Right after the initial excitement of entering the White House, getting a couple of pictures and seating, the reality of this opportunity was clear: we were there to start something that will go beyond those couple of hours. This was the moment to make ourselves noticeable and communicate directly with the government representatives about the needs of our community.

The questions were as varied as the group of bloggers that was present and ranged from immigration to health, letting it clear that our priorities as Latina mothers; professional women and communicators represent those of the community. Also there were talks about education, which is a very important subject to me and there were questions ranging from the isolation that special needs children experience in schools to the possibility of making bilingual school standard in the country.

The hours were productive, and besides the questions of the Top Bloggers we were given information about the different programs targeting Latinos that the administration has like La Mesa Completa, Let’s Move y Choose My Plate that aim to motivate families to lead healthier and more active lives.

In general, going to the White House was a unique experience that left me with a lot to think about and with the conviction that as a community we should continue to fight for the things we need and for a better education for our children. Being there to ask our questions was important, but the work is just beginning and it’s in the hands of each one of us.

The other face of the conference

With Yoly Mason at the White House. Image courtesy of Maybelline Valenti.

Besides the curricular activities, conferences are always a space to bond, create new connections and friendships. Between activities we can get to know each other a bit more and I think is the complement of an event where very serious subjects were talked about and at the same time we could have a laugh.

From my individual interactions, I enjoyed the conversations with my roommate, Helena Osorio, to whom I am very funny and she laugh to absolutely everything I said, EVERY THING, I swear. But between laughs, I loved our candid conversations, between us women, without pretensions.

Talking with my friend Maybelline Valenti, with whom I had talked a lot before on the phone, but had never had the opportunity of seeing each other in person, added a lot to the whole experience. Is great knowing that the warmth felt through the digital space is even bigger and real in person.

Another fun moment was after taking a walk in the neighborhood, Helena Osorio, Dariela Cruz, Denisse Icaza and I at the hotel patio, telling stories as I had not done for a long time, Helena could not tell a joke because the laugh did no let her say much and I had a lot of fun.

An incredible closing

After listening to the executive women speakers with a lot of experience in their respective areas, the closing of the conference was the perfect complement. Three exceptional women from our digital community who are an example to follow in each of their areas of expertise, motivated us, provided facts and a presentation of our reality as professional Latinas that was clear.

Ana Flores, Jeannette Kaplun and Dr. Angélica Perez-Litwin, PhD opened my eyes to keep more focus in my objectives, be loyal to my beliefs and at the same time develop an entrepreneurial side to allow the things that I am passionate about and the ideas I have to develop and be a real source of financial security for me and my family.

To all the women who gave their time to share knowledge and experiences and that generously offered their advice, I thank you all very much.

To LATISM and the whole team who worked to make this event possible I also give thanks. Special shout out to the three women at the front of all this: Elma Placeres Dieppa, Elianne Ramos and Ana Roca Castro. You rock!

This post is also available in: Spanish