Latest news with #Petro
Associated Press
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Journalist Melissa Petro Exposes The True Cost Of Shame Culture On Burnout Club Podcast with Patrice Bonfiglio
07/22/2025, Beverly Hills California // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Journalist and author Melissa Petro recently appeared on The Burnout Club podcast hosted by Patrice Bonfiglio for an unflinching conversation about shame, resilience, and the hidden toll of living authentically in a judgmental world. Drawing from her book Shame on You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification and her own headline-making past, Petro revealed how public scrutiny nearly destroyed her life—and why she now champions vulnerability as a path to healing. Petro's story began in the classrooms of New York City, where she worked as a public school teacher until her personal essays about a brief period in the sex industry were uncovered by the New York Post. 'They ran my story under 'Bronx Teacher Admits I'm an Ex-Hooker,' and it went national,' she said. What followed was eight months in a 'rubber room,' a form of administrative punishment where teachers wait out potential dismissal with no duties. Ultimately, Petro lost her teaching career and faced mass media humiliation. Looking back, Petro said, 'I was incredibly naive. We don't expect to be the target of shame. We're taught to ask, 'What could I have done differently?' But the truth is, we did the best we could with what we knew then.' Petro described how internalized shame keeps many overworking and under-living, trying to maintain perfect appearances while hiding deeper truths. She urged listeners to challenge perfectionism and be more transparent—even if it's simply answering 'How are you?' with honesty. 'Shame thrives in secrecy, but storytelling sets you free,' she said. 'Your story is powerful because it's real, not perfect.' The episode also explored how modern media and social platforms shape self-perception. While Petro acknowledged the dangers of toxic algorithms, she emphasized the opportunity to curate more nourishing narratives. 'Be mindful in your media consumption,' she advised. 'Choose stories that uplift you and reaffirm what's authentic, not what makes you feel inadequate.' Today, Petro writes for outlets like The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Allure, and Business Insider, and helps aspiring authors through workshops and coaching. 'Writing helped me re-remember who I am,' she shared. 'It's how I moved through pain and found joy again.' About Melissa Petro: Melissa Petro is the author of Shame on You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification, exploring shame culture, and self-acceptance. Her essays appear in The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Allure, Business Insider, and more. About The Burnout Club: The Burnout Club Podcast is a community-driven platform that explores the intersection of professional success and burnout. Hosted by Patrice Bonfiglio, a seasoned hedge fund executive with nearly two decades of experience, the podcast delves into the realities of burnout in high-pressure environments. Media Communications: [email protected]
4 days ago
- Politics
Colombia's Petro visits Haiti for a 2nd time to help bolster security as gang violence surges
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Colombian President Gustavo Preto arrived Friday in Haiti for the second time this year in a show of support as gangs in the troubled Caribbean country continue to gain ground. Petro announced the opening of a Colombian embassy in Haiti and pledged to help Haiti strengthen its security. Petro met with Haiti's prime minister and its transitional presidential council, which is under pressure to hold general elections before February 2026. While officials met behind closed doors, a statement from Colombia's government noted they would review bilateral projects focused on security, commerce, education, agriculture and the fight against drug trafficking. Petro's administration has offered to train Haitian officers, and Haitian delegations have visited a state-owned arms manufacturing company in Colombia to learn about its defense capabilities. The two countries are strengthening their ties as judges in Haiti continue to interrogate 17 former Colombian soldiers accused in the July 2021 killing of President Jovenel Moïse. Petro previously visited Haiti in late January, where he was received in the southern coastal city of Jacmel with much fanfare. Prior to his visit, Haitian officials invested some $3.8 million to more than double the runway at the airport in Jacmel, renovate the town and restore electricity to a population living in the dark for at least three years. This time, Petro landed in Port-au-Prince, where 90% of the capital is under gang control. He was accompanied by officials including Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez. The officials arrived less than a week after Haitian authorities killed four suspected drug traffickers and confiscated more than 2,300 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of cocaine off the country's north coast. It was a remarkable seizure for Haiti's National Police, which remains understaffed and underfunded as it works with Kenyan police leading a U.N.-backed mission to help quell gang violence. While most of the violence is centered in Port-au-Prince, gangs have razed and seized control of a growing number of towns in Haiti's central region. At least 4,864 people have been killed from October to the end of June across Haiti, with hundreds of others kidnapped, raped and trafficked, according to a recent U.N. report. Gang violence also has displaced 1.3 million people in recent years.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Colombia's Petro visits Haiti for a 2nd time to help bolster security as gang violence surges
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Colombian President Gustavo Preto arrived Friday in Haiti for the second time this year in a show of support as gangs in the troubled Caribbean country continue to gain ground. Petro announced the opening of a Colombian embassy in Haiti and pledged to help Haiti strengthen its security . Petro met with Haiti's prime minister and its transitional presidential council, which is under pressure to hold general elections before February 2026. While officials met behind closed doors, a statement from Colombia's government noted they would review bilateral projects focused on security, commerce, education, agriculture and the fight against drug trafficking. Petro's administration has offered to train Haitian officers, and Haitian delegations have visited a state-owned arms manufacturing company in Colombia to learn about its defense capabilities. The two countries are strengthening their ties as judges in Haiti continue to interrogate 17 former Colombian soldiers accused in the July 2021 killing of President Jovenel Moïse. Petro previously visited Haiti in late January , where he was received in the southern coastal city of Jacmel with much fanfare. Prior to his visit, Haitian officials invested some $3.8 million to more than double the runway at the airport in Jacmel, renovate the town and restore electricity to a population living in the dark for at least three years. This time, Petro landed in Port-au-Prince, where 90% of the capital is under gang control. He was accompanied by officials including Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez. The officials arrived less than a week after Haitian authorities killed four suspected drug traffickers and confiscated more than 2,300 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of cocaine off the country's north coast. It was a remarkable seizure for Haiti's National Police, which remains understaffed and underfunded as it works with Kenyan police leading a U.N.-backed mission to help quell gang violence. While most of the violence is centered in Port-au-Prince, gangs have razed and seized control of a growing number of towns in Haiti's central region. At least 4,864 people have been killed from October to the end of June across Haiti, with hundreds of others kidnapped, raped and trafficked, according to a recent U.N. report. Gang violence also has displaced 1.3 million people in recent years. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Colombia's Petro visits Haiti for a 2nd time to help bolster security as gang violence surges
