Click here to learn more about the organizers

For the past couple of months, LATISM has been working in collaboration with a group of Latina movers and shakers within our community in a campaign that includes, among other things, a Survey to study the Latina Blogosphere and a  Social Fiesta at the BlogHer Conference in August. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, LATISM is now able to offer five additional scholarships to bring a group of Latina women bloggers from around the United States to the BlogHer ’10 Conference.

The submissions to apply for our scholarship poured in from around the Latina blogosphere – so many in fact, that our amazing Scholarship Selection Committee has had a very tough time trying to narrow it down to just five winners!

From the mother of five who started blogging in order to share her daily experiences with her family, to political and environmental bloggers and everything in between, EVERY SINGLE APPLICANT is worthy of a scholarship. The five selections below represent the submissions that garnered the most votes and support from our Latinas in Social Media committee, in a very transparent and democratic process.

Today, we are proud to announce the recipients of the Latinas in Social Media BlogHer Scholarship [in no particular order]:

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE AND CONGRATS TO ALL!!

Winner: Liz Cerezo

Blog[s]: Thoughts of a Mommy (TOAM), Disneylandia al Día (D.a.D)

TOAM is a blog in Spanglish showcasing an array of giveaways, product reviews, and recipes with a Latina twist.  Disneylandia al Día is the only blog in Spanish about Disneyland in California.

Winner: Janis Casares

Blog[s]: Sneak Peek At Me

Janice uses her role as a special needs mom to bring awareness and advocacy to parents/children with special (or medical) needs.

Winner: Maegan “la Mamita Mala” Ortiz

Blog[s]: Vivirlatino

A daily site, completely mujer-owned and written on Latino politics & culture from a radical perspective

Winner: Blanca Stella

Blog[s]: Mi Caminar

A blog about motivation, inner peace, inspiration and faith

Winner: Dariela Cruz

Blog[s]: Mami Talks

Dariela writes about anything related to family, life, whatever inspires her as a mom/woman/designer/latina as viewed through her camera lens, her bi-cultural family and her design point of view.

Scholarship Winners Will Receive [Estimated value: $800]

• A Full-pass conference ticket
• A hotel room shared with another Bloguera
• Partial cover of flight ticket
• Access to Conference sessions and networking parties, including our very own Social Fiesta on Thursday August 5, 2010

Criteria to win the scholarship were:

• Must be a Latina
• Must be a Blogger
• Must be over 18 yrs. old
• Must be a U.S. blogger
• Blog must be at least 6 months old with over 75 posts
• We also looked at factors like geographic representation, blog topic and seniority

The Process and Follow-Up:

We received a total of 33 applications to our Latinas in Social Media Scholarship. All applicants’ information was compiled, reviewed and voted on by our Scholarship Selection Committee. All votes were then discussed and tallied. Winners were selected by amount of votes from each of the committee members.

Because we believe every single applicant on that list deserves a scholarship, we have decided to take steps into getting the applications fulfilled via additional donations and other tactics.  We will reveal our plan of action to help bring the rest of our non-winning applicants in a separate communication, so stay tuned.

LATISM is keeping the roster of applicants and the remaining, non-winning applicants will be given priority by order of votes. A full list is available upon request. To obtain the full tally of votes, to inquire about your standing in particular, or if you’re interested in helping more Latinas to take advantage of this learning opportunity, please contact Elianne Ramos at elianne@latism.org

© Alina Sapunova | Dreamstime.com

We can still hear it in our heads [insert mother's naggy voice here]:

“Dime con quien andas y te diré quien eres”

(Tell me who you hang out with with and I’ll tell you who you are)?

Yes, having –and seeking- role models is deeply imbedded in our culture. Whether we want to admit it or not, our parents were right: The people we hang around, the people we look up to, the icons we hold dear… they all play a role in who we become, the person we are today. On a bigger scale, these role models are the beacons that drive us Latinos as we look to cement our presence in the United States.

