Latest news with #Latinas
Refinery29
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Empowerment or Erasure? Karol G's 'Latina Foreva' Sparks Debate Among Latinas
When Karol G dropped her newest single and music video ' Latina Foreva' on May 22, it became undoubtedly clear that the Colombian pop reggaeton artist sought to make an instant Latina pride anthem. The song's hook samples the 'king of reggaeton' Don Omar's 2003 smash hit 'Dile' and features a few seconds of a flamenco-style guitar and violin arrangement that evokes those heard in fellow Colombian artist Shakira's 'Beautiful Liar.' While many fans felt empowered and excited by Karol's lyrics and self-love, others pointed out the glaring lack of Black Latina representation in the visuals and shared mixed feelings about the message of the song. As Karol dances in nothing but a bikini and ski boots alongside a group of other women — all white, thin and curvy, with a similarly bronzed skin tone who also happen to be wearing nothing but bikinis at the snowy ski resort — she sings about a girls' night out with a Colombian, Puerto Rican, Venezuelan, and Dominican who all have 'spice' and curves that 'don't even exist in NASCAR.' With lyrics that are equally as focused on the women's appearances as the music video is, some listeners loved Karol's focus on 'tetas y nalgas' and embraced her comfort in her skin as an empowering display of self-acceptance. Following the May 8 release of Karol's 'Mañana Fue Bonito' documentary on Netflix earlier this year, where she vulnerably opened up about the highs and lows of her music career, 'Latina Foreva' marks a new confident and sensual era for the artist. But other Latine fans in diaspora communities and in Latin America were concerned Karol's words perpetuated stereotypes on what makes Latinas desirable, even going as far as saying that the song reinforces a dangerous myth about Latina hypersexuality. Somos spoke with five Latina women to explore how 'Latina Foreva' uplifts — or overlooks — the complexities of identity and representation. Jennifer Mota, Dominican, Philadelphia When I first saw the promotional clip and identified the lack of representation, my automatic response was "this is tiring." It didn't represent a shared celebration. I had no desire to listen to the song. Although it is framed as a dedication to "Latinas," the selected women — while all stunning — were an underwhelming choice as it feels exclusionary rather than celebratory. The visual is more of a reflection of what the media and society accepts as "Latina features." It mirrors industry standards. ' "Although it is framed as a dedication to 'Latinas,' the selected women — while all stunning — were an underwhelming choice as it feels exclusionary rather than celebratory." jennifer mota ' Simply put: Racism is a global issue. The perspective that it's only a U.S. issue overlooks how white supremacy manifests differently by region. Clearly, the privilege of whiteness and erasure of Black and Indigenous features are not exclusive to the United States when Latin media and music still follow a caste system that prioritizes people with a proximity to whiteness. It absolutely impacts the lived experiences of Black Latinas and their opportunities. Colorism and Eurocentric beauty standards are deeply rooted in colonial history and still influence media and music today. We can't let this kind of societal gaslighting take up space and control narratives; it erases populations, history, and lived experiences. If one of the most visible Latin artists and her team can't understand how her influence erases and perpetuates industry standards, then the intention of the song was never to create a love letter to Latinidad as a whole but rather to uplift the ways Latinas are only celebrated through the lens of a white male perspective. It's neither visually accurate or factual. From a marketing and branding perspective, it's not that hard. To not intentionally pick a mix of shades, body types, and features is a reminder that it isn't a thought at all and fails to honor the beauty and complexity of our cultures. Melissa Vargas Deñó, Dominican, New York When I saw the song title, I felt like "oh yes, give me an anthem." Who doesn't love an anthem celebrating who you are and your culture? And being Dominicana, when I heard 'una domi que lo mueva rico … mmm,' I was like, 'That's me!' As a relatively new mother, there are moments when you wonder if you'll ever feel sexy or like yourself again. Yes, there's a physical transformation, but there's also a deep internal one. Sometimes your sense of womanhood gets blurry amid the chaos of caretaking and the changes your body goes through postpartum. Songs like this let me access that version of myself again. And I think that's part of what modern motherhood really is — redefining who we are on our own terms. When someone like Karol G takes the spotlight and owns her sensuality, it sparks way more controversy than it would if a man did the exact same thing. But to me, she's not just being provocative, she's reclaiming the narrative. She's in control of how she's seen and how she expresses herself, and that's powerful. Especially in reggaeton, a genre that's historically been male-dominated, it's refreshing and exciting to see women like Karol carving out space and shifting the energy. This type of song specifically is more for the girls than the male gaze. As women, we deserve to express ourselves through music — whether it's about sensuality, sex, or anything else — just as freely as men do. And if it makes us feel empowered? Even better. ' "As a relatively new mother, there are moments when you wonder if you'll ever feel sexy or like yourself again. Yes, there's a physical transformation, but there's also a deep internal one. ... Songs like this let me