Contents
04. Message from the CEO
Special Guests 08. Luz María Doria 09. Damaris Diaz - John G Mario Arévalo - Mónica Portillo
Latinas de Éxito 2017 Producers Latinus Media Network, Corp. Jairo Zuluaga María T. Carvajal Editor Diana Torres Graphic Designer Jairo Ramirez
12. Miriam Morales
14. Olga El Sehamy
20. Maggie Martinez
22. Astrid Córdoba
24. Gloria Baca
26. Victoria Drago
28. María I. Nieto
30. Luisa Ramos
32. Ángela Pérez
34. Jazmin Carrillo
10. Vanessa Pino Lockel
Audiovisual Editor Daniel “Nelo Conde” Photography Jacob De Jesús Empire State Photography
16. Cristina Cerón
John Barragán Agora Photography
www.latinus.tv jz@latinus.tv 180E. Main Street, Suite 205A Patchogue, NY 11772 Copyright © 2017
Message from the CEO
Welcome to LATINAS DE EXITO 2017
JAIRO ZULUAGA CEO/President Latinus Media Network, Corp.
Latinas de Éxito
T
he United States is considered one of the countries with the best environment for female entrepreneurship in the world. However, to succeed, the Latin woman has had to face a greater challenge, and is to have to overcome a triple discrimination; for being a woman, an immigrant and a female worker. But this has not stopped Latina immigrants from participating actively with leadership positions worldwide. Latinus Media Network presents in its third version of “Latinas of Success�, a recognition that from the beginning has preserved the spirit with which it started, honoring all those women who, for their leadership, initiative, community service, professional growth, resilience and authenticity contributes to the development of our community.
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Who are the Latinas of Success? Latinas of Success are characterized by being women seeking economic independence; they have great determination, willpower, courage, endeavor, perseverance, hard work, and they are eager to move forward. In addition, many of them have started businesses, organizations, built entire families, and challenged different types of circumstances, such as unemployment, economic instability and language barrier in most cases. Also, there are many more successful Latinas who can be admired and presented as examples of success and persistence, like these 12 women that we are honoring in 2017, for outstanding in different areas while printing the Latin stamp everywhere they go and for which we are proud to present them.
BEHIND THE SCENES
SPECIAL GUEST
Luz María Doria S
he is one of the most influential executives of the Hispanic television in the United States. She is currently the Vice President and Executive Producer of “Despierta América” and in her book “La mujer de mis sueños” she tells us the key to her success. He studied communications at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, where she graduated in 1986 and began her correspondence practices at the “El Universal” newspaper in Cartagena, Colombia. In that same year she began to work in Editorial America - then Editorial Televisa - like reporter of the magazines Cosmopolitan and TV Y Novelas USA under the direction of Cristina Saralegui. From 1991 until 2011 she was editor of Cristina magazine, and in 1998, she was editor of the book “Confidencias” by Cristina Saralegui.
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LATINAS DE ÉXITO
Masters of Ceremony
Damaris Diaz
A
ccomplished multicultural and bilingual Marketing Media Professional with 12+ years experience in brand marketing, client relations, project management, creative development, video production, digital and television media. Damaris has also worked as a correspondent on “Despierta America”, a national morning show on Univision network,
where she focused on entertainment, promotional movie features, fitness, and unique human interest stories. She has also been featured as a host and entertainment reporter on WXTV (the local Univision affiliate), where she promoted trending brands, interviewed famous Latino personalities, made appearances at community/cultural celebrations, and hosted live events. Damaris has received two Emmy nominations and many special recognitions from diverse organizations.
JOHN G El Colombiano de la Radio
J
ohn Gutierrez better known as John G was born in Cali Colombia. He started his career early in life as a DJ at 15 years old. After getting a degree in business administration and realizing a desk job just wasn’t right for him, he decided to attend Connecticut School of
Broadcasting. After graduation he became part of the promotions team at WXNY in NYC. In 2010 he joined La Fiesta 98.5FM and has been a great addition to the team bringing his drive, his flavor and doing what he loves most being on the radio.