So this week at Latism,  WE get to pick our OWN!!

Join us we take a deep look at the cultural icons, the politicians, the celebrities, the social media stars – and why the heck not? – the “Juan Nadies”, those unknown blessed souls who have, in one way or another, inspired us to become our better selves as we go through this road called life.

We have the Billboard, The Grammys, The Academy Awards, The Emmys… why not do the right thing and choose the people WE feel represent a positive role model for generations of US Latinos, young and old?

It’ll be like our very own LATISM Awards Show!

Coincidentally, Univision is airing Premios Juventud, the only awards show where fans decide who’s who in the categories of Film, Music, Image, Sports and Pop Culture: Shakira, Juanes, Juan Luis Guerra, Enrique Iglesias… all will be at hand tonight. One peek at the thread #pj2010, and it looks like it’s going to be a blast!

The Univision show starts a bit early [at 7 pm EST] but we wouldn’t miss it for the world!  So if you’re watching, be sure to join us!

Then stay for our regular #LATISM party at 9 pm and get epic tweets with a side of salsa from the largest, most fun Twibe of Latinos on Twitter: LATISM!

DETAILS:

See you then!

SOME POINTERS:

You’ll need a Twitter account (free) to join the party. If you don’t have one, you can sign up now.

Be sure to follow Elianne Ramos @ergeekgoddess before the party so you can follow the flow = When you get this many Latinos under one “cyber-roof”, it can get very crazy!

When you get to the party, say hi, introduce yourself, ask a question or jump right in on the conversation! Just use the tag #latism in all of your party tweets. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!

UPDATE – July 17, 2010: The Latism BlogHer Scholarship application is now officially closed, and the applications are under review. Winners will be announced on Monday, July 19, 2010 via FB, Twitter and post on this blog.

LATISM would like to thank every single one of the Latina Bloggers who have applied. Good luck, everyone!

Our Latina Bloguera Survey is still underway, deadline is Friday, July 23. Results of the Survey will be revealed at the BlogHer ’10 Conference.

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A group of 16 Latinas in Social Media have undertaken a huge project! That is to unveil the reality of the Latina Blogosphere and to celebrate our culture(s) together.  We would like to thank BlogHer for all the support we are receiving from them.

Our project consists of the following:

1) A Survey to study the Latina Blogosphere – in English – y en Espanol

2) A Scholarship program to bring a group of Blogueras to BlogHer10.  Apply here

3) A comprehensive report unveiling the findings and results – During BlogHer10

4) A documentary about the Blogueras – During BlogHer10

5) A BlogHer Community party – During BlogHer10

6) A presentation during BlogHer about the results of our study – During BlogHer10

7) A series of publications and articles on national media about this project.

Meet the movers and shakers of this project:

Coupon_Chica

Web: http://ahorrosparamama.com/

Denisse has a deals blog in Spanish and a love for marketing. A Denisse de AhorrosparaMama.com le encanta ayudar a los demás!

DrMommy

• Web http://drmommyhel…
• Dr, Wife, Mom to 5,Pub. Author,Teacher, Consultant, Radio Host,MomTV Host ~~ Dr.Mommy Writes team will help enhance your online presence~1 Word at a time

carogonza

• Web http://caroincaro…
• Author: Carolyn in Carolina & the Art of Random WillyNillyness.PR Friendly, Writer, Director of Development, Event Planner, Tica

KetyE

• Web http://www.huffin…
• Entrepreneur | Consultant | Creative | Published Author | TV Commentator | Ivy League Graduate | Exec. Coach

NewYorkChica

• Web http://newyorkchi…
• Latina Mami Blogger. Social Media Fanatic. Loves NYC, Events, Movies, Shopping & My Family.

ohMariana

• Web http://ridingwith…
• If I could compare my life – motherhood, marriage, and everything it entails – to anything, it would be to riding a bike with no hands. I’m teetering along…

ergeekgoddess

• Web http://www.eliann…
• Hopelessly Undomestic • Globetrotter • Author • CEO, Speak Hispanic Comm & PR • LATISM Vice-Chair, Comm • The Universe’s 1st & only GEEK GODDESS! www.elianneramos.com