access that version of myself again. And I think that's part of what modern motherhood really is — redefining who we are on our own terms." Melissa Vargas Deñó ' I absolutely acknowledge that there was a lack of diversity in the music video, which is a real bummer because I know that in other videos like "Provenza" there is both skin tone and body diversity, it's one of the reasons why that song is one of my favorites of Karol's. I don't know where the disconnect happened, if it was with the casting or timing, but I think she and the team behind it could have put more effort into showing more diverse women. This is meant to be a really fun song celebrating Latinas, our culture, and who we are, but it definitely missed that mark with that aspect in the music video. Nicole Froio, Colombian-Brazilian, Rio de Janeiro In 12 or so years writing about Latine culture as a Latina woman, I have seen the discussion on whether Latina artists are "too sexual" come and go. It's always a point of contention in the community and I totally understand why. I also have experiences with racialized sexual harassment. But over the years, I've started to question whether it's about how Latinas present themselves that defines us as "sexual" or if it's the racialized hatred of white Americans that transforms us into sexualized objects to be consumed. It bothers me that Latina women's sexuality has to be measured against whether white Americans or Europeans will think of us as sexually available. I think the idea we have to model ourselves so we aren't seen in a particular way borders on conservatism. I understand the controversy, but I need Latinas in our community to understand that Karol G's video isn't to blame for sexual harassment and assault against Latinas — the people who harass and assault are. Karol G skiing half-naked doesn't change half a century of imperialism, colonialism, and sexualized racism against Latinas. ' "Karol G's video isn't to blame for sexual harassment and assault against Latinas — the people who harass and assault are. Karol G skiing half-naked doesn't change half a century of imperialism, colonialism, and sexualized racism against Latinas." Nicole Froio ' No matter how much clothes we wear or don't wear, white Americans and Europeans have historically seen us as animals, as objects who are so sexual that we would never say no to them. Are we really saying that Latinas can't sing and dance about how we are seen sexually because it'll give white men the wrong impression? Amy Quichiz, Colombian-Peruvian, Los Angeles I believe this song can spark discussions about the problems we face with the concept of Latinidad, the internalized racism and prejudiceness, and patriarchal values that women, men, and people hold within our own community. However, it is also important to call out: some people just hate women and it shows. There is a difference between having valid points to a conversation with historical context of the values and traditions we have created and embedded in our community, and another thing is simply saying Karol G does not add any value to the reggaeton genre because of her lyrics. For so long, reggaeton has been a male-dominated genre. Men have always been able to rap about our bodies and how our curves are beneficial to them. Personally, I love hearing Karol G talk about her boobs because I can relate, and fuck yeah, I love them for myself. She admires her own body, which has often been sexualized by men in this industry. To me, this song is for the girls and nobody else. It's about loving yourself, being proud of where you come from, owning your curves for yourself and for no one else, and knowing that you're hot. ' "To me, this song is for the girls and nobody else. It's about loving yourself, being proud of where you come from, owning your curves for yourself and for no one else, and knowing that you're hot." Amy Quichiz ' In the beginning of her song she says, 'ahora todos quieren una colombiana, una…' This line addresses the othering people have always done with Latinas, and still continue to do. There were many moments where I grew up and started to not be proud of being Latina because I knew whiteness was the ideal beauty standards. I love being Colombian and Peruvian, and I romanticize it. Having that be my world, and get this song to my core, is something a non-Latine person will ever understand. Mariel Mejia, Dominican, New York I was genuinely looking forward to the song and video, especially after recently watching her Netflix documentary. I'm not a Karol G stan, but I respect her success and was curious to see what she would release next. But as soon as I saw the lack of diversity in the video, I felt turned off and skipped it before it even ended. I called out the erasure of Black Latina women because it was glaring and felt intentional. Claiming to celebrate Latinas as a whole while excluding dark-skinned, visibly Black Latinas on a global stage only reinforces the idea that we don't belong in the mainstream narrative of Latinidad. All artists are subject to criticism, and this isn't about Karol G being a woman or expressing her sexuality. Personally, her being provocative wasn't even on my radar. I listen to artists like Tokischa, who are just as, if not more, sexually explicit. What stood out to me was the lack of diversity in who was chosen to represent 'Latinas.' The video pushed the same dated narrative that Latinas are all sexy, spicy, bronze, and nothing else. That type of representation isn't just overdone, it contributes to real-world fetishization and harm. Pair that with the lack of racial and body diversity, and the whole thing felt like it was stuck in a 2005 media playbook. ' "The video pushed the same dated narrative that Latinas are all sexy, spicy, bronze, and nothing else. That type of representation isn't just overdone, it contributes to real-world fetishization and harm. Pair that with the lack of racial and body diversity, and the whole thing felt like it was stuck in a 2005 media playbook." Mariel Mejia ' Reggaeton was born from Black and Caribbean roots, yet the genre has long centered lighter-skinned artists as it entered the mainstream. This isn't just about Karol G; it's a systemic issue in an industry dominated by men who've rarely challenged the erasure of Black Latinas. Karol is one of the few successful women in reggaeton, and while that matters, it doesn't absolve her. She still benefits from a system that rewards proximity to whiteness and sidelines the very women whose culture this music comes from. She didn't create the problem, but she and other white Latinas certainly are not disrupting it either.