationship • Your partner begins to isolate you • Your partner monitors every move you make, you cell phone, your email, computer, etc • Your partner is abusive or mean to pets or destroys property Because each case is such a time consuming process, each attorney can only handle about two cases a year.

Since there are thousands of domestic violence cases reported every year, the organization is always looking for other attorneys who want to get involved.

Qualifying victims of domestic violence can obtain legal services from the attorneys that work pro bono, volunteering their time through the entire process of the case. Victims must meet certain economic requirements to qualify for the program. They can get help either by visiting the group’s Web site at www.r-u-safe.org or by e-mailing r.u.safe.tampa @gmail.com

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SPN, Inc., anunció hoy que ESPN Deportes Radio, la única cadena nacional en español de deportes las 24 horas del día, lanza en Tampa ESPN Deportes WAMA 1550. WAMA pertenece a ZGS Communications, una compañía hispana de comunicaciones con interés en radio, televisión y red. “Este es un gran paso en nuestro esfuerzo de hacer ESPN Deportes Radio asequible a los hispanos en los mayores mercados hispanos de los EE.UU.,” dijo Oscar Ramos, director y gerente general de ESPN Deportes Radio. “ESPN Deportes Radio ofrece una mezcla de programación increíble. Estamos seguros que la cadena de radio será bien recibida por los aficionados al deporte en Tampa.”

“Es un placer darle la bienvenida a ESPN Deportes Radio a nuestra plataforma multimedia, la cual incluye a Telemundo Tampa, y a nuestro nuevo portal en la red, holaciudad! ,” expresó Jayme Ribeiro Neto, gerente general de WAMA 1550 AM, quien supervisa todos los medios de ZGS en Tampa. “El lanzamiento de ESPN Deportes Radio en Tampa, le ofrece a nuestra comunidad local lo último en noticias deportivas e

información, y proporciona a anunciantes y vendedores una gran oportunidad de alcanzar al mercado hispano en estas comunidades”.

Con este nuevo acuerdo, ESPN Deportes Radio cuenta ahora con 39 estaciones en todo el país y llega al 48 por ciento de la población hispana de los Estados Unidos, incluyendo once de los mercados hispanos más importantes del país. La cadena de radio también se encuentra disponible a nivel nacional a través de SIRIUS, radio vía satélite. ESPN Deportes Radio ofrece una variedad de programas y eventos deportivos que incluyen la transmisión exclusiva a nivel nacional y en idioma español del Juego de las Estrellas de Major League Baseball, la Serie por el Campeonato de la Liga y de la Serie Mundial de Béisbol, así como de las Eliminatorias Sudamericanas Mundial 2010, la Copa América, NASCAR, y mucho más. ESPN Deportes Radio también transmite programas de noticias y comentarios deportivos incluyendo Raza Deportiva y A Los Golpes, además de trasmitir el programa de mayor audiencia en su tipo: Jorge Ramos y su Banda. Para el calendario de programación de ESPN Deportes Radio: www.espndeportesradio.com

that they met at the Career Fair only (Please Note: this option does not allow students to sign up for interviews through Career Connections).

To schedule an On-Campus Interview, please log into your Career Connections account at http://www.myinterfase.com/usf/employer/ and fill out an OCI schedule request. he USF Career Networking Fair is a great opportunity to discuss employment opportunities face-to-face with students and alumni seeking full-time, Co-op, and internship positions. Whether you have immediate needs or want to start an on-going college campus recruitment program, this is a great event for you to meet students and gain visibility on campus. The Spring 2010 Career Networking Fair will be held on Wednesday, February 3rd from 10 am - 3 pm at the USF Marshall Student Center Ballroom. The registration fee is $525. To register, visit: http://www.career.usf.edu/employers/Career_Fair_only. html. The last date to register for the fair is Friday, January 29th.

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The 3rd Annual Public Service Career Fair will be held on Thursday, February 25th from 11am - 3pm in the Marshall Student Center Ballroom. The Public Service Career Fair is an excellent opportunity for government, law enforcement, non-profit, healthcare, and other public service organizations to share employment opportunities with USF students and alumni in search of full-time and internship positions.

Registration is $100 before February 5th and $150 after. To register, visit: http://www.career.usf.edu/employers/Public_Svc_Fair.html. The last date to register for the fair is Friday, February 19th.

Mark your calendars for the Part-Time & Summer Job Fair which will be held Thursday, April 1st from 10 am - 2 pm at the USF SVC Breezeway. USF’s part-time job fairs are a great opportunity to talk to USF students looking for part-time and summer employment. The Part Time Job Fair registration fee is $150. To register, please visit: http://www.career.usf.edu/employers/PTJFair.html. The last date to register for the fair is Friday, March 26th. Registration opens February 1st.

On-campus Interviews (OCI) offers a convenient, central location for you to conduct all of your interviews at USF. The Spring OCI begins February 8th and run through April 23rd. Preselect and Open interview schedules start on February 15th. February 8th through February 12th is reserved for those employers who wish to interview students

Contact Melissa Mayfield for more information regarding the OnCampus Interview program at mmayfield@admin.usf.edu.

The University’s Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program is administered by Career Center. This is a great opportunity for employers wanting to establish a pipeline of highly motivated new professionals for their organization. Co-op Employers provide on-site training opportunities which are directly related to a student’s major.

Those employers are then permitted to recruit from a pool of prescreened students. The Career Center provides Co-op Instructors who monitor students’ academic progress. Students are paid by their employer, receive a grade from their Co-op Instructor, and receive recognition on their official transcript for their participation in Co-op. Therefore, Co-op is an academic course and must follow the academic calendar. Info: http://www.career.usf.edu/employers/Co-op. html or call Sandy Pelletier at spelleti@admin.usf.edu.

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he Webster Dictionary defines the word “entrepreneur” as a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, esp. a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.

Do you think entrepreneurs possess inherent characteristics that cannot be taught? In my opinion, I think that it’s safe to say that up to a certain extent you can teach some characteristics to certain people, but not to all people. Entrepreneurs do not only need to have a vision, but they also need to be driven. The most inherent characteristic that all entrepreneurs possess is drive; drive is something that cannot be taught!

Luckily, almost everyone has some type of drive for something. The key is finding that “something” that you truly enjoy; be good at it and believe in this “something” and then figure out how you can generate revenue from it. When you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you are typically the type of person that is able to think outside the box. In order to survive as an entrepreneur/business owner –YOU HAVE TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.

As most of you are aware, Florida’s unemployment rate is among the highest in the Nation. Now is the perfect time for people with an entrepreneurial spirit to begin exploring opportunities outside of the traditional employment path. Gone are the days when people could depend on good old company loyalty to set them up for the “Golden years’, and its place a new time has emerged, the time of the entrepreneur!

Layoffs at big and small companies have created millions of newly (and not so newly) un-employed people that are scrambling to start their own businesses. There are many ways you can start this

journey toward financial independence. One of the hottest subjects in the business world today is network marketing. Recruitment efforts are in full force, and bilingual entrepreneurial spirits are in high demand.

Business owners/entrepreneurs are the lifeline of this great country, and these visionaries are the ones who are likely to come out on top in the end.

For those of you that have had it with pounding the pavement in search of a new job, and are doing your homework on what you really want to do, an excellent way to obtain information on what business opportunities are out there is through attending entrepreneurial seminars.

Can that entrepreneurial spirit that drives business owners to succeed be taught or even learned? Do you think entrepreneurs possess inherent characteristics that cannot be taught? What type of opportunities are out there? What would I be good at? These are just some of the questions many people are asking themselves.

Entrepreneurial Seminars are put together to answer these questions through informational and educational workshops. Thus, bringing together various ideas, concepts, and opportunities for you to research and consider before moving forward.

Whether you are looking for a second source of income, or you are looking to take the plunge into the wonderful world of entrepreneurial ship, there are opportunities out there for you, and they will help you step outside the box!

Latin Times Entrepreneurial and Career Solutions Seminar will begin in late June 2010, register if you dare!

Please email: NewBizOpportunities@ Latin-Times.com or call us at (813) 901-5292.

Community Attorney and Leader, Gil Sanchez Running for Florida House District 58 “A New Vision for Your Community”

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n the midst of running his law office and planning his wedding, Gilberto “Gil” Sanchez, Esq. now candidate for House District 58, was informed Representative Michael Scionti would be leaving his seat in District 58 for a well deserved post in the Department of Defense.

“I could hardly believe that the opportunity to represent this very unique District in Tampa would open up at this very moment. This has been a seat that I have been extremely interested in for many years. Now, the tides have changed and a great opportunity to bring innovation and representation to this district has come. I believe that together we have an excellent chance to bring change to this seat and to Florida. Despite the challenges, I have a vision and firm belief that we can, and will win. This is the time despite the odds.

Gil Sanchez’s vision is to foster economic development within the district so new and existing businesses flourish and see employment increase, reverse the high dropout rate among students k-12 while providing access to education for all ages to better compete in the market place and promote civic responsibility so that our citizens foster a more cohesive community.

Gilberto “Gil” Sanchez is founder and CEO of Sanchez Law Offices January 2007 and SmallBizLaw.Us, with offices in Tampa. Mr. Sanchez practices in the areas of Corporate & Business Law in addition to Immigration and Foreclosure Defense.

Mr. Sanchez is committed to serving the Tampa Bay community. Gil is also a co-founder, previous Treasurer and current Board Member of the Tampa Bay Hispanic Bar Association. Gil previously served as Co-Chair of Interact with Emerge Tampa and previous Board member of Bay Area Advisors. Gil was instrumental in reactivating the Hillsborough County Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida in 2008 and served as its President.

Gil continues to serve as Board Member and Executive Board Member of Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc. In 2005, Gil founded Hispanic Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs, Inc. (“HYPE”). HYPE is a Florida Non Profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to reducing the dropout rate among Hispanic students K through 12. “A New Vision for Your Community. Sanchez: Pro-Business, Pro-Education, Pro-You”

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atin Times is proud to announce the long awaited ExploSION Latina (Latin ExploSION)!

This Big Hispanic/Latino Fair will offer educational workshops on: Health, Fitness, Higher Education, Latino Marketing, Business 101, Career Planning/Job Fair, Business Opportunities, Community, Fashion, Music, Culture and MORE! This is an all day family event that will offer over 200 Exhibiting companies, Educational Workshops, LIVE music, theater and dance per-

1st Annual ExploSION Latina!

BIG Special Event

formances. Location TBA. Who should participate? This event is perfect for all companies wishing to reach Tampa Bay’s Hispanic/Latino community.

Event appeals to both the Latino and nonLatino business community.

Participation Opportunities: VIP areas, Sponsorships and Exhibitor Spots are available.

Info: ExploSion@Latin-Times.com or call: (813) 901-5292

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The 4th International Business Summit 2010 is being hosted by nine (9) Chambers of Commerce in the Tampa Bay area on March 11, 2009 @ Higgins Hall Collaboration. Diversity. Prosperity.

he mission of the forum is to recognize, develop and facilitate business opportunities among the diverse community in Tampa Bay, and to further promote entrepreneurship while building formidable alliances in our diverse marketplace. The Goal is to promote the growing diverse business community of Tampa Bay and secure business relationships for companies that desire to grow their business locally and internationally! The objective is a collaboration of Chambers, members and business organizations, economic development of Tampa Bay and international businesses, educate and create community awareness of our Chambers, recognize leaders, organizations and businesses in Tampa Bay. The Business Summit Entails: Educational Component, Business Trade & Workshop Component Leadership Seminars, Speed Networking, International Panel, Cultural

Start Your Year off RIGHT!

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o you need a change in your life? Are you looking to do something rewarding? Exciting? While earning top dollar?

Latin Times just may have the opportunity you are searching for!

Are you looking for an additional source of income? Or searching for the opportunity of a lifetime?

If your answer is YES, contact us TODAY! Latin Times has immediate openings available for experienced sales professionals. Qualified candidates will have an excellent lead generation program and office support. TOP commissions paid! Great industry benefits! Bilingual a plus –but not a must!

Get in on the exciting world of media communications! Work from home opportunities are also available. Please email a letter of interest with resume to: Opportunities@Latin-Times.com

Celebration Reception Chambers of Commerce Include: British American Business Council Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay French American Business Council of West Florida Indo-US Chamber of Commerce Philippine American Chamber of Commerce Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Scandinavian-Baltic Trade Association Swedish American Chamber of Commerce Event Details: March 11, 2010 @ Higgins Hall, 5525 North Himes Avenue in Tampa. Keynote Speakers: Frank Sanchez (subject to confirmation), Brent Willis (Ultroid), Dr. Rengen Li (Coca Cola)

2009-10 Influenza (Flu) Season

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hat sort of flu season is expected this year? Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways, including the timing of the beginning, severity, and length of the flu season. This flu season (2009-2010), there are more uncertainties than usual because of the emergence of a new 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (previously called “novel H1N1” or “swine flu”) that has caused the first influenza pandemic (global outbreak of disease) in more than 40 years. Severity is uncertain. Many people do not have immune protection against this new and very different 2009 H1N1 virus, which has spread worldwide quickly and has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Scientists believe the 2009 H1N1 virus – along with regular seasonal viruses – will cause illness, hospital stays, and deaths this flu season in the United States.