Guest Artists
Mario Arévalo Mario was born and raised in El Salvador. He received his Master degree in music from the prestigious College of Fine Arts at Boston University and his Bachelor’s Degree from The Conservatory of Music at Purchase College. In 2008, Mario was a National finalist in the National Opera Association Young Artist Competition, in which he received the Legacy Award. In addition to receiving
Monica Portillo
A
talented Salvadorian violinist who from a very young age had a passion for classical music. She dreamed in playing for an orchestra and later made that dream a reality. She was inspired by Antonio Vivaldi and began taking violin lessons at the age of 14. She attended a prestigious university in El Salvador completing 3 years of psychology, and later on she graduated in music.
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an Honorary Mention Award in the Five Towns Young Artist Competition, he was a Finalist and Award winner at the New Hampshire Opera Idol Competition. Thi s ye a r ha s b rought exc iti ng opportunities for Mario, in February he had the honor to sing in Miami, Florida with Andrea Bocelli in his world tour and he will be traveling to El Salvador to sing the theme song for “El País Que Viene” book release with the international singer Arquimedes Reyes.
The beginning was challenging, not everyone appreciated classical music. This is when Monica decided to alter her music to a more modern and innovative style. In July of 2016, she arrived in New York and with the mindset of growing artistically. In February of this year she released her first original song “Sunrise” which was recorded in Manhattan and she is currently working on her first album.
LATINAS DE ÉXITO
VANESSA
PINO LOCKEL
Suffolk County Regional Representative for Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
V
anessa Pino Lockel is currently the principal external affairs link between NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Suffolk County, her skills have led her to represent one of the most important men of the State of New York. With great communication skills, Vanessa has become a leader and referent for the Suffolk County community, carrying positive messages to regain people’s trust in the current government. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates University and a Master in Public Administration from Columbia University, she also earned a Ph.D. in Social Welfare from Stony Brook University, with a focus on financial management. Her work experience has led her to design communication strategies and brand positioning strategies for (NYCBA), a distributor and bottler of non-alcoholic beverages. She was also a member of the Office of the State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, she worked as press secretary. In addition to that, she worked at the former New York State Banking Department under Superintendent Diana Taylor, her position was director of community affairs. However, one of the experiences she remembers the most was the one entrusted to her by Governor Cuomo in 2013, when he asked her to help the community of New York, which was affected by the hurricanes Sandy and Irene. She defines herself as a persistent woman who acts with determination, recognizing the strengths that have allowed her to achieve success and overcome the obstacles presented to her throughout her professional career. In 2015, she was awarded by Long Island Business News, as one the 50 most influential women in the business world, fruit of her effort and dedication.
“Live, life is too short and we must enjoy it” Watch the VIDEO Interview: www.latinus.tv
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She admits that success is achieved when there is a balance in life, reason that leads her to be a better person and thus be someone her husband and the people around her can be proud of, a better mom for her children and a better professional every day. Her advice to new generations is to live the good things that life has to offer so they can discover the vast world of possibilities they have to grow and improve in what they wish to, in summary: Live, because life is too short and we must enjoy it. Vanessa Pino Lockel stated.
LATINAS DE ÉXITO
MIRIAM
MORALES Actress
M
iriam Morales was born and raised in Brentwood, NY, by her maternal grandmother along with her 3 sisters. She has Puerto Rican roots and artistic blood running through her veins. Since a very young age she knew that her future and dreams would be related to the show business world, because her family has been surrounded by theater, dancing, writing and acting. At the age of 5 years old, she played her very first role in a school play. With the passage of time, her dream became an obsession, and while her friends dreamed of studying law or becoming doctors, she dreamed of being an actress. During her search, she found ADELANTE, a social organization in Suffolk County, that was offering a grant of five thousand dollars for anyone looking to study a career. So, she enrolled, presented an essay and got selected to use the grant in the career of her choice. Without thinking twice about it, she enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts to improve and polish her talent. Sometime later, she got admitted to Fordham University at Lincoln Center, and got a degree in communications and Latin American studies.