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
/C O R R E C T I O N -- Southland Development Authority/
In the news release, Nathalie Molina Niño and Walker Deibel Confirmed as Latest Speakers for ACHIEVE Summit 2025, issued May 30, 2025 by Southland Development Authority over PR Newswire, we are advised by a representative of the company that the first paragraph, first sentence, should read "The Southland Development Authority (SDA) is excited to announce that celebrated investor, author and one of People Magazine's Most Powerful Latinas, Nathalie Molina Niño, and the founder of Acquisition Lab and Wall Street Journal best selling author, Walker Deibel, have been confirmed as speakers for next month's ACHIEVE Summit 2025 conference in Tinley Park, Illinois." rather than "...the founder of Acquisition Labs and Wall Street Journal best selling author, Walker Diabel,..." as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows: Nationally renowned investors, entrepreneurs and authors add their names to the premier economic summit happening next month TINLEY PARK, Ill., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Southland Development Authority (SDA) is excited to announce that celebrated investor, author and one of People Magazine's Most Powerful Latinas, Nathalie Molina Niño, and the founder of Acquisition Lab and Wall Street Journal best selling author, Walker Deibel, have been confirmed as speakers for next month's ACHIEVE Summit 2025 conference in Tinley Park, Illinois. Nathalie and Walker are the latest additions to a star-studded program of speakers, which includes accomplished real estate developers, entrepreneurs, investors and acclaimed authors, set to headline ACHIEVE. Set for June 27–29 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, the ACHIEVE Summit is an opportunity to unlock generational wealth through real estate investment, business development, partnerships and entrepreneurship. Attendees will include brokers, agents, appraisers, developers, lenders, contractors, legal and accounting professionals—anyone seeking to thrive and scale as an active business developer. Nathalie Molina Niño is a Co-Founder and President at Known, helping build vehicles for multigenerational prosperity. She is an investor, and as part of her work as a champion of women, communities of color and the planet, Molina Niño co-founded the trade organization for Builder Capitalism, a long-view, alternative asset class to Venture Capital. In 2018, her book LEAPFROG, The New Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs, was named one of Book Authority's "Best CEO Books of All Time." Molina Niño launched her first tech startup at the age of twenty and is the co-founder of Entrepreneurs@Athena at the Athena Center for Leadership Studies at Barnard College, Columbia University. "I'm excited to be joining the amazing lineup of speakers at the upcoming ACHIEVE Summit!" Molina Niño said. "This event is all about equipping the next generation of changemakers with the tools to build boldly, and I look forward to sharing tangible strategies to build generational prosperity and invest in systems that empower entrepreneurs." Walker Deibel's work has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., Fast Company, and the Harvard Business Review. Walker has practiced entrepreneurship since 2006, amassing $16.5 million in revenue through acquisitions. He has co-founded three startups, acquired nine companies outright, and has consulted on or participated in over $200 million in business transactions. He's also an active investor in private companies and real estate, an Emmy-nominated film producer, and currently owns companies in manufacturing, online education, and e-commerce. Diebel is a Certified M&A Advisor, Certified M&A Professional, M&A Master Intermediary, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and former SEC-licensed stockbroker. He was awarded the Platinum Award from M&A Source and Thought Leader of the Year by both The Alliance of M&A Advisors and "I'm thrilled to be speaking at the ACHIEVE Summit 2025," said Diebel. "The Southland Development Authority is facilitating an incredible opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs to thrive together. With huge economic upside and hundreds of motivated professionals ready to make a deal, I'm excited to be helping ACHIEVE lay a foundation of excellence for years to come." The ACHIEVE Summit 2025 will be a transformative experience for business owners, real estate developers, investors, and visionaries. Attendees will have the opportunity to unlock financial opportunities, forge game-changing partnerships, and gain insider knowledge that drives revenue. The summit's agenda includes dynamic keynotes, networking events, and workshops on generational wealth, real estate investment, personal fulfillment, and entrepreneurship. "Nathalie Molina Niño and Walker Diebel are two more vibrant additions to the ACHIEVE Summit stage, bringing together groundbreaking work at the intersection of social equity and entrepreneurship. Specifically, they boast extensive expertise in navigating mergers and acquisitions," said Bo Kemp, CEO of the Southland Development Authority. "Alongside our list of nationally recognized speakers, their voices will add incredible depth to our conversations around inclusive growth and generational wealth." For information about meet-and-greet access for VIPs, visit About the Southland Development AuthorityThe Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the south suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development. For more information, visit Media ContactBob Spoerl395948@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Southland Development Authority