Will this year’s seasonal flu vaccine be a good match for circulating viruses? It’s not possible to predict with certainty which seasonal flu viruses will predominate during a given season or what the severity, timing, or duration of a flu season will be. Flu viruses are constantly changing (called drift) – they can change from one season to the next or they can even change within the course of one flu season. Experts must pick which viruses to include in the vaccine many months in advance in order for vaccine to be produced and delivered on time. Because of these factors, there is always the possibility of a less than optimal match between circulating flu viruses and the viruses in the seasonal flu vaccine. This season, the 2009 H1N1 virus is circulating in the U.S., a seasonal vaccine will not protect you against 2009 H1N1, but a vaccine against 2009 H1N1 is now available.

What actions can I take to protect myself and my family against both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu this year? CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu. While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three main seasonal flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. The seasonal flu vaccine can protect you from getting sick from these three viruses or it can make your illness milder if you get a related flu virus. The seasonal flu vaccine will not provide protection against 2009 H1N1 influenza. However a 2009 H1N1 vaccine is now available. The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine – it is intended to be used along-side seasonal flu vaccine.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand rub*can be used. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

What should I do if I get sick with the flu this flu season, including the 2009 H1N1?

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu, including 2009 H1N1 flu, by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. The priority use for antiviral drugs this season is to treat people who are very sick (hospitalized) or people who are sick with flu-like symptoms and who are at increased risk of serious flu complications, such as pregnant women, young children, people 65 and older and people with chronic health conditions. Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.

If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms this flu season you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at higher risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Medical conditions that can place you at higher risk of serious flu-related complications if you become ill include asthma or other lung problems, diabetes, weakened immune systems, kidney disease, heart disease, neurological and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy. For info about 2009 H1N1 flu, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ This feature is sponsored by: Dr. Robert Casañas Dr. Casañas is a Board Certified Internist and Board Certified Pain Management specialist. Dr. Casañas practices out of two offices, Unicorn Medical Office in West Tampa and Lunasol Institute in Westchase. Submit your question for Dr. Casañas by emailing him at: AskElDoctor@thelatinvillage.com or contact him directly at 813-789-2799.

HOW YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE IS AFFECTED BY FLORIDA’S IMPLIED CONSENT LAW

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ou’re out with your friends at one of Tampa Bay’s many hot and sexy clubs. You have a few drinks, dance a few dances, have a few laughs and now it’s time to go home. You feel fine. Maybe just a little tipsy but not much. You’re a little hungry, so before going home, you hop in your car and start driving to get a bite to eat at one of the Bay area’s many fine late night eating establishments.

Suddenly, you look in your rearview mirror, hear sirens and see bright red lights signaling you to pull over. You stop, get out of the car and are confronted by one of Tampa Bay’s finest. He tells you that he stopped you for some type of moving violation. He observes you, smells alcohol on your person and wants to conduct a field sobriety test. He also either wants you to blow into an intoxilyzer machine, or have a hospital draw blood or urine samples to determine what the blood alcohol level is in your body.

What to do? What to do? This and similar scenarios are played out every night of the week here in the Tampa Bay Area. In 2008, 5,911 persons were arrested in Hillsborough County for Driving under the Influence. Many people who were arrested for alcohol-related traffic stops, decided not to submit to any field sobriety or chemical test, believing that if they don’t participate, then they can’t lose their license or be convicted of a DUI. Well my friends, do I have news for you!

First of all, driving in the State of Florida is a privilege, not a right. On your driver’s license in teeny weenie letters is the “Implied Consent” language which obliges you by law to submit to any sobriety test that a law enforcement officer request you to perform during a traffic stop. These tests are usually administered by them or a qualified DUI expert officer when they suspect that you probably have been drinking.

Second, Florida law allows the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to suspend your driving privileges if you violate the Implied Consent Law. If you refuse to submit to the intoxilyser or other chemical test, the law allows your license to be automatically suspended for a period of time. The length of suspension depends on whether it is your first or subsequent refusal to submit to these tests. For example, a first refusal results in a 12 month suspension. A second or subsequent refusal will result in a minimum 18 month suspension and you can be charged with the additional crime of “Refusal”. This new crime of “Refusal” carries a maximum sentence of 1 year in the county jail.

On the other hand, if you submit to the intoxilyzer test and your blood alcohol level is over .08, this is evidence that will be used against you to prove you were driving under the influence. For a first time “failure” of the test, your license will be suspended for a period of 6 months, but you are entitled to apply for a hardship “business purpose” license after a 30 day suspension. The decision to take or refuse the breath, urine or blood test calls for you to weigh the likelihood of a high blood-alcohol reading versus the consequences of a refusal.

Yes my friend, “to refuse” or “not to refuse” that is the question! My advice to you is don’t drink and drive! Save yourself from having to make that choice.

Attorney Pedro G. Velez, Jr. Law Office of Pedro G. Velez, JR. 314 E. Harrison Street Tampa, Florida 33602 Phone: (813) 209-9800 Preguntas: AskElAbogado@Latin-Times.com

Deseos para el Nuevo Año 2010!

Back Pain and Herniated Discs

uiero compartir una historia de alguien con la que trabajé por un largo tiempo.

He tomado la libertad de llamarle María por razones de confidencialidad y ética profesional. María es una persona que lamentablemente no ha tenido la dicha de vivir con su familia por un largo tiempo. Ella ha pasado sin su familia los días festivos desde hacen 5 años. O sea, que María no ha podido pasar el 4 de Julio, Acción de Gracias, Año Nuevo , ni tan siquiera la navidad con su familia por más de cinco años. María siempre me contaba cuando sola se sentía cuando pasaban los días feriados, a pesar que las personas que le rodean hacían todo lo posible por hacerla feliz. A María le encantaba verme ya que tenía la oportunidad de practicar el español conmigo.. María es mitad Cubana y mitad Afro-Americana. Es una persona con un hermoso corazón, una hermosa sonrisa y una personalidad única. Ella me contaba que cuando vivía con su papá, él le enseñaba español. Su papá era muy cariñoso y bondadoso. Ella recuerda de su mamá la ternura, amor y compasión que todas nuestras madres tienen hacia sus hijos. María siempre me contaba memorias de su familia cada vez que nos acercábamos a un día feriado. María es una persona tan especial que llegó a ganar mi corazón y mi cariño de una manera muy especial e inolvidable.

Ella me contó que un día las cosas no iban muy bien en su hogar. Un día el amor y cariño de su papá se nubló con el enojo y coraje que lamentablemente opacó todo ese amor y bondad que él siempre le daba. Lamentablemente su mamá no le pudo proteger y quedó a un lado la compasión y protección de madre. Ya María no se sentía segura en su hogar y lamentablemente el servicios sociales la tuvo que remover de su hogar. María fue removida de su seno maternal y del hogar que la vio nacer. María ya no volvió a ser la misma. María apenas tiene 10 añitos y es una niña de crianza “foster child.” María no ha tenido la dicha de crecer en un hogar con mamá y papá por más de cinco años a una temprana y corta etapa de su vida. A su corta edad María ha estado en más de siete hogares de crianza “foster homes.”

30-year-old mom bends over to pick up her four-year-old and feels a sharp stabbing pain in her lower back. A 60-year-old man bends over to pick up his five-year-old grandchild and feels an electrical shooting pain in his lower back.

For both, the pain is so severe they need to sit down.

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Debemos de estar bendecidos de haber tenido la oportunidad de haber crecido o tal vez estar creciendo con mamá y/o papá. Tal vez faltó mamá o papá. Tal vez abuela o abuelo tomó el rol de padre o madre, pero tuviste el amor de la familia. Muchas veces pensamos en lo que no tenemos y en lo que queremos, pero no reflexionamos en lo que tenemos. Quizás tenemos poquito o tal vez tenemos lo suficiente, pero lo importante es que podemos sobrevivir. No pensamos que uno de nosotros pudiese ser María.

María no pidió ese tipo de vida, lamentablemente la vida la condujo a ese camino.

En éste nuevo año 2010 debemos estar muy conscientes, bendecidos y agradecidos por lo que tenemos y por lo que hemos alcanzado en esta vida. Debemos agradecer por la salud, el amor, el tener un plato de comida y un techo para dormir; pero muy en especial el amor de nuestra familia y nuestros hijos. No dejemos que esta etapa por la que estamos pasando nuble nuestra hermosa vida y el nuevo año. Hagamos un acto de fe y amor. Tomemos el tiempo de ayudar y pedirle a Dios que ayuden a las persona como María, que lamentablemente no tienen el amor y el calor de su familia….de su sangre. Quien da al hermano sin esperar nada a cambio recibe de vuelta muchas cosas y bendiciones. ¡Mi mejores deseos para el nuevo año 2010!

Les Desea, Rafael E. Fuentes, M.S. Rafael E. Fuentes, M.S., P.A. Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern I.M.C. #5865 8019 North Himes Ave, Suite 311, Tampa, FL 33614 Phone: (813)732-6876 www.rafaelthecounselor.com Preguntas: AskElCounselor@Latin-Times.com

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The next day, both the mom and the grandfather notice they now have pain and numbness radiating down one leg, and they are having trouble walking. What’s going on, how did it happen, and what can be done about it?

First of all, a little basic anatomy is useful. Spinal discs are weight-bearing shock absorbers. They contain a gel-like ball-bearing center, which is surrounded by tough fibrous cartilage, arranged in concentric, criss-crossing circles. As a person gets older, the discs naturally lose some of their water content, and cracks and fissures naturally develop in the fibrous cartilage. If a weight-bearing stress is unusual and unexpected, the gel-like material in the center of the disc can push through one of the fissures and possibly irritate a spinal nerve. If enough of this material pushes through, the nerve can become inflamed and cause symptoms such as radiating pain and/or numbness, and possibly weakness, in one leg. Typically, such pain and/or numbness radiates down the leg, traveling below the knee and possibly into the foot.

Such symptoms, with or without back pain, are highly suggestive of an inflamed spinal nerve. In fact, the person will usually say the leg symptoms are much worse and of greater concern than any back pain that may be present.

If an MRI confirms the disc herniation and suggests an inflamed nerve, the diagnosis is complete. What’s next?

In the best scenario, conservative treatment may be sufficient and the nerve inflammation improves with time. Anti-inflammatory medication may be helpful. Chiropractic conservative therapy may include physical therapeutic modalities and gentle trigger point therapy to relieve associated muscle spasms. A spinal surgeon should be consulted to provide an additional opinion and input. If pain is severe and there is neurologic loss, surgery may be the best option.

Of course the best management is always prevention. Pay attention to safe lifting procedures. Exercise regularly and get sufficient rest. Your chiropractor will be able to provide guidance and recommend effective protocols to help you achieve and maintain health and wellness.

In Good Health, Dr. Brian Caez

*For more information on how to reduce stress and live well through Chiropractic.

Please contact Dr. Brian Caez: 813.872.4455 or AskElChiroMan@Latin-Times.com | Or visit www.drcaez.com and sign up for Award Winning Newsletter!

Give Smart Financial Gifts to Your Grandchildren

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ept. 7 is Grandparents Day. If you are a grandparent, you probably like to help your grandchildren. If you’re thinking of making a financial gift, take time to explore options.

Suppose you want to help pay for your grandchildren’s college educations. You can open an investment account and designate it for college. But you will probably be better off putting the money in a plan specifically designed for college.

Two possibilities:

• Section 529 savings plan — In this plan, you put money in specific investments, managed by investment professionals. You can give $12,000 per year, without gift taxes, to every grandchild. In fact, you can combine five years’ worth of contributions and give $60,000 (or $120,000 if from you and your spouse) to a Section 529 plan in a single year. (However, if you bunch contributions in this manner, you won’t be able to make another $12,000 gift to the same grandchild for five years.) All withdrawals from a Section 529 savings plan are free from federal income taxes, as long as the money is used for the beneficiary’s qualified college or graduate school expenses.

(Withdrawals for expenses other than qualified education expenditures may be subject to federal, state and penalty taxes.) If you participate in your state’s Section 529 savings plan, contributions may be tax-deductible. Remember a Section 529 savings plan could affect a beneficiary’s ability to quality for financial aid. A Section 529 savings plan gives you, as account owner, control over the money. If the grandchild for whom you’ve set up the plan doesn’t attend college, you can transfer the assets to a different grandchild.

• Coverdell Education Savings Account — Depending on your income level, you can contribute up to $2,000 annually to a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA).

Your Coverdell earnings and withdrawals will be tax-free, provided the money is for qualified education expenses. (Any non-education withdrawals from a Coverdell ESA may be subject to a 10 percent penalty.) You can place contributions to a Coverdell ESA into virtually any investment — stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, etc.

If you’d like to give money to a grandchild, but not sure you want to designate your gift exclusively for education, consider opening a custodial account, commonly referred to as an UTMA or UGMA. You can fund an UTMA/UGMA with most investments. Like the Section 529 plan, you can contribute up to $12,000 per year without incurring gift taxes. Once your grandchildren reach the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on the state of residency), they can do whatever they want with the money from the UTMA/UGMA. Consult with your financial and tax advisors to determine which gifting methods are most appropriate for your situation. No matter which route you choose, your generosity may ensure Grandparents Day always has special meaning in your family.