“May the limitations of love not cast a spell on the serious ambitions of my mind”
The doors to acting have been opened so far, and she has had the opportunity to be in very popular series such as Law & Order and Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black”, reason which makes her think that you can achieve anything you put your mind into. That’s why she recommends young people to pursue their goal, no matter what others may say, “Have faith and believe in yourselves, learn to silence the negative and focus on the positive”.
Watch the VIDEO Interview: www.latinus.tv
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LATINAS DE ÉXITO
OLGA
EL SEHAMY
Director of the organization Adelante of Suffolk County
O
lga arrived from San Andres Tuxtla, Mexico more than 20 years ago, and since her arrival to the United States, she knew she would stay here to form a family and grow personally and professionally regardless of any obstacle. Challenges have always been part of her life, but her courage and perseverance led her to obtain a master in business, as well as a project management certification, and thanks to that and her work experience, she had the opportunity to lead engineer teams dedicated to aviation. However, one of her greatest wish always was to help the community, which is why she volunteered to work in VIBS (Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk), helping victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. In 2010, she received the “Make a Difference Day” award from the Paul Newman’s Foundation and USA TODAY, as a recognition of the work done for the homeless. Her dream has always been to help others and that led her to leave her business career and take the decision to assume the position of Director of Adelante of Suffolk County, a non-profit organization that provides various services to minority and low income groups in the Suffolk County.
“Life is not about the breaths you take but about the moments that takes your breath away” 14 www.latinus.tv
Olga El Sehamy is proud of her family, because along with her husband, children and grandchildren, she has achieved success, they have grown up together under the values of respect for others and helping the needy, that’s why the conviction of solidarity is an important pillar that has grown inside her family and with which she expects to continue supporting those who, like she once had, have to overcome a lot of difficulties.
Watch the VIDEO Interview: www.latinus.tv
LATINAS DE ÉXITO
CRISTINA CERÓN
Lawyer of the organization SEPA Mujer
C
ristina was born in the United States, but her roots are Salvadoran and from a very young age she had to face what it is to be the daughter of immigrant parents; however, with courage and the help of her parents, she studied law at Hofstra University and she currently works as a lawyer in the public sector, providing services to immigrants and victims of other crimes. She also has studies in psychology and criminal justice specialized in women. Her greatest passion is to guide people and advocate for women to have a significant role in society, and that role in turn, can be recognized and valued since every day she has to deal with cases of women who feel discriminated against at work or who suffer injustices in a daily basis. Her parents taught her humility and that’s why they have become the engine that leads her to be better every day. And, no matter if she fails the first try, she considers that success is in rising every time you fall and in being consistent when the goal has been reached. And in the same way that her parents taught her to put herself in someone’s shoes, she considers that future generations should try the same and never lose connection with their roots, or the human warmth that cools down, whenever the technology and social networks knock on the door.
“Be proud of your roots and always look forward”
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Watch the VIDEO Interview: www.latinus.tv
USGlobal Airways intends to launch flights to popular European destinations from Newburgh, New York. The airline changed its name from Baltia Air Lines after restructure, and hopes to bring more international flights to Hudson Valley.
U
SGlobal Airways, a proposed new U.S.-based international airline, on May 11, 2017 announced its intention to operate transatlantic passenger flights between Stewart International Airport and selected European countries covered by the US-EU Open Skies Agreement.
“One of our important corporate goals is to spur economic impact and development that will impact the population of approximately 16.5 million people who reside in a 62 mile radius of Stewart International Airport,� said Anthony D. Koulouris, CEO and President, USGlobal Airways. Located in Newburgh, N.Y., Orange County, Stewart International Airport is operated by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and caters to a large and affluent demographic that resides
www.usglobal.com
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in New York City, the Mid-Hudson NewYork region, Western Connecticut, Northeastern Pennsylvania and Northern New Jersey. USGlobal Airways plans to lease a fleet of B767-300 aircraft which will carry passengers, cargo and mail between Stewart International Airport to such possible destinations as London, Paris, Barcelona, Nice, Naples, Athens, Warsaw, Budapest, Prague, St. Petersburg and Tel Aviv.