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nathalie Molina Niño and Walker Deibel Confirmed as Latest Speakers for ACHIEVE Summit 2025
Nationally renowned investors, entrepreneurs and authors add their names to the premier economic summit happening next month TINLEY PARK, Ill., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Southland Development Authority (SDA) is excited to announce that celebrated investor, author and one of People Magazine's Most Powerful Latinas, Nathalie Molina Niño, and the founder of Acquisition Labs and Wall Street Journal best selling author, Walker Diabel, have been confirmed as speakers for next month's ACHIEVE Summit 2025 conference in Tinley Park, Illinois. Nathalie and Walker are the latest additions to a star-studded program of speakers, which includes accomplished real estate developers, entrepreneurs, investors and acclaimed authors, set to headline ACHIEVE. Set for June 27–29 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, the ACHIEVE Summit is an opportunity to unlock generational wealth through real estate investment, business development, partnerships and entrepreneurship. Attendees will include brokers, agents, appraisers, developers, lenders, contractors, legal and accounting professionals—anyone seeking to thrive and scale as an active business developer. Nathalie Molina Niño is a Co-Founder and President at Known, helping build vehicles for multigenerational prosperity. She is an investor, and as part of her work as a champion of women, communities of color and the planet, Molina Niño co-founded the trade organization for Builder Capitalism, a long-view, alternative asset class to Venture Capital. In 2018, her book LEAPFROG, The New Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs, was named one of Book Authority's "Best CEO Books of All Time." Molina Niño launched her first tech startup at the age of twenty and is the co-founder of Entrepreneurs@Athena at the Athena Center for Leadership Studies at Barnard College, Columbia University. "I'm excited to be joining the amazing lineup of speakers at the upcoming ACHIEVE Summit!" Molina Niño said. "This event is all about equipping the next generation of changemakers with the tools to build boldly, and I look forward to sharing tangible strategies to build generational prosperity and invest in systems that empower entrepreneurs." Walker Deibel's work has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., Fast Company, and the Harvard Business Review. Walker has practiced entrepreneurship since 2006, amassing $16.5 million in revenue through acquisitions. He has co-founded three startups, acquired nine companies outright, and has consulted on or participated in over $200 million in business transactions. He's also an active investor in private companies and real estate, an Emmy-nominated film producer, and currently owns companies in manufacturing, online education, and e-commerce. Diebel is a Certified M&A Advisor, Certified M&A Professional, M&A Master Intermediary, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and former SEC-licensed stockbroker. He was awarded the Platinum Award from M&A Source and Thought Leader of the Year by both The Alliance of M&A Advisors and "I'm thrilled to be speaking at the ACHIEVE Summit 2025," said Diebel. "The Southland Development Authority is facilitating an incredible opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs to thrive together. With huge economic upside and hundreds of motivated professionals ready to make a deal, I'm excited to be helping ACHIEVE lay a foundation of excellence for years to come." The ACHIEVE Summit 2025 will be a transformative experience for business owners, real estate developers, investors, and visionaries. Attendees will have the opportunity to unlock financial opportunities, forge game-changing partnerships, and gain insider knowledge that drives revenue. The summit's agenda includes dynamic keynotes, networking events, and workshops on generational wealth, real estate investment, personal fulfillment, and entrepreneurship. "Nathalie Molina Niño and Walker Diebel are two more vibrant additions to the ACHIEVE Summit stage, bringing together groundbreaking work at the intersection of social equity and entrepreneurship. Specifically, they boast extensive expertise in navigating mergers and acquisitions," said Bo Kemp, CEO of the Southland Development Authority. "Alongside our list of nationally recognized speakers, their voices will add incredible depth to our conversations around inclusive growth and generational wealth." For information about meet-and-greet access for VIPs, visit About the Southland Development AuthorityThe Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the south suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development. For more information, visit Media ContactBob Spoerl395948@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Southland Development Authority Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Are Latina workers lagging behind in the use of AI?