Marco R. Williams/Financial Advisor 3100 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL 33629 813-837-6967 marco.willilams@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com Please contact me with any investment questions or needs

Siete estrategias de ahorro

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stá usted haciendo todo lo posible para ahorrar para su futuro? Iniciar un plan de ahorros puede resultar muy difícil al principio. Después de satisfacer necesidades primarias tales como comida, ropa y vivienda, es posible que quede muy poco para invertir en metas futuras.

Desafortunadamente, el no ahorrar podría marcar la diferencia entre disfrutar de una jubilación cómoda, y poner a un lado algunas de las necesidades básicas. A menudo, se trata de tomar la decisión de comenzar a ahorrar hoy mismo, para poder comprar una casa o auto nuevo más adelante. Las metas que usted se imponga son de gran importancia para usted.

Efectuar cambios para prepararse para esas metas podría marcar la diferencia en su futuro.

Por esa razón, State Farm ha echado un vistazo a distintas maneras en que cualquier persona, puede comenzar con un plan de ahorros. A continuación presentamos siete estrategias que organizamos para que pueda empezar a usarlas a partir de hoy mismo.

No malgaste su reembolso de impuestos. En lugar de gastarse su reembolso disponga de él haciendo algo útil, como por ejemplo saldando una deuda, abriendo una cuenta de jubilación individual, o ahorrándolo para metas financieras a futuro.

Tome ventaja de las contribuciones a su jubilación que hace su empleador. Es posible que su empleador iguale cierto porcentaje de las contribuciones que usted haga a su plan de ahorros para jubilación. Sería una buena idea el hacer todo lo posible para recibir el máximo de la cantidad que su empleador pueda igualar. Es dinero gratis que podría contribuir en buena manera al saldo final de su jubilación.

Comience con poco, y manténgase constante. La primera palabra es la más importante – comenzar. Usted debe comenzar lo antes posible para poder maximizar su plan de ahorros.

Páguese a usted mismo primero. Piense en sus ahorros o inversiones como una cuenta que tiene que pagar regularmente, como si fuera un auto o el pago de su hipoteca. Sea disciplinado y haga los pagos siguiendo un programa estricto de pagos. Para mejores resultados establezca una deducción automática mensual de su cheque de salario, o cuenta corriente, para consolidar una inversión o cuenta de ahorros.

Organice diferentes cuentas para las diferentes y futuras etapas de su vida. Seguramente la jubilación es una meta importante para la cual usted puede empezar a ahorrar; sin embargo, existen otras metas y eventos que necesitan igual o mayor preparación. No escatime en otras metas mientras se concentra en una cosa. Ya sea que sea una vivienda, auto, o la educación de un hijo, es importante darle la debida atención a cada uno de ellos.

Si usted tiene hijos, encuentre el plan de educación adecuado. Usted cuenta con una variedad de opciones cuando se trata de ahorrar para la educación de un hijo. El lograr encontrar una opción que se ajuste a su situación se lleva tiempo, para buscar la información y adaptarla a sus necesidades. Esto nos lleva a la séptima y posiblemente, la estrategia más importante…

Trabaje conjuntamente con alguien a quien usted conozca y sea de su confianza.

Nuestras necesidades y metas son únicas y especiales como lo somos cada uno de nosotros.

Así como usted atraviesa por diferentes cambios a lo largo de su vida, sus metas financieras también podrían cambiar. Es importante trabajar con un asesor capacitado quien no solamente sepa de varios planes y estrategias, sino que también le conozca a usted bien, y sea alguien que pueda trabajar con usted durante un largo tiempo. Mucha gente considera que los mejores consejos que reciben provienen de un asesor financiero capacitado, a quien conocen y quien es de su confianza. A fin de cuentas, todo se resume en hacer un plan, iniciar y continuar siguiendo el plan. Cuando tome la decisión de iniciar, comuníquese con un asesor financiero capacitado que le conozca y comprenda sus necesidades.

Lang Adams 5051 Memorial Highway Tampa, FL 33615 (813) 243-1300 AskElInsuranceProfessional@Latin-Times.com

For complete coverage of this feature, please visit our website at: www.Latin-Times.com, where we will be featuring complete interviews and biographies on this years’ Latina Movers N Shakers!

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n this issue of Latin Times Magazine, we celebrate this special time by introducing you to some of the wonderful and talented Latinas that live right here in the Tampa Bay area, women that are out there every day working hard and making it happen!

This year we have expanded this feature to bring you one nationally recognized Latina with ties right here to Tampa Bay, and remember two beloved local Tampeñas that we lost in 2009. I am so proud to be a Latina, and share a love for language, food, music and culture with these strong, intelligent and beautiful Latinas!

Name/Nombre: Sandra Yancey Title/Título: Founder & CEO Company / Compañia? eWomenNetwork, Inc. What is your Pais? USA & Mexico

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olie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What is your profession?

Sandra Yancey: We are a marketing and promotion machine for women entrepreneurs and corporate professionals. We help them get access to the information, tools, resources, customers and transactions that they need to grow their businesses.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: How did you choose or get involved with your profession?

Sandra Yancey: Before starting eWomenNetwork, I was the sole proprietor of a consulting practice. I had elite clients (i.e. Coca-Cola, AT&T, John Deere, NCR, etc.). However, I did not have any clients located in my hometown of Dallas, Texas. I knew my clients would benefit from my services. They just did not know that I existed. When I started to attend networking events for the first time, I found them unfulfilling. It felt like a game of “Whoever passes out the most cards ‘wins!” I knew there had to be a better way!

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What was your toughest moment or obstacle in being a Latina Businesswoman/ or community leader?

Sandra Yancey: Clearly, my biggest obstacle in my business has been myself! Early on, when I was struggling the most, I didn’t ask for help. I didn’t want any-

one to know I was struggling. I would put on a good “game face” and pretend everything was great. After a while, I learned that this behavior was not helping me.

The reality is, no one makes it alone. No one! We all need to surround ourselves with a solid “A”; a team of people who will tell us the truth, offer viable feedback, and ideas, and who believe in what we want to accomplish. When I did this, everything started to change for the better.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: Tell us about your family?

Sandra Yancey: My husband and I have been together for 31 years. We have two children. Our daughter, Briana, is 18 years old and our son, Ryland, is 14 years old. We have a dog, Cinco, who is a Westie. We named him Cinco because he is the fifth member of our family! Besides my mother, I also have an older brother. One of my brothers died in a car accident in 1986. My father also died in a car accident on my fifth birthday. We are a small and close family.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What does being Latina mean to you?

Sandra Yancey: I carry great pride in my Heritage.

I value differences and am especially proud of the diverse workforce I have within my corporate staff. I

inherently know the importance of valuing and embracing differences. Without a doubt, my success is the result of all the wonderful people with whom I am surrounded by.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What message would you send to aspiring Latinas, young and old about the pursuit of a woman’s dreams?

Sandra Yancey: No one ever makes it alone. Take inventory of the people you are spending time with and remember that you become the sum average of the five people you hang around with most. As you climb the ladder of success, never forget where you came from. Set the example by “lifting as you climb.”

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What in your opinion is your biggest accomplishment?

Sandra Yancey: My greatest accomplishment is having wonderful people in my life. I have an amazing husband, two compassionate, kind, and smart children. I adore and admire my mother. She is a bright and talented professional who helped me impact the world through eWomenNetwork. I have amazing friends to share it all with! I am grateful and appreciative for my blessings and committed to lifting others as I continue to climb. When I finally reach heaven, I hope the Lord will approve of how I spent my time on Earth.

Name/Nombre: Julianne Holt Title/Título: Public Defender 13th Judicial Circuit What is your Pais? Spain

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Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: How did you choose or get involved with your profession?

Julianne Holt: After having been in private practice for eleven years, I decided to run for this particular elected office. It was my desire to help individuals in need of assistance in the criminal justice system especially those who did not have the funds to hire a private attorney.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What are some of your immediate goals?

Julianne Holt: I implemented a program in our office, which offers young men and women with learning and physical disabilities an opportunity to learn the skill sets of working in an office environment. With the help and dedication of many in my office, we began a training program with two students. Today the program has twenty students, and they run our entire imaging department. My immediate goal is to help other students by showcasing our program, and encouraging other corporations and agencies to implement training programs in their offices.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What message would you send to aspiring Latinas, young and old about the pursuit of a woman’s dreams?

Julianne Holt: Find a place for education in your life. My grandmother did not speak much English, but she understood the opportunities this country offered for her daughter and her granddaughter.

Education can change not just your life, but also the life of generations to come. If you are a young Latina and a single parent use the power of the web and begin by taking an online class, which you can work on once the kids are asleep. Invest in yourself one class at a time.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What Latino/a, living or deceased do you consider to be a roleModel? Why or how?

Julianne Holt: My abuela who helped raise me.

She was loving, nurturing, strong, independent, and always respectful of others even in trying situations. From my mother I learned about work ethic, loyalty, and what really being committed meant.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: Tell us about your family?

Julianne Holt: My mother and an extended Latino family raised me in West Tampa. The strongest influence of my Latin upbringing is FAMILY and how that can be your blood family as well as true friends and extended family. It took a lot of the village in West Tampa to raise my brother and me, and I am forever thankful.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What in your opinion is your biggest accomplishment?

Julianne Holt: Professionally, I am the first elected Public Defender in Hillsborough County.

Previously, the Public Defender was an appointment. I am the first woman to hold the office and the first Latino. Personally, I was a good daughter to my mother, and I am a good parent to my children.

olie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What is your profession?

Julianne Holt: I am the elected Public Defender for Hillsborough County

Name/Nombre: Helda Rodriguez Title/Título: President Company / Compañia? NovaCharge What is your Pais? Made in America w/Cuban parts!

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olie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What is your profession?

Helda Rodriguez: Business Woman, serial entrepreneur. President of NovaCharge, LLC. involved in the Electric Vehicle infrastructure market.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: How did you choose or get involved with your profession?

Helda Rodriguez: I was concerned over our country’s dependency on foreign oil and the effects of carbon emissions on the planet. So, two years ago I invested in a startup company that was building a state of the art Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, called the Charge Point Network. Electric vehicles seemed to address both problems, but their market success was dependent on the infrastructure required to support them. NovaCharge was established to market and distribute these stations throughout the Southeastern United States.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What Latino/a, living or deceased do you consider to be a role-Model?

Why or how?

Helda Rodriguez: My Cuban family elders. They all

came to this country at a time when even speaking Spanish was frowned upon. They came with nothing except the clothes on their backs, but they had the strong commitment to do well for themselves and their families. They taught me that with a good education and hard work anything can be achieved and that you can and must, keep true to our traditions. Moreover, you have a responsibility to do for the next generation, just like they did for us.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What are some of your immediate goals?

Helda Rodriguez: Green Technologies are the new economy. I want Florida to be a leader in this new economy, and for all citizens to benefit from the opportunities it represents for good paying jobs and economic growth. Therefore, I hope to work with local municipalities and the state to place the charging units in public locations. This will help with the successful introduction of the Electric vehicles, and create new jobs in the process.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: Tell us about your family?

Helda Rodriguez: I have been married for almost 31 years to my high school sweetheart. We have three kids: 2 girls – 25 and 23, and a son, who will be 18 this month!

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What in your opinion is your biggest accomplishment?

Helda Rodriguez: Teaching my girls and my nieces that Latin women need to be strong, smart, and independently successful. However, it is also just as important to be the glue that holds family together.

We are very blessed to be a part of a huge Latino family, where we get together very regularly for every party we can think of, and we still celebrate Noche Buena and go to midnight mass together.

It brings me tremendous joy to know that my kids think that the best smell in the world is puerco asado, black beans and rice on the stove, and that they know how to prepare everything so that one day they will show their kids. If they If they grow up to make the world a better place for the next generation of Latinos, and keep our traditions, then I will have met my goals.

Name/Nombre: Ana Cruz Title/Título: Principle - Governmental Affairs and Public Relations Practice Company / Compañia: Leaders Edge, LLC What is your Pais? Spain, Puerto Rico Y Mexico

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olie Gonzalez/Latin Times: How did you choose or get involved with your profession?

Ana Cruz: I feel that my profession really chose me. I caught the political bug when I was 15 years old. I was working at a shoe store in South Tampa and Mayor Sandy Freedman was a customer, I thought it was so cool that I got to wait on the Mayor. I would serve her diet coke while she would look at shoes. Then one day she decided to open up her reelection headquarters right next door to the shoe store so after work one day I went in to volunteer and it all began with a roll of stamps and a few hundred post cards. My political fate was sealed right then. From there I worked hard even as a youngster to help elect democrats and eventually made it my career. I am a bit of a hybrid- quite like my lineage. For many years I ran democratic campaigns, I then went to work for those I helped elect in a few capacities; I was an aide in the state legislature for Bob Henriquez then a Regional Director for Senator Nelson then went on to be the youngest executive director of the Florida Democratic Party. From there I de-

cided to go out on my own.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What are some of your immediate goals?