MsLatina

• Web http://latinaonam…
• Single Latina living “la vida loca”, raising 2 boys and enjoying a Latinalicious life! iBlog, iReview, i♥PR! • Creator of #WepaWednesday•

JulieDiazAsper

• Web http://www.mobile…
• A latina getting social for the cause. Advocacy. Green Mom. CEO of @DBestOf. Love all things mobile and food related.

laprimera

• Web http://laprimerab…
• Bio A working mama living a life I love

modernmami

• Web http://www.modern…
• Latina working mami. Blogger. Consultant. Wanna-be professional dancer

laflowers

• Web http://SpanglishB…
• Co-editor at SpanglishBaby–Freelance TV Producer–Social Media Consultant–Bilingual–Bicultural–Mamá–Vessel @SpanglishBaby

mamalatina

• Web http://www.mamala…
• I’m a SAHM, I’ve started a bilingual blog for Mamas Latinas. Vengan a visitarme!

jeannettekaplun

• Web http://www.todobe…
• Viva la Familia’s Emmy nominated TV Host, Co Founder/ Chief Content Officer Todobebe. Presentadora TV, Editora de Todobebé, latina. Mamá. Mom. Parenting blogger

TheOnlineMom

• Web http://www.theonl…
• Leading a community devoted to promoting a healthy understanding and appreciation for the positive role technology can play in a child’s life

AnaRC

• Web http://www.premie…
• Bio Social Entrepreneur, Social Media Developer: iPhone, Twitter, Facebook Apps. CEO of Premier Social Media, Founder of LATISM, Proud Latina, Mother and Wife

CarrieFWeir

• Web: http://www.google.com/profiles/CarrieFWeir
• Writer, former journalist, entrepreneur, publicist/ WeirPR. Co-owner @LosPollitos Spanish tees and editor at @TikiTikiBlog. Latina. Cuban-American.

Click here to take the survey!

July 6^th, 2010

Contact:

Elianne Ramos

Vice-Chair, Communications and PR

646 -932-7752

elianne@latism.org

NEW YORK, NY, USA – July 6, 2010 – Latinos in Social Media [LATISM], the largest organization of Social Media professionals of Latino origin, announced today the launch of the most comprehensive survey of Latina Bloggers conducted to date.

Called “The LATISM Latina Bloguera Survey,” and conducted through www.surveymonkey.com, the leading online research tool, the goal of this survey is to go beyond the demographics, geography and language questions to get an in-depth look at why Latinas blog and the impact of their cultural background on their blogging.

The Blogger market is a large one and growing rapidly. According to a 2007 study conducted by Blog search engine Technorati, there are more than 71 million active blogs online. Latinas, one of the fastest-growing blogging demographics, have traditionally been overlooked and undercounted in these type of surveys.

According to LATISM’s Chair and Founder, Ana Roca-Castro, the aim in conducting the survey is to provide visibility to the Latinas in this arena while providing valuable comprehensive information to the corporations who are interested in reaching this highly coveted market. “One of the highest priorities at LATISM is to function as a bridge between corporations and organizations, and the Latina bloggers out there who need their support. This survey is an important step in that direction,” said Roca-Castro. “These passionate women capture the effervescence of our culture in a way that is, literally, changing the face of blogging. LATISM is the megaphone through which their stories can be amplified so that their messages can reach even farther.”

A detailed report of the survey will be presented during the Latinas In Social Media panel at the BlogHer 2010 conference. Results will also be featured in a video that will be unveiled during the panel presentation and at the Social Fiesta BlogHer community party held at the Hilton Hotel in New York on August 5^th. After the initial unveiling, the report will be distributed online as a special package at a special LATISM landing page on Latism.org. The Survey Package will include the report, summary video and individual blogger clips.