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LATINAS DE ÉXITO
Maggie
MARTÍNEZ MALITO Youth Board Executive Director of Nassau County
M
aggie was born in the Bronx to a Puerto Rican family whose principle always was to help others, the gift of sharing is an attribute of her parents and siblings, and together they have dedicated their life to government service, scaling positions inside the White House. Based in Long Island, she earned a Bachelor of Arts from Adelphi University, where she specialized in English and Art History. Thanks to her knowledge in this area, she was involved with several art institutions in Nassau County such as: The Heckscher Museum of Art of Huntington, the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn, NY, among others. Her professional history takes force when the Long Island Association of Arts, named her the first woman Director of the Association, and from there on, a significant tour throughout the public and private sectors began, with the sole purpose of serving the community. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus (ANYSYB), she serves 1.5 million young people annually, to promote values, commitment and sense of responsibility in young people, since they and their families are looking for new opportunities “they are the immediate future of our society, and we must prevent them from drug addiction, gangs or pregnancies”, Maggie said.
“Be engaged, volunteer, share your gifts, your life will be abundant and rich” Watch the VIDEO Interview: www.latinus.tv
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In the 70’s, she began her Government service in New York City, and since then she has applied her expertise to the administration of different mayors, including John Lindsay, from the Department of Housing, also the Legislative Office of the city of New York, in Albany, and from the Department of NY Public Events, among others. The most recent appointment, was made by Long Island Regional Planning Council, thus completing 10 years of commitment to this institution. As a mother and grandmother, she wholeheartedly enjoys her four children who work in law, research, and cinema. Likewise, she thanks God for her 5 grandchildren, and for every happy moment she has.
LATINAS DE ÉXITO
ASTRID
CÓRDOBA
TV/Radio Host and Executive Producer
T
he story of Astrid Cordoba in the United States begins at a very young age, when she and her two brothers step on American ground to reunite with their mother, who with great effort managed to bring them after many years of not seeing her children, after she left to pursue the American dream. Adapting was one of the first steps that she took, and responding to the daily efforts of her mother, she graduated from high school and immediately joined Briarcliffe College, to begin her studies in law. After that, she obtained a job as a paralegal and spokeswoman for the firm (FKMS), without knowing that this would be the gateway to work in the field of communication. Active in the world of radio since 2009, with the program “Alegría al Medio Día” transmitted by La Fiesta 98.5 FM and in the role of “The Princess Maya”, has captivated Hispanic listeners who also receive legal information on rights in the United States. Every opportunity in life has been well used by Astrid, a woman who is defined by her optimism and constant work. Thanks to that, today she works as presenter and executive producer of the program “Adictivo” transmitted by Telemundo, which has a special recognition and is nominated to the EMMY awards, for the work advanced in the television industry.
“Enjoy life because the opportunities only come once”
Her path will continue to work per the effort imposed on each of her purposes, she hopes to advance in her career, personal life and spiritual field to become a role model for other women, who like her, are also building their road to success.
Watch the VIDEO Interview: www.latinus.tv
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LATINAS DE ÉXITO
GLORIA BACA
Director, Relationship Manager of FreedomCare
G
loria Baca is a woman that loves to help others and understands the needs of the community, which has led her to get involved in various social causes. She traveled from Peru to the United States when she was 17 years old to complete her journalism studies at the University of SUNY at Stony Brook, and thanks to her faithful conviction to achieve everything she puts her mind on, she managed to earn a Master in fine arts/electronic journalism from the Institute of Technology in New York. Throughout her professional experience, she has been called for important and management positions in different companies such as: Corporate America, non-profit and Government, Medialink Worldwide, Inc. Also in the legislature of Suffolk and Nassau County, among others, which have brought her personal growth to help her service the community. Gloria is currently Director of the Public Relations Department of FreedomCare, a Medicaid program that helps care for loved ones at home. Gloria lives and enjoys every day, no matter what happens. She always finds teachings and lessons to be better every day.