Ana Cruz: As Latinos, we are taught at a young age to center all of our life experiences around food. I am working on teaching children there is more to life than eating in excess, and to teaching those children to make better, healthier food.

My childhood friends and family members will tell you that I am a Papillion; most people will walk past me in a mall and not recognize me. I say this because I was an obese child. As an adult, I transformed my physical image. Because of the pain I experienced as a “fat” kid, my immediate goal is to work on programs, which help bring awareness to childhood obesity.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: Tell us about your family?

Ana Cruz: I have the most amazing family. We are all fiercely competitive yet incredibly encouraging of each other. Our home was always open to everyone, it was filled with music, laughter and great food. My parents were young when they had me. My grandparents were an integral part

of my upbringing. My aunts and uncles were like my siblings, and then my brother came along.

My brother Nick and I are very close. We share a passion for cooking. We are often in mom’s kitchen on Sundays giving a whole new meaning to sibling rivalry, and have throw down Sunday dinners, which have become quite famous.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What in your opinion is your biggest accomplishment?

Ana Cruz: There were days when I weighed 330 lbs, that I had a hard time believing in myself because others did not. I had to deal with not only losing all that weight but food addiction as well.

I was determined to find the best most aggressive gastric bypass physician; I needed to drop the weight to become a healthy person. I now consider myself truly a success when it comes to managing my weight and food decisions. It has been quite a journey, both physically and emotionally. There were days at my highest weight that grown men would let a door slam in my face and my spirit seemed crushed by society’s cruelty toward obese people. To date, I am still working hard at becoming a healthier individual. My next goal is a run a 5k and then eventually a woman’s half marathon.

Name/Nombre: Maria Pierre Title/Título: Chief Operations Officer, Executive Coach and Spiritual Director Company / Compañía? The Pascall Company and Esperanza Interfaith Center What is your País? Puerto Rico

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olie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Cómo eligió o cómo se involucró en su profesión?

Maria Pierre: Siempre me ha gustado ayudar a personas manejar crisis y supercar tragedias. Mi educación en la Universidad de Harvard, mi trabajo como gerente de banco y administradora en agencias sin fines de lucros se unieron con mis experiencias como consejera para llegar a entender negocios y la persona en su totalidad.

Me da mucha satisfacción ver a las personas superar sus problemas y tener éxito profesional.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Qué persona, viva o muerta considera usted ser un modelo?

Por qué y cómo?

Maria Pierre: Considero a mi hermana Leonida Perez ser mi modelo. Ella me crió a mi y a mis 3 hermanas cuando quedamos huérfanas muy jóvenes. Ella tenia 23 años. Sin tener mucha educación formal – solo termino el cuarto grado de escuela elemental, ella se educo leyendo muchos libros en ingles y español y se aseguro que mis hermanas y yo tuviéramos la educación y preparación para defendernos y tener éxito en la

vida. Ella falleció a los 51 años, pero nos cuidó y nos enseño valores y principios morales, a tener esperanza, perseverar y a tener fortaleza.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Cuál fue el momento mas difícil u obstáculo como mujer Latina, mujer de negocios o líder comunitaria?

Maria Pierre: Lo mas difícil del éxito ha sido la soledad. Cuando asistí a una escuela superior y a la Universidad de Harvard con beca, siempre era la única Latina en mis cursos. Después como banquera y administradora de agencias era igual.

Aunque habían clientes Latinos, nunca habían otros lideres o ejecutivos en mis mismos departamentos. Hoy, soy dueña de mi propia compañía , pero todavía encuentro que soy la única en las cámaras de negocio, asociaciones profesionales y juntas ejecutivas. Si la organización no es Latina, no encuentro a otros lideres Latinos.

Siempre me encuentro educando a mis colegas caucáseos que frecuentemente tienen conceptos equivocados de los Latinos. Cuando los invito a un grupo de Latinos profesionales asumen que no hablamos ingles y me rechazan la invitación.

Anhelo el día en que hayan varios lideres Lati-

nos en negocios, el gobierno local y el sector sin fines de lucros. Anhelo mas diversidad. Tenemos mas trabajo que hacer para aumentar presencia Latina.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: En su opinión, cual es su mayor logro?

Maria Pierre: El mayor logro en mi vida ha sido completar mis estudios en la Universidad de Harvard. En la escuela superior, mi consejero me sugiero no solicitar a universidades de niveles muy altos. El pensaba que solo estudiantes de familias de dinero y de alta clase podrían asistir a esas universidades. Pero yo solicite, y 4 universidades de alta categoría me aceptaron. Durante mis años en Harvard, tenia muchos gastos y tuve que trabajar durante cada fin de semana, cada día feriado, cada día de vacación. Nunca podía descansar, pero terminé mis studios en Harvard con los mejores profesores y estudiantes en America. Todos mis esfuerzos valieron la pena.

Mi educación en Harvard y mis conexiones de Harvard son invalorables. Tengo mucha gratitud por mi educación y conexiones. Vivo una vida exitosa y feliz.

Name/Nombre: Iris González Title/Título: Director of Multicultural Relations / Directora de Relaciones Multiculturales Company / Compañía? Bright House Networks What is your País? Venezuela

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olie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Que te inspiró a elegir tu profesión?

Iris Gonzalez: Empecé mi carrera como ejecutiva de cuentas de radio y televisión. Luego tuve la oportunidad de trabajar en el departamento de mercadeo y relaciones públicas.

comunitario?

Iris Gonzalez: No tengo ningún momento en específico del cual puedo comentar, pero siempre hay obstáculos especialmente cuando se está tratando de crecer profesionalmente. No dejemos que los obstáculos nos distraigan y concentrémonos en nosotros mismos.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Cuál es tu definición de la palabra éxito?

Iris Gonzalez: La definición de éxito puede ser muchas cosas. Para mi éxito es cuando desempeñas lo que te gusta.

No creo que éxito tenga que ver con dinero o posición, ya que todos tenemos diferentes objetivos que nos hacen feliz.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Qué soñaste ser cuando eras una niña?

Iris Gonzalez: Quería ser maestra y la verdad es que nunca me paso por la mente que estaría envuelta en el área de comunicaciones.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times:¿Cuál fue tu momento más difícil siendo Latina en el mundo profesional, o como líder

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: Cuéntanos sobre tu familia?

Iris Gonzalez: Soy muy afortunada ya que tengo a lamayoría de mi familia viviendo en la bahía de Tampa, la

cual disfruto mucho. Estoy casada y tengo un bebe de 15 meses.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: Qué significa ser Latina para usted?

Iris Gonzalez: Ser Latina en los Estados Unidos es una responsabilidad, es una conexión con mis raíces y un compromise con nuestra comunidad, especialmente la comunidad Hispana del área de la bahía de Tampa.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: En su opinión, cual es su mayor logro?

Iris Gonzalez: He sido muy afortunada durante mi carrera ya que me he tropezado con personas inteligentes que me han apoyado y guiado. Cada día es un nuevo día del cual constantemente aprendo. Tener un trabajo que disfruto y una familia que me apoya es mi mayor logro.

Name/Nombre: Ileana Devin Title/Título: President Company / Compañía? Mañana Marketing What is your País? Cuba

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olie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: How did you choose or get involved with your profession?

Ileana Devin: Originally started Tampa Bay’s Hispanic Yellow Pages. Our clients wanted additional exposure in the rapidly growing Hispanic market, so Mañana Marketing was founded to bring additional media programs to our clients.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What is your definition of the word success?

Ileana Devin: Success is benefiting from helping other people.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What Latino/a, living or deceased do you consider to be a role-model? Why or how?

Ileana Devin: My father and my mother has always been an inspiration to do the right thing and has always encouraged to me to be the best that I can be.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What was your toughest moment or obstacle in being a Latina Business woman/or community leader?

Ileana Devin: In the early stages of our business development there was a great deal of negativity from people who didn’t believe that I would be able to accomplish what I had set out to do which was starting one of the best Hispanic Yellow Pages in US. We succeeded in Tampa and grow to Orlando, Houston, and Texas with additional partnerships in Miami and Ft Lauderdale.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: Tell us about your family?

Ileana Devin: My family means everything to me. I have a wonderful son Ryan 16. My husband has always been my partner in life and in our business ventures. We are a very tight knit family.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What does being Latina

mean to you?

Ileana Devin: I have always enjoyed our language and of course the food, the music, the family and the unity which is in my cultural roots.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What message would you send to aspiring Latinas, young and old about the pursuit of a woman’s dreams?

Ileana Devin: No dream is too high to achieve. Takes onecalculated step at a time, along the way you may stumble but keep your eye on your dream and your momentum moving forward.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What in your opinion is your biggest accomplishment?

Ileana Devin: Raising our son into the bright young gentlemen he is today.

Name/Nombre: Damaris Rivera Title/ Título: Director of Marketing Company/ Compañía: Law Offices of Byrd and Gonzalez What is your País? Puerto Rico

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olie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What is your profession?

Damaris Rivera: I am a marketing professional for the Law Firm of Byrd and Gonzalez, which specializes in personal injury law. I help people who have been in accidents or who have lost a loved one due to negligence. I enjoy being able to help my community during this difficult time.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: How did you choose or get involved with your profession?

Damaris Rivera: Well, I actually started in the medical profession as a Medical Assistant- worked with different providers from pediatrician to neurologist, did clinical studies and then started working in collections. From that point on, because of my expertise, experience, and marketing abilities, a law firm hired me.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What is your definition of the word success?

Damaris Rivera: Success, is working hard to achieve a goal, never quitting-failure has never been an option.

Therefore, we can’t be defeated.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What Latino/a, living or deceased do you consider to be a role? Why or How? Damaris Rivera: My father is my role model-he raised me with values and principles that I have applied in my life- he was my hero and I am who I am because of him.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What was your toughest moment or obstacle in being a Latina?

Damaris Rivera: The toughest part in being a Latina businesswoman is juggling my kids’ schedules and my job at

the same time. I was my children’s mascot for their league, working at the concession stand and later in the evening, I would be at business meeting.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What message would you send to aspiring Latinas, young and old about the pursuit of a woman’s dreams?

Damaris Rivera: Trust in God and he will direct your path!

Remember that you will always have trials and tribulations!

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What in your opinion is your biggest accomplishment?

Damaris Rivera: Being able to graduate college at the age of 31 as a single mother, and raising 4 Good, God fearing children!

Name/Nombre: Thais Diana Rodriguez Title/Título: CPA; Audit Manager for Ernst & Young LLP & Vice President of ALPFA Tampa Bay (Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting) What is your País? Cuba (Cuban American)

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olie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What is your profession?

Thais Diana Rodriguez: I am an audit professional at one of the big four global public accounting firms, Ernst & Young LLP. As an auditor, I examine companies’ financial statements and attest to their reasonableness, giving investors and regulators confidence in the information included in those financial statements. As part of my profession, I also have the opportunity to be a part of the Board of Directors for a great not-for-profit organization that focuses on the advancement and development of professional Latinos – ALPFA. I have been an active Board Member for this organization for about six years and currently serve as the Vice President for the Tampa Bay Chapter.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What Latino/a, living or deceased do you consider to be a role-model? Why or how?

Thais Diana Rodriguez: Frances Garcia is the Inspector General of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), a powerful agency that monitors how Congress

spends the public’s money. Frances is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Government Financial Manager. She has served on numerous committees for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, including the Governance and Structure Committee. It is not only the role she currently holds that makes Frances a great role model; it’s the path she took to get there. Frances is a first generation Mexican-American. Her path to success included picking cotton and sugar beets, waiting tables at a diner, and working side by side with white men as the first woman and Hispanic at the accounting firm of Arthur Anderson in Dallas. She also survived a serious car accident that left her with broken bones and other major injuries. Frances was the first in her family to earn a high school diploma and was one of only seven Mexican-Americans to graduate from her class of 485 students. Later, she would be the first Hispanic women CPA in the state of Texas. Frances’ leadership, achievements, and pioneering spirit captured the attention of Hispanic Business Magazine, which named her the 2009 Woman of the Year. Frances co-founded the

ALPFA in 1972 and continues to mentor Latinos through her ongoing role on the Corporate Advisory Board for this organization. Frances believes that education, a can-do attitude, and connecting to others are the keys to success.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: Tell us about your family?

Thais Diana Rodriguez: My parents got divorced when I was very young. Growing up in a divorced family was very difficult, especially during the holidays when you have so many houses to visit. Most of my family lives in the Tampa Bay area, so I am able to keep in contact with them and visit them often. My closest family members include my father, my stepmother, my mother, my brother (older than me by 15 years), my three living grandparents, my aunt (and her two children), and my uncle. I try to reach out to them – either by phone or by passing by – at least once a week. I am very close to my brother and love him dearly.

He was in an accident when he was 15 that brought us very close and helped me understand how much I really do care about him.

Name/Nombre: Simone Amaral Title/Título: Owner & Dance Teacher Company / Compañía? Simone Salsa Dance School What is your País? Brazil

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olie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: How did you choose or get involved with your profession?

Simone Amaral: Actually, I think it chose me… and I embraced it freely!

and said words that will be forever with me in my heart.