The LATISM Latina Bloguera survey will be the first of a series of surveys that LATISM is planning to conduct through 2011.  Additional information about the LATISM Bloguera Survey can be found at Bloguera survey.

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LATISM BLOGUERA SURVEY FACT SHEET:

Who: Latinos in Social Media, the largest organization of people of Latino origin who are engaged in the social media arena

What: A comprehensive survey of Latinas bloggers demographics, psychographics, preferred topics and blogging tools as well as the impact of their cultural background to their blogging

WHEN: Survey will run from July 1^st to July 15, 2010

SAMPLE: 500+ adult females of Latino descent ages 18 and older

Geographical location: USA and Latin America

Survey Methodology: The first Latina Blogger survey is being conducted online via Surveymonkey.com through July 15, 2010. The survey has a confidence level of plus or minus three percent. This is the first of a series of surveys commissioned by Latinos in Social Media [LATISM], to explore the state of online and social media usage among Latinos.

Video Interviews: Interviews with 20 top Latina bloggers to help capture a more in depth understanding of why Latinas blog and what makes Latina bloggers unique.

RESULTS unveiling: During Latina Blogger Panel at the Blogher ’10 Conference, August 5^th and 6^th, 2010 at the Hilton Hotel in New York City. Encore presentation at LATISM’s Social Media Fiesta during the Blogher Conference. Results will be available thereafter on a landing page at Latism.org

SURVEY RESULTS PACKAGE:

• Detailed report of findings
• Press releases
• Summary Latina Blogger video
• Individual blogger clips

ABOUT LATISM:

Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) is the first and largest organization to engage, organize, train and promote professionals of Latino origin in the social media arena. We aim to become the bridge between Latino professionals and the companies/organizations who target a Hispanic/ multicultural audience by providing a platform where they can share knowledge, experiences and opportunities for the advancement of all Latinos. We are non-denominational and non-partisan. For more information, visit http://LATISM.org

PRESS CONTACT: To obtain the Survey Results package upon its release, please contact Elianne Ramos, Vice-Chair, Communications and PR, LATISM at 646 -932-7752 or via email at elianne@latism.org.

© Daniel Korzeniewski | Dreamstime.com

As Latism gears up to the loooong [and long-awaited] July 4th weekend, we salute the country that has opened its arms to us, “La patria de todos”:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!!!

Whether we pledge allegiance to the USA by birth, naturalization or personal choice, the July 4th celebration is -as it should be- a joyful time to all of us.

In a country where dulce de leche is the #2 flavor of ice cream behind vanilla, where salsa surpasses Ketchup as the favorite condiment, and Garcia happens to be the 8th most popular last name, there’s little doubt that we Latinos have embraced America and planted a big, wet cultural kiss in its metaphorical cheek.

No longer are we in search of the American Dream: We have become el Sueño Americano!

But have we, really? What exactly is our place in this so-called land of immigrants?

Are we Latinos, Americanos or Latino Americanos?

Does referring to oneself as American imply “selling out” one’s Latino-ness and viceversa?

Are we destined to be, as La India Maria so famously said: “Ni de aquí ni de allá”?

And what role does the “Collective We” - all of us as Latinos in Social Media- have in bridging these two worlds?

So many questions… to which we just know you have PLENTY of answers!

Please join us as we dissect our dual American and Latino identities over a virtual barbacoa and margaritas! We even got some fireworks for you, a special prize courtesy of tonight’s guest, @Tecnopadres!

But remember, you’ve gotta be IN IT to WIN IT!

DETAILS:

THE USUAL POINTERS:

You’ll need a Twitter account (free) to join the party. If you don’t have one, you can sign up now.

Be sure to follow Elianne Ramos @ergeekgoddess before the party so you can follow the flow = When you get this many Latinos under one “cyber-roof”, it can get very crazy!

When you get to the party, say hi, introduce yourself, ask a question or jump right in on the conversation! Just use the tag #latism in all of your party tweets. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!