“Feel very proud of your roots”.
Proud to be Peruvian and with her head held high, she is building the road to success under the values instilled by her father Raúl Baca and thus, be a role model for her 15-year-old daughter Isabela.
Watch the VIDEO Interview: www.latinus.tv
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LATINAS DE ÉXITO
VICTORIA DRAGO Makeup Artist
V
ictoria Drago is a professional make-up artist who moved to Long Island from Cali Colombia, when she was 16 years old, hoping to become the best professional makeup artist; however, she knew that she had to do everything she could to get there. That was the reason why she took English classes and later enrolled on Business Administration, the major that would allow her to build her own company afterwards. Working during the day and alternating her nights between classes and beauty seminars, she began learning in the renowned beauty company “Metamorphosis New York”. Some years later, with extensive experience in everything related to makeup, Victoria Drago created her own brand in 2009 under the name “Victoria’s Makeup Artist”, a makeup company for brides, celebrities, catwalks and different publishing publications. She is the current beauty director of “Vintage NYC Magazine” Victoria has a great ability to highlight each of her clients’ natural beauty regardless of gender or race, because she creates just the right look for each of them. Personally, she is proud to have participated in the “EndAbuse4Good” program as a makeup artist; A project that allowed many abused women to regain their self-esteem and rebuild their confidence in themselves through make-up to highlight their beauty, “because looking good is feeling better” Victoria said.
“Do what you love and don’t worry so much about the money, because the money will follow” 26 www.latinus.tv
Victoria feels that there is a balance in her life every time she sees a smile on her clients, the motor that drives her to continue working is the love of her family, her mom and her daughter drive her to be better, and her husband, who has support her on her dreams, motivates her to continue thinking that everything is possible, if you really want it.
Watch the VIDEO Interview: www.latinus.tv
LATINAS DE ÉXITO
“The love for the country and the community must lead us to move without conditions.One size fits all’’
MARÍA ISABEL NIETO
Consul General of Colombia in New York President of the Society of Foreign Consuls
Watch the VIDEO Interview: www.latinus.tv
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M
aria Isabel Nieto is a lawyer from Universidad de los Andes, with Political Science studies from Paris’ Institut d’Études Politiques and other studies from Cambridge’s Judge Business School; Women and Power, an Executive Program at the Harvard JF Kennedy School of Government, and was a fellow of the Department of State and the Government of Japan. In January of 2017, she reached two (2) years as General Consul of Colombia in New York after being the Personal Secretary and High Presidential Counselor of the President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos. She was Deputy Minister of Interior affairs and justice (20062009), Bogota’s city council, elected by popular vote (2003-2006), and Personal Secretary of the first lady during the presidential term of Cesar Gaviria (1990-1994).
She worked for 7 years in the private sector with the Colombian banker Luis Carlos Sarmiento, managing his Foundation. She was also Director of Government Affairs of the multinational Brewer SABMiller. During her tenure as Consul in New York, she served as President of the Coalition of Latin American Consuls in New York (CLACNY), organization that works in the defense of human rights and to improve the living conditions of the migrant community from Central and South America. In November of the same year, she was elected President of the Society of Foreign Consuls composed of 71 countries, being the first woman, and Colombian citizen, in the presidency in the 91 years of the organization’s existence. The last Latino on the Presidency was the Mexican Salvador Beltran del Rio in 2002.
LATINAS DE ÉXITO
“It’s amazing what people can achieve when they believe in themselves”
L
LUISA RAMOS
Beauty Industry Entrepreneur
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uisa Ramos, an Ecuadorian woman arrived at New York along with her husband Carlos Ramos and their 2-year-old child, Juan Carlos, with the firm conviction of marking a milestone in the history of her family. Her aspirations of prospering, led her to sacrifice time with her family at the beginning to work long hours in different American hairdressers and beauty salons, which gave her experience to achieve the dream of reaching work independence; she is a fighter and an entrepreneur, skills that prompted her to study and master the art of haircutting. Already with extensive experience, she got the certification that credited her as a professional stylist and managed to open her first beauty salon in Riverhead, NY, and given the success it had, she began to gradually involve her 4 children and husband until turning it into a family business, which has been surrounded by love and union.