According to a recent report by Latinas in Tech, 92% of Hispanic women consider it crucial to master artificial intelligence, or AI, but only 53% feel confident using it. More than half have never received on-the-job training. Among those who did receive training (31.4%), many found it too generic to be helpful. Additionally, 41% said they did not receive training despite believing they needed it. Nikki Barua, interim executive director of Latinas in Tech—which represents more than 44,000 industry professionals—said the lack of access represents a missed opportunity. 'Latinas have a 69% labor force participation rate, which positions them as a fundamental pillar of economic growth in the United States,' she said. Women adopt AI tools at a rate 25% slower than men, which could leave them behind, the report noted. The International Monetary Fund analyzed the potential impact of AI on the labor market and found that nearly 40% of global employment is exposed to the technology. Historically, automation and information technology have affected routine tasks. But one of the characteristics that differentiates AI is its impact on highly skilled jobs. 'AI therefore poses greater risks to advanced economies compared to emerging and developing markets, but it also presents more opportunities to exploit its benefits,' the IMF reported. The IMF reported that in advanced economies, about 60% of jobs could be affected by AI. Approximately half of those jobs may benefit from AI integration by improving productivity. For the other half, AI applications could take over tasks currently performed by humans, potentially reducing labor demand, wages and hiring. In extreme cases, some jobs could disappear. The Latinas in Tech report found that 55.9% of respondents said they were excited about AI's use in their careers; 25% were cautious; and 13.3% were concerned about being left behind in the field. When asked about the main barrier to accessing training, 39.9% cited lack of time, 27.7% pointed to limited financial resources, 17.6% mentioned insufficient employer support, and 14.9% said they faced no obstacles. Barua emphasized that AI is becoming a core skill across all industries. Ignoring it, she said, risks losing access to a critical portion of the talent pool—just when agility, diversity and innovation are most needed. 'This goes beyond professional development; it's a strategic issue. Companies that invest in training their diverse talent to master artificial intelligence will be better prepared to compete and adapt to the future,' she said. She added that the existing gap is a wasted opportunity—not due to a lack of interest or motivation, but rather a lack of access, investment and targeted training. To help close the gap, Latinas in Tech will host the Latinas in Tech Summit in San Francisco from May 28–30. The summit, expected to draw more than 1,500 attendees, will offer practical tools and foster connections and visibility to accelerate Latinas' leadership in technology. 'The event will serve as a platform to close gaps, empower communities, and build a more inclusive future,' Barua said.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Austin nonprofit to host community technology and arts festival
An Austin-area nonprofit is hosting an interactive festival this week celebrating technology and the arts, with the goal of exposing young Latinas to education and careers in STEM. Latinitas will host its inaugural TechKermés event on Friday, featuring performances, food and interactive activities with local tech companies such as Dell Technologies, Applied Materials, CapMetro, Electronic Arts, NXP Semiconductors and more. "This is part of our community component," Latinitas spokesperson Salwa Yordi told the American-Statesman. This is an opportunity to gather our families, any families in the community, to kick off the summer with us and get to do something different." Founded in 2002, Latinitas aims to empower young girls and communities through "culturally relevant" education. The organization hosts events, like TechKermés and its annual Startup Chica conference, to expose Latino students, especially girls, to careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math, Yordi said. According to a 2024 report by the Kapor Foundation, one in 10 U.S. workers in technology is Latino, with 5% of executive leadership roles and 3% of tech company board seats held by Latino professionals. The report also found that, despite comprising only 10% of the tech workforce in the U.S., Latinos make up about 11.5% of laid off workers in the industry. That same study found that 78% of Latino students have access to foundational computer science courses in high school, compared with 82% of white students and 89% of Asian students. "The numbers when it comes to Latinas in tech, the percentage is really, really low," Yordi said. "These events give them the opportunity to think of a career that they want to engage with. Also, the digital literacy component, too. It's an opportunity to create an ecosystem where somebody that looks like them, speaks Spanish, talks in their language, shares their work, they could see themselves in tech someday." TechKermés will have interactive activities in robotics, virtual reality, 3D printing, drones and more, as well as five performers from different Latin American countries, Yordi said. When: Noon to 4 p.m. on May 31. Where: H-E-B Eastside Tech Hub at 2416 E. Sixth St. Parking: There will be limited free parking at the H-E-B Eastside Hub on E. Seventh Street. Tickets: The event is free and does not require tickets to attend. Latinitas does have an RSVP link to register for the event, or attendees can simply show up. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What to know about Latinitas' tech and arts festival