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Colombian President Gustavo Preto arrived Friday in Haiti for the second time this year in a show of support as gangs in the troubled Caribbean country continue to gain ground. Petro announced the opening of a Colombian embassy in Haiti and pledged to help Haiti strengthen its security. Petro met with Haiti's prime minister and its transitional presidential council, which is under pressure to hold general elections before February 2026. While officials met behind closed doors, a statement from Colombia's government noted they would review bilateral projects focused on security, commerce, education, agriculture and the fight against drug trafficking. Petro's administration has offered to train Haitian officers, and Haitian delegations have visited a state-owned arms manufacturing company in Colombia to learn about its defense capabilities. The two countries are strengthening their ties as judges in Haiti continue to interrogate 17 former Colombian soldiers accused in the July 2021 killing of President Jovenel Moïse. Petro previously visited Haiti in late January, where he was received in the southern coastal city of Jacmel with much fanfare. Prior to his visit, Haitian officials invested some $3.8 million to more than double the runway at the airport in Jacmel, renovate the town and restore electricity to a population living in the dark for at least three years. This time, Petro landed in Port-au-Prince, where 90% of the capital is under gang control. He was accompanied by officials including Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez. The officials arrived less than a week after Haitian authorities killed four suspected drug traffickers and confiscated more than 2,300 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of cocaine off the country's north coast. It was a remarkable seizure for Haiti's National Police, which remains understaffed and underfunded as it works with Kenyan police leading a U.N.-backed mission to help quell gang violence. While most of the violence is centered in Port-au-Prince, gangs have razed and seized control of a growing number of towns in Haiti's central region. At least 4,864 people have been killed from October to the end of June across Haiti, with hundreds of others kidnapped, raped and trafficked, according to a recent U.N. report. Gang violence also has displaced 1.3 million people in recent years.
UPI
5 days ago
- Politics
- UPI
Arms trafficking in Colombia threatens Petro's 'Total Peace' strategy
Colombia President Gustavo Petro speaks at the United Nations in September 2024. Since taking office, Petro has advanced his 'Total Peace' strategy, which includes efforts to disarm illegal armed groups. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo July 18 (UPI) -- Colombia's government this week introduced a new protocol to monitor firearms used by private security companies, aiming to prevent their diversion to illegal groups and improve traceability. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Defense, targets loopholes in the oversight of private security firms following a spike in incidents involving the misuse of firearms by private security personnel. Colombia remains a key hub for illegal arms trafficking in Latin America -- a persistent threat that fuels internal conflict and threatens President Gustavo Petro's "Total Peace" strategy. Weapons enter the country from multiple global and regional sources. An estimated one in three firearms in Colombia is illegally obtained. So far in 2024, more than 10,000 of the country's 13,341 reported homicides were committed with firearms. "The illegal firearms market is behind 78% of homicides in Colombia," said Carolina Ortega, a political scientist at the National University of Colombia (UNAL), an expert in territorial security management and a researcher on security issues. She warns that "it has shifted toward technological upgrades, including drones, which now pose new threats to public safety." Taking advantage of Colombia's complex geography, weapons arrive from multiple regions via land, sea and air routes -- many of which overlap with established drug trafficking corridors. The United States is a major source of handguns and lightweight firearms. Each year, between 250,000 and 600,000 guns cross the southern border in what is called the "iron river," according to a report by Fundación Carolina. The steady flow supplies civilians, criminals and organized crime groups across Latin America through direct smuggling or diverted legal sales. Colombian authorities have warned that weapons linked to cocaine trafficking also enter the country through the land border with Bolivia, while surplus military weapons and ammunition from Venezuela are being diverted into Colombia. In Mexico, drug cartels maintain direct ties with Colombian criminal groups. Another source of weapons comes from those used in past conflicts in Central America -- including the civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua -- and in Eastern Europe. Many of these weapons continue to be reused and sold on the black market, eventually finding their way into Colombia. Theft of legal weapons from military stockpiles, police forces or private security firms also contributes to the problem. These weapons are primarily destined for terrorist groups operating in Colombia, including FARC dissidents, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Gulf Clan, among others. Since taking office, President Gustavo Petro has advanced his "Total Peace" strategy, which includes efforts to disarm illegal armed groups. The government has stepped up weapons seizures -- destroying 23,500 firearms so far in 2024 -- and the Ministry of Defense and National Police, through their intelligence and criminal investigation units, are working to dismantle trafficking networks. Colombia's Congress is considering legislation to regulate gun ownership and bolster the capabilities of security forces. One recurring proposal calls for lifting bank secrecy protections for public officials and members of the armed forces to combat the corruption that enables arms trafficking. Organizations such as the Conflict Analysis Resource Center (CERAC) monitor and analyze the issue, warning of a correlation between the increase in firearms and rising homicide rates. According to the group, 32 people have been killed by stray bullets so far this year. "Arms trafficking in Colombia is a persistent challenge that requires a multidimensional approach. Without effectively curbing this flow, the path toward peace and public safety will remain steep and marred by violence," said Israel Vilchez, a journalist and international analyst for Cosmovisión.
