Standing Out, Standing Up

Tonight I went to the National Latina Institute of Reproductive Health “Somos Poderosas” award ceremony. Since moving away from Texas, I have asked myself "Where are we?", "Where are all the Latin@s?" I see us in neighborhoods, I see us commuting, but I don't see us represented in the work place. Not in NGOs, not in law offices, not in the government. I see us pop up in campaign commercials and the occasional advertisement, but for the most part we are this huge group of invisible people. This is much too common of an occurrence with minority women.

Meet the women who refuse to be invisible.

We are not passive; we are powerful. We are not victims; we are victorious. We not are invisible; we are invincible

-Miriam Yeung, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum

↓↓↓ CLICK HERE TO

I apologize! I did not have the foresight to bring my SLR camera.

 

Stephanie Rodriguez, honoree, looked stunning in this blue-green and gold detailed dress.

Alica Chavez (left) in a traditional print maxi skirt and black leather jacket with Lady Bautista (right), honoree, in a cuffed black blazer.

Bettina Ramon looked effortlessly cool in a v-neck blouse, hoops, and horned rimmed glasses.

Later, I saw a group of women in the corner who I was immediately drawn to (later I found out why). I introduced myself and realized immediately I have never had to talk about blogs to anyone in Spanish before. I managed to convey I was a part of a blog of women of color and we talked about fashion and other current issues. I thought they were very cool and stylish. Then I found out what had compelled me to rush over to introduce myself:

Because these badass activists were from Texas!!! There were even a couple from my hometown!

I immediately fell in love as they began to chanted my town's name and clapped. I was so proud to see Texas women organizing for reproductive health. Our struggles in Texas will be a hard fight and I am so happy to meet the women who work to protect our rights.

I am upset my photos didn't come out (1, 2)! You missed out on Elsa's beautiful sequined cardigan and Dora's and Paula's perfectly red hair. But I want to thank you all; Lucy Felix, Mayra Blas, Paula Saldaña, Dora Proa, Elsa Guzman, Carmen Chavez, Dora Marroquin and Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Lopez. 

Yo tengo un mensaje por todo de mi compañeras,  yo te apoyo. Estan lindas and poderosas. Estoy muy agradecido por su trabajo. Gracias.

As for me, between the rain and 5 hours of traveling, I decided to postpone a fashion post. Instead enjoy my new backpack from Target (with 20% off discount!) and my Sandra Ingrish purple gingham shirt PERFECT for busty ladies. Seriously, this is the best button down I have ever owned. My only recommendation is not to put it in the dryer!!!

I promise a real fashion post next time!