All her sons learned the art of haircutting as a way of life, each of them specialized in a specific field and together, they are a source of pride for her, because she always wanted a successful and close family. Today, she has more beauty salons, and thinks that her passion is hair, because it can transform a person positively. She has a line of men products, known as J Ramos, and another line of woman products named Luisa’s Magic Argan Oil, two brands that have achieved great recognition in the industry. Within her nearest projects, is to have beauty training schools to help more women who, like her, had a dream and made it come true. Luisa Ramos also voluntarily helps the underprivileged people and supports beneficial causes on her native Ecuador, donating supplies to different communities.
LATINAS DE ÉXITO
ÁNGELA PÉREZ
President of Queens Women’s Chamber of Commerce
A
ngela Perez is a beauty consultant and the president of the Queens Women’s Chamber of Commerce. After her arrival to the United States, she fell in love with the country and her American dream, from which she hopes to never wake up, because she has received an enormous blessing. The family has been the important reason for her perseverance and strength for self-improvement and despite of leaving her country, the customs were maintained thanks to the legacy and the education of her parents Dionisio and Margarita, who taught her that the social condition of human beings must never determine the dignity of each person, and under that motto Angela raised her 3 children Vanessa, John and Mayelin Leo, who are an important part in her professional and personal growth. From a very young age she demonstrated her skills as a stylist, which led her to work with renowned personalities such as Carolina Herrera, Raúl Peñaranda, Luis Valenzuela and Oscar de la Renta, who invited her to participate in different fashion weeks in cities like Miami and New York. Once established in the country, Angela begins to make one’s way through her beauty salon and her spa, “Angela Spa Hair Studio” a cozy place that welcomes its visitors with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. She considers that the inner and outer beauty is the greatest strength that every human being has, that is why once a year she makes free days of beauty with her volunteers, for disadvantaged people, to help them recover their self-esteem, with haircuts and personal care in general, to make them feel and look good.
“Choose your profession by vocation”
She has a great ability to lead projects and community work because this is one of her passions, a situation that among other things directed her in 2013 to join the Queens Women’s Chamber of Commerce by the invitation of her friends Martha Elena Ramírez and Patricia Mahecha, and which she is currently the president.
Watch the VIDEO Interview: www.latinus.tv
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LATINAS DE ÉXITO
“The true leader is who leverages the capabilities of his team and makes his people shine”
S
JAZMIN CARRILLO OCHOA
Director of the Dreams Program
Watch the VIDEO Interview: www.latinus.tv
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he is a young dreamer that has been consolidating a social project known as “Dreams Program” for some years now, Dream Program is a project that seeks to help poor Guatemalan children who attend school with great difficulties, especially from San Antonio el Angel Village in San Pedro Ayampuc in her native Guatemala. She migrated to the United States along with her family in 2003 and graduated from Riverhead High School in the East End of Long Island, in the year of 2007. However, Jazmin’s achievements were much farther away despite her young age. The story of the “Dreams Program” begins when Jazmin returns to her country of origin after 10 years, there, she saw the precarious conditions children faced to attend classes, and the life they led framed under poverty.
That’s how the “Dream Programs” was born in 2013, a social project which began financially supporting 10 children through donations from friends and family; little by little the program has spread and it has begun to support more children each time, and even the infrastructure of the school has improved. It currently has 3 more members that contributes to help this community which have granted to date 250 scholarships to underprivileged children thanks to other sponsors that allow these children to benefit from school material, uniforms and other basic elements. The computer lab and a music room already took life, thanks to the management of this young woman who hopes to continue her International Relations Studies, while working in the General Consulate of Guatemala in New York, where she also provides services of assistance and guidance to the community.