Needless to say, not only she is my best friend, but also she is the reason why I am still here 11 years later doing what I love. My Maria and my family are the biggest strength in my live.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What was your toughest moment or obstacle in being a Latina Business woman/ or community leader?

Simone Amaral: No doubt it was when the Latino partner I had and I separated and I was on my own with the school. I will never forget this one particular evening when I had only a hand full of students for class. I was so upset and down that, I wanted to give up. But then, my best friend Maria shook me up, looked me straight in the eye,

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: Tell us about your family?

Simone Amaral: Never enough words to express what my family means to me. There is a lot of love and unity in my family. They are my reason for happiness! I am the proud mother of three beautiful daughters, Monique 22, Camila 19, and Gabriela 16. They are all beautifully following their own path in life and that makes me very happy. I am a blessed woman who has encountered true love. Charlie,

my heart, my love, and my companion to the ends of the earth…My family is 100% proud of what I have achieved and they always support my decisions in life and business. They are always there for me.

Jolie Gonzalez/LatinTimes: What does being Latina mean to you?

Simone Amaral: More than anyone can imagine, especially because I am Brazilian. 20 years ago when I came to America I missed my family and my culture tremendously. Like it is for every foreigner it was very difficult, until I went for the first time to a salsa club. I was taken back, in awe! I had finally found the closest to my own culture, the warmth, the happiness, the music and the dancing. I was home. I am proud to be called a Latina.

Name/Nombre: Esther Gonzalez, MD Title/Título: Doctora Pediatra Maestra What is your País? Puerto Rico

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olie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Cuál es su profesión?

Esther Gonzalez, MD: Mi profesión es medico Pediatra.

Me dedico a ver pediatría general y a ver los niños con ADHD y otros problemas de desarrollo y comportamiento en la escuela. Estoy también envuelta en el manejo de obesidad en niños y adultos, para prevenir las enfermedades como Diabetes, presión alta, ataques cardiacos y derrames cerebrales or strokes. Mi empeño es lograr que nuestros niños tengan la mas saludable larga vida posible, para esto tenemos que cambiar los estilos de vida: cocinar en casa, mas actividad al aire libre, y menos juegos de videos y computadoras.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: Cuéntanos sobre tu familia?

Esther Gonzalez, MD: Tengo una familia super numerosa, somos 18, 9 hembras y 9 varones, y ya hay sobre 50 sobrinos. Natural de Cayey, Puerto Rico, mi madre, fallecida hace

2 años fue una maestra de doctorado criando sus hijos, pues todos nos hicimos profesionales y mi mami nunca fue a la escuela. Ella fue un ejemplo de santidad, cristiandad y bondad, nos enseño a todos a respetar al prójimo, a nosotros mismos y a lograr lo mayor de cada uno de nosotros. En mi familia hay 2 pediatras, un dentista, 3 maestros, un ingeniero eléctrico, un farmacéutico, un experto en computadoras y el resto lograron bachilleratos en otras areas. Mi padre es un canta autor de décimas y muy carismático, todavía vive, en su juventud trabajaba en fabricas, solo fue hasta cuarto grado de escuela elemental. Fue muy estricto cuando nos crió, pero hizo de nosotros 12 hombres y mujeres de bien. Tengo 3 hijos; Vanelis quien se graduó de Fisiología de Ejercicio en USF y es además cantante, lanzando su primer disco ahoraen Enero 2010 próximo. Lisandra, mi segunda hija, actriz, esta radicada en LA, donde persigue su sueno de estar en mas películas, ya participo en Sidney White, hace dos anos.

Mi hijo Joel, el mas hermoso ser humano que he visto, es fisiculturista, y esta por entrar en la Universidad pronto.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Qué mensaje le envías a las aspirantes jóvenes y de edad, acerca de labúsqueda de los sueños de una mujer?

Esther Gonzalez, MD: Yo exhorto a toda mujer independiente de su edad, que lo que la haga feliz en la vida lo persiga y lo traten, pues lo que nos da felicidad es levantarnos cada mañana y disfrutar lo que hacemos. Nosotras las mujeres tenemos que creer en nosotras mismas y luchar por lograr nuestros sueños. Nunca dejemos que un hombre nos coarte la libertad en realizarnos al máximo en nuestras capacidades.

Estudiemos y demos lo mejor de nosotras, pues yo misma por experiencia he comprobado que una mujer professional puede salir adelante sola con unos hijos y desempeñarse profesionalmente también, con mucho éxito.

Aurelia Valentin Aviles April 23rd, 1923 – November 12th, 2009

Maria Esther Carillo

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urelia Valentin Aviles was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on April 12th, 1923, she was an orphan by the age of three. An entrepreneur at heart, Aurelia was only 20 when she set ventured a move to Newark, NJ, as a single parent. Within a short time Aurelia opened her own candy store then opened a Latin Restaurant called Siete-Bello on Broadway Street which quickly flourished and became a popular hangout for many well known Latinos and other famous people in the community.

During the winter of the early 70’s when riots hit the streets of Newark, New Jersey many people in the area who owned business watched as they were looted, but Aurelia’s restaurant went untouched. Aurelia was very well known and loved for her generosity to people. Aurelia later sold Siete Bello and her candy store in New Jersey and moved to Tampa, FL. Wasting no time Aurelia became established within the local Latino Community as “La Doña” opening several restaurants within the Latin community. During the 1980’s Mariel Cuban exile, Aurelia and friend, Caesar Gunzmart helped to feed and support many Cuban families in need.

Aurelia was also known for her dedication to God, and she always brought joy and love to people wherever she went.

The last restaurant that Aurelia opened was in Tampa, and it was called “La Palomita” restaurant. In the late 90’s, Aurelia finally retired and sold La Palomita but never stopped working and helping other Latinos open their own restaurants, it made her so happy to help people fulfill their dreams. She would cook pastelles, pastelillos, alcapurrias, paella, and many, many other delicious Latino dishes. She had a great love for her grandchildren, family, and friends. Aurelia always gave of herself to help others in their needs she was strong, and unselfish, beautiful and courageous until the very end.

On November 12th, 2009, Aurelia Valentin Aviles went to be with the one person she loved most of all, Jesus Cristo, she will live forever in the hearts of her grandchildren, family, and friends. Aurelia was a true borinquen business woman and a tremendous Latina that added mucho sabor to Tampa’s much loved Latino Community.

May she rest in peace, she will be missed forever.

We love you Abuela, -Victor Padilla

(Bogota, Colombia: 1960 –Tampa, USA: 2009) aria Esther: daily knitter of family, spirituality, and community love.

The daughter of a Colombian family formed by, Francisco Suarez and Rosalba Zuniga, wife of a great man, and the mother of two beautiful children whom she loved, cared, nurtured, and educated. She was the sister of eight brothers and sisters whom she loved and loved her dearly; aunt of many nieces and nephews and a role model for many men and women. She lived her life based on her Christian values, the love for people, the love for work, the love for the arts and culture, and the tenacity of building a multi-cultural society in the United States, especially in the Tampa Bay Area.

The wife of Francisco Obed Carrillo, a Christian, generous, loving and caring husband and father, and her partner in business. Mother of her children Maria Liliana, (1991) and Daniel Francisco (1993), at the same time as she has been a mother for many other children of her family and for other families as well as any group that she became close to.

She was a beautiful, Hispanic, hard working and joyous woman with contagious energy—a creator of life. Social leader and a teacher that with the help of creative individuals in Colombia and in the United States accomplished the creation of many organizations.

A generous leader, loyal to her moral principles and deeply engaged in serving the community, family leader, and church leader in the Hispanic community, and a citizen of the world. She deeply believed in God. As a Christian in the Mennonite Church, she believed in giving as the expression of faith in Christ. She believed in education and the cultures as the bridge between human societies, in happiness as the glue in between men, youth, and children of all colors and origins.

Maria Esther died tragically in Miami, Florida on May 28, 2009, just footstep away from where her daughter Maria Liliana was going to receive a scholarship that would help her start her college studies in Chemical Engineering at Columbia University in New York. For her great passion for life and her consistent way of thinking and acting, there is no doubt that God gave us a beautiful gift in which we can emulate the truth of Jesus preaching at Gethsemane. Maria Esther leaves to us all an example and an invitation to keep on working for a creative youth and for us to become responsible of building a multi-cultural America that is generous and inclusive.

Exhibitors 1. Dignity Memorial 2. Faith Hope and Determination 3. New York Life

Performances Tomas Delannoy of Somos Musica

4. Success For Hispanics 5. Tampa Bay Performing Arts 6. The Law Offices Of Byrd and Gonzalez

7. The Law Offices of Vivian Cortes Hodz 8. US Army 9. XB Fit

La Comida Miriam Rodriguez of Rent A Wife Catering and more!

And Joyce for the delicious Arroz con gandules, Pernil and her scrumptious Pi単a Colada Cake!

Latin ConneXion Business Networking Events!

Upcoming Events Include!

Viernes Social @ Gasoline Alley @ 14042 66th Street North, in Largo, FL. (Between Ulmerton Road and West Bay) These “Latino-Style” networking events are among the biggest, most exciting business networking socials in Tampa Bay and now they are available to the Pinellas County Business Community as well!!

Event Dates: Friday, January 29th, February 26th, and March 26th, 2010 The event starts @ 5:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Entrance: $5.00 - Includes Buffet!

1st Fridays Business Networking Socials – Hillsborough County @ Mirage Restaurant and Lounge @ 3605 W. Hillsborough Ave in Tampa, FL. Event Hours: 5:45 PM – 9:00 PM. Free Buffet!

Tampa Bay’s Premier Latino Monthly Business Networking social in Tampa Bay and Metro Orlando –and now on its 5th Successful Year of Hosting these events.

Upcoming Events Dates: Friday, February 5th, 2010 – Special Location – 1 TIME ONLY! A Tribute to the 2010 Latin Times Latina Movers N Shakers @ The Florida State Fair! Taste of Latino –Friday, March 5th, 2010 – BACK @ Mirage Featuring “Casino Latino”, Friday, April 2nd, 2009 – Regular Networking Social The Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials are the product of Latin Times Magazine, this event was created in order to offer Tampa Bay’s business community the opportunity to meet and network with other area business professionals in an upscale environment. Latin ConneXions events attract both Latinos and non-Latinos alike and normally draws over 200 business professionals throughout the evening. Themed entertainment with Salsa, Latin Jazz and Disco. Parking is FREE and there will be many great giveaways. LIVE Performances. Very Limited Exhibitor Opportunities:

Latino LOVE Connections

Are you looking to spice up your love life? Latino Love Connections is a group of like minded local Latino professionals that are looking to connect with that special someone! Services include: Matchmaking and special dating services.

Special events include: Our Speed Dating sessions, bowling outings, wine tastings and MORE! Evetns will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month!

To sign up for services, or to attend one of our upcoming events join our fan page on Facebook or email: Amor@LatinoLOVEConnections.com

Ladies Tea & Spa Party!

Event Date: TBA, Sunday, July 11th, 2010

This exciting event will be taking place at a charming Victorian Room, where you will be awed by the formal setting and beauty of the room. Feel spoiled, as you are served with Crystal, Linens and Bone China. Talk and get to know other elite local business women in an atmosphere designed to make you unwind and relax. Develop new friendships or business relationships. Afterward, we will stroll through the connecting gate into the Secret Garden to enjoy wine tasting, and Champaign toasts, Chocolate Strawberries and our Spa Services! Each Guest will receive 2 Free Mini-Spa Service! Garden Spa Menu of Services: Message Therapists, Manicures, Facials, Hair-do’s, Make-Up, Eye Lash Extensions and MORE! For more information on how your company can exhibit at any one of our exciting upcoming events, please contact us at: (813) 407-6866 or email: JGonzalez@ thelatinvillage.com Sponsored: Latin Times, The Tampa Latin Chamber, Higher Dreams Productions, Mirage Restaurant and Lounge, Boomerangs, Gasoline Alley, Telemundo Tampa and more!

Latin ConneXions in Brandon, FL!

2nd Fridays @ Boomerang’s Martini Lounge @ 2016 Town Center Blvd, Brandon, FL. These “Latino-Style” networking events are among the biggest, most exciting business networking socials in Tampa Bay and now they are available to the Brandon business community as well!!

Sponsors

Event Dates: Friday, January 8th, February 12th, and March 12th, 2010 The event starts @ 5:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Entrance: $5.00 - Includes Buffet!

Despite the rain that filled a very gloomy Friday evening, Latin Times and The Tampa Latin Chamber hosted a successful 6th Annual Latino Christmas Parranda and Children’s Toy Drive on Friday, Dec 4th @ 1st Friday “Latin ConneXions”! he networking social, which is among Times Magazine, and organizer of the Latin ConneXions Business Networking business events in Tampa Bay was held Socials, a second toy drive was held on at Tampa’s upscale Restaurant and Friday, December 11th @ the 2nd Friday Lounge, Mirage which is located at 3605 Networking Social in Brandon, FL. “BeW. Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa. “I am tween the two events we raised approxivery happy with the results of the event” mately 300 Toys, with the toys going to said Jolie R Gonzalez, publisher of Latin two different causes, part of the toys were donated to Children With A Vision, Inc., a local non-profit Organization that provides a Toy Shop experience for needy children! The bulk of the toys were delivered to the children of poor migrant families on Christmas week.”

