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Latinitas

I was pleasantly surprised to find out about Latinitas through an email that popped up in my inbox announcing an upcoming fundraiser. As I clicked through the website, I realized that the organization works with Latina girls in empowering them to create all forms of media that reflects their identity in a positive way. Their online magazine is a place where girls can write about their experiences growing up and also get advice. Latinitas also has an afterschool outreach program that allows girls to create projects with tools that aren’t easily accessible to them otherwise.

Sean and I went to a couple of afterschool workshops and found Latinitas taking pictures of things that symbolize meaning to them. When I asked a student why she liked being a part of Latinitas, she replied that she gets to use technology that she doesn’t have access to at home. Many of these girls come from families that can’t afford to have computers or digital cameras and these girls really cherish the time that they do have to work with them.

Founder Laura Donnelly wants Latina girls to know that they are important and can make a difference. She informed me that the image of the Latina woman is still associated as being the underclass woman. She wants Latina girls to know the difference and have the confidence to reach out to their community in a positive way. Many of the girls were shy when I interviewed them so I had Laura talk to them in front of the camera, which helped. Even though I didn’t have a computer growing up, I now can’t go home without using it for something –it’s kind of like my foundation for communication/information. It touched me knowing that these girls want to spend their extra time to learn something new and make something meaningful.

Eventually, Latinitas will distribute hard copies of their newsletter so more girls can become aware of the organization.

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