Guests enjoyed great

Tthe biggest, most exciting “after-work”

performances by, NEW Recording Artists: Vanelis Vazquez, and Johamna PLUS A Special Dance Performance by the Unforgettable Impact! Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials are the product of “Latin Times Magazine, the Publication for the Elite Latino.”

These events were created in order to offer the local business community the opportunity to meet and network with other area business professionals in an upscale social environment. Latin ConneXions events attract both Latinos and non-Latinos alike. Presenting Sponsors Included: Latin Times Magazine, Mirage Restaurant and Lounge, Boomerang Martini Bar, Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

Double Six

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uerto Rican Author, Juan R. Rivera describes “Double Six” as a labor of love for him.

Domino playing has been his passion for many years, and writing the book was his way sharing his passion with you.

The book conveys information in an instructive and explicit manner, in the hopes maximizing Double Six’s appeal to players of different ages and playing backgrounds.

There are nearly 120 illustrations in Double Six, most of them describing how to play the game. In the latter part of the book, there are step-by-step illustrations on how to play a 500-points game of Double Six. Three of the four hands described in this section culminate in Capicu, Chuchaso, and Lockdown, respectively. The Spanish-language version of the book (Doble Seis) is also ready for publication, and is available at either: www.dobleseis.us or www. doublesix.us

Hanging out at Tampa Bay Rays - Post Game Concert!! Where the Legendary Tito Nieves performed some of his greatest hits LIVE for thousands of Tampa Bay Fans!

Pictured here (L-R): Nancy Colon, Yolanda (Yoli) Roman, Jolie R. Gonzalez, Tito Nieves, Elizabeth Saldaña-Kobel, Zanibel Melo and Lourdes Torres!

Saludos to Dr. Brian Caez “Ask El Chiro Man”, and Rafael E. Fuentes, L.S., “Ask El Counselor”

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usic and performing has always been a part of her life, with the earliest home videos of her singing starting at the age of 3. At the age of 9 her family packed up and moved to the states starting off in Ohio. It was there that her middle school choir teacher noticed that there was some talent that needed to be cultivated which lead to Vanelis auditioning for Middle Notes as well as the school musical Annie.

At the age of 15 the family relocated to Florida where Vanelis had the opportunity to go to a smaller school where she had tons of opportunities to work on her voice. It was at Crystal River High School that she excelled in chorus, landing numerous solos and getting superior ratings at both districts and state vocal competitions.

one being Raymond James Stadium where the Tampa Bay Buccaneer football team plays. One of her biggest accomplishments was winning “Canta Con Objetivo Fama” (Sing with Objectivo Fama) which was an online contest that was put on by a talent television show, much like American Idol, on the Telefuturo spanish station.

Thousands submitted videos and after two months of contest, she won the grand prize, a 2007 Pontiac G6 Hardtop Convertible!

After high school, Vanelis attended the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL and obtained a degree in Exercise Physiology.

While in college she was very involved on campus participating in various talent shows through her sorority.

She is currently working at the New Tampa Family YMCA as the Wellness Director.

Vanelis will be her releasing her first CD in January of 2010. Her hit salsa single “Como lo Extraño” is currently being played on Tampa Bay’s la Maxima 92.5 FM. For more info or to reach Vanelis visit her at: Vanelis.net

Vanelis has sung the national anthem at a variety of venues,

Vanelis is finally working on her debut album which will be in Spanish and include a mixture of salsa and ballads. Eventually she hopes to become a crossover sensation and record an album in English.

The Straz Center and Live Nation present

Cheech & Chong: Get It Legal or those of you that grew up in the 70’s, and those of us that grew up in the 80’s, F we can certainly recall “Cheech & Chong”.,

everybody had their favorite movie…. For me it was the Corsican Brothers. From their first movie together in 1978 to fast forward 32 years later to “Get it Legal”, successful beyond their wildest dreams, the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong defined an era with their hilariously irreverent, satirical, counterculture no-holds-barred comedy routines.

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a Feria de la Familia which is designed to provide information and services in a festive, family atmosphere free to the public. Over the years, La Feria de la Familia has established itself as a dynamic and powerful forum connecting businesses to the Hispanic community, showcasing products and strengthening brands. La Feria is an interactive expo of exceptional quality guaranteed to inform, empower, and entertain.

Among this year’s star entertainment line-up was Penelope Menchaca, host of Telemundo’s 12 Corazones, la Dr. Ana Maria Polo, how of Telemundo’s Caso Cerrado. Sony Music recording artists NG2, Charlie Cruz, and many others thrilled the crowd with their infectious Latin beats!

Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong’s phenomenal success began on the stand-up comedy circuit, which led to nine hit comedy albums and eight hit films. They broke box office records, shattered comedy album sales, garnered multiple Grammy® nominations and mesmerized fans for decades.

Cheech & Chong: Get It Legal is the follow-

The Law Offices of Byrd and Gonzalez, Networking Function

up to their hugely successful reunion tour, Cheech & Chong: Light Up America, where they performed together for the first time in more than 25 years. The Light Up America tour played to a sold-out crowd at the Straz Center in 2008.

Tickets may be purchased by calling 813.229.

STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.tbpac.org. For more information about the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, please visit www.tbpac.org.

Performance Date: Friday, March 12, 2010 @ 8 p.m at Carol Morsani Hall David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (formerly known as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center).

For more information, visit cheechandchongtour.com.

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ack for its third year is the Fair’s outdoor Hispanic Village called LA PLAZA with a new cultural expo tent, an entertainment stage, and delectable foods from Latin countries.

Each day of the fair will be dedicated to a different Latin American country including the most predominant ones represented in Florida such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Venezuela and more. The first day of the fair, February 4, will have an opening ceremony with posting of all 24 country flags in La Plaza. The University of South Florida will be a major participant during the Fair with guest appearances from sports coaches and former professional players in football, soccer, baseball, basketball, track & field, and tennis.

Throughout the fair there will be popular activities like cigar rolling, dancing, dominoes competition, and a love game sponsored by Telemundo on February 14th, Valentine’s Day. On Sunday, February 15, the Florida State Fair and Univision Tampa present Fiesta Gigante sponsored by Kmart. Some of Univision’s most popular stars host a line up of activities such as “Buscando Estrellitas,” a children’s talent contest and “Comercial en Vivo,” a witty segment where teams create a “live commercial” for the sponsor, just to name a few. Invited for a repeat performance is “El Chacal” from “Sábado Gigante in an adult singing contest where contestants perform for the audience hoping not to be disqualified by this masked jackal.

All this and more entertainment is included in the cost of admission. Purchase discounted ad-

mission tickets now for $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-11 at participating Sweetbay Supermarket stores prior to Feb. 4 while supplies last. Visit online www.floridastatefair.com for more details, entertainment listing, and special discount days at the Fair. Additional savings offers are available for ride tickets, armbands, and group sales packages prior to the start of the fair.

Hurry, the last day to purchase these deals online is Jan. 26 or buy them in person by Feb. 4!

Once the fair starts on Feb. 5, gate admission prices will vary depending on weekday or weekend prices from $10-12 for adults and $5-6 for children ages 6-11. Kids 5 and younger are always free. There is no charge to park. Info: 813621-7821 or 813-758-9149.

Special Event – Friday, February 5th, 2010 In honor of the Florida State Fair and La Plaza, Latin Times will host its famous 1st Friday Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials at the Florida State Fair’s Hispanic Plaza again this year! Join us as we present the biggest Latino Networking Social in Tampa Bay! Meet some of Tampa Bays most powerful and influential Latina’s as we present the 2010 Latin Times Latina Movers N’ Shakers! Meet hundreds of new local business professionals, and enjoy great Latin food and entertainment. One day exhibitor packages are available.

Please remember that our March 2010 will be back at Mirage Restaurant and Lounge. For info on how your company can exhibit at this and other special events, please contact: (813) 901-5292

Eva Mendes

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his beautiful and talented Latina actress was born to Cuban-American parents, in Miami, Florida on March 5th, 1974. Eva Mendes is the youngest of four children, and has 2 big sisters and a big brother. After her parents divorced, Mendes moved to Los Angeles with her mother. Growing up, Mendes had no plans to become an actress, and in fact Eva confessed the she wanted to be a nun since childhood, but gave up her dream after realizing that nuns didn’t get paid. It was not until Eva met Zedrick Threatt, who helped her to pursue an acting career that she began to be interested in acting. Before then, Eva actually sold hot dogs at ‘Hot Dog on a Stick’ at the Glendale Galleria Mall in California.

Eva was studying marketing at California State University Northridge, in the late ‘90s when an agent stumbled across her photo while viewing Mendes’s neighbor’s portfolio. Eva started acting, mostly as an extra in movies, as a means of earning extra spending money, but Eva’s talent was soon noticed by an agent who convinced her to take her acting more seriously. Eva began to appear in commercials, music videos, soap operas, and in supporting film roles.

Her big break? Mendes’s performance in “Training Day” led to many roles such as her role in “Hitch,” Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and Stuck on You. Eva Mendes captured the attention of movie-goers in a small, but pivotal role in the critically acclaimed film, “Training Day,” and since then, Eva has proved she shines in both the comedic and dramatic roles.

In a very short time, she has had the incredible opportunity of working with such esteemed directors as Carl Franklin, Roberto Rodriguez, as well as others.

Mendes also starred in Columbia Picture’s supernatural action-adventure, “Ghost Rider” opposite Nicolas Cage. And most recently starred opposite Nicolas Cage once again in “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans”.

Nowadays? Eva is modeling underwear for Calvin Klein, and can be found on a sexy new Calvin Klein billboard in the heart of SoHo (in NYC –NOT Tampa Bay!) which is drawing the anger of some spectators, and the enthusiastic approval of others. The ad shows a sweaty and glistening Eva Mendes in sheer lingerie, tugging at the boxer briefs of a hot stud.

Aries (March 21 – April 19) Feliz Año Nuevo, Aries! Durante el primer parte de el año, you will have a positivo attitude towards life y feel very confidente. You will continue to wield poder y authority either in government or en la vida publica. Short distance journeys are in your futuro y they will bear fruits due to your hard trabajo. Y en tu carrera? You have a good brain Aries y los ideas come to you in a flash, be sure to always carry a pen and a pad of paper to write them down for later consideración.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Feliz Año Nuevo Taurus, you are feeling a burst of energía en este Nuevo Año! Make sure you keep it steered en el right dirrection.

You find a deeper appreciation for musica, arte y hasta un poquito de drama. Debes de evitar el tendency to be self centered Y also avoid doing things half hazard-ly. You will want to break new ground este año, pero chances are the opportunities you want will not arrive until el fin del año. Practice Paciencia!

Gemini (May 21 – June 21) Feliz Año Nuevo Gemini! You are often accused of being un poquitito egoísta, sometimes muy agresivo/a, y muy orgulloso/a, y hasta un poquito quarrelsome. You think mainly of the means and not too much about the ends. Being a fuego sign the native will have a desire to make y spend mucho dinero. Rarely thinking of mañana, this is you Gemini! You have a great imaginación and can present your ideas very convincingly! Pero, the urge to impresionar certain people could cloud your thinking.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22) Feliz Año Nuevo Cancer! You entered 2010 with lots of excitement, looking forward to your nueva vida with a great deal of zeal y entusiasmo. Te sientes muy bold y courageous and you give a new meaning to the description “Latin” temper, making it a time in your vida that is unfavorable for el amor y el romance. Confrontations may cause losses y should be avoided, control that Latin Temper –don’t let it controlar you! There is a posibilidad of sudden travel.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) Feliz Año Nuevo Leo! This Año Nuevo opens up many posibilidades para ti, and you will make mucho dinero with ease. Despite your ease at making dinero, you find yourself a little down. Levante Leo y snap out of it! You will soon be able to rise above any depression y find yourself ready to meet life’s challenges. Wherever you are, you spread amor y calor, and people love you because of it!

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) Feliz Año Nuevo Virgo! You are likely to be involved en noble deeds.

You will find yourself extremely feliz y your income will increase.

You will find yourself in contacto with key people that can help you move forward, no tengas miedo, este es tu tiempo to shine, y your confidence will assure those around you of your capabilities. You will find yourself presented con la oportunidad to venture into a new enterprises or profession.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 23) Hola Feliz Año Nuevo Libra! Entraste al 2010 with a full wind on your sails, feeling very optimistic y able to inspirar others. You are also likely to be feeling very lucky, and full of energía. Use your optimism to its full potencial, by exploring new career paths, business opportunities or even a new amor interest. This great feeling you have inside of you will attract new exciting people into your mundo!

Scorpio (Oct. 24 – Nov. 21) Feliz Año Nuevo Scorpio! You are feeling los strong powers of self expresión, and all of a sudden you are in a communication mood!

Its best for you to find un gran amigo/a and pour your corazon out to them! You are a natural leader, and have a strong urge to rule, pero you must learn to use your power wisely. You are likely to be courageous y honorable, and people naturalmente gravitate toward you.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Feliz Año Nuevo Sagittarius! You are likely to be feeling very courageous, energetic y in a self-starting frame de mente. Pero its best to look before you leap or you may find yourself in a self created enredo! You have good administrative ability and will be forceful in getting things done, pero use tact. It is necessary that you have objetivos definidos otherwise you have a strong tendencia to drift.

You are also very sensitivo and at times very vague.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Feliz Año Nuevo Capricornio! Bienvenido al 2010, it’s going to be a great año para ti –y estas en el zone. Your work will achieve los heights of success you have always dreamed of. Que te espera?

Maybe a rise in status and position!? It looks like promotion and recognition will come your way y you will gain el respecto y good will of your peers, don’t shy away from your destino. You are very intelligente and love to read and study.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Feliz Año Nuevo Aquarius! Bienvenidos al 2010! Seems almost like you went through all of 2009 con una sensación de tensión y ansiedad –what a relief you must feel now que el 2010 está aqui.

At home, you will be feeling very feliz, and cherished. You will find yourself in a mood to travel, short distance travels will bring you luck y will be fruitful. You receive good news about some dinero. You will enjoy good health.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Feliz Año Nuevo Pisces! Estas bien popular right now, you will make many new amigos y you will get associated with many organizations. It’s a great time to make some good social contactos.

You will have many new friends, pero you may lose some of them because of your impulsivo y rash behavior at times. You will gain recognition y promoción profesional through personal initiative and industry. Eres muy persistente and it pays off, you will be able to reach all the goals that you set forth.

Friday, January 8th, 2010 “2nd Friday Latin ConneXions” business networking social @ Boomerang’s Martini Lounge @ 2016 Town Center Blvd – Brandon, FL Hispanic/Latino Business Community BIG in Brandon, FL. Latin ConneXions Business Networking Social, scheduled for Friday @ Boomerang’s! Latin Times Magazine, and the Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce is hosting a this business networking event on the 2nd Friday of each month in Brandon at Boomerang’s. This event will take place between the hours of 5:30 – 8:30 PM. Door cover charge is $5.00 and includes a hot Latin Tapas buffet, compliments of Boomerang’s. (5:45 – 7:00PM) Parking is FREE and there will be many great giveaways. So grab your dancing shoes and a stack of business cards and join us!

Sponsors Include: Latin Times Magazine, Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Bommerang’s Martini Lounge. Sponsorship/Exhibit info: Jolie@Latin-Times.com or call (813) 407-6866.

Friday, January 8th, 2010 Godspell (FREE MOVIE SERIES) @Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center: Riverwalk This 1973 movie of the musical by Stephen Schwarz is the passion play of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, updated to modern New York with very inventive results. The disciples and their clown-like leader wander all over New York, more or less unfolding the parables and the proverbs of the New Testament. 8:00 PM. Sunday, January 10th, 2010 Ladies Tea & Spa Party: This exciting event will be taking place at a charming Victorian Room, where you will be awed by the formal setting and beauty of the room. Feel spoiled, as you are served with Crystal, Linens and Bone China. Talk and get to know other elite local business women in an atmosphere designed to make you unwind and relax. Develop new friendships or business relationships. Afterward, we will stroll through the connecting gate into the Secret Garden to enjoy wine tasting, and Champaign toasts, Chocolate Strawberries and our Spa Services! Each Guest will receive 2 Free Mini-Spa Service! Garden Spa Menu of Services: Message Therapists, Manicures, Facials, Hair-do’s, Make-Up, Eye Lash Extensions and MORE! Info: Events@thelatinvillage.com or (813) 407-6866. From: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Jan. 12-17th, 2010 South Pacific - BOA BEST OF BROADWAY TAMPA BAY @ TBPAC - Carol Morsani Hall A stunning reinvention produced by Lincoln Center Theater, South Pacific swept the 2008 Tony Awards®, winning seven honors including Best Musical Revival and Best Director for Bartlett Sher. Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. Info @ TBPAC.org Saturday, Jan. 23rd, 2010 Sinbad – LIVE @ TBPAC: Ferguson Hall From television (A Different World), to films (Houseguest), to comedy clubs across the nation, stand-up funnyman Sinbad keeps audiences rolling in the aisles with his hilarious, off-thecuff look at the world. Info: TBPAC.org

Friday, January 29th, 2010 “Viernes Social” (Social Friday) @ Gasoline Alley – 14042 66th Street North in Largo, FL Join us at “Viernes Social” (Social Friday) @ Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials-Pinellas County. (Between Ulmerton Road and West Bay) All of Tampa Bay’s Business Community is invited to attend the NEW and exciting Latin ConneXions event “Viernes Social” @ the fabulous all NEW “Gasoline Alley. These “Latino-Style” networking events are among the biggest, most exciting business networking socials in Tampa Bay and now they are available to the Pinellas County Business Community as well!! Parking is FREE and there will be many great giveaways. Held on the “Last” Friday of each month, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials are the product of “Latin Times Magazine.” This event was created in order to offer Tampa Bay’s business community the opportunity to meet and network with other area business professionals in an upscale social environment. Latin ConneXions events attract both Latinos and non-Latinos alike and typically draws over 75 business professionals throughout the 3 hour event. 5:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Cover: $5.00 - Includes Great Buffet, compliments of Gasoline Alley! (5:45 PM - 6:45 PM) Exhibit/Info: ViernesSocial@Latin-Times.com. Sponsored: Latin Times, Higher Dreams Productions, Gasoline Alley.

Wednesday, Feb. 3rd thru 28th, 2010 Wicked - BANK OF AMERICA BEST OF BROADWAY TAMPA BAY @ Carol Morsani Hall Back by “Popular” demand after breaking box office records both times it played TBPAC. “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (New York Times) and the winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, The Tampa Tribune calls WICKED “Spellbinding, magical and bewitching. This Broadway phenomenon lives up to its hype.” Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One – born with emerald green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for “the most complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time” (USA Today). Info or tickets visit TBPAC.org Friday, February 4th thru 15th, 2010 Florida State Fair @ the Florida State Fairgrounds!

The annual Florida State Fair is a salute to the state’s best in the agriculture and equestrian industry including an abundance of shows, music, rides, food and shopping for 12 consecutive days. Excitement is in the air all over the fairgrounds with plenty of free entertainment included with admission. Make sure to plan your day in advance to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and tastes the state fair has to offer. Parking is free during the Fair. Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and closing time varies by the day of the week and weather conditions. Info: 813-621-7821 or 1-800-345-3247.

Friday, February 5th, 2010 “2nd Annual 1st Friday @ the Fair”- ONE TIME ONLY! Special Event Honoring the 2010 Latin Times Latina Movers N Shakers @ The Florida State Fairgrounds! The Famous “1st Friday Latin ConneXions” business networking social will be held at the Florida State Fair Gourds in the Hispanic Plaza

area of the fair. This networking social is among the biggest, most exciting business events in Tampa Bay! Event starts at 5:30 PM until 8:30 PM. 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials are the product of “Latin Times Magazine, the Publication for the Elite Latino.” This event was created in order to offer the local business community the opportunity to meet and network with other area business professionals in an upscale social environment. Latin ConneXions events attract both Latinos and non-Latinos alike and typically draws over 250 business professionals throughout the 3 hour event. Fair admission is required. Watch out for our free ticket promotions on our Facebook. Exhibitor opportunities: (813) 407-6866 or email: VPadilla@Latin-Times.com Friday, February 12th, 2010 Nanny McPhee @ TBPAC: Riverwalk (FREE MOVIE SERIES) Oscar® winner Emma Thompson writes and stars in this adaptation of the “Nurse Mathilda” books. Nanny McPhee comes to the house of Mr. Brown and his seven ill-behaved children. They have dispensed with 17 nannies before her and see Nanny McPhee as no different. However, she seems to have mystical powers that start to control them and lead to startling consequences in this magical comedy. Concessions will be available for purchase. Stadium chairs and blankets welcome. No coolers, please. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the film will be cancelled.

Info: TBPAC.org Friday, February 12th, 2010 Jeffrey Osborne @ Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater 400 1st St. S. 8 p.m. One of the most loved soul music vocalists of the past 40 years celebrates a new album, “Music is Life.”

Proceeds from this special evening will benefit the programs and initiatives of the Pinellas County Urban League. www.mahaffeytheater.com or 727-892-5798.

Friday, February 12th, 2010 “2nd Friday Latin ConneXions” business networking social @ Boomerang’s Martini Lounge @ 2016 Town Center Blvd – Brandon, FL Hispanic/Latino Business Community BIG in Brandon, FL. Latin ConneXions Business Networking Social, scheduled for Friday @ Boomerang’s! Latin Times Magazine, and the Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce is hosting a this business networking event on the 2nd Friday of each month in Brandon at Boomerang’s. This event will take place between the hours of 5:30 – 8:30 PM. Door cover charge is $5.00 and includes a hot Latin Tapas buffet, compliments of Boomerang’s. (5:45 – 7:00PM) Parking is FREE and there will be many great giveaways. So grab your dancing shoes and a stack of business cards and join us! Sponsors Include: Latin Times Magazine, Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Bommerang’s Martini Lounge. Sponsorship/Exhibit info: Jolie@Latin-Times.com or call (813) 407-6866.

Thursday, Feb. 18th thru May 16th, 2010 Godspell – LIVE Performance, @Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center: Jaeb Theater Prepare for the live performances of Godspell, a musical by Stephen Schwarz is the passion play of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, updated to modern New York with very inventive results. The disciples and their clown-like leader wander all over New York, more or less unfolding the parables and the proverbs of the New Testament. Concessions will be available for purchase. Stadium chairs and blankets welcome. No coolers, please. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the film will be cancelled and possibly rescheduled.

Info: TBPAC.org Saturday, February 20th, 2010 Pop Series: A Tribute to Ray Charles @ Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater 400 1st St. S. 8 p.m. Matt Catingub, conductor Ellis Hall, vocalist It is a salute to the legendary singer and pianist who put soul into country, ballads, pop and anything else with a melody: www.floridaorchestra.org, www.mahaffeytheater. com or 727-892-5798.

Friday, February 26th, 2010 “Viernes Social” (Social Friday) You are invited to our “Viernes Social” (Social Friday) @ Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials-Pinellas County @ Gasoline Alley @ 14042 66th Street North, in Largo, FL.(Between Ulmerton Road and West Bay) All of Tampa Bay’s Business Community is invited to attend the NEW and exciting Latin ConneXions event “Viernes Social” @ the fabulous all NEW “Gasoline Alley”, located at 14042 66th Street North, in Largo, FL. (Between Ulmerton and West Bay). These “LatinoStyle” networking events are among the biggest, most exciting business networking socials in Tampa Bay and now they are available to the Pinellas County Business Community as well!! Parking is FREE and there will be many great giveaways. This event was created in order to offer Tampa Bay’s business community the opportunity to meet and network with other area business professionals in an upscale social environment. Latin ConneXions events attract both Latinos and non-Latinos alike and typically draws over 100 business professionals throughout the 3 hour event.

The event starts @ 5:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Entrance: $5.00 - Includes Great Buffet, compliments of Gasoline Alley! (5:45 PM - 6:45 PM)For more info on how your company can exhibit at any one of our exciting upcoming events, contact (813) 4076866 / email: ViernesSocial@Latin-Times.com. Sponsored: Latin Times, Higher Dreams Productions, Gasoline Alley!

Thursday, March 4th, 2010 Taylor Swift @ St. Pete Times Forum The Taylor Swift FEARLESS 2009 Tour was the hottest ticket of the year, wowing fans and critics worldwide. Info: sptimesforum.com

Friday, March 5th, 2010 “1st Friday Latin ConneXions” business networking social- BACK @ The Mirage!

This networking social is among the biggest, most exciting “after-work” business events in Tampa Bay! Held at Tampa’s upscale Restaurant and Lounge, Mirage is located at 3605 W. Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa. The event starts at 5:45 PM until 8:45 PM. Like every 1st Friday event, this event is FREE for general admission, and offers a complimentary buffet.

1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials are the product of “Latin Times Magazine, the Publication for the Elite Latino.”

This event was created in order to offer the local business community the opportunity to meet and network with other area business professionals in an upscale social environment. Latin ConneXions events attract both Latinos and non-Latinos alike and

typically draws over 250 business professionals throughout the 3 hour event. Call us for participation information: (813) 407-6866 or email: VPadilla@Latin-Times.com Saturday, March 6th, 2010 DAYTONA SUPERCROSS BY HONDA Daytona Supercross By Honda is America’s toughest and most grueling Supercross race, staged under the lights in the historic tri-oval of Daytona International Speedway. Track activity starts approx 12 p.m. Info: 1-800-PITSHOP Friday, March 12th, 2010 Cheech & Chong: Get It Legal @ Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center: Carol Morsani Hall Cheech & Chong with special guest Shelby. Get It Legal is the follow-up to their hugely successful reunion tour, Cheech & Chong: Light Up America, where they performed together for the first time in more than 25 years. The pop culture duo performed for more than 100 audiences and quickly became one of the most sought after shows of 2008-2009. Successful beyond their wildest dreams, Richard “Cheech” Marin and Tommy Chong’s shows are irreverent, satirical, counter-culture, no-holds-barred comedy routines. Together, they represent a lifestyle and are the originators of the “stoner film” as a genre. Info: cheechandchongtour.com or TBPAC.org Friday, March 12th , 2010 “2nd Friday Latin ConneXions” business networking social @ Boomerang’s Martini Lounge @ 2016 Town Center Blvd – Brandon, FL Hispanic/Latino Business Community BIG in Brandon, FL. Latin ConneXions Business Networking Social, scheduled for Friday @ Boomerang’s! Latin Times Magazine, and the Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce is hosting a this business networking event on the 2nd Friday of each month in Brandon at Boomerang’s. This event will take place between the hours of 5:30 – 8:30 PM. Door cover charge is $5.00 and includes a hot Latin Tapas buffet, compliments of Boomerang’s. (5:45 – 7:00PM) Parking is FREE and there will be many great giveaways. So grab your dancing shoes and a stack of business cards and join us! Sponsors Include: Latin Times Magazine, Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Bommerang’s Martini Lounge. Sponsorship/Exhibit info: Jolie@Latin-Times.com or call (813) 407-6866.

Friday-Sunday, March 12 – 28th , 2010 The Sunshine Boys @ St. Petersburg Little Theatre, 4025 31st St. Petersburg, FL. It’s a loving homage to the history of comic theatre and a tribute to the performers who made that comedy so memorable. www.splt.org or 727-866-1973.

March 13, 2010 Gabriel Iglesias @ Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center: Carol Morsani Hall Comedy Central’s 2006 Comedian of the Year, Gabriel Iglesias has become one of America’s most popular comics thanks to his high energy performances on The Tonight Show, The Late Show and Last Comic Standing.

Visit gabrieliglesias.com. Sat 7 p.m. Price: Regularly priced tickets start at $34.50. Applicable service charges added at point of purchase.

Thursday March 25th, 2010 Festival of States Honda Grand Prix Illuminated Night Parade and Fireworks.

Illuminated floats and marching bands wind through downtown to the beautiful waterfront. After parade festival in N. Straub Park and fireworks across the Basin. www.festivalofstates.com or 727-821-9888.

7 to 11 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m.

Friday, March 26th, 2010 “Viernes Social” (Social Friday) @ Gasoline Alley – 14042 66th Street North in Largo, FL You are invited to our “Viernes Social” (Social Friday) @ Latin ConneXions Business Networking SocialsPinellas County. (Between Ulmerton Road and West Bay) All of Tampa Bay’s Business Community is invited to attend the NEW and exciting Latin ConneXions event “Viernes Social” @ the fabulous all NEW “Gasoline Alley. These “LatinoStyle” networking events are among the biggest, most exciting business networking socials in Tampa Bay and now they are available to the Pinellas County Business Community as well!! Parking is FREE and there will be many great giveaways. Held on the “Last” Friday of each month, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials are the product of “Latin Times Magazine.” This event was created in order to offer Tampa Bay’s business community the opportunity to meet and network with other area business professionals in an upscale social environment. Latin ConneXions events attract both Latinos and non-Latinos alike and typically draws over 75 business professionals throughout the 3 hour event. 5:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Cover: $5.00 - Includes Great Buffet, compliments of Gasoline Alley! (5:45 PM - 6:45 PM) Exhibit/Info: ViernesSocial@Latin-Times.com. Sponsored: Latin Times, Higher Dreams Productions, Gasoline Alley.

Sunday, March 28, 2010 HORACIO GUITERREZ – BACH FESTIVAL SOCIETY Cuban-born American pianist is consistently praised for the poetic insight and technical mastery he brings to a diverse repertoire. Be inspired by his artistry and sensitivity as you experience the power of the piano. Cultural family and music theatre @ 3 p.m. Tiedtke Concert Hall, 1000 Holt Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789. Info: 407-646-2182. Admission: $30–$40.

BIG SPECIAL EVENT: Coming in April 2010

“Latino Explosion!”

Latin Times is proud to announce the long awaited LATINO EXPLOSION! Big Fair/ Expo with educational workshops: Health, Higher Education, Latino Marketing, Business 101, Career Planning/Jobs, Business Opportunities, Community, Fashion, Music, Culture and MORE! All Day –Family event. Sponsorship/Exhibitor Info: LatinoExplosion@Latin-Times.com or (813) 407-6866 For more great events, visit us at: Latin-Times.com or sign up to receive our e-Latino Weekly Newsletter which features more great event and local news!

The Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce (TLC) is a great organization and a vital resource for the local business community. TLC provides many opportunities for members to convene on a regular basis and to network and discover new business opportunities. TLC also assists local businesses tap into resources that will enable their business to prosper. This philosophy is the basis for TLC’s slogan: “Bringing Businesses and the Latin Community Together to Make Top Local Connections”. The 2010 lunch meetings are scheduled for the LAST TUESDAY of each month. Companies or individuals interested in sponsoring or speaking at a future TLC event should contact Ileana Devin at idevin@ mananamarketing.com. Annual membership package has many valuable perks including a FREE Directory Listing in Latin Times Magazine! For additional info visit: www.

TampaLatinChamber.com AAA 14755 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Fl 33618 Contact: Jesse Ferrer – (813) 963-2121 ext 2247 Insurance, travel discounts, roadside assistance www.aaasouth.com

Dignity Memorial 1903 W Reynolds St Plant City, 33563 Contact: Ivan Schmann – (813) 659-1073 Funeral Services www.sci-us.com

Latin-Times LLC PO Box 262574, Tampa, FL 33685 Contact: Jolie R. Gonzalez – (813) 407-6866 Events, Marketing and Advertising Services www.Latin-Times.com

Accounting and Beyond LLC 5225 Ehlich Dr Ste F Tampa, Fl 33624 Contact: Jackie Quinones – (813) 998-9800 CPA, Accounting, Tax Preparation

Do it Now Marketing Group 3111 W Dr. MLK Blvd Ste 100, Tampa, FL 33607 Contact: Itamar J Martinez - 813-503-0212 Marketing and Advertising Services

Lilibeth Cain, PA PO BOX 850 Riverview, FL 33568 Contact: Lilibeth Cain (813) 391-2204 Attorney at Law

Advance Cable Connection P.O Box 8097 Tampa, FL 33674 Contact: Richard Schemitsch - (813) 978-0101 Voice and Data Cabling Installation www.accicable.com

Double Tree Hotel Tampa West Shore 4500 W Cypress St Tampa, FL 33607 Contact: Christian Salazar - (813) 998-2210 www.hilton.com

Major League Financial 100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL 33594 Contact: Gustavo Bustamante - 813-523-5120 Tax Preparation, Financial Planning, Bookkeeping, Payroll www.MajorLeagueFinancial.com

An Amazing Organization 20435 Moss Bend Ct. Lutz, FL 33558 Contact: Alicia Trigo - (813) 865-5316 International Business Consulting www.amazingorg.com AXA ADVISORS 4890 W Kennedy Blvd Suite 800 Tampa, FL 33609 Contact: Roger Silvera – (813) 546-1876 www.axaadvisors.com Bank Atlantic 9300 56th St Temple Terrace, FL 33617 Contact: Diego Malagon/Kathie Miley – (813) 985-6700 Banking Services www.bankatlantic.com Beatriz Accurate Translations Contact: Beatriz Bujan – (941) 773-3834 Translation Services Casa Mexicana Restaurant 4115 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33617 Contact: Lidu Rivera – (813) 983-9205 Mexican Restaurant Chase Bank 10943 Causeway Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511 Contact: David Aponte - (813) 571-0841 Banking Services Coulter, Aviles, & Jackson LLC 14452 Bruce B Downs Tampa, FL 33613 Contact: Jon Aviles – (813) 514-1729 CPA, Accounting, Tax Preparation www.cajcpa.com CruiseOne Tampa 11218 Pocket Brook Dr Tampa, FL 33635 Contact: Maria T Steijlen - (813) 855-0373 Cruise and Travel Services www.cruiseone.com Demolition Comics, INC 4049 S Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, Fl 33611 Contact: William Insignares - (813)885-5171 Comics and Collectibles www.demolitioncomics.com

Duque & Associates 4509 N Armenia Ave Tampa, FL 33603 Contact: Frank A Duque – (813) 998-0803 Para-Legal Services Entravision Communications 2610 W Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33614 Contact: Ileana Iturriaga - (813) 998-3601 Television Advertising www.entravision.com Florida State Fair Authority 4800 US Hwy 301 North Tampa, FL 33510 Contact: Denise Shreaves – (813) 627-4313 Events Services, State Fairground www.doacs.state.fl.us Frederick Communications & Consulting, LLC 3837 Northdate Blvd # 112, Tampa, FL 33624 Contact: Al Frederick 813-758-9149 Marketing and Public Relations www.Frederickcommunicationsconsulting.com Global TPA LLC 5403 N Church Ave Tampa, FL 33614 Conatct: Ricardo Cabrera / John Williams – (813) 506-6000 ext 1116 Health Insurance www.freedonhealth.com Hart 1202 E 7th Ave Tampa, FL 33605 Contact: David Armijo - (813) 223-6831 Transportation www.gohart.org International Bancard 8551 Tradecant Loop Land O’Lakes, FL 34637 Contact: Bill Brink – (813) 777-3569 Credit Card and Merchant Services www.internationalbank.com

Mañana Marketing Devin Ventures Inc 8325 W Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33615 Contact: Ileana Devin – (813) 885-4005 Marketing and Advertising Services www.mananamarketing.com Mary Kay Cosmetics 4028 Audubon Dr Largo, FL 33771 Contact: Deborah Belcher – (727) 480-6781 Beauty and Cosmetics Services www.marykay.com/dbelcher Max GXL 5230 Denver St NE St Petersburg, FL 33703 Contact: June Morris – (727) 463-0354 Energy Drink Wachovia Bank 1304 W Plymouth St Tampa, FL 33603 Contact: Mike Suarez (813) 282-1020 www.wachovia.com Banking Services Museum of Science and Industry 4801 E Fowler Ave Tampa, FL 33617 Contact: Wit Ostrenko/Alicia Slater-Haase, Sara Leonard – (813) 987-6304 www.mosi.org My Print, etc Print Etc 15430 N. Nebraska Avenue, Lutz, FL 33549 Contact: Dennis Kinard – (813) 972-2800 Printing Services www.myprintetc.com

Rodan + Fields Bilingual 13528 West Shore Dr Tampa, FL 33618 Contact: Luisa Meyer- (813) 264-4929 Skin Care Sonrise Seafood LLC 4503 E 7th Ave Tampa, FL 33605 Contact: Barry Hughes (813) 241-9300 Seafood Distributor www.sonriseseafood.com Southern Crafted Homes 3840 Land O Lakes, Land O lakes, FL 34639 Contact: Jim Deitch - (813) 751-0210 ext 332 Home Builder www.southercraftedhomes.com Suntrust Bank 4545 N Himes, Tampa, FL 33614 Contact: Leo Alvarez - 813-872-8377 Banking Services Superior Foundation Solutions 5225 Ehlich Dr Ste F Tampa, FL 33624 Contact: John Quinones / John Lang (813) 601-5888 Construction Services Tampa International Airport Website Tampa International Airport, Tampa, FL 33614 Contact: Trudy Carson - (813) 870-8794 www.tampaairport.com Caez Chiropractic 1623 E 4th Ave Tampa, FL 33605 Contact: Dr. Brian Caez – (813) 827-4455 Chiropractic Services www.drcaez.com Tampa Port Authority 2002 Guy N Verger Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33605 Contact: Jim Pyburn – (813) 905-5122 Cruise and cargo services www.TampaPort.com Telemundo 402 N Reo St Tampa, FL 33609 Contact: Francisco J Moll – (813) 319-4949 Television Advertising www.zgsgroup.com USF 31343 Anniston DR. Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Contact: Jessica Taylor - 813-507-9898 Education

Norma C Reno International Attorney Contact: Norma C Reno – (813) 390-5709 International Law

Weight & Body Solutions 5907 Webb Road Tampa, FL 33615 Contact: Michael Berkezchuk – (813) 886-6959 Weight Loss

J & L Green Light Insurance 5001 N Nebraska Ave Ste D Tampa, FL 33603 Contact: Mirelia Arenas - (813) 514-0888 Insurance Services

Nuskin 1198 Lazy Lake Rd Dunedin, FL 34698 Contact: Angela Maria Yates - (813) 810-9402 Anti-Aging www.pharmanexmd.com

WMORTV32/ESTRELLA TV 7201 East Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33610 Contact: Ken Lucas – (813) 626-3232 Television Advertising www.hearst.com

JCT Travel 8722 Bay Crest Lane Tampa, FL 33615 Contact: Eloy “Greg” Gregory - (813) 376-4219 Travel Services

NYSTYLE Events PO Box 46716 Tampa, FL 33647 Contact: Barbara Cruz – (813) 907-6204 Events

WTOG-TV Contact: Sophia A. Lopez – (727) 570-4228 365 105th Terrace St. Petersburg, FL 33716 Television Advertising www.wtogtv